One Piece: Scourge of the Seas

Pirates were never the Revolutionary Army's primary enemies.

However, the Revolutionary Army always held a poor opinion of pirates.

In their eyes, most pirates were lawless villains.

When encountering pirates committing atrocities, the Revolutionary Army rarely showed mercy.

That's why Sabo's insistence on coming along puzzled his comrades aboard the ship.

Traveling alongside pirates, especially the Red-Haired Pirates?

Just imagining it felt surreal to them.

Only Koala and Morley had an inkling of Sabo's true motive—

To invite both Maude and Sunny to join the Revolutionary Army.

Sabo wasn't one for hesitation or pretense; he got straight to the point and extended the invitation to Maude.

But to his surprise, just as he made his proposal, one of the Four Emperors, Shanks, decided to join the fray.

In an instant, it felt like they were competing for recruits.

On one side stood the Revolutionary Army, and on the other, a Yonko's pirate crew.

This unexpected clash of olive branches left Maude stunned and momentarily silent.

Around the campfire, everyone's eyes turned to Maude.

Bailey, the clever rascal, seized the moment when Lafitte's attention shifted to Maude and quietly tiptoed away from him.

Lafitte calmly watched Maude, the firelight dancing across his composed expression.

It was rare for anyone to reject an olive branch from the Red-Haired Pirates.

Just the notion of joining Shanks' crew was enough to boost one's reputation immensely in the pirate world.

But if Maude accepted Shanks' invitation, Lafitte would have no reason to stay any longer.

After a brief pause, the boisterous laughter under the night sky began to subside.

The crew members of the Red-Haired Pirates turned their attention to their captain.

This was a familiar scene they had witnessed many times before.

The difference this time was that most people who wanted to join their crew did so by self-recommendation.

Even so, the Red-Haired Pirates were highly selective and didn't accept just anyone.

So it was rare to see their captain personally extend an invitation, especially to a young rookie like Maude.

This whole situation was set in motion by Yasopp.

A young talent like Maude, brimming with limitless potential, was not someone any pirate crew could overlook.

All Yasopp did was suggest the idea to Shanks, and without hesitation, Shanks decided to act.

After all, they had met Maude a few months prior, and three days ago, on Mad Hat Island, they had witnessed his stunning shot firsthand.

Shanks' personal invitation carried not only sincerity but also significant weight.

Under normal circumstances, there wouldn't even be a moment of hesitation.

But Maude's silence seemed, to others, like he was hesitating.

Or perhaps even leaning toward rejection.

Noticing something amiss, Yasopp approached Maude and lowered his voice.

"This was my idea, kid. Don't turn us down."

Maude subtly shook his head at Yasopp.

Yasopp's eyebrows furrowed, his tone dropping to a near whisper.

"You little punk, do you know how much effort I put into finding that Seastone bullet for you? Besides, you don't have to decide now—take your time to think it over."

"I've already decided."

Maude replied earnestly.

"Huh?"

Yasopp's expression turned into one of exasperation, as if he already knew what Maude's answer would be.

Shanks also seemed to anticipate the outcome, much like Yasopp.

On the other side, Sabo and his companions watched with bated breath.

Both Morley and Koala wholeheartedly supported Sabo's idea of recruiting Maude.

However, Maude had already made up his mind.

He wouldn't join the Red-Haired Pirates, nor the Revolutionary Army.

Looking at Shanks first, Maude said solemnly, "For now, I don't want to join any pirate crew."

Hearing this, Shanks' face broke into a slight smile. "Under my flag, you can do whatever you want. So, are you sure you won't reconsider?"

"I know. But the world you're offering… it's too early for me."

"Haha!"

Shanks laughed heartily and pressed on, "Is that the only reason?"

Maude shook his head and glanced at Sunny.

Meeting Maude's gaze, Sunny smiled knowingly.

She understood his reasons.

Shanks, watching the two of them, also had a hunch.

It was likely because of Sol.

"So, you're really turning me down."

Shanks spread his hands helplessly.

Yasopp rubbed his temples, feeling a deep sense of regret.

The other members of the Red-Haired Pirates burst into laughter.

"The boss got rejected by a kid, haha!"

"So embarrassing!"

"HAHAHAHA!"

The crew didn't hold back in poking fun at Shanks.

Shanks himself couldn't help but laugh along.

Once again, the campfire roared with laughter beneath the night sky.

Seeing Maude reject Shanks, Sabo felt a flicker of hope reignite within him.

But—

"I'm also not planning to join the Revolutionary Army."

Maude's next words extinguished that hope completely.

Sabo's face fell in disappointment, and Morley and Koala mirrored his reaction.

"What a shame," Sabo sighed softly, then turned to Sunny.

"What about you, Sunny?"

"I'd like to join the Revolutionary Army, but not now."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Sabo and Koala looked at her in confusion.

Sunny explained, "I need to take care of Sol in his old age, so I can't leave for the time being."

"…"

Sabo and the others were at a loss for words.

At that moment, Shanks suddenly butted in, plopping himself down between Maude and Sunny.

"Maude, you dared to embarrass me in front of everyone. You owe me a drink!"

"Uh…"

Maude had no choice but to down his drink in one gulp.

"Good!"

Shanks grinned, grabbed a barrel of liquor, and immediately refilled Maude's glass.

Yasopp, seeing this, realized that his captain intended to drink Maude under the table and decided to join in as well.

With those two leading the way, the other crew members followed suit.

Before long, the drinking contest was in full swing.

Maude bore the brunt of it, quickly downing over a dozen drinks amidst the raucous cheers.

Though he prided himself on his alcohol tolerance, he was no match for the Red-Haired Pirates, a crew of seasoned drinkers.

Within ten minutes, Maude was already feeling lightheaded.

The lively atmosphere around the fire contrasted sharply with Lafitte, who sat alone, silently nursing his drink.

As the night deepened, the campfire blazed even brighter.

On the sea, aboard the Red Force, a room stirred.

"Hmm?"

Sol opened his eyes suddenly and sat up.

Despite his fractured right arm and broken leg, he ignored his injuries and immediately checked beneath his trousers.

"Phew…"

Confirming that his "treasure" was intact, Sol sighed in relief.

"Looks like Shanks saved me."

He threw off the covers, hopped on one leg out of the room, and made his way to the deck.

The crew members on watch recognized Saul but left him undisturbed.

Unimpeded, Sol reached the ship's railing. In the moonlight, he spotted the familiar island and the campfire on its shore.

"My little darling…"

In an instant, he pieced together the situation.

"Shanks!!!"

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