Chapter 65: I Only Recognize Roger

New World, the Moby Dick.

The massive ship symbolizing the authority of the Whitebeard, Emperor of the Sea, welcomed an unexpected guest—

The legendary pirate, Shanks.

No one had anticipated that after escaping from Impel Down, Shanks did not rush to gather his old followers, but instead stormed into Whitebeard’s territory at once.

Perhaps he longed for the era of the three legendary pirates, or perhaps he intended to follow the same path he once took with Roger and extend a partnership offer to Whitebeard.

“The walls that blocked us are gone. It seems this is your era now, Whitebeard.”

Whitebeard glanced at the twin swords beneath Shanks’ feet, then tilted his head back and swallowed a gulp of liquor.

“If you’ve come here to chatter, I can sink you to the bottom of the sea right now, Shanks.”

“Jehahahaha~” Shanks laughed wildly.

“After all these years, you’re still as arrogant as ever, Newgate. Roger is dead. Let’s join forces and conquer the world.”

Across the entire sea, only two men earned Shanks’ respect: Roger, and Whitebeard.

Garp and Warring States? Numbers don't matter.

Now that Roger is dead, the only viable partner left is clearly Whitebeard.

With the combined strength of Shanks’ former Flying Pirates and Whitebeard’s crew, who in this sea would dare defy us?

Whitebeard set down his bottle.

“Roger is dead, but his will has been inherited. Shanks, I have no interest in your game of world domination.”

World domination?

Even Rocks, back then, never achieved it. How could Shanks?

It wasn’t that Whitebeard looked down on Shanks.

It was that ever since Shanks stuck a rudder in his forehead, his mind had grown dull—and now, having severed both his legs, his power was no longer at its peak.

Whitebeard suspected: even Barzab Seven, his dream child, could take on Shanks alone.

Not to mention the mysterious shadow lurking in the background.

Moreover, in Whitebeard’s heart, the One Piece, the title of World King—none of it mattered more than family. The cries of “Papa” were worth more than anything.

World domination? Let whoever wants it, take it.

“Roger’s will?”

Shanks’ smile faded: “Who inherited Roger’s will? The red-haired brat from Roger’s crew? Or the red-nosed brat?”

At Whitebeard’s glance, Marco, who had been standing by his side, handed over several newspapers.

Shanks took the papers, and for a moment, he felt an odd sense of familiarity from the faces on them.

“Is this… the white-haired brat from Roger’s crew?”

“How could it be him?”

In the Edohai Battle, Shanks remembered not only Roger’s cruel refusal, but also the red-nosed brat who urged Roger to accept the alliance—and

The white-haired brat hiding behind Roger and the others.

“Emperor of the Sea? On what grounds?”

Shanks seriously doubted he was reading a newspaper, not a fairy tale. The white-haired brat from Roger’s crew had less presence than the red-nosed brat.

On what grounds could he become Emperor of the Sea?

Just because he broke through the Marine's Holy War fleet? What about me single-handedly storming Marineford and destroying half the Marine base?

Damn Marines, answer me!

A 3 billion bounty—even if it rivals the three legendary pirates—is still far behind.

“Are the Marines insane?”

“Lalalalala~” Whitebeard laughed uncontrollably.

“The seedling of the Pirate Era has grown. It’s about to charge straight at us, the relics of the old age.”

“Leave now, Shanks.”

Though once both members of Rocks’ crew, Whitebeard and Shanks had no bond between them.

“Hmph.” Shanks floated into the air.

“I’ll go meet Roger’s brat.”

What nonsense Emperor of the Sea—I’m Shanks! On this sea, I recognize only Roger.

If he’s unworthy, I won’t mind sending the white-haired brat down to join Roger. I hear the brat’s cooking is good. Roger would probably like it… right?

East Blue, the East Blue Emperor.

“Who is the strongest in history?”

On the open-air banquet deck, Seven swirled his cup: the liquor from Roger’s Bar was truly excellent.

“Some say the strongest was Captain Roger. Others say Rocks. But before the strongest man, Jia Ba—the answer is clear—”

“The strongest in history is Mr. Jia Ba.”

Hearing this answer, Jin Ni, seated beside Daxiong, asked again.

“Captain, Mr. Jia Ba and Lei Li are called the left and right hands of the Pirate King. Shouldn’t Pirate King Roger be stronger?”

“How about this,” Seven teased.

“Once we take the Hive Island, we’ll go to Elbaf. Then you’ll understand.”

Hive Island isn’t far from Wano or the Giant Kingdom Elbaf—perfect for a visit, to learn how to become a college student.

Barzab Seven, too, had a heart that longed to storm a college campus and become a student!

Amid casual chatter, Daxiong suddenly asked:

“Captain, you’ve been to the final island, Laugh Tale. You know the history of the Void Century. What do you think of the World Government?”

The Celestial Dragon who tormented Daxiong’s family once said: the ancestors of the Bokanians once committed a great crime against the World Government—but what crime, no one knew.

As soon as he spoke, Daxiong fell silent, waiting for an answer. The rest of the crew leaned in, ears straining.

Seven drained his cup.

“In a certain sense, it succeeded.

After erasing the Void Century’s history, the World Government further muddied the waters, convincing people that its founding was merely a routine dynastic change.

They erased all past eras’ glory, making the world believe every age was as dark as the World Government’s rule.

In other words—

Slavery may not have always existed.

It was merely a concept invented by the World Government to preserve the nobility of the Celestial Dragons.”

Seeing his crew’s expectant expressions, Seven spread his hands in innocence: “But now is not yet the time to reveal the truth.”

“Tch.” Jin Ni was deeply disappointed: “Captain, you can’t just half-speak like eating noodles without garlic.”

“Hehe.” Seven grinned.

“Don’t forget—I’m the chef.”

Mihawk, steering with one hand at the helm, called from afar: “Shimotsuki Village has arrived.”

After leaving Loguetown, the East Blue Emperor’s route through the East Blue was simple: at every major island, Seven, Daxiong, and Jin Ni would disembark and explore.

Seven was hoping to bump into characters he remembered from history—if he found them, he’d try to recruit them.

Daxiong and Jin Ni were simply scouting, preparing for future teleportation gates.

“Mihawk, don’t scatter. I’m going ashore for something. Stay in contact.”

“Understood.”

Two years ago, when Captain Roger turned himself in, Seven escorted the pregnant Lujiu to Karpo’s hometown, Windmill Village, for safety.

Later, he visited the ship’s doctor, Crocus, at Twin Cape, and met Mihawk.

But since the system hadn’t activated yet, he couldn’t access the storage, so he placed the sword Ace in a wooden crate and buried it in Karpo’s courtyard.

Now, it was time to return to Windmill Village and retrieve Captain Roger’s sword, Ace.

Whether to sell it on the trading platform or keep it for future use, it must first be in his own hands.