Shanks listened to Jake's words in silence for a long while.
The next moment, he picked up the glass before him and gulped down the beer in large mouthfuls.
The faintly fragrant liquor trickled down the corners of his mouth onto his collar, and the atmosphere fell into a heavy silence.
But Jake wasn't anxious.
If Shanks could cooperate with him, then all would be well.
If Shanks refused, it still wouldn't stop the tide of the era.
Under the amplification of his abilities, the entire world was no longer the same as in the original story.
The sound of "gulp gulp" echoed as Shanks finished the last drop in his glass.
Wiping his mouth, he turned to Jake and laughed heartily.
"Once, there was a great man—my captain, the one who taught me everything. He told me that the arrival of the Great Pirate Era would deliver a heavy blow to this rotten world, burning it down to be rebuilt anew.
I believed everything he said, and in the end, that man used his own life to successfully usher in the Great Pirate Era. He also told me that a child of destiny would appear in this world, one who would become the great warrior of ancient legend, leading us to reclaim laughter and hope.
This belief is something I've held onto unwaveringly to this day. Jake, do you think someone as stubborn as me could become your partner?"
Jake looked at Shanks, who now wore a straw hat, his eyes hidden beneath the brim, making his expression unreadable.
"Stubborn is a good word, but excessive stubbornness turns into obstinacy. Your ideals and mine should align. I will create a world where everyone can eat their fill, where no one has to fear being suddenly killed by Pirates one day.
I will abolish all forms of slavery, drag the Celestial Dragons down from their lofty perch, end the hereditary power of kings in this era, and ensure sea trains connect every island in this world.
This sea doesn't need Pirates who pillage and slaughter, nor does it need Celestial Dragons who sit high above, snatching away lives to enslave them!
If anyone dares stand in my way, their only fate will be to be swept into the dustbin of history as the trash of this era!"
At these words, not only Shanks but even Beckman was stunned, so much so that he didn't even notice the cigarette in his mouth had burned out.
After a long pause, Beckman finally extinguished the cigarette and turned to Jake, asking uncertainly.
"Jake, have you had too much to drink?"
"A little beer won't get me drunk. Besides, let me share a little secret with you all—this isn't just my idea. Zephyr, Vice Admiral Garp, Admiral Kuzan, and Admiral Borsalino all agree.
As for Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Admiral Sakazuki, I haven't asked for their opinions yet, but when the time comes, they'll agree too."
Shanks had now removed his straw hat, his gaze sharp and profound.
"It seems the Marines has undergone changes we could never have imagined. Rear Admiral Jake, is all this because of you?"
"I merely served as a guide. The rest was simply the choice of justice that had always been latent within each admiral's heart. When circumstances allow us to choose the direction this world should take, no one wishes to remain stagnant, clinging to a justice that was already distorted from the start."
"Hahahaha! Even if I were to die here today, hearing these words would leave me with no regrets! If the world you envision, Rear Admiral Jake, is like that, then I admit—I yearn for that future too!"
"But I won't place all my hopes on you. You're still too young, too weak. Right now, you've merely earned the qualifications to change this world. You still need to grow—until you're strong enough for me to entrust this era to you completely."
"I accept your offer of cooperation. But I'll still proceed with my own plans. I'll try to change this world in my own way."
Hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Jake's face.
He looked at Shanks and said.
"I knew it would be like this. You're different from the other Emperors. So, from now on, let me briefly introduce the resources and territories we currently possess."
At this, Shanks perked up, though he scratched his head somewhat sheepishly and said to Jake.
"Uh, we haven't formally agreed to anything yet. Isn't it a bit premature for you to share so much classified information? And you should think carefully—after telling me all this, I won't be able to reciprocate, because all my forces are right here..."
Seeing Shanks' embarrassed expression, Jake simply chuckled and replied.
"It's just a small part—nothing that would affect major plans. And since we're cooperating, I should show my sincerity."
"Let's skip the pleasantries, then. I'll start by answering what must be your biggest question: how the Marines managed to break free from the World Government's financial restrictions."
"The answer isn't all that complicated. As a former member of Roger's Pirates, you should know about it—the City of Gold in Sky Island."
"I brought down the gold from there. Though the amount isn't enormous—just enough to cover a few years of Marine expenses—those few years are all we need to develop the Marines to a point where we no longer fear the World Government cutting our funding."
Hearing this, a nostalgic smile crossed Shanks' face.
"The City of Gold... That really takes me back. I remember Captain Roger even left some inscriptions there during our time on Sky Island. Did you see them?"
Jake shook his head with a smile.
"I haven't collected all the gold there yet—just the outer portions. If you'd like, I can give you the golden bell along with the surrounding gold."
"No, no, we don't—"
"Boss! If we keep refusing everything, Rear Admiral Jake will start having doubts about us. Right now, we should accept his goodwill and demonstrate our sincerity through future cooperation!"
Just as Shanks was about to refuse, Benn Beckman voiced his opinion at that moment.
Jake also shared his perspective with Shanks.
"Beckman's right, Red Hair. You should accept what I'm offering now."