The New World, a certain island.
The climate of this island was fairly pleasant, with several villages and towns scattered across it.
As an island situated in the New World, the greatest threat to its villages and towns often came from pirates.
The Navy's influence did not extend to this area, leaving the villages to seek protection from powerful pirates.
The youngest of the Four Emperors, Shanks, was the protector of this island. Though the Red-Haired Pirates were ruthless to their enemies, they were known for their generosity and kindness towards their own, especially the islands under their protection.
Shanks and his crew were drinking in a lively tavern. The bustling atmosphere made Shanks feel a pang of regret — someone was missing...
"Creak—"
The tavern door opened, and two men walked in. The crowd suddenly fell silent, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.
The taller man had blond hair, wore a gentleman's hat and sunglasses, and was clad in a black trench coat with a long sword hanging at his waist.
The shorter man, who appeared to be a young man, had black hair, wore an orange hat, a short-sleeved shirt, and carried a small dagger at his waist along with a modest backpack.
The blond man walked straight to the bar and sat beside Shanks, gesturing for the young man to join him.
The young man glanced curiously at Shanks, whose eyes were hidden in shadows. His eyes gleamed with excitement, but he remained silent and sat down obediently.
"Knock, knock!"
The blond man tapped the table.
"Boss, bring out all the liquor — today's tab is on me!"
"Boom—"
The tavern erupted in cheers. Pirates guzzled beer heartily, while Shanks smiled wryly, raising his glass to clink against Wright's freshly filled cup.
"Hey, hey, you bastard — it's been over ten years, and the first thing you do is buy everyone drinks? You're gonna ruin me!"
"What, can't hold your liquor anymore? Or... have you remembered the fear of being dominated by drunkenness?"
Wright glared at Shanks, who could only grit his teeth and down his entire glass in one gulp.
Wright drained his own glass in one swig and laughed heartily.
"Finding you isn't easy, Shanks. I had to fight that hawk-eyed bastard just to get your whereabouts!"
Turning to Beckman, Lucky Roux, Yasopp, and other senior crew members, Wright motioned for them to drink. Watching them grimace as they downed their glasses, Wright grew dissatisfied.
"Hey, hey, hey! It's been over ten years — don't pull those sour faces! You're all big names now. Don't let the rookies laugh at you!"
"Hahaha!"
Shanks slapped his thigh and laughed mischievously.
"You lot finally got what's coming to you!"
"It's a feast! The Navy Admiral is footing the bill! With the entire Navy Headquarters backing him, are you afraid you'll bankrupt him?!"
"Eat and drink to your heart's content!"
"Ohhhhhh—!"
Most of the pirates in the tavern were familiar faces to Wright, with a few new recruits likely picked up along the Grand Line.
At first, the new crew wondered why their seniors had gone silent. Once they understood, they looked at their captain with newfound respect — the Navy's newest Admiral, "Orange Horse" Wright, was an old friend of their captain?
"Hey! Don't go blabbing about this outside! No matter what you say, I'll never admit I was here!"
Wright raised his glass and bellowed:
"Anyone who can outdrink me gets a free life from me!"
"Awoooo—!"
The new recruits went wild. If Admiral Wright promised a life, he meant it.
As for the veterans...
"Tch! The least sincere promise ever!"
"He once said he'd eat the Red Force if anyone got him drunk!"
"Oh? You remember that so clearly? That was over ten years ago!"
"Of course! I was the first one to pass out!"
"Hahahaha..."
"Hey, Wright — or should I say Admiral Wright — isn't it a problem for you to show up here like this?"
Beckman, puffing on his cigarette, clinked glasses with Wright.
"By the way, that young man — he's your disciple, Major Ace, isn't he? I heard he escaped unscathed from Marco... Not bad for a rookie!"
Yasopp joined in, glass in hand.
"Hey! My son should be around his age... Wonder how he's doing now?"
"Give it a rest, Yasopp!"
Lucky Roux, now rounder than ever, gnawed on some unidentifiable meat and sneered:
"I bet you forgot you even had a son!"
"Bastard! At least I have a son! You fat single dog!"
"Huh? Looking down on singles? Duel me!"
"Bang!" "Bang!"
Beckman dragged the smoking Yasopp and Roux away.
"You guys chat — if the captain passes out, toss him onto the ship!"
"..."
Shanks was speechless. His crew was partying without a care, not one of them sparing a thought for their captain — sitting next to a Navy Admiral, no less!
"Ten years apart, and the atmosphere's still lively."
Wright smiled, signaling the bartender to refill their glasses.
"Busy lately? The old man Whitebeard's resting, those two shut-ins aren't causing trouble... If you don't come out to hold the fort, the rookies will be stepping all over you."
Shanks chuckled.
"When I sensed your presence, I was startled — an Admiral showing up alone? I'd sooner believe you brought a fleet."
"And you brought this young man along... Is there something special?"
"Well, you're straightforward."
Wright smacked his lips, setting down his glass and dragging the excited Ace forward.
"This is the man you've always wanted to meet — Captain Shanks. See? Just a fool. Nothing much to look at."
"Captain Shanks, hello... I'm Ace, Portgas D. Ace."
"A 'D', huh... You've been wanting to see me? What for?"
Shanks glanced at Ace with interest. The young man exuded a special aura — like the rising sun — though it was overshadowed by Wright's overwhelming presence.
"Ah, nice to meet you... Uh, I must be rude..."
Ace scratched his head awkwardly, glancing at the confused Shanks and the quietly amused Wright.
"I'm a Marine now, but Miss Makino taught me manners... those might be pirate manners, right?"
"Makino?"
Not only Shanks, but the nearby crew perked up at the name.
"Ah, well... this is better!"
Ace removed his backpack and pulled out an enormous bottle of liquor.
"??"
Shanks and his officers stared at the bottle.
"I can't take leave to visit the East Blue yet, but sensei can. This was specially bought from Miss Makino — the best in the East Blue!"
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