The annihilation of the Red Hair Pirates didn't cause a particularly massive sensation on the seas. In this world, the death of pirates was an all-too-normal occurrence for ordinary people. Moreover, the Red Hair Pirates were not exceptionally famous at this point, so not that many people were paying attention to their movements. Perhaps only those close to Red Hair and the Marines would truly take note of the Red Hair Pirates' demise.
Death is fair to everyone. Whether a pirate crew rises or falls ultimately depends on their strength. Without strength, being devoured by others on these turbulent seas is a perfectly normal affair. Lacking strength, one could blame no one else! This was a dog-eat-dog world, a world of sorrow for the weak. Only the strong could survive! Every person who set out to sea had long ago prepared to be buried in its depths. Failures were buried at sea, forgotten. Successes became famous, their names echoing across the oceans! This was their destiny.
The era was not lacking for trendsetters like Red Hair. It could even be said that everyone in the world was a trendsetter of this era; it all depended on whether they could seize the opportunities presented by the times and strive to climb upwards.
The demise of the Red Hair Pirates was so sudden. As a rookie crew that had been a headache for the Marines, for their voyage to end so abruptly on the seas – this sudden event also surprised the Marine high command. After all, even as Marines, they had to admit that Red Hair had the potential to become a great pirate like Whitebeard, Big Mom, or Kaido! However, now that Red Hair had been killed by someone, it could be considered the elimination of a major hidden threat for them. But they were also unclear as to who exactly had killed Red Hair, who had defeated this era's most dazzling rookie pirate crew. To find out who had dealt with the Red Hair Pirates, the Marines and the World Government dispatched numerous agents to gather information. This was a hidden danger even more formidable than Red Hair himself; the concerns of the Marines and the World Government were not unfounded.
Several days later, at Marine Headquarters, Marinfod, the current Fleet Admiral Sengoku also received the news. Looking at the information on the intelligence report, Sengoku's initially joyful mood at the disappearance of a major enemy like Red Hair vanished.
"What's wrong?" Vice Admiral Tsuru, noticing Sengoku's distress, asked with concern.
"Sigh, Little Crane, you should take a look too," Sengoku sighed, handing the report to Tsuru for her to see.
Tsuru took the report from Sengoku's hand and read it carefully. However, as she read, her expression also turned grim, her initial calmness replaced by solemnity.
"This…" Tsuru said gravely.
Sengoku sighed again. His feelings towards Doflamingo were complicated. Not only was Doflamingo a frequent criminal on their radar and a target for the World Government, but he was also the murderer of his adopted son, Rosinante. If he could kill Doflamingo, he would be more willing than anyone. However, being in his current position, he understood the powerlessness former Fleet Admiral Kong must have felt. "Little Crane, we truly underestimated him. He actually dealt with Red Hair."
The World Government's orders were not something a mere Fleet Admiral like him could sway. For so many years, the World Government's order had only been to capture Doflamingo alive. Even if Sengoku wanted to kill Doflamingo, it would be of no use. Moreover, which great pirate who had eaten a Devil Fruit had ever truly been killed by them? Even if Doflamingo were unfortunately captured, what awaited him would only be imprisonment, with no threat to his life.
Vice Admiral Tsuru, after hearing this, also sighed. "Yes! We all underestimated that fellow Doflamingo. I didn't expect that after his last appearance, he would create such a huge stir upon setting out to sea again this time!"
The two looked at each other, a mixture of helplessness and complexity in their eyes. Then, Vice Admiral Tsuru, as if remembering something, asked Sengoku. "Is there any movement from the World Government's side?"
At the mention of the World Government, Sengoku's stomach churned with anger. After a moment of somber silence, Sengoku finally spoke. "The World Government… they want Doflamingo to become a Seven Warlords of the Sea!"
"A Seven Warlords of the Sea? How is that possible?" Vice Admiral Tsuru exclaimed in shock. She truly couldn't understand what games the World Government was playing. Why would they accept Doflamingo, a renegade Celestial Dragon? Did they not care about their own pride? Moreover, the Demon Child they had always wanted to arrest, Nico Robin, was on Doflamingo's ship. Weren't they going to arrest her anymore? The World Government wanting Doflamingo to become a Seven Warlords of the Sea – was this really possible? Or was the World Government planning to set a trap, luring Doflamingo to the Holy Land to capture him? Or had they truly given up and were now valuing Doflamingo's strength? Vice Admiral Tsuru brainstormed several possibilities, but she still couldn't figure out what wicked scheme the World Government was hatching.
"That's the order from the World Government!" Sengoku said helplessly.
"Doflamingo is an incredibly ambitious man. He would never become a Seven Warlords of the Sea!" Vice Admiral Tsuru said with a cold laugh, the image of that arrogant young man from years ago appearing in her mind.
"Regardless of the World Government's plans, we just need to cooperate properly!" Sengoku regained his composure. A Fleet Admiral could not let personal feelings affect major affairs.
Vice Admiral Tsuru, hearing this, said no more, lost in thought, her mind racing.
The news of the Red Hair Pirates' annihilation, spread by the Marines, gradually disseminated across the seas. Ordinary people weren't familiar with the Red Hair Pirates and just treated it as a bit of excitement. But for some who cared, this was not good news.
On the Sabaody Archipelago, closest to Marine Headquarters, Rayleigh, having had some "fun with slaves" and successfully made a tidy sum, returned to Shakky's Rip-Off Bar. Rayleigh, initially in high spirits, was about to ask Shakky for a drink, but before he could open his mouth, Shakky stopped him.
"That little brat Shanks… he's dead," Shakky said, looking at Rayleigh with concern, and handed him a newspaper.
Hearing Shakky's words, Rayleigh's heart jolted. He quickly took the newspaper from her hand and examined it carefully. The more he read, the uglier his expression became.
"Are you alright, Rayleigh?" Shakky asked worriedly.
Rayleigh held the newspaper for a long, long time, reading it over and over, confirming it countless times before finally putting it down.
"I'm fine! This was Shanks's own choice. Isn't a pirate's fate sealed the moment they set out to sea?" Rayleigh said heavily.
Shakky couldn't see any sadness on Rayleigh's face, but she knew he must be burying his pain deep in his heart, not showing it. The perceptive Shakky said nothing more, turned around, took a bottle of liquor from behind the bar, and placed it in front of Rayleigh.
"This one's on the house."
After Shakky spoke, Rayleigh picked up the bottle and began to drink alone. Shakky sat beside him, silently keeping him company.
In a desolate stretch of sea, a solitary man sailed on a lonely, coffin-shaped boat. His eyes were like a hawk's, inspiring awe and fear. The Black Blade Yoru on his back glinted with a cold light; a single glance could send shivers down one's spine. Life was as lonely as snow; one always had to find some amusement. For Mihawk, the issue was the lack of a good opponent. His path of the sword had already reached the forefront of this world. Apart from Red-Haired Shanks, there was no one left who could match his swordsmanship without being defeated!
Mihawk paid the news coo, took a newspaper, and prepared to see if any major events had occurred recently, or if any new, promising swordsmen had appeared. Such things were what interested Mihawk; he was completely indifferent to pirates and the like. Mihawk carefully scanned the newspaper. It was all uninteresting news, his face showing some impatience, until he saw the name "Red Hair." Only then did his expression turn serious. After a long while, Mihawk put down the newspaper and sighed. "To think that a man like you would depart in such a manner. The Donquixote Pirates?"
With that, he sailed away, aided by a sea breeze. No one knew Mihawk's destination.
East Blue, Buggy Pirates. Buggy also received the news of Red Hair's departure.
"Shanks, you bastard! How could you… Did you really leave just like that?" Buggy hid in his room, not letting his crew see his sorry state. His eyes were already brimming with tears, but he still clutched the newspaper tightly, the grief in his heart palpable.
While Rayleigh, Mihawk, Buggy, and other acquaintances of Red Hair mourned him, in the East Blue, in Foosha Village, the beautiful bar owner Makino also received a newspaper. Seeing the recent news, she was startled by the major events reported. Behind the bar, Makino covered her mouth, speechless for a long time, the shock in her eyes intensifying, then transforming into even greater worry. After all, she was not unfamiliar with this person, Red Hair. They had parted ways not long ago. She hadn't expected to receive such terrible news so soon. Indeed, being a pirate was a profession where one licked blood from the blade's edge. Makino wasn't overly concerned about Red Hair himself; she was more worried about that little fellow, Luffy. If he found out that the person he had always respected was dead, how would he react? He would probably cry very sadly!
Today, she had no heart to run the bar. She closed up early and went to find the village mayor to discuss the matter.
"Mayor, should I tell Luffy or not?" Makino asked Mayor Woop Slap worriedly.
As the two elders who cared most about Luffy's upbringing, they naturally considered what was best for him. The mayor hesitated for a while, then said, "This… Luffy is still too young. I'm afraid he won't be able to accept it. Let's keep it from him for now. Makino, if you have time, let's go visit that little monkey together!"
"Alright," Makino agreed with the mayor's suggestion. After all, the deceased was gone; they couldn't let it affect the lives of the living. If that old man Garp found out, he'd probably die of happiness! After all, there would be no one left to influence his grandson.
Mt. Colubo. The Dadan bandit family resided here. Luffy had been entrusted to Dadan's care by Garp. Here also were Luffy's little companions, Ace and Sabo. The love-hate entanglements between the three, needless to say, fate had still guided them to become brothers. Every day, the three brothers lived incredibly freely, exceptionally happy.
One day, Makino came to visit Luffy with a basket of food and clothes, and also gave each of the three brothers a T-shirt. A famous scene: when Makino gave Ace his clothes, Ace was a little shy. Seeing this, Ace was teased by Luffy and Sabo. The entire mountain echoed with their joyous laughter. Makino, seeing Luffy so happy here, and having made his own companions, was also very happy for him. The guilt Makino had initially felt for concealing the news about Red Hair vanished. After all, he was just a pirate. Moreover, their meeting had been a chance encounter; there was no need to disturb Luffy's peaceful and happy life anymore.
Adults, in their self-righteous considerations, often think they are doing what's best for children, but the results often turn out to be the opposite. Everyone has their own thoughts; we cannot arbitrarily make decisions for others.
Luffy continued to live happily with his two brothers, until one day, Garp's arrival shattered Luffy's peace.
When Garp learned that the Red Hair Pirates had been defeated and Captain Red Hair himself was dead, he was somewhat surprised. In his opinion, that little brat Red Hair still had some strength. He hadn't expected him to capsize in a gutter. Although somewhat surprised, Garp was overjoyed internally. Wasn't this a living example? Let his grandson see! The Red Hair he had always idolized had been dealt with by someone. What was so good about being a pirate? It was so dangerous! Wouldn't it be better to become a glorious Marine? Garp was already thinking about how to persuade his dear grandson. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a chance for Luffy to mend his ways.
"Garp, what are you daydreaming about? If you don't want to stay, then hurry up and go out to deal with pirates!" In the Fleet Admiral's office, Garp received his old comrade Sengoku's daily greeting.
"Puahahaha! Sengoku, wasn't I just spacing out for a moment?" Garp replied with a laugh.
"Garp! We're discussing important matters right now!" Sengoku berated Garp.
"Um, Sengoku, I want to ask for leave. I have something to do, something very important," Garp didn't wait for Sengoku's reaction, directly heading out the door, leaving a sentence for Sengoku.
Only Sengoku was left, disheveled in the wind, constantly roaring at Garp, venting his anger. Garp couldn't care less. Anyway, his good brother would definitely understand him. With this thought, Garp once again embarked on a vacation, returning to Foosha Village in the East Blue.
Luffy, Ace, and Sabo, still living merrily, had no idea they were being targeted by a detestable old man. When grandfather and grandson met, it was naturally a greeting with the Fist of Love. No one was spared. Luffy, Ace, and Sabo all received lumps on their heads. Garp looked at his handiwork with exceptional pleasure. Afterward, Garp, unable to hold back any longer, began to educate Luffy.
"Luffy, do you still want to become a pirate?" Garp asked, picking his nose, his tone coaxing.
"I'm the man who will become King of the Pirates!" Hearing his grandfather's words, Luffy couldn't wait to declare his famous line. This time, he was already prepared to be hit by his grandfather, but the Fist of Love didn't fall.
"I also want to become a pirate!"
"I will also set out to sea!" Following Luffy's words, Ace and Sabo also declared, not to be outdone.
"Is being a pirate really that good?" Garp asked helplessly.
"Of course! Pirates are the freest! I will definitely become the freest man on the seas! I will definitely become King of the Pirates, just like Shanks!" Luffy declared his dream, holding his straw hat.
Ace and Sabo, though silent, also strongly agreed with Luffy's words. Garp, looking at the three brothers' state, realized the best opportunity had arrived.
"It seems Red Hair had a deep influence on you, Luffy. However, not long ago, Red Hair died," Garp said, suppressing his anger as he revealed Red Hair's fate.
"What? Grandpa, what did you say? Shanks… Shanks, he… he's dead? This is a lie, right? Grandpa?" Luffy looked incredulous, tears welling in his eyes. He gripped his grandfather's hand, refusing to let go, desperately hoping what his grandfather said was false.
Ace and Sabo had only heard Luffy mention Red Hair's name and understood their deep bond. They also looked at Luffy with concern.
"He's already dead. On the seas, this is the fate of pirates," Garp gave Luffy a definitive answer, directly shattering Luffy's hope.
Luffy couldn't help but cry out, murmuring. "How could it be? Shanks… Shanks wouldn't die! He promised he would fulfill our agreement with me!"
"Luffy!"
"Luffy!" Ace and Sabo, seeing Luffy crying so painfully, also felt very sad, constantly comforting him.
"Luffy, Ace, Sabo, do you still want to become pirates?" Garp asked, not giving up, eagerly wanting to hear the answer he most hoped for.
"I… I will definitely set out to sea! I will definitely become King of the Pirates! Shanks is dead, but he definitely wouldn't regret his choices! I will inherit his will!" Luffy, hearing Garp's words, stopped crying. He looked at Garp with wide eyes and loudly declared what was in his heart.
Hearing Luffy's words, Ace and Sabo also smiled. Luffy was still Luffy; his dream wouldn't change. So, the two of them also said in unison. "Our decision won't change! We will definitely set out to sea and become the freest people!"
"You three little rascals! It seems you still haven't woken up! A man like Red Hair couldn't even survive on these seas, and you three little brats think you can?" Garp, not hearing the answer he was satisfied with, flew into a thundering rage.
"Grandpa, no matter what, my thoughts won't change!" Luffy confronted Garp.
"It seems you three haven't had enough of the Fist of Love today!" Garp looked at the three little brats with a headache and, without further ado, directly took action.
On Mt. Colubo, the bandits' den was thrown into chaos. After a long while, the three exhausted little ones fell into a deep sleep. Garp looked at the three sleeping children, a wave of melancholy washing over him. He hadn't expected that even this wouldn't change Luffy's mind.
"What's so good about being a pirate anyway! Isn't becoming a Marine good?" Garp muttered to himself.
Just then, Luffy mumbled something in his sleep, declaring his unshakable resolve. "Grandpa, I will definitely become King of the Pirates!"
"Luffy, even in your sleep, you constantly remember what you said?" Garp, hearing Luffy's sleep talk, felt somewhat helpless. He had used all the methods he could. However, Luffy was too stubborn; once he set his mind on something, he wouldn't easily change it. Garp also knew that, over these many years, he had only been making futile efforts. But what if he could succeed? Garp sighed, then left under the cover of night.
As for what the future held for Luffy and the others, no one knew. And at this moment, in the Grand Line, a ship bearing the flag of the World Government was heading towards the Twin Capes.