His body has aged, his strength no longer what it once was, and even his Haki has dwindled.
But the experience of dealing with people over a century remains, as does the adventure of traversing the sea with Rocks...
No mistake about it.
The black-haired youth before him shares an extremely similar aura and essence with Rocks in his early youth.
— Beneath the majestic demeanor of a king lies a kind and gentle heart.
However, the later Rocks grew rapidly ambitious and gradually took a crooked path.
Will the youth before him do the same?
Who knows!
But... Old Link grinned; his old bones were almost at death's door, heaven couldn't be so cruel as to let him misjudge twice, could it?
"Of course, sir, we will not accept this favor for nothing. The Agatha Race may not be a major tribe, but has lived by hunting for generations. The tribe has over a thousand adult warriors, all skilled in Armament Haki, potent combatants, ready to become your most loyal subordinates, follow your lead, and heed your commands."
"Moreover, the Holy Fruit Illusion Dream Grass in our tribe, I'm willing to give it to you. Perhaps its capability may offer little training effect to a top-tier powerhouse like you, whose Haki rivals Rocks', but it can help train your subordinates, enhancing their will and Haki."
Very tempting conditions.
The crew couldn't help being surprised, looking at Old Link a few more times, not expecting the old man to trust their captain so much.
As for Nami...
She didn't care much about the details, her eyes lit up immediately.
Aye aye aye!!! The Agatha Race wants to pledge allegiance entirely, which means that when heading to Fishman Island, the dream she mentioned is finally coming true?
After her elder formally stepped onto the path of conquering the New World, they finally have their first territory?
Shano pondered for a moment.
Then raised his head to meet Old Link's gaze.
In this sincere gaze, the black-haired youth finally curled his lips into a smile: "With words spoken to this extent, if I decline further, I'd be too hypocritical."
"From now on, the Agatha Islands are the domain under Endgame's command!"
This trust, he accepted!
It's just a matter of erecting his banner and name, protecting the island's thousands of villagers, without even this bit of confidence, how could he fulfill his ultimate dream!
Besides, unlike many times he helped others without expecting a return, this time, there is indeed a tangible return.
Setting aside the Vision-Vision Fruit which can train cadres, just having over a thousand warriors skilled in Armament, loyal and steadfast, who wouldn't be tempted?
Of course.
He doesn't intend to bring so many people around for now.
The Agatha Islands count as his first territory now, but the island is still too small, relatively closed and primitive, unable to accommodate much population, not suitable as a main base.
Once there's a main base, then those willing to help guard the territory can be transferred over, not too late.
Those unwilling to go, let them stay on the island, living their lives as before.
Shano's promise let Old Link breathe a sigh of relief, the elder's wrinkled face finally broke into a smile.
"Everyone, listen up!"
He turned to the crowd inside the house, his voice weak yet full of authority:
"From this day forward, the Agatha Race will regard Sir Shano as master, following Sir Shano's banner unto death!"
Grandpa, I hope you really didn't choose the wrong person...
Noah took a deep breath, his gaze resolute, as the Young Clan Leader, he was the first to kneel, punching his right fist to his chest: "Swear loyalty to Sir Shano unto death!"
And Qia, that lad, gleamed with joy long ago, he followed all the way from Thunder God Island, trusting Shano and the others more than his own brother, wishing they could become one family.
Immediately joined in the kneeling, imitating his big brother's chest-pounding gesture, other warriors inside followed suit, movements uniform, voices sonorous:
"Swear loyalty to Sir Shano unto death!"
…
That night.
Under Old Link's personal host, a grand bonfire banquet was held in the empty space of the main island to entertain the crew of Endgame.
The cups clinked, guest and host joyful.
The young warriors of the tribe, in awe of Shano's cadres, were also curious, initially cautious in approaching, but slowly became one under the influence of alcohol and dance.
Jack went off to arm-wrestle with people, beating one muscle-bound warrior after another;
Nami and Nojiko, along with the grass-skirted native girls, started dancing;
Smoker drank too much and casually performed smoke ring tricks, smoke spewing various shapes from his nose and mouth, causing rounds of amazement among the surrounding young warriors...
As for Gatomon, it was assigned to the children's table, instantly becoming the center of attention, swarmed by kids asking non-stop.
"Wow! Kitty cat, you really can talk!"
"Hehe, not such a tough thing, only a big dumb dog wouldn't be able to!"
"What are you exactly, a cat or a mouse? Why are your ears so sharp?"
"No vision, it's a cat!"
"Can you show that move again? The one you just used!"
"Well..."
Gatomon swished its tail proudly, said mysteriously, "This is my unique special skill, usually I don't use it casually, but—"