Liam Ross had spent a long time thinking about that name.
It was just one letter different from the "child of destiny" this world already knew.
Maybe, he thought, that similarity could one day work in his favor. Fate had a funny way of playing tricks especially when you knew how to use it.
"Monkey D. Lofei?"
Shanks' deep, sea-colored eyes studied Liam for a moment before a grin broke across his face. "That's… actually a pretty good name."
Liam blinked.
Yeah, he knew that was flattery. After all, this was years before Shanks would ever meet the real Monkey D. Luffy.
"Alright then, Lofei," Shanks said, tightening his grip on his blade. "I'm coming at you now."
Liam nodded, his expression sharpening instantly.
Then
Whoosh!
Shanks moved like the wind, a crimson flash of motion cutting through the air as he lunged forward.
Liam's instincts screamed at him not to take this lightly. He raised his sword just in time to block.
Clang!
Griffon the famed Western longsword in Shanks' hands collided with Liam's blade, the impact ringing out like thunder. Sparks flew where the blades met, scattering like tiny stars across the deck.
A shockwave followed. The force of it ran through Liam's arms, numbing his palms.
"Not bad," Shanks said with a laugh. "You actually managed to block half my strength."
Liam exhaled, teeth gritted. "Don't underestimate me, old man. Or you might trip in your own wake."
He shoved forward with both hands, deflecting the blow, and in the same motion swung his blade in a clean horizontal arc.
Slash!
A crescent of sword energy flew through the air.
Shanks' eyes flickered. He thrust his sword forward, meeting the attack head-on. The impact bloomed into a flash of light, scattering harmlessly between them.
"So that's your level, huh?" Shanks murmured, eyes narrowing slightly. "You're already at the level of a true swordsman."
He could feel it now Liam's technique, his precision, his instinct. It wasn't raw power that impressed him, but control.
He himself was already at the level of a swordmaster. Liam was one tier below but he was also younger, sharper, and burning with potential. A rare talent indeed.
For the first time, the idea crossed Shanks' mind: maybe he should invite this young man onto his ship.
But not yet. First, they'd finish this duel.
Whoosh!
Shanks struck again, faster this time.
Liam countered, his sword slicing the air in twin arcs, but the force of the clash sent him staggering back several steps. His boots scraped against the deck before he finally managed to steady himself.
As expected of the man who would one day earn Mihawk's respect.
"Still standing?" Shanks asked with a grin.
"Of course," Liam said through clenched teeth.
He couldn't quit now not when the system's mission required him to last five full minutes. Only one minute had passed. If he failed, the punishment waiting for him was… unspeakably humiliating.
Shanks raised Griffon again. "I'm going all out this time. Hope you're ready."
"Wait, hold on maybe just half strength would—"
Slash!
A blinding arc of light cut through his protest.
Boom!
The blow hit with enough force to rattle the air itself. Liam skidded backward, his legs barely holding him upright.
"Holy hell… this guy hits like a freight train!" he muttered, fighting to keep his balance.
Shanks laughed heartily. "What's the matter? Giving up already?"
"Giving up?" Liam's eyes darkened. "Not a chance. I'm not losing here no way I'm putting on that stupid bikini outfit in front of everyone!"
He charged forward.
Minutes passed.
At two minutes, a gash opened across his left shoulder.
At three, another wound marked his right.
By the fourth, his shirt was torn to ribbons.
By the fifth, his pants were barely holding together.
And then
Ding!
"Congratulations, Host. You have successfully completed the swordsmanship endurance mission."
"Reward: Mystery Chest."
The system's calm voice rang in his mind like music from heaven.
"Alright, I'm done!" Liam shouted, stabbing his sword into the ground. "I surrender!"
The tip of Shanks' blade stopped just shy of Liam's chest. The red-haired captain chuckled, lowering Griffon. "Finally! Beckman, start the banquet!"
Liam sighed. So this is the gap between a Swordmaster and a Great Swordsman… It wasn't something you could cross with talent alone. It was like standing on opposite sides of a canyon.
And Shanks had Griffon a legendary weapon that rivaled Mihawk's Yoru and Oden's Ame no Habakiri. A sword like that could elevate anyone's power to terrifying levels.
Soon the ship was alive with music and laughter.
Shanks threw an arm around Liam's shoulders, dragging him into the circle of celebration.
"Drink up, Lofei!" he roared, pressing a mug into his hand.
Liam had no chance to refuse. Before he knew it, he was surrounded, caught between laughter, singing, and a sea of mugs clinking in toasts.
"Hic…"
Shanks leaned close, grinning. "So, Lofei how about joining my crew?"
Liam froze mid-drink.
For a moment, he was tempted. The Red-Haired Pirates were a family of free spirits, unbound and fearless. But he knew better. Shanks had a knack for attracting chaos. Joining them meant endless battles, endless danger.
He smiled faintly. "Shanks… some people are born with wind in their blood, destined to roam the seas. You're one of them. Me? I'm someone who finds peace in the quiet."
The deck fell silent.
Even Beckman looked impressed.
Shanks' grin softened. "So we're friends then, right?"
Liam chuckled. "No, Shanks we already are."
"Ha! Then to friendship!" Shanks roared, raising his mug. "Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
When the night grew late, Liam rose to leave.
"Where to next?" Shanks asked. "Another challenge?"
Liam shook his head. "No. I'm heading back to the East Blue. My family's there. If you ever miss me, come to Windmill Village in the Goa Kingdom."
Shanks nodded, smiling faintly. "We'll meet again, Lofei."
Liam left quietly, slipping away into the starlit night.
An hour later, he was back aboard his Marine vessel. Alone in his quarters, he summoned the mysterious chest.
"System," he said. "Open it."
A soft click.
The chest split open, releasing a pulse of violet light. Cracks shimmered across its surface before a golden card floated free, glowing like sunlight.
"Ding… Congratulations, Host. You have obtained a Devil Fruit Fusion Card."
"Would you like to fuse?"
Liam stared at the shining card, his pulse quickening.
A golden fusion card…
Things were about to get interesting.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Already captivated by Liam Ross's rise through the seas? Share what thrilled you your words and reviews keep his legend alive! Every 300 Power Stones will unlock a bonus chapter, pushing Liam's journey toward domination even faster!
Liam Ross's adventure has only just begun, and his reign across the seas is far from over. Stay aboard with World Shaker of the New World, and sail beyond the horizon together!
[email protected]/_sey
Change @ to a