New World, Red Hair Pirates' territory.
At the edge of a dense forest, Shanks leaned against a thick tree trunk, holding a newspaper freshly purchased from a news coo.
The headline read 'The Four Emperors - Whitebeard Pirates Land Entire Crew on Sphinx: What Are Their Intentions?' in bold, eye-catching print.
The report detailed how over forty pirate crews under the Whitebeard Pirates had set up camp, cut trees, and cleared wasteland on the small islands near Sphinx.
In the accompanying photos, these once-notorious pirates were swinging axes and hoes, their faces devoid of former arrogance.
At first glance, they appeared like ordinary civilians working from dawn to dusk.
In the cherry blossom grove of Sphinx's main island, Whitebeard himself, accompanied by core members such as First Division Commander Marco, Diamond Jozu, and Flower Sword Vista, was either drinking or resting beneath the vibrant cherry blossoms.
The scene was so tranquil it starkly contrasted with their usual formidable image.
This news report quickly captured the attention of various factions across the New World.
Different forces interpreted the Whitebeard Pirates' actions in drastically different ways.
Some speculated that the Whitebeard Pirates, pressured by the immense force brought by Fleet Admiral Orion, had no choice but to abandon their pirate identities and retreat to their homeland.
They believed this might be the result of the Fleet Admiral's iron-fisted tactics proving effective—even an Emperor of the Sea had to bow down.
Others thought Whitebeard was employing a strategic retreat.
After all, Fleet Admiral Orion's training ship was currently roaming the New World, and wherever it went, pirates trembled in fear.
All pirates in the New World were avoiding its sharpness, and the Whitebeard Pirates were no exception.
They might simply be lying low temporarily, waiting for the right moment.
Pirates who had once relied on the Whitebeard Pirates felt a sense of confusion.
Some among them were already considering their own futures—should they continue to make their way in the New World, or seize the chance to align with other forces?
Pirate crews with longstanding grudges against the Whitebeard Pirates or those coveting their territory gloated, believing Whitebeard had grown old and lost his edge.
They grew restless, preparing to take advantage of the situation once the Fleet Admiral's training ship departed, aiming to plunder and carve up Whitebeard's former domain.
However, many pirate factions still held hope for the Whitebeard Pirates.
They felt that as an Emperor of the Sea in the New World, the Whitebeard Pirates shouldn't simply submit to the Marines.
Some radical pirate crews even clamored, hoping the Whitebeard Pirates would confront the Marines head-on to boost pirate morale and show the World Government and Marines that pirates in the New World weren't to be trifled with.
Regarding these differing opinions, Shanks offered no comment.
After silently reading the news, he casually handed the newspaper to Ben Beckman, who sat beside him, puffing on a cigar.
Beckman took the paper, his eyes quickly scanning the images and text with a flicker of gravity in his gaze.
He exhaled a thick cloud of smoke, the rings slowly dispersing in the air before he spoke calmly.
"Whitebeard is seeking a path to survival for his sons."
Shanks nodded slightly without saying a word.
"If the Whitebeard Pirates disband, or if Whitebeard truly dies on Sphinx," Beckman's tone suddenly grew heavy, "the only target left for Orion would be us."
He looked at Shanks, concern in his eyes.
The Whitebeard Pirates' actions undoubtedly signaled a dramatic shift in the New World's landscape.
Under Fleet Admiral Orion's swift reforms and expansion, the old order was rapidly crumbling.
Shanks smiled and waved a hand, signaling Beckman not to worry too much.
He gazed into the distance, a meaningful curve forming at the corner of his mouth.
"Besides us, Orion has another target. A true war machine that the World Government tried to win over but failed to secure!"
Ben Beckman's brow twitched slightly as he took a deep drag from his cigar, exhaling another series of smoke rings.
His eyes narrowed amidst the swirling haze. "Elbaf?"
Shanks nodded, taking a swig from the liquor gourd beside him before continuing.
"The Giant Kingdom in Elbaf has always been a target for the Holy Land. They covet the power of the giants to suppress forces that defy the World Government."
"Although they deployed the God's Knights to try and create divisions within Elbaf, even propping up factions aligned with the World Government, Elbaf still hasn't become their ally. Even with King Harald dead, as long as Prince Loki remains, their efforts won't stop."
Here, Shanks suddenly shifted the topic
"Knowing Loki as I do, he would never bow to the World Government. He'd never accept their so-called 'ascension to godhood' promised by the God's Knights."
Ben Beckman fell silent, extinguishing his cigar on a nearby rock.
He ventured cautiously, "Could we make another trip to Elbaf?"
Shanks shook his head, a wry, helpless smile appearing on his face.
"Loki holds a grudge against me right now. If we go to Elbaf at this time, he might take extreme measures and make irreversible decisions. Most importantly, if Orion suddenly intervenes now, what choice do you think Loki would make?"
Ben Beckman thought for a moment and agreed, "Loki's emotions are unstable. Now isn't the right time to meet him."
He paused, his gaze turning resolute. "However, we still need to go to Elbaf."
Ben Beckman stood up, straightening his coat as he looked toward the distant blue sea.
His voice was low but firm.
"Let's split up. You stay here and monitor the situation in Sphinx. I'll go to Elbaf alone to meet with Gabban."
As soon as Ben Beckman finished speaking, the Den Den Mushi beside Shanks suddenly rang.
The familiar "Buru Buru Buru" sound cut sharply through the quiet forest.
Immediately, urgent reports came through from the Red Hair Pirates' intelligence agents scattered across the world.
"Boss! Emergency report! We've just received word that Fleet Admiral Orion's training ship isn't heading to Sphinx! They've suddenly changed course!"
"If the training ship maintains its current route without further changes..." The intelligence agent's voice hesitated, as if confirming something, then continued cautiously.
"The final destination is likely—Elbaf!"
Hearing this, Shanks and Ben Beckman almost simultaneously turned to look at each other.
In the next moment, they spoke almost in unison.
"Orion's target is really the Giant Kingdom!"
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