Chapter 83: Red-Haired Pirates

The Marines, headquartered in the first half of the Grand Line in the "Paradise" stretch of the sea, are said to jointly govern these waters alongside the "Warlords of the Sea." Yet they have not neglected the New World.

"—KAIDO IS MAKING HIS MOVE!! WHITEBEARD IS RESPONDING IN KIND!!"

—Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

The place was now in an uproar over the "voices" echoing from the New World.

"The hell… trespassin’ on my turf…? Ya better pay up…!!"

"Bring it on… I’ll take yer damn head while I’m at it…!! Brace yerself, old man…!!!"

The black Den Den Mushi, worn like a bracelet, was a rare breed capable of intercepting transmissions. These creatures were instrumental in gathering intel on pirates.

The Marines kept a watchful eye on the Emperors of the Sea through outposts established in the New World, these black Den Den Mushi, and surveillance ships deployed solely to monitor the Yonko’s movements—all to maintain the balance of power.

And now, the greatest tension in years had descended upon Marineford. The voices crackling through the black Den Den Mushi belonged to two of the Four Emperors: "Kaido" and "Whitebeard."

"WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?! REPORT!!"

"Y-Yes, Fleet Admiral Sengoku—! It appears the Red-Haired Pirates encroached on the Beast Pirates' territory, sparking the conflict…!"

"…!! Red-Hair…!!"

In the office of the Marines' supreme commander, Fleet Admiral Sengoku—the man once known as "Sengoku the Buddha"—clutched his head in frustration. Now serving as Fleet Admiral ahead of the Reverie, his brow furrowed deeper than it ever had during his days as an admiral.

After all, the previous Fleet Admiral, Kong, had ascended to the position of Commander-in-Chief of the World Government, and the Marines' top-tier power—the admirals—had dwindled by one when Sengoku himself assumed leadership years ago. Worse yet, the sole remaining elder admiral was set to retire after the Reverie.

With another admiral having recently fallen in the line of duty… the Marines were in a transitional period, restructuring under the new Fleet Admiral Sengoku.

Selecting three new admirals. Coordinating security and escorts for the upcoming Reverie. And now, with one admiral tied up guarding the Holy Land and catering to the Celestial Dragons' whims, the clash between two Emperors was the last thing they needed.

—Yet they had no choice. This was his duty as Fleet Admiral, bound by the "Absolute Justice" he upheld.

"—What’s the response from the Warlords?!"

"Sir! Only three have answered the summons!"

"Tch… better than nothing…! What about Garp? Can he make it in time?"

"No, sir! He said he’d hurry, but he’s currently on leave in the East Blue…!"

Sengoku gritted his teeth at the report. With him and the admirals unable to mobilize, the only forces capable of confronting the Emperors were the Warlords and those with admiral-level strength.

Three Warlords—while a meager number, it was enough considering the need to deter the other Emperors.

The real issue was the Marines' side. Though reliable fighters had been gathered, among them was his old comrade Garp, who was—of all times—on vacation in his hometown in the East Blue. He’d promised to return as soon as possible, but the distance to the New World was too great. He wouldn’t make it.

That left only—

"—Fleet Admiral, sir! Vice Admirals Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino have arrived!!"

"! About time… send them in!!"

"Yes, sir!"

And so, Sengoku summoned the forces he had been counting on.

Three vice admirals. Normally, that would be a weaker force than a Buster Call—but these were no ordinary vice admirals.

"—My, my… Kaido’s one thing, but even Whitebeard’s making a move? That old pacifist stirring up trouble… what a pain."

—Standing three meters tall, their long legs carried them through Marineford’s halls with an air of unmistakable power.

"—A little R&R would’ve been nice… we just got back from dealing with the Sun Pirates, y’know~~~?"

—All three were Logia-type Devil Fruit users. Masters of advanced Haki.

"—Quit yer whinin’…! Obliterating pirates is our damn job…!!"

—Monsters even among vice admirals… these three were the next generation of admirals.

"—You’re here. I assume you’ve been briefed?"

"Yeah, well… we’re stoppin’ the Emperors, right, Sengoku?"

Vice Admiral Borsalino (Future Admiral "Kizaru")

"Sigh… guess we’ve got no choice… duty calls."

Vice Admiral Kuzan (Future Admiral "Aokiji")

"If we can kill ’em, we kill ’em. That simple—right, Sengoku?"

Vice Admiral Sakazuki (Future Admiral "Akainu")

Facing these three monsters, Fleet Admiral Sengoku barked a sharp order.

"—Do NOT let your guard down! I know you understand, but these aren’t ordinary pirates! They’re the Four Emperors! Prioritize preventing their clash above all else!!"

—And so, under Fleet Admiral Sengoku’s command, the three Marines who would shape the Navy’s future raced toward the New World.

---

Twelve years had passed since the dawn of the Great Pirate Era—more than enough time to birth and propel countless pirates to infamy.

Pirates existed before, of course, but Gol D. Roger’s execution ignited an explosion in their numbers, multiplying them tenfold. From small-time crooks to legendary captains, many rose, fell, or clung stubbornly to survival.

Yet most who sailed under this era’s banner found themselves humbled by the New World—a sea dominated by real pirates. Here, they learned the true height of the summit they sought.

Some shattered against that impossible wall. Others survived the breaking, biding their time to strike at the crown.

The Four Emperors, monsters who once rivaled the Pirate King himself, taught these upstarts the brutal difference between ambition and reality through sheer, overwhelming power—a trial known as the "Baptism of the New World," a rite of passage for nearly all who dared these waters.

Even the Warlords of the Sea, the Great Pirate Era’s so-called "success stories," recognized the Emperors’ might. Knowing brute force wouldn’t suffice, they cleverly survived by wearing the World Government’s mantle.

But… in this era, who soared highest without such titles? Who challenged the New World as a true pirate, rising through sheer strength alone?

Ask pirate enthusiasts, underworld brokers, or even Marines—despite minor disagreements, they’d all point to the same name.

A flag bearing three scarred bones.
A modest dragon-headed ship: the Red Force.
His trademark straw hat—though no longer. Lost? Few cared.

After all, he had another symbol now. Yes, they were—the Red-Haired Pirates.

And their captain’s name, the man currently stirring the New World’s pot, was "Red-Haired" Shanks.

---

—New World, Railriver Island

"—Captain."

"Hm? What’s up?"

This island flew the flag of an Emperor—Whitebeard. His territory. Yet currently, pirates neither under his command nor his alliance docked here.

Camped slightly inland, having just wrapped up a feast, they prepped to depart—though without urgency.

Whitebeard wasn’t the type to crush every trespasser solely for crossing into his waters. A king among pirates, he ruled differently from his peers. While he held many islands under his banner, most flew his flag by request—protection in exchange for tribute.

Unlike Big Mom, who reigned as a monarch over her "Totto Land," Whitebeard remained, first and foremost, a pirate. His territories thrived under his reputation, their safety bought with shared spoils—a contract of mutual benefit.

Other Emperors operated similarly, but where they saw business, Whitebeard valued honor. Once under his protection, no harm would come to an island—so long as visitors respected its people.

Raiding was forbidden, but peaceful visits? Drinking, trading? He couldn’t care less. Let the locals decide how to handle guests.

Of course, few were foolish enough to provoke the "Strongest Man in the World" on his own turf—which was precisely why his flag held the New World’s highest value.

And these visitors understood that. Especially their captain.

"...You sure this is okay? Loitering in Whitebeard’s territory..."

"Relax. He doesn’t bother folks who just eat, drink, and leave. We’re basically… paying customers."

"I-I get that, but..."

The captain laughed off his rookie crewmate’s concern. With his easygoing demeanor and unremarkable build—average height, no intimidating scars save for the three slashes over his left eye—he hardly looked the part of a legend.

Add the missing left arm and his only standout traits were his flaming red hair and that carefree grin. The kind of man street thugs might underestimate. And often did—though he’d just laugh it off, earning a reputation as a laid-back fool.

"Worst case, we apologize and scram! Easy!"

"That’s… pathetic!!"

"Hahaha! True enough! But hey, better pathetic than dead!"

"This isn’t funny...!!"

The nervous recruit’s worries weren’t unfounded. In an Emperor’s domain, caution was sane—but this captain had neither pride nor patience for posturing. Apologizing? A small price.

"—Still, Captain. Whitebeard’s one thing, but that other mess ain’t gonna slide!"

"—Ah… that."

A chubby man in sunglasses and a bandana, gnawing on a bone, jerked the conversation toward real trouble.

"—Think they’ve tracked us here?"

A dreadlocked man cleaning his pistol chimed in—another officer.

"—Oh, they know. And they’ll come. Praying won’t cut it… not against the Beast Pirates."

"Yeah… Kaido’s not as forgiving as Whitebeard."

The crew’s vice-captain—sharpest mind aboard—sealed the verdict.

"Funny. You say that like you’d actually apologize."

"—Dahaha! Busted!"

The officers erupted, their captain’s grin unrepentant. No regrets. No second thoughts.

After all, their enemy had crossed a line—one even this easygoing man wouldn’t ignore.

"No way Kaido lets Queen’s defeat slide… But we’re not swallowing their crap either!"

"!"

Thus, even facing the wrath of the most dangerous Emperor, his smirk never wavered.

The score was settled. Now, the Beast Pirates would come collecting.

"This won’t be simple!"

"Nope. So laugh while you can."

"Makes sense! Then let’s laugh now!"

"Dahahaha! Hell yeah!"

"Honestly… you’re hopeless."

As the crew roared with laughter, the vice-captain lit a cigarette, coolly amused.

—Then—

"—C-CAPTAIN!!!!"

"Hm?"

A panicked crewmember sprinted toward them, drenched in sweat and trembling. The moment the captain, vice-captain, and officers saw his face, they knew—It’s here.

Their worst fears were confirmed.

"Th—The Beast Pirates!!! Beast Pirate ships on the horizon!!!"

"Already?! Faster than I expected…!"

They sprang into action, abandoning their camp and rushing toward the shore. There, looming in the distance, was an armada of massive warships—each emblazoned with the unmistakable twin-horned skull and the characters for "Hundred Beasts."

The sheer size of the vessels—easily ten times larger than the Red Force—drew a flicker of awe from the crew. But what truly sent chills down their spines was the pressure radiating from them.

"—Captain…! They’re onboard…!!!"

"Yeah… I feel it too—MOVE OUT!!!"

"Aye!!!"

They scrambled to their ship, prepping for a hasty departure. Fighting that head-on wasn’t an option. Retreat was the only sane choice.

Even the battle-hardened officers couldn’t suppress the mix of adrenaline and dread coiling in their guts.

"—Shit, Captain!! Those things are fast!!"

[Lucky Roux, Red-Haired Pirates Officer — Bounty: 529,000,000 Berries]

"…!! Their cannons—they can reach us at this distance?! Damn, that’s Emperor-level firepower…!! Someone splurged on artillery!!"

[Yasopp, Red-Haired Pirates Officer — Bounty: 600,000,000 Berries]

"—Wait!!! Marine warships at 11 o’clock…!!"

"…!! Of course… The Navy’s here to intercept Kaido and Whitebeard…! Tch—but maybe we can use this…?"

[Ben Beckman, Red-Haired Pirates Vice-Captain — Bounty: 889,000,000 Berries]

"—Alright…!! We’re pushing through this!!! Battle stations!!!"

"OOOOOH!!!"

["Red-Haired" Shanks, Captain of the Red-Haired Pirates — Bounty: 1,048,900,000 Berries]

—The Red-Haired Pirates braced for combat against the distant armada.

Their instincts were right. Seconds later, a voice split the sky, shaking them to their core.

"—RED-HAAAAAAIIIIIR…!!!!"

"!!"

"What the hell—?!"

—A massive blue dragon coiled through the clouds, flanked by glowing, disc-like UFOs.

A sight Shanks hadn’t seen since his apprentice days.

The creature hailed as the "Strongest Living Being" on land, sea, and air.

And its enigmatic sibling—the "Most Terrifying Entity" among all living things.

Their names and faces were etched into Shanks’ memory.

"Kaido… and Nue…!!"

[Kaido, Captain of the Beast Pirates — Bounty: 4,311,100,000 Berries]

[Nue, Vice-Captain of the Beast Pirates — Bounty: 3,680,100,000 Berries]

"—You’ve got nerve wrecking my territory…!!!"

"—You’ve got nerve ruining my live show…!!!"

"—WE’LL KILL YOU…!!!!"

The strongest and the most feared—their fury erupted across the New World.

---

Seeing "Red-Haired" Shanks after so long stirred something in me—but rage drowned it out.

He’d ruined Queen’s meticulously planned concert. That wasn’t something I’d forgive.

And honestly? The world wouldn’t miss the Red-Hairs. The moment we spotted their ship, Kaido and I took to the skies—him as a dragon, me atop my floating discs.

"—Hah… Nue was right. That is a familiar face…"

"Told you~!"

Kaido’s voice rumbled with nostalgia, but his eyes burned into the red-haired man below.

No surprise. That man carried bitter memories—of Roger’s ship, and the two brats who sailed on it.

"The red-haired brat and the red-nosed brat from Roger’s crew…!! Oh, I remember you…!!"

"! Damn… You do? Well, since we’re old pals—how ‘bout letting us go?"

"Let you go…?"

Kaido’s brow furrowed. I tilted my head—then burst out laughing.

"Ahahaha!! That’s rich!!"

"Yeah, figured."

"Mmmm~… So, Kaido? Your call~?"

I already knew the answer. The moment we chased them here, it was decided.

Kaido and I loomed over them, delivering our ultimatum.

"—WORORORO… Then join my crew!! Do that, and I’ll forget you trashed my turf, wounded Queen, and ruined this one’s concert!!!"

"That’s the deal~! Whaddya say? I might just calm down… maybe?"

"Oh? Us, working under you?"

If we could recruit the Red-Hairs, their past offenses would be trivial. Power was everything—the key to claiming the world.

We’d even sheathe our claws if they agreed.

But Shanks… laughed. After a brief, wry smile, he looked up—

"Hahaha—No way!!! Boys, FULL SPEED AHEAD!!!"

"AYE!!!"

—And with that grin, he spat in our faces.

In that instant, Kaido’s and my fury ignited.

"—!!! YOU THINK YOU CAN RUN?!!!"

"Ahaha!! Then let's give you a taste of pain!!!"

In unison, we unleashed our power. As I summoned and manipulated my crimson UFOs, Kaido gathered energy in his maw, preparing to incinerate the Red-Haired Pirates' ship.

"! Full speed—NOW!!!"

"We're already on it!!!"

"This is bad… If we can just dodge—!!!"

The panic on their ship was palpable—but too late.

"—Bolo Breath: Inferno Blast!!!"

"—Wrath of the Crimson UFO Onslaught!!!"

"!!!"

—A torrent of searing flames and a rain of fiery UFOs engulfed the sea. Any ordinary pirate crew would’ve been annihilated.

But two factors changed everything.

"! Lady Nue!!"

King’s voice rang out from our ship. I appreciated the warning—but I’d already noticed.

"—Yasakani no Magatama."

"Whoa—blinding!!?"

"That light… It’s from the Marine warships!!"

Dozens of laser-like projectiles streaked through the sky, intercepting my UFOs and even neutralizing Kaido’s flames. I grinned, turning toward the source—a lone Marine Vice Admiral hovering mid-air.

"—Borsalino, was it~? Ahaha… Interfering means you’ve got a death wish, right~?"

"—Nahhh~… Dying’s not on my agenda. But… let’s just say I came prepared~~~… Scary as it is, I’ll have to stop you here~~~…!!"

—Vice Admiral Borsalino. Logia-user: Glint-Glint Fruit. A man of light.

One of the three "Monsters" among the Marines—and a likely candidate for the next Admiral.

We’d expected Navy intervention, but this was entertaining. Watching Kaido’s Bolo Breath get sliced apart, I taunted:

"Ahaha, you really think you alone can stop us?"

"Solo? No shot~~~… But who said I’m alone~~~?"

"!"

The instant he spoke, our ships lurched to a halt—frozen solid.

"—Ice Age: Glacial Prison!!!"

"!!?"

—The sea crystallized outward, immobilizing our fleet. A tactic to prevent us from chasing Shanks deeper into Whitebeard’s waters.

Only one man in the world could pull this off.

"Oho~!! So it’s Kuzan!! Which means… you two, plus the Warlord—that’s their play?"

"—Tch… They’re onto us. Just like Garp warned—troublesome foes…!!"

—Vice Admiral Kuzan. Logia-user: Chill-Chill Fruit. The Iceman himself.

A brilliant stall tactic. Pirates without ships are crippled—though exceptions like me and Kaido exist.

But this wasn’t enough. We’d anticipated worse—Garp or Sengoku storming in. Yet here, only these two… and one Warlord.

"—They split Lord Kaido’s Bolo Breath!!?"

"That was Red-Hair and—!!"

"! That guy…!!"

Indeed—the one who’d bisected Kaido’s attack alongside Shanks was a man with hawk-like eyes.

A lone wolf among pirates. Wielder of the supreme-grade black blade "Yoru."

Shanks smirked as he addressed him.

"…Well well, "Hawk-Eyes." What’s the occasion? Saving me?"

"—A whim. I didn’t save you. I’m here under the World Government’s request to halt the Beast Pirates."

[Juraquille Mihawk, "Hawk-Eyes" — Warlord of the Sea]

—The world’s strongest swordsman. Shanks’ rival. Now standing against us.

"—I see. I owe you one."

"Hmph… Interpret as you like. But you’ll tell me later why you lost that arm."

"! Yeah… I will…!!"

Their exchange was terse, but the weight wasn’t lost on us.

Kaido’s voice boomed with fury.

"You bastards…!!! You think you can survive crossing me…!!?"

His growl carried a promise of carnage. To our crew, he roared:

"—Oi, you maggots!!! CRUSH THEM…!!! Wipe out the Red-Hair brats AND the Marines!!!"

"Aye… Let’s move, boys."

"RAAAAAGH!!!"

"—!! Damn, drew the short straw…! Marines—STAY SHARP!!!"

"Terrifying~~~…!! Ignore Red-Hair’s crew!! No time for extras~~~…!!!"

"YES SIR!!!"

The Marines, led by Kuzan and Borsalino, braced for battle. The Red-Hairs, though retreating, readied their weapons—aware that Kaido and I could pursue.

Their thinly veiled fear was delicious.

"Ahaha… Then let’s exceed their expectations…!!!"

—Let’s break the Red-Haired Pirates.

If they’re weak enough to shatter here, they’re no loss. But if they can surprise me… prove it now.

With that thought, I dove toward their ship.

—This’ll be the most fun I’ve had in years.