One Piece: Starting in God Valley as a Slave

To avoid attracting attention, Shanks deliberately chose a secluded area to dock upon reaching Elegia.

Gordon had been waiting alone at the shore for quite some time. When he saw the Red-Haired Pirates disembark from their ship, he hurried forward to greet them.

Shanks smiled and waved at Gordon, saying,

"Gordon, long time no see."

Among the Four Emperors, Shanks was known for being the most approachable to ordinary people. Even so, Gordon couldn't help but feel a little nervous in his presence. The invisible aura surrounding Shanks carried an overwhelming sense of pressure.

Gordon responded with a polite greeting and began observing Shanks and the members of the Red-Haired Pirates following behind him.

It had been years since their last meeting, and the crew had undergone noticeable changes. They appeared far more imposing than they did back then.

However, not everyone was familiar to Gordon. He didn't recognize individuals like Rockstar, Katakuri, or Brûlée.

In addition to these three, there was also a tall, black-haired man in a fitted black robe, half of his face obscured by a scarf.

The man lifted his gaze, and with just one glance, Gordon felt as though he were staring into an abyss. He quickly averted his eyes.

Noticing this, Shanks placed a reassuring hand on Gordon's shoulder and said softly,

"Gordon, where is Uta now? Take me to see her."

Suppressing his fear, Gordon nodded stiffly and began leading the way alongside Shanks.

As they walked, Gordon couldn't help but ask,

"Shanks, have you recruited a few more newcomers to your crew recently?"

Shanks chuckled lightly.

"Indeed, it's livelier with more people. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, it's nothing. I just think it might be better for some of the people Uta is familiar with to approach her first. After all, there are still unresolved misunderstandings between you two."

Shanks fell silent for a moment before replying,

"I understand, but they're all my trusted comrades. If we're going to meet her, we'll do it together. Besides..."

Before Shanks could finish his sentence, the man with the scarf suddenly stepped forward.

Towering over Gordon, he spoke coldly,

"You're talking too much. Just lead the way."

Gordon's entire body trembled. Instinctively, he turned to look at Shanks, but Shanks merely gave a helpless smile and said,

"Gordon, you heard him. Let's move along. He's got quite the temper, and if he gets angry, even I can't stop him."

Swallowing hard, Gordon dared not say another word. He obediently resumed leading the way.

Upon arriving at the palace, Gordon brought the Red-Haired Pirates to a reception hall.

He initially intended for them to wait there while he fetched Uta, but as soon as they entered, he noticed Uta already seated on the central sofa.

Her head was bowed, her face obscured in shadows.

Even so, Shanks recognized her at once. It was his daughter, Uta, whom he had not seen in years.

A mixture of affection and guilt filled his eyes as he gazed at her. After a long moment, he finally spoke,

"Uta..."

At the sound of Shanks' voice, Uta's body trembled ever so slightly. Slowly, she lifted her head, her violet eyes locking onto his figure.

She said nothing, simply staring at him. The atmosphere in the hall grew increasingly tense and oppressive, until a sudden voice broke the silence from behind Shanks.

"How long are you two going to stare at each other like this? If you have something to say, just say it."

Both Shanks and Uta were startled. Uta frowned and directed her icy gaze toward the scarfed man standing behind Shanks. She asked sharply,

"Who are you? I've never seen you before."

Under Uta's piercing gaze, the man casually walked up to Shanks' side and said,

"Call him 'Father' first, and then I'll tell you who I am."

His words caused everyone, including Gordon, to twitch at the corners of their mouths. Wasn't that a bit too blunt?

Uta's body trembled with anger. She clenched her fists and retorted,

"What nonsense are you spouting? I don't have a father!"

The scarfed man raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? Quite the personality. Good..."

Sensing the shift in his tone, Shanks panicked. Much to Gordon's astonishment, Shanks grabbed the man's sleeve as if afraid he would lose his temper.

The man paused, glanced at Shanks, and then withdrew his hand to cross his arms. Relieved, Shanks let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding.

This series of interactions left Uta visibly surprised. In her memory, Shanks was always cheerful and playful with his crew, but when it came to serious matters, he radiated a commanding presence befitting a captain.

Yet now, he seemed to be walking on eggshells around this man.

Shanks focused back on Uta, determined to clear the air. With a heavy sigh, he said,

"Uta, no matter what, it was wrong of me to leave you behind back then. But if I hadn't done so..."

Before Shanks could finish, Uta raised her voice and cut him off.

"Enough! I already know the truth!"

Shanks froze, then instinctively glanced at Gordon, who shook his head, indicating he hadn't told her anything.

Uta stood slowly from the sofa, her voice low and heavy.

"I saw everything through the Den Den Mushi recordings. It was all my fault..."

Shanks quickly interjected,

"No, it was unconscious. You can't blame yourself!"

"Whether intentional or not, actions have consequences. I need to make amends to those I've hurt. More than that, I'll create a world without pirates!"

At first, Shanks felt a hint of relief, thinking she had matured. But as her words sank in, he became bewildered.

"Uta, what are you talking about?"

Uta's gaze turned icy as she declared,

"Most of the suffering in this world is caused by pirates. I despise them!"

This declaration struck a deep chord within the Red-Haired Pirates, especially Shanks.

As Shanks struggled to find a response, the scarfed man chuckled again.

To Uta, the sound was grating. She snapped,

"And you! What's so funny?!"

The man continued to laugh and replied,

"It's just amusing. You've got some resolve, I'll give you that. What a shame you didn't join the Marines."

-----------

+240 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg