With a sudden, explosive burst of his own immense Haoshoku Haki (Conqueror's Haki), Edward Newgate met the radiating pressure from Shanks head-on! ROOOOOAR! The two invisible forces collided violently, creating a palpable pressure that forced even the strongest among the Whitebeard Kaizokudan (Pirates') commanders to brace themselves.
Whitebeard's thunderous roar, laced with his potent Haki (Ambition/Willpower), seemed to pierce through Shanks' moment of shock, snapping the Red-Hair Yonko (Emperor) back to his senses. Shanks flinched, quickly reining in his rampaging Haoshoku Haki (Conqueror's Haki), the oppressive aura receding like a withdrawn tide.
"Sorry, Pops," Shanks said sheepishly, scratching the back of his head, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "Lost control for a second there."
"Hmph!" Whitebeard snorted, though the anger in his eyes had softened slightly. He wasn't truly mad; the display simply showed the depth of Shanks' emotion regarding his missing arm.
"Alex-san... what you said... is it true?" Shanks asked, his voice low, the casual 'little brother' now replaced by a respectful 'Mr. Alex'. His single eye was locked onto Alex, filled with a raw, desperate hope that he hadn't shown in years.
"Yes," Alex confirmed calmly, meeting Shanks' intense gaze. "I wouldn't lie about something like this. The beans you have are the basic grade. A Top-Tier Senzu Bean... yes, regenerating bone and flesh... that is certainly possible."
Shanks' breath hitched again. Possible. The word echoed in his mind. He took a deep, steadying breath, then, to the astonishment of everyone watching, he bowed deeply, his head lowered before Alex.
"Then, Alex-san... I humbly ask that you bestow upon me a Top-Tier Senzu Bean. I... I will pay any price!" His voice was earnest, devoid of any arrogance.
"Captain Shanks, please, there's no need for such formality," Alex said, stepping forward quickly to help the Yonko (Emperor) back to his feet.
Alex produced another list from within his coat, handing it to Shanks. "These are the materials required for a Top-Tier Senzu Bean. You sail the world, Captain Shanks; I'm sure you can gather them. Bring them to me when you have them, and I will synthesize a Top-Tier Senzu for you."
Shanks took the list as if it were the most precious treasure in the world, carefully folding it and tucking it securely into his coat. His single eye, usually sparkling with mirth, was now serious, scrutinizing Alex.
"Alex-san... We barely know each other," Shanks said, his voice heavy with genuine curiosity. "Why would you do this for me? What is your condition?"
"Hirahira~rahaha! Naturally, there's a condition!" Alex replied, his usual lightheartedness returning.
"Please, name your terms!" Shanks answered immediately, relieved that it wasn't a simple handout. "Aside from anything that would harm the innocent... I will fulfill any request!"
"Simple," Alex stated, his expression turning serious once more. "At any given time... you must stand firmly by the side of the Whitebeard Kaizokudan (Pirates). Can you do that, Captain Shanks?"
Shanks didn't hesitate. He thumped his chest with his good arm. "That goes without saying! So long as you follow the path of righteousness, I, Shanks, and my crew... we will stand with the Whitebeard Pirates! You have my word!"
"One more thing," Alex added. "When you are searching for the materials, try to find enough for more than one dose. Captain Whitebeard will also assist you in the search."
Edward Newgate nodded in agreement, a proud smile on his face. Alex's foresight, his strategic thinking... it impressed him deeply.
Shanks looked at Alex, then at Whitebeard, a sense of profound awe and respect filling him. This young man, clearly blessed with incredible talent, wasn't driven by greed or simple power. He was loyal, thoughtful, and seemed to genuinely care for this Kazoku (family). "Old man... you truly have found an incredible man," Shanks said, shaking his head in wonder.
"Gurararara! Of course!" Whitebeard boomed, accepting the praise without a shred of false modesty.
Seeing that his business was concluded and the tension had dissipated, Shanks gathered the bags of basic Senzu beans Marco had given him, offering a grateful nod to Whitebeard and his crew before making his way off the ship, his mind already buzzing with the implications of the list in his pocket.
Watching Shanks sail away, Whitebeard turned to Alex, a thoughtful look on his face. "Alex, my boy... why did you broker that alliance for my Kazoku (family)? Why enlist the Red-Hair Pirates as allies?"
Alex shrugged casually, looking out at the horizon. "Hirahira~rahaha! Captain, things are going to happen in the future. Having more allies... it simply provides more options, doesn't it?" His tone was light, but his gaze held a hint of something deeper, a knowledge of trials yet to come.
Whitebeard nodded slowly, understanding Alex's perspective. Even with his injuries greatly healed, his age remained a factor. Building alliances now, with powerful figures like Shanks, would provide protection and support for his Kazoku (family) even after he was gone. Alex thought not just of the present, but of their future.
"Alright, Captain," Alex said, turning back towards the cabins. "For the next couple of days, please instruct the crew not to disturb me. I'm going to focus on developing... something new."
Though intrigued by Alex's promise of a new invention, Whitebeard respected his privacy and the importance of his work. He issued the order: No one was to bother Alex for the next forty-eight hours.
Inside his room, Alex sat cross-legged on his bed, the images of Whitebeard and Shanks clashing still vivid in his mind. Yes. This world truly respects strength above all else. He knew that even with his incredible inventions, he needed to cultivate his own power. Only then would he truly earn the respect and security he needed to thrive.
He focused his mind, pulling up the interface of his Cross-Dimensional Invention System. The number of Creation Points gleamed brightly: over 100,000. Now came the exciting part. He could spend 100,000 points for a single high-tier draw, or 10,000 points for a ten-pull lottery. A single draw could be amazing, but ten...
Hmm. Diversity is key in a world like this! Hirahira~rahaha! Better to spread my chances!
Alex made his decision. "System," he commanded mentally, "initiate one Ten-Pull Lottery using 10,000 points!"
The system's electronic voice responded. [System User Alex. Initiate Ten-Pull Lottery using 10,000 points?] A little note appeared. [Note: A Ten-Pull Lottery guarantees at least one reward of Purple Tier or higher.]
A guaranteed Purple or better?! Alex's eyes widened. Well, that settles it! Ten-pull it is! Hirahira~rahaha!
"Confirm Ten-Pull Lottery!" Alex thought firmly.
A massive, intricate spinning wheel materialized in his mind's eye. It was divided into ten sections, each marked with a different colored question mark. The wheel spun, blurring into a kaleidoscope of colors, the ten draws completed in the blink of an eye.
When the wheel vanished, ten distinct question mark icons appeared on his system interface, each radiating a different hue. One, however, shone brighter than all the rest, radiating a vibrant golden light. Ooooh! A gold one! Hirahira~rahaha!
With mounting excitement, Alex mentally tapped the "Open All" button.
[Congratulations System User Alex! You have obtained: Martial Arts Proficiency +15!]
[Congratulations System User Alex! You have obtained: Swordsmanship Proficiency +15!]
[Congratulations System User Alex! You have obtained: Martial Arts Proficiency +15!]
[Congratulations System User Alex! You have obtained: Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki) Proficiency +10!]
Notifications pinged in his mind as the question marks resolved into tangible gains. He felt a subtle shift within his body, a faint surge of new knowledge and capability. Interesting, but the best was yet to come! The remaining golden question mark pulsed enticingly.
Heart pounding slightly, Alex tapped the golden icon.
[Congratulations System User Alex! You have obtained: ???]
As the final question mark dissolved, a physical object materialized in Alex's outstretched hand. It was a fruit, unlike any he had ever seen, swirling with strange, ethereal energy. What is this? A Devil Fruit? His mind raced with the possibilities contained within this single, enigmatic prize. The real adventure was just beginning!