One Piece: Rayquaza of the Beasts Pirates

"what?"

The pirates looked at each other, about to ask a question, when a series of slow, deliberate footsteps, as if each step was on the beat of a heartbeat, came from the direction of the gangway connecting the two ships.

Step...step...step...

The footsteps weren't loud, but they carried an invisible sense of oppression, washing over the deck like a cold tide as the person approached.

Pfft!Pfft!Pfft!

One by one, the pirates on the deck rolled their eyes, collapsed to the ground without a sound, and instantly fainted.

"Trying to intimidate us the moment we boarded, Shanks?"

Marco blocked the way of the approaching person, his expression somewhat displeased, with faint blue phoenix flames swirling around him.

"Excuse me."

"I just felt that it was necessary to demonstrate our capabilities before getting down to business."

Shanks stopped in his tracks, a seemingly harmless, cheerful smile spreading across his face. He was also holding a large gourd of wine in his hand.

Despite his gentle smile and relaxed tone, none of the Whitebeard Pirates executives present who remained sober dared to underestimate this man who looked like he could be bullied even by bandits.

The unconscious companions on the deck are the most direct proof.

"Bring the redhead over here, Marco."

Newgate's booming voice came from behind the deck, dispelling the invisible sense of oppression.

Marco glanced at Shanks and stepped aside to make way for him.

Thank you.

Shanks nodded, dragging his gourd, and continued walking forward.

He walked steadily toward the tall man sitting in the huge chair.

The closer you get, the more you can feel that overwhelming aura of dominance, forged through countless trials and tribulations.

Even though the man in front of me had white hair and beard, was on an IV drip, and had an oxygen tube inserted.

But as long as he hasn't completely collapsed, as long as he's still sitting here, he remains the universally acknowledged strongest man in the world!

Shanks stopped a few steps away from Whitebeard, looked up, and calmly gazed at the face that struck fear into the hearts of countless people on the high seas.

Neugate remained calm and spoke first.

"Seeing your face makes the wounds that bastard left me ache again."

"So, I brought the healing water."

Shanks tilted his head and pointed to the large gourd in his hand.

Immediately afterward, his smile faded, and his expression became solemn and serious. "I have not come here with the intention of fighting."

"There is an important matter concerning the future direction of this sea that I would like to discuss with you."

Newgate's eyes narrowed.

I can't continue writing, I'm abandoning this project.

I apologize, dear readers.