One Piece Seat Void - Chapter 243

Incredible Voyage, Albe Island The sun is shining brightly today, which is warm and cozy. A handsome young man with red hair and a straw hat lazily lies on the beach, sunbathing.

“Shanks, the ship is repaired, and we’ve got all the supplies. When do we set sail?” A chubby man with a green and white striped headband, black frog-shaped sunglasses, and a leg-bone-shaped piece of meat in his hand asks Shanks.

“Ah, everything is ready! Haha, let’s set sail tomorrow! Today’s sun is so nice. Loo, tell Beckman we’re having a party tonight!”

“Haha, a party? I know it’s going to be huge. I’ll go tell Beckman and Yasopp!” The chubby man, called Loo by Shanks, excitedly runs off. Yes, this is Shanks, a former cabin boy on Roger’s ship and now a pirate captain with red hair.

After parting ways with Buggy in Loguetown, Shanks directly sought out Yasopp, who was once known as the best sniper in the East Blue, and together they formed their pirate crew.

After a successful invitation, Shanks and Yasopp set sail in a small ship towards the Grand Line, prepared to cross the Reverse Mountain and return to their hometown in the West Blue.

When they crossed the reverse mountain and arrived at the Grand Line, Shanks encountered the like-minded Lucky Roo. Quickly, Shanks invited Roo to become a new crew member, and the three of them once again crossed the Reverse Mountain, returning to the West Blue.

The group traveled around the West Blue for a while, and on a particular island, they met the powerful, sharp-witted, and cool-headed Ben Beckman. Under Shanks’ persistent persuasion, Beckman reluctantly accepted Shanks’ invitation and joined his pirate crew.

Due to his clever mind, constant composure, and strength comparable to Captain Shanks, Beckman quickly became Shanks’ first mate. Yasopp and Lucky Roo did not oppose Beckman becoming the first mate.

On the contrary, they strongly supported it. After all, Shanks, as a captain, inherited almost all of Gol D. Roger’s strengths and weaknesses, making him unpredictable and impulsive. Therefore, when Beckman became the first mate, the entire Red-Haired Pirates became much more organized.

As a result, Yasopp and Lucky Roo had no objections to Beckman becoming the first mate. After traveling through the West Blue, the group again crossed the Reverse Mountain and embarked on an adventure in the Grand Line.

Due to a sudden storm, their ship suffered extensive damage. Consequently, they arrived at the nearest island, Albe Island, for repairs, leading to the events described at the beginning. While Shanks was still basking in the sunlight on the beach, a damaged, coffin-like small boat slowly drifted ashore.
A man wearing a maroon shirt, a black overcoat, a gentleman’s cowboy hat, and a massive black sword stepped off the small boat. As the man set foot on the beach, Shanks, who was leisurely sunbathing, opened his eyes.

“This guy’s aura is incredibly sharp and powerful, like a sharp sword being unsheathed!” Shanks excitedly sat up and looked at the man.

“Hey, you’re quite strong! How about being my partner?” Mihawk glanced at Shanks, who had a bright smile and an utterly calm expression.

“I have no interest in joining any pirate crew.” With a cold reply, Mihawk headed towards the village on the island. However, Shanks differed from the type to give up after being rejected once. He used all his persuasive techniques and chased after Mihawk, who was continuing towards the village.

“Hey, accept me so quickly. By the way, I’m Shanks, a pirate who seeks freedom and adventure. And you?” Mihawk turned to look at the red-haired man who had been incessantly chatting in his ear and seemed visibly annoyed.

“I’m Dracule Mihawk, a man aspiring to become the world’s greatest swordsman. And please, stop bothering me.” Mihawk coldly said a few words and quickened his pace toward the village.

He was starving at this point. Several days ago, he had drifted on the sea, and after enduring a storm that sank all his supplies, he finally arrived on this island. All he wanted now was a hearty meal.

However, Shanks needed to learn about Mihawk’s current thoughts. He followed Mihawk, persistently inviting him to join his pirate crew. Fed up with Shanks’ persistence, Mihawk swiftly unsheathed the large sword on his back and swung it towards Shanks.

“Oh no!” Shanks exclaimed, drawing his sword from his waist to block Mihawk’s strike. With a loud clash, both staggered back several steps, surprised at each other’s strength. Though both could sense each other’s skill, they hadn’t expected the other to be so powerful.

“Hey! I knew I wasn’t wrong about you. You are indeed a swordsman. How about a duel? If I win, you join my pirate crew. What do you say?” Shanks excitedly proposed to Mihawk. He was highly confident in his swordsmanship. After all, his sword skills were personally taught by Gol D. Roger and Rayleigh, two swordsmanship masters.

Upon hearing Shanks’ words, Mihawk seemed to be interested. He smiled slightly. “Oh? A swordsmanship contest? Very well, and I am in a bad mood. If you can defeat me in a sword fight, I’ll agree to join your pirate crew and become your comrade. But if you lose, don’t bother me again.”

“No problem, hehe. Get ready to become my comrade, Mihawk!” Saying this, Shanks swung his sword and charged at Mihawk. Mihawk gripped his large sword with both hands and swung it fiercely at Shanks. A tremendous blue-slashing attack was unleashed.

Shanks, watching this incredibly powerful attack with surprise, was momentarily taken aback. However, he felt no fear but rather excitement.

“That’s a great slash! But I won’t give up easily!” Shanks swung his longsword with a sideways blue slash.

“Black Blade!”

“Buzz!” In an instant, their two attacks violently collided. The overwhelming sword energy instantly tore the ground they stood on into countless cracks. The coconut trees around them were all severed at their trunks and fell onto the beach.

The numerous coconuts couldn’t withstand the oppressive sword energy and exploded. Seeing that his slash was so easily blocked, both Shanks and Mihawk had excited expressions.

“Haha, you’re quite something! Come on!”

“Yeah, it’s been a while since I’ve met a swordsman like you. Let’s determine a winner!”

“Boom!” The two long swords in their hands clashed forcefully once again.

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