Building Snake was a bit taken aback by Shanks' invitation. He froze, his grip tightening slightly on the edge of his chair. "Join your crew?" he asked, his voice a mixture of disbelief and caution. "After what I just told you…" His words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of the tragedies he had endured.
Shanks leaned back slightly, the red tint in his cheeks from drinking still visible, but his eyes burned with a seriousness that cut through the haze of alcohol. "Yes," he said, his tone firm despite his flushed, merry appearance. "I want you to join my crew."
Building Snake let out a small chuckle, shaking his head, his eyes glinting with hesitation. "I cannot. I appreciate the offer really, but I cannot allow other people to suffer because of me." There was a moment of silence, only the soft creaking of the wooden floor and the distant sounds of the tavern filtering in from outside.
Shanks let out a sigh, his expression softening yet sharpening with intent. He straightened up, even in his drunken state, his posture asserting authority as he stared Snake directly in the eyes. "I just told you," he said slowly, each word deliberate, "I don't believe in good or bad luck. I believe in strength. I believe if you were stronger, you could have protected your crew. Snake," he leaned slightly closer, voice lowering but growing more commanding, "give me a chance. Let me become your Captain and show you that you are not a bad luck charm."
Building Snake blinked, momentarily speechless. The serious look on Shanks' face, the unwavering determination, it was unlike anything he had expected from someone so drunk and carefree moments ago.
He looked down, letting out a small, rueful laugh. Then, slowly, he looked back up, meeting Shanks' gaze. "Well… how can I say no to such an earnest request?" His shoulders relaxed slightly, and a small, approving smile spread across his face. "Captain Shanks."
Shanks' grin widened, his drunken cheerfulness returning in full force. "Get us more beers! It's a celebration!" he shouted, raising his hand to draw the attention of the nearby patrons in the tavern.
Their cheers and clinking cups echoed across the room, the atmosphere immediately lightened.
Building Snake laughed, shaking his head slightly. "Captain Shanks, you should most probably slow down on the beer now. Just how much more can you handle?"
Shanks threw back his head and laughed uproariously. "Don't worry! I can handle my beer!"
The clamor of the tavern seemed to cheer him on, but he didn't care. He was too caught up in the moment, the new promise of a comrade beside him, the warmth of a new bond forming.
And so the two continued, glasses clinking, laughter echoing, and the air around them charged with the sort of energy only found among those ready to face the wide, unpredictable seas together.
---
Shanks leaned casually against the railing, recounting the story with a wide, proud grin. "And that's how it happened," he said.
Giovanni snorted into a tissue, the comical tears on his young face glistening. He looked up at Building Snake with mock seriousness. "What a sad story. I promise you, Snake, I won't die on you, okay?"
Building Snake blinked, taken aback by the sheer earnestness radiating from Giovanni. His eyes softened slightly, and he nodded. "Oh… okay," he said, his voice quiet, but there was a subtle warmth in it now.
Benn Beckman, standing nearby on the deck, exhaled a plume of smoke from his cigarette. The ember glowed briefly as he puffed, then he smiled faintly. "Now, how can I say no after hearing that?" he said, stepping forward, the sound of the waves beneath him emphasizing his steady presence.
He extended a hand toward Building Snake, firm and commanding, yet welcoming. "Welcome on board the ship, Building Snake. I hope we get along well."
Building Snake's smile broadened as he grasped Beckman's hand, shaking it firmly. "Yes. I look forward to it," he replied, the sense of relief in his voice clear.
Beckman stepped back, lighting another cigarette with a practiced flick of his lighter. "And it would be good to have another level-headed person on the crew. Looking after these two," he glanced at Giovanni and Shanks, "is such a chore."
Suddenly, the ship's Den Den Mushi started ringing. Buru Buru Buru. Shanks walked over casually, still smiling, and lifted the receiver.
A familiar, slightly muffled voice came through the device. "Hello, this is Roo, Lucky Roo. Shanks, Beckman, are you there?"
Shanks' grin widened, and he beamed into the receiver. "Roo! Have you been good?"
Lucky Roo, clearly in the midst of eating something based on the muffled crunching, replied, "It hasn't been that long since we've seen each other, Shanks."
"I know," Shanks said, chuckling. "I was just asking."
"Oh, then I'm good," Roo replied, a small pause as he swallowed.
Beckman, leaning casually against the mast, spoke up with a sharp glance. "Roo. Did you finish whatever it is you wanted to fix?"
Roo nodded. "Yes. And did you find theYassop you were looking for?"
Shanks' eyes lit up with excitement. "We did find Yassop! But we also managed to recruit two other crewmembers."
Lucky Roo let out a muffled cheer, clearly bouncing on the spot despite being on the other side of the Den Den Mushi. "Really? Does that mean there is…" He paused briefly, counting in his head before finishing, "…six of us?"
Shanks nodded. "Yes. But Yassop won't join up with us until much later."
Giovanni stepped forward, his voice earnest and bright. "Hello, Giovanni here. We are going to be crewmates from now on, so I hope we get along."
Roo's voice came through, slightly hesitant. "Oh, nice to meet you as well. I'm Roo, Lucky Roo."
Shanks raised a hand, chuckling. "Wait, Roo. Gio, I think introductions will be much better in person."
Beckman nodded in agreement. "Roo, where are you right now?"
"I'm in Sabaody Archipelago," Roo replied, the distance clear in his tone.
"Huh!?" Shanks exclaimed, eyes wide. "What are you doing that far?"
Roo explained casually, "Didn't we plan on going to the New World after we meet up again?"
Shanks shook his head. "No, we still needed to recruit more crewmembers. Did you think we would enter the New World with just four members?"
"Oh," Roo said, pausing to think. "Then should I move closer?"
Beckman waved him off. "No. You are fine there, Roo. We need information on Giovanni's father, remember? Who's best for information? Shakky."
Giovanni had am etched confusion on his face, Who is Shakky?"
Shanks' grin widened, and he turned to Giovanni. "You'll see. She is the best information specialist in the Grand Line. And she is also the wife of the right hand of the Pirate King, Rayleigh-san."
Building Snake's eyes widened, awe spreading across his face. "The Right Hand of the Pirate King. The Dark King Silvers Rayleigh, huh? I still cannot believe you were crewmates with him, Shanks."
Giovanni, ever curious, asked eagerly, "So are we going to meet the Dark King himself?"
Shanks shook his head with a chuckle. "Yes, that's if we actually find him, though. He's usually never in his home."
"Okay then, Roo," Shanks continued, turning back to the Den Den Mushi. "Wait for us there, and we will set sail tomorrow."
"Okay," Roo said, the line going dead as the Den Den Mushi clicked softly.
Shanks stood tall, looking out toward the horizon, wind tousling his red hair. "Alright everyone. Tomorrow we set sail for Sabaody."
Beckman folded his arms, a faint frown creasing his forehead. "It will be an extremely long trip. We need to stock up as much as possible to shorten the number of stops."
Shanks smirked. "Then you handle that, Beckman."
Beckman groaned, rubbing his temple. "Throwing the problem at me once again."
But Building Snake stepped forward, determination in his eyes. "I'll help."
Beckman's frown softened into a faint smile. "Thank you. Please do."
---
The next morning, the sun shone brightly over the ship. Seagulls circled overhead, calling out to one another as the waves lapped against the hull. Shanks, Giovanni, Beckman, and Building Snake were all hurling supplies aboard. Giovanni, struggling under the weight of a large wooden crate, wiped sweat from his brow. "Do we need so much stuff?" he asked, panting.
Beckman, stoic as ever, replied firmly, "Absolutely. Sabaody is quite far."
Just then, a voice called out from below on the port side of the ship. "I'm sorry to disturb you gentlemen. But can I have a word with you?"
All four men turned sharply, eyes narrowing as they tried to gauge newcomer speaking. Giovanni's gaze widened, shock overtaking him. "It's you!?" he exclaimed.
The man stepped forward, his uniform crisp, eyes sharp with authority. "My name is Smoker. And I'm the Marine Captain of this base."