"Brother Kenshin?"
Shanks and his crew had come to a tavern to restock their supplies on a small island in the North Blue. However, upon opening the door, Shanks saw a man quietly drinking at a table covered with empty bottles. He had been there for a while.
"You are...?"
Hearing the voice, Kenshin looked up slowly. At first, he seemed to struggle to recognise the visitor, but then his eyes widened with sudden clarity.
"Shanks?!"
"It's me. I can't believe it's been so many years, and we're meeting here of all places."
Shanks patted Beckman on the shoulder and said, "I've run into an old friend. You guys go ahead and drink. I'll join you later."
Beckman, smoking a cigarette, nodded. "Himura Kenshin... I've heard that name before."
Shanks smiled and walked over to Kenshin's table sitting across from him. "Brother Kenshin, you really left Wano Country?"
Shanks had first met Kenshin when he was a child. Back then, he had lived with Kenshin and his master on Sky Island for quite some time with Roger and the rest of the crew. He had gotten to know Kenshin well. Later, when they temporarily resolved the situation with Kozuki Oden, they left Wano.
The last time Shanks had seen Kenshin was during Roger's execution. Kenshin had been wearing a straw hat, standing in the rain, seemingly there to bid farewell to Roger.
But now, Kenshin had indeed left Wano Country and had not returned since. Today, they had unexpectedly met again in the North Blue.
Kenshin gave a self-deprecating laugh. "Wano Country no longer needs samurai. Without us, maybe the country will be better off. Samurai... they only cause trouble."
He took another drink, then continued softly, "I've decided to lay down my sword. The past... let it stay in the past."
"Lay down..." Shanks was silent for a moment, then smiled again. "But you still have a sword with you, don't you?"
He glanced at the sword leaning against the table. Kenshin picked it up, drew it from its sheath, and placed it on the table.
"This isn't a sword," Kenshin said, smiling. "Does a sword look like this?"
Shanks examined it and exclaimed, "This is... what kind of sword is this?!"
"It's a reverse-blade sword," Kenshin explained. "A gift from Uncle Hiko Seijuro. It suits me now."
Shanks couldn't help but feel regret. "With your skill, it's a shame to use a reverse-blade sword."
"I have no intention of fighting as a samurai anymore," Kenshin replied, taking another drink. "A sword is a weapon. A swordsman doesn't meet a good end."
"Let's not dwell on it. We've finally met again. Let's drink and eat!"
Shanks sighed, though he soon joined Kenshin in drinking and reminiscing. He had initially hoped to invite Kenshin to join his crew, but it seemed that wouldn't be possible now.
He sensed that something had happened in Wano after they left. Though the conflict with Kozuki Oden had already disheartened Kenshin, it hadn't been this severe.
What happened after they left?
Shanks wanted to ask but sensed that Kenshin wouldn't want to discuss it.
So, he decided to enjoy their reunion, drink, and act as if nothing had happened.
As Shanks settled into this mindset, he suddenly sensed a sharp presence directed at him and Kenshin. He turned to see a man sitting at another table, not drinking but watching them intently.
With a sword at his side and eyes as sharp as an eagle's, the man stared at Shanks. His eyes were yellow and ringed, a rare sight.
Those eyes reminded Shanks of a woman who had deeply concerned Captain Roger... Makima!
Makima also had ringed eyes, though with more rings than this man.
"Dracule Mihawk," Shanks said slowly.
"Your friend?" Kenshin asked.
Shanks smiled wryly. "A swordsman, possibly here for you."
"For me?" Kenshin looked surprised, pointing at himself awkwardly. "He doesn't look easy to deal with. Shanks, I'll leave it to you."
Shanks stood up, slightly exasperated, and walked over to Mihawk. "The famous Marine Hunter, in a place like this?"
Mihawk looked at Shanks and replied, "And the famous Red-Haired Pirates of the New World, here as well?"
Red-Haired Pirates?!
Their conversation stunned the people in the tavern. Fear spread quickly as they realised they were in the presence of the infamous New World pirate crew. The patrons and even the tavern owner began to flee in panic.
Shanks chuckled. "Well, now that we're alone, care to share your purpose?"
"Purpose?" Mihawk's gaze shifted to Kenshin, who continued drinking. "I came to challenge the legendary Battosai, but it seems that's no longer necessary."
Mihawk had indeed come for Kenshin, but hearing their conversation, he felt disappointed. The once-feared Battosai had become a shadow of his former self.
Turning to Shanks, Mihawk asked, "Red-Haired Shanks, what about your sword?"
Shanks grinned. "If Brother Kenshin isn't up for it, I'll be your opponent!"