Anna stopped walking. The sound of her footsteps faded, and Shanks came to a halt just behind her.
He tilted his head down, his easy grin softening as he looked at her.
Anna hesitated for a moment, then said quietly, "But it was just a dream, right? It's not a big deal… maybe it was just a coincidence."
Shanks chuckled, patting her lightly on the back. "It's not good for a little lady to lie, you know. It was only a dream—no harm in that. I just wanted to get to know you."
Anna looked up at his smiling eyes and said honestly, "I really like your freedom… and the free atmosphere on your ship. I've never been to sea before, so I've always admired people like you."
For a moment, Shanks seemed stunned. Then, as if something in her words struck a chord, he burst into laughter and clapped her on the back hard enough to make her stagger forward.
"Hahaha! You're something else, Anna! We're throwing a party later—why don't you join us? Don't just envy us. If you want that freedom, you can chase it too."
Anna suddenly grabbed his hand. "Shanks… can I really go out to sea? With my strength, wouldn't I just die the moment I leave shore?" she asked softly, her voice trembling a little.
Shanks looked down at her, noticing the uncertainty in her eyes—the mix of fear and longing. Then, without warning, he scooped her up into his arms.
"Shanks! What are you doing?! Put me down!" Anna yelped, completely caught off guard. Her world spun; she grabbed at whatever she could—his coat, his arm—and pinched hard.
"Heh, relax, Anna! You'll see soon enough." Shanks grinned, tightening his hold as he sprinted toward the port.
"Stop! I mean it! Put me down—ahh, I'm going to throw up!" Anna clutched at his shoulder, dizzy from the rush and the jostling.
"Ahh, sorry, sorry!" Shanks realized she was about to lose it and shifted her carefully, holding her more securely against his chest.
Anna's stomach finally settled, but the pace was still fast—so fast it killed any sense of romance. She was far too busy worrying he'd drop her at this speed.
"Shanks, slow down! Please!" she gasped, her face buried against his chest.
"Alright, alright, I'll go easy." Shanks laughed, loosening his stride a little.
Anna let out a shaky breath of relief. His chest was warm—almost too warm. The heat of his body seemed to radiate right through her, and she couldn't help but think, This man is like a furnace.
"So, Shanks," she mumbled, still holding on tightly, "where are we even going?"
"You'll find out soon," he said with a mischievous grin. "Just hold on."
"I don't really have a choice, do I?" Anna muttered. Her arms were still looped around his neck, and she could already tell her muscles would ache later.
Finally, Shanks slowed to a stop and set her down.
Anna blinked, looking around—and froze.
"This… this is a pirate ship." Her eyes widened as realization struck. "Wait, is this your ship—the Red Force?"
"Of course." Shanks grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the bow of the ship. "Take a look."
The night wind swept across the deck as they reached the front. The moonlight shimmered on the waves stretching endlessly into the distance.
"See that?" Shanks gestured at the vast horizon. "The ocean's full of islands—strange, dangerous, beautiful places just waiting to be explored. The sea's terrifying, sure—but that's what makes it so incredible. Anyone can come out here. You don't need to be the strongest to live freely. You just have to have the heart for it."
Anna stood beside him, gazing at the endless expanse of blue. The sea under the moonlight was vast and unknowable, mysterious and wild. Beneath those waves were dangers—yes—but also wonder.
For a moment, she forgot her fear.
"Shanks… do you really think I could be as free as you?" she asked quietly.
Shanks smiled, the wind tugging at his hair. "Of course. Anyone can go to sea. Anyone can live free. It's not about power—it's about heart."
Anna stared at him, her eyes reflecting the moonlit water. Since the moment she'd crossed into this world—the world of pirates—she had never truly felt at peace. This place was dangerous, unstable. She wasn't like the heroes of One Piece—she didn't have monstrous strength or miraculous luck. She was just an ordinary girl who happened to get caught up in all of it.
And because of that, she'd been afraid to dream too big.
But Shanks' words lit something inside her.
Maybe she didn't need to be a pirate. Maybe she didn't need to fight or conquer the seas. She could still explore this world—see its islands, its cultures, its wonders. She could become a traveler. She didn't have to stay trapped on this tiny island forever.
The wind swept through her hair, and she smiled. "Thank you, Shanks."
Shanks turned, his carefree grin returning as though the serious moment had never happened. "Alright! Enough of the heavy talk. Let's go back to the wine cellar—I heard the wine on this island is something special."
He started walking back, his coat billowing behind him.
Anna watched his back for a moment, her heart still full. "Shanks… thank you," she whispered. "You made me realize—I'm already free."
Shanks stopped mid-step, glanced over his shoulder, and grinned. "Anna! Don't fall behind. I'm dying for a drink!"
Anna laughed and jogged to catch up. "You're in too much of a hurry! Good wine can't be rushed, you know!"
"Then I'll just carry you there faster," Shanks said, sweeping her up again before she could protest.
"Wha—hey! Not again!"
Her shout echoed across the ship, blending with the crash of waves and Shanks' booming laughter under the moonlit sky.