Chapter 424: Maybe I should meet him


    Mihawk departed without so much as a word of farewell. But Ian was not surprised, for Mihawk was known to be a man of few words and a solitary figure, even among the ranks of the Seven Warlords. He held no allegiance to any pirate crew, preferring to chart his own course.


    If it werent for Ians identity, he probably wouldnt have spoken so much, but this was his limit.


    As Ian watched Mihawks raft disappear into the horizon, he let out a sigh and mused, Ow well, I lost. This was my first time meeting my uncle and I didnt even receive a gift. A failure, indeed!


    Robin couldnt help but chuckle at this, and even Aceughed, because he knew Ians personality very well and knew that he was a greedy person.


    Reiju, however, looked somewhat gloomy. She hadnt expected Ian to have such deep ties to so many Shichibukai, least of all to the reclusive and aloof swordsman that was Mihawk.


    She couldnt help but shake her head, thinking how foolish her father must have been to get involved with such a person.


    Lets go, we will continue our journey, Ian said to Ace. Weve already wasted half a day thanks to my new uncle Mihawk.


    And with that, the crew set off once again.


    Unbeknownst to Ian, Mihawk had gone to seek out a visit with his friend, the Red-Haired Shanks, one of the Four Emperors


    The storyline has once again taken a slight detour. Originally, Hawk-Eye had set out to find Shanks with the intention of bringing him news about Luffy. Shanks had lost an arm during his return from the East Blue, and Mihawk was aware of this fact, having even inquired about it. Thus, he knew that Shanks had formed a friendship with a young man in the East Blue and had gifted him his cherished hat.


    However, this time, Mihawk hasnt gone to the East Blue yet and had not yet had the opportunity to meet Straw Hat Luffy. Instead, he sought out Shanks for other reasons.


    Upon arriving at an unknown small ind, Mihawk located Shanks. The henchmen of the Red Hair Pirates were taken aback by his sudden appearance.


    But Shanks greeted him with a boisterousugh, weing Hawk-Eye Mihawk.


    Mihawk, to what do I owe this unexpected visit? Shanks asked, with a hint of perplexity, as he draped his coat over his shoulder.


    Ivee to share a drink with you, Mihawk replied.


    How intriguing, Shanks eximed in surprise. I had thought you hade to engage me in battle once more.


    Not in the mood for it, Hawk-Eye retorted, casting him a nce. I had just engaged inbat with someone before making my way here.


    Is that so? Shanks inquired with great curiosity. Pray tell, who did you cross swords with? I presume you emerged victorious?


    Shanks sat across from Hawk-Eye, the tension between them palpable as they sipped on their drinks. However, Hawk-Eye made no mention of his previous battle, instead opting to take a deep gulp from his ss before breaking the silence. Shanks, do you know? I encountered an apprentice He is the apprentice of Koshiro-senpai, and also his adopted son!


    Shanks was taken aback, his surprise evident on his face as he inquired, Dont tell me that, you fought with your apprentice?


    The thought of such a scenario made Shanks leap to his feet, his tone fraught with concern as he eximed, You You! Did you identally kill your apprentice and thene here to seekfort from me because of guilt?!


    Stop it with your Bullshit! Hawk-Eye, known for his stoic demeanor, couldnt help but curse in frustration, his gaze piercing as he rebuked Shanks, If I killed him, how would I know he was my apprentice? Cant you think before you speak?


    Despite their tumultuous past, Hawk-Eye foundfort in thepany of Shanks, someone who understood theplexities of their rtionship. It was this understanding that had led him to seek out the red-haired.


    But the truth remained, that although Shanks is very powerful, he can sometimes speak and do things out of tune, leaving those around him to question his judgment and mentality.


    After the harsh rebuke from Hawk-Eye, Shanks finally came to his senses, scratching his head in realization, Oh, thats right!


    He patted Hawk-Eyes shoulder, hisughter genuine as he eximed, Really, why didnt you say so earlier? You had me worried for nothing!


    Mihawk stared at Shanks in silence, his voice tinged with concern as he spoke, I havee to you today because there is something that weighs heavily on my mind.


    What is it? Shanks asked, lifting his ss to take a sip of his drink.


    Its about the scar on your cheek, Mihawk replied, his gaze fixed on Shanks.


    The mention of the scar caused a change in Shanks expression, his demeanor bing serious as he put down his ss and looked at Mihawk. You already knew about this, didnt you?


    I do know, Mihawk nodded. Its about ckbeard Teach. Is he truly as powerful as they say?


    Shanks let out a sigh, his gaze bing distant as he replied, Mihawk, what I wish to tell you is that when I faced Teach, I did not take him seriously. It was his brute strength alone that left this scar upon my face.


    Mihawk fell silent for a moment before speaking once more, his voice tinged with worry. Did you know? When I met my apprentice and found that he was in thepany of Whitebeard Pirates second division captain, Ace. And this has me concerned.


    Hmm? Shanks brows furrowed as he asked, Who is your apprentice?


    You definitely heard of him, Mihawk ced his hands on his knees and looked at Shanks. He is the newly appointed member of the Shichibukai, ck Dragon Ian.


    What What in the world is happening here?! Shanks eximed in shock, his eyes widened with disbelief as he turned to Hawk-Eye and asked, Hes your apprentice, you say? The one they call ck Dragon Ian?


    Mihawk nodded, He is indeed.


    Shanks couldnt help standing up, pacing back and forth as he tried to process this new information


    Suddenly, Shanks came to a halt and sat back down, his eyes fixed on Mihawk as he spoke, I had heard that Fire Fist Ace had set out to hunt down ckbeard Teach, butter I found out that Ace did not go directly after Teach, but instead went to the Travolta Ind first and then join forces with ck Dragon Ian, Jinbe and many other Shichibukai and appeared in Dressrosa, causing chaos and upheaval in Domingos kingdom Because of this incident, I thought it was wrong news that Ace was chasing Teach, but looking at it now, Im afraid that Ace has teamed up with ck Dragon Ian to deal with their enemies together


    Mihawk gave a somber nod, Its very possible. Ive noticed that Ace and Ian have a strong bond.


    Shanks shook his head in disbelief, I had heard that Whitebeard had once considered adopting Ian as his own, but after the incident with Teach, he was cast out. Its hard to fathom that they would join forces now.


    Ians assassination of Teach leaves me quite perplexed, said Mihawk, scratching his chin in thought. If the two have a grudge, then I can understand, but if thats the case, then Teach and Ians powers should be quite evenly matched.


    Shanks shook his head in disagreement. No, thats not it. Ians attack on Teach should have been part of a sneak attack, yet he still couldnt manage to kill him.


    So, youre saying that Ace and Ian together still couldnt be able to defeat Teach? Mihawk asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.


    This was the very reason Mihawk had sought out Shanks. He had heard Shanks talk about Teach before, and upon leaving Ians ship, he couldnt shake the feeling that something was amiss. The Whitebeard Pirates pursuit of the traitor Teach was well-known throughout the Grand Line, and Ian and Ace appearing together must have some purpose. Out of concern for his apprentice Ian, Mihawk sought out Shanks for answers.


    Shanks pondered for a moment before giving his response. I cannot say for certain, as I have not engaged in battle with Ian, the new Shichibukai, nor have Iid eyes on him. But if it was just Ace pursuing Teach, the odds would be against him. If Ian were to join the fray as well, its anyones guess.


    You look more worried than me? Mihawk couldnt help saying.


    Yes! Shanks nodded seriously. Mihawk! What do you think of the current situation of the Whitebeard Pirates?


    Mihawk pondered for a moment before delivering his verdict. A delicate situation, to be sure.


    Shanks nodded in agreement. Indeed, a delicate situation. Whitebeards health is failing rapidly, and it may not be long before he sumbs to it. But do you truly believe the Marines will allow him to pass quietly?


    No, its impossible! Shanks said, not waiting for Hawk Eyes response. The Whitebeard, Edward Newgate, is a figure of the same era as the Pirate King Roger. Roger may be gone, but as long as Whitebeard lives, he remains a symbol of that era, a benchmark for all pirates. If the Marines and the World Government hope to bring an end to the Pirate Era, they must take a strike at Whitebeard. Only by destroying him utterly can they shatter the pirates faith and willpower.


    Shanks concluded, They cannot simply let Whitebeard die of old age. I believe they will find an opportunity to strike soon. Whitebeard may be old, but he is still the strongest man alive. To bring him down is to bring down Roger once more.


    And at this sensitive time, with a figure like Teach emerging, I always have an ominous feeling! Shanks sighed: If the fire fist Ace is caught by Teach, then the opportunity that the Marines wants may appear At that time, the whole Grand Line and the new world will be in chaos, and the bnce between the four emperors and the marines will bepletely broken!


    Shanks finally said, As for Ian, he is a variable! Maybe I should talk to him