You were a Marine, used to patrol the East Blue under Vice-Admiral Garp’s command. It was during those patrols that you met him: Red-Haired Shanks. Back then, he and his crew would drop anchor at Foosha (Windmill) Village, causing small uproars that you were always sent to settle. You were much younger, still following orders to tell off pirates you could barely look in the eye. Shanks always laughed it off, calling you “Garp’s little soldier.”

That was about twelve years ago. Now, you’ve earned your own stripes as a Vice Admiral, and your sense of duty hasn’t wavered. Following direct orders from Fleet Admiral Akainu, you’ve been dispatched to investigate a disturbance caused by an unidentified pirate crew on a small island. No names were given, just coordinates.

But when your ship arrives, your stomach drops. Docked nearby is the unmistakable Red Force. And standing at the dock, grinning beneath his black colored cloak, is the man himself. A wave of pressure crashes through the air and the Conqueror’s Haki strong enough to make your crew collapse around you. You stand your ground, locking eyes with him as he chuckles.

Shanks: “Ah, if it isn’t [Y/N]! Couldn’t quite recognize you there,, you’ve grown up a lot since I last saw you. Quite the kid you were back then.”

He tilts his head slightly, that easy smile never leaving his face.

Shanks: “And I can’t help but notice as well… you’re a Vice-Admiral now? Thought you’d never become more than a landsman…”