Chapter 268: The Unexpected Arrival of the Red Count
"Crimson Slash!"
A dazzling red arc cut through the sea, heading straight for the battlefield.
"Hmm?"
Both Roger and Shiki turned their heads simultaneously, their expressions filled with confusion as they spotted the incoming slash from afar.
"Who's there?!"
Shiki roared, swinging his swords to release a powerful sword wave toward the crimson slash.
He hated being interrupted in the middle of a fight.
Roger, too, frowned.
He could sense danger from that slash—it belonged to a powerful warrior, someone at least equal to him.
But was it a friend or a foe?
The technique resembled that of a Grandmaster Swordsman. The only one Roger knew of who could unleash such slashes was Rockefeller Charlotte.
However, the aura of this slash was different.
Even though Roger had only met Charlotte once, he had memorized his presence.
This was someone new.
Shiki's airborne slash collided midway with the Crimson Slash.
A massive shockwave erupted, sending strong winds across the battlefield.
The clashing energy dissipated, revealing a calm sea once more.
Everyone turned to look toward the source of the attack.
A single boat was sailing alone, undeterred by the battle's chaos.
A solitary figure stood upon it, holding an umbrella as he shielded himself from the sea spray.
Shiki narrowed his eyes.
The man's presence was strangely familiar—as if he'd seen him before but couldn't recall where.
Roger had the same feeling.
It felt like a memory from years ago, something vague but important.
On the Marine warship, Garp stood at the bow, his brows furrowed.
He was certain this wasn't a Marine.
That meant only one thing—a pirate.
The man on the boat smiled, enjoying the attention of three legendary figures.
This was the feeling he had been waiting for—the sensation of being recognized as a true force.
Just like six years ago, when he had first encountered Charlotte.
"Who the hell are you?!"
Shiki shouted, clearly annoyed.
The man, Patrick Redfield, known as the Red Count, didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he reached into his coat, pulling out a crumpled wanted poster.
"Patrick Redfield. Bounty: 1.08 billion berries."
He spoke in an even tone, flipping the old bounty poster for all to see.
The moment he said his name, both Roger and Shiki were surprised.
A bounty of over one billion was no small matter.
But Garp?
Garp's expression darkened.
He remembered now.
Six years ago, this young fool had dared to storm a World Government stronghold, slaughtering dozens of CP0 agents.
He had been hunted by the government, but managed to disappear into the New World.
Now, he had returned.
And he was stronger than ever.
"Patrick Redfield?"
Shiki repeated the name, muttering it under his breath.
Then it clicked.
"Ah, I remember now! Charlotte told me about you! He said you were a formidable opponent!"
Shiki exclaimed, suddenly excited.
Redfield smirked.
"Charlotte… it's been a long time."
For the first time in years, Redfield's eyes softened, reminiscing about his brief time with Charlotte.
Although they had only spent two days together, those two days were unforgettable—sparring, drinking, and even getting captured by slavers together.
"Kid! I don't care who you are, but you interrupted my fight!"
Shiki growled, irritated by the way Redfield seemed lost in thought.
The Golden Lion launched himself forward, crossing his twin swords in front of him like a drill.
Redfield grinned.
As Shiki closed in, Redfield swiftly closed his umbrella and infused it with Armament Haki.
CLANG!
Their weapons collided midair.
Both warriors immediately gauged each other's strength.
Redfield's eyebrow twitched—Shiki was even stronger than expected.
Meanwhile, Shiki grinned wildly.
"Kehahaha! If that's all you've got, kid, prepare to die!"
His Haki flared violently.
Lightning-like golden sparks surrounded his swords as his Conqueror's Haki clashed with Redfield's own aura.
The sea erupted around them, waves surging in all directions.
Redfield stood his ground, his Crimson Haki colliding with Shiki's golden lightning.
"Not bad… You've got the King's Disposition too."
Shiki chuckled.
"But just having potential isn't enough!"
He slashed downward, his swords crackling with energy.
Redfield smirked, his umbrella now covered in dark red lightning, and met Shiki's strike head-on.
BOOM!
The impact sent shockwaves across the battlefield.
On the Oro Jackson, Roger's crew watched carefully.
"Roger, I found something!"
Rayleigh handed a torn document to Roger.
"This guy… he's that rookie from six years ago! The one who attacked the World Government's special route! We thought he had been secretly executed, but here he is!"
Roger scanned the paper, his nose twitching as he smiled.
"Another strong challenger, huh?"
"Roger, should we use this distraction to escape?"
Rayleigh asked, watching Redfield and Shiki battle fiercely.
"We can't just abandon him!"
Roger shook his head.
"He stepped into this mess alone, and if we run, we'll leave him to certain death. I won't do that!"
Rayleigh sighed and fell silent.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Shiki and Redfield's battle only intensified.
Each strike carried massive force, shaking the entire area.
They were both speed-based fighters, their swordsmanship relying on agility and precision.
For most pirates, their movements were too fast to follow.
"Kehahaha! Patrick Redfield, huh?"
Shiki grinned, stepping back.
"I acknowledge you."
He didn't forget his real goal—Roger's crew.
Redfield, however, no longer looked calm.
His face was serious now, understanding just how strong Shiki was.
---
Read up to 20 Chapters ahead on patreon.com/Fanglin
[Please leave a 5 Star review and power stone for this novel]
*Thank you*