One Piece Seat Void

As the New World was in turmoil and all the pirates were making preparations, the super rookie and great pirate, Red-Haired Shanks, stepped onto the island belonging to the Pirate Emperor Locks, known as the Hundred Flowers Island Grims.

"Captain, this island is beautiful, with various blossoming flowers everywhere. It's quite a refreshing sight," Rockilu said as he smiled and spoke to Shanks, admiring the colorful flowers.

"I know. Alright, everyone, feel free to explore the island for now. I'm going to meet Locks on my own," Shanks said, and all his crewmates turned their attention to him. "Captain, you're going alone. Isn't it too dangerous? After all, he's that man," Yesobu expressed his concern.

"Haha, don't worry, Yesobu. Locks and I are friends. He won't harm me," Shanks said calmly with a grin. "Shanks is right; this time, only he should go," Beckman said with a severe expression. "Since we're in the enemy's stronghold, meeting him together might be seen as provocation."

"While we're not afraid of him, we must admit that we're no match for the Locks Pirates." After listening to Beckman, the others, though unhappy, had to acknowledge his point. Shanks grinned at his crew and then walked toward the Hundred Flowers Castle.

In the front garden of the Hundred Flowers Castle, Locks was sitting in a pavilion, enjoying a pot of tea. Two cups were on the table. Shanks soon appeared in the courtyard, and upon seeing Locks, his eyes flickered briefly. He then walked over with a smile, sat on a chair, and drank the tea in one gulp.

"Smack!" He put the cup heavily on the table, looking satisfied, and said, "Haha, this is good tea, but I prefer sake over tea." Locke calmly looked at Shanks and then lightly chuckled. 

"Sake is nice, but if you drink it regularly, it's not good for your health. Occasionally, having a cup of clear tea is a good way to maintain your well-being." Locke poured more tea into both their cups, and Shanks remained silent. Locke gently lifted his cup and took a sip.

 Moments passed... "Shanks, what brings you here? I don't think you'd come all this way to have tea with me," Locke inquired. "Well, you never know, right? Perhaps I wanted to see you and catch up," Shanks replied with a grin and sipped his tea. Locke glanced at Shanks without saying anything. 

"Alright, fine. Don't look at me like that," Shanks couldn't stand Locke's gaze and raised his hand in surrender, his expression turning serious. "Locke, I know you've been planning something big recently—something big enough to shake the entire world. 

But, Locke, there are better times than this one. Captain Roger once said it was too early. It's not the time to act yet." Upon hearing Shanks' words, the atmosphere in the garden grew tense.

An invisible pressure emanated from them, and dark clouds gradually obscured the sunny sky above Grims Island. The entire Grims Island was shrouded in a heavy atmosphere. "Is this what you traveled here to tell me?" Locke asked, and the tension continued to rise.

"Indeed, Locke. I've given up my adventure and came all this way to say this. I hope, for the sake of our past friendship, you can give me some face and not act prematurely. Wait for the right moment," Shanks pleaded.

Locke calmly finished his tea, placed the cup on the table, and said, "Shanks, you must understand that a face cannot be earned with just a few words. In this vast sea, the strength makes others respect you." Upon hearing Locke's words, Shanks slowly stood up, placed his hand on the hilt of his Western-style sword at his waist, and slowly drew the sword.

"Alright, Locke, I get it. Since you put it that way, I'll have to speak through strength." Locke observed Shanks momentarily and then patted the bat on his shoulder. The bat understood Locke signal and swiftly transformed into a crimson sword, radiating a dark red glow as Locke held it in his hand.

"Years have passed, Shanks, and your strength has grown significantly since we last met. However, with your current strength, you're not qualified to make me give you a face," Locke stated flatly.

"Also, Shanks, take your crew and leave the New World. As an old friend, I don't want to confront you with swords. But if you remain stubborn, I won't hesitate to sink the Red-Haired Pirates to the bottom of the sea."

After these words, Locke turned and left the hall, slowly making his way out of the front garden. Shanks gazed at Locke as he departed, chuckled wryly, and left the Hundred Flowers Castle. "It seems that this war is unavoidable," Shanks muttered.