One Piece: The Strongest Creature

Just days after Kuina's "guilty plea," the New World erupted in turmoil once again.

But this time, the chaos wasn't sparked by the infamous "Beast" Kaido—the most frequently challenged and often underestimated of the Yonko. Nor was it ignited by the infamous might of the "Whitebeard Pirates," still regarded as the strongest, or by the "BIG MOM Pirates."

Instead, the force shaking the New World was the Revolutionary Army—the sixth hidden power looming over the seas.

Then there was the youngest of the Five Emperors, with a force smaller than any of the others—the "Red-Haired Pirates" and their captain, the legendary "Red-Haired" Shanks.

The Revolutionary Army, with its five formidable legions, remains a constant threat to the World Government, which would stop at nothing to see them eliminated. Yet, despite his vast forces, Monkey D. Dragon dared not lead a massive assault on Wano to rescue his son, Luffy. Instead, he clung to the faint hope of locating the fourth Road Poneglyph somewhere on the endless sea.

As a seasoned warrior, Dragon knew all too well the steep price of war against the world's most dominant and powerful factions. Wano itself stands as one of the most fortified regions in the New World, with a reputation for being impenetrable. Hundreds of years of history had seen pirates, kingdoms, and even the World Government fail to claim it.

In the days of old, Wano's might rest with a single powerhouse—the legendary "Sword God" Ryuma. Today, however, it is fiercely defended by the "Strongest Creature in the World," Cross Kahn, and the "Pirate King," Boa Hancock. Adding to this defence are the mighty Haki masters of Wano and Amazon Lily, as well as a powerful mercenary army of cloned warriors that can be endlessly produced, given enough money.

For the Revolutionary Army, whose ranks lack even the strength of many Marine soldiers, the idea of waging war against the "Cross Family" would be a massacre. Monkey D. Dragon would avoid such a confrontation unless absolutely unavoidable. His primary enemy remains the World Government, a regime fortified by an 800-year legacy. Only after toppling their rule would Dragon consider dealing with these lesser foes.

For now, he does what any strategic underdog must: he waits.

Meanwhile, Shanks remains unaware of Dragon's plans or motives. However, he does receive word of the defeat of Luffy and his two sworn brothers.

As Luffy's guide and mentor from afar, Shanks had waited patiently for news of the Straw Hat's escape from Wano. But as soon as he learned that Luffy had emerged safely, he decided it was finally time to take action.

Every member of the Red-Haired Pirates stood behind Shanks in his decision, supporting their captain wholeheartedly. After all, it wasn't just about Luffy; among the Straw Hats was another deeply personal connection for the crew—the sniper Usopp, son of their own Yasopp.

Shanks, who believed that Luffy had the potential to change the world, and Yasopp, who carried the weight of his absence in his son's life, were stirred to act when they heard of Luffy's sworn brother's capture.

For the first time since their arrival in the New World, the Red-Haired Pirates set their sights on the "Cross Family."

Aboard their trusted ship, the "Red Force," a two-masted vessel modified from a swift sloop, they steered toward Dressrosa—the kingdom that now served as a gateway to anyone who sought an audience with the feared Cross Family.

To gain an audience with Kahn, the leader of the Cross Family, one had first to seek out Doflamingo of the Donquixote Family. Doflamingo had solidified his role as the intermediary, or "Joker," of the Underworld.

The notion had become widespread in the New World: if you wanted to speak with Kahn, you started with Joker. Even the powerful Yonko, including Whitebeard, Kaido, and Charlotte Linlin, lacked a direct means of contacting Kahn. Only the Five Elders of the World Government had that privilege.

Monkey D. Dragon had understood this process when he sought Doflamingo first. Now, Shanks intended to do the same—but with a bold approach that matched his own reputation.

As Shanks neared the intermediary island of Dressrosa, he unleashed his overwhelming Conqueror's Haki, blanketing the entire island. His sheer willpower cascaded across Dressrosa, forcing everyone on the small kingdom's shores to recognize his presence. Such a feat—projecting Conqueror's Haki across an entire island—was an extraordinary display of Haki mastery, a show of strength that few in the world could rival.

The effect was immediate and devastating.

Civilians, pirates, and emissaries from kingdoms around the world, all scattered across Dressrosa, felt the crushing weight of Shanks' Conqueror's Haki. Within moments, they dropped to the ground, eyes rolled back, entirely overcome.

In less than fifteen minutes, only the most resilient warriors of the New World—those with their own mastery of Haki—remained standing.

When the "Red Force" docked at Dressrosa's eerily silent port, Shanks' "greeting" was clear. The once-bustling harbor, filled with ships and trade, had fallen into an unnatural hush. This was Shanks' message, loud and unmistakable.

Dressrosa was no longer the peaceful kingdom it had once been; now, it was notorious as a gathering ground for warlords, pirates, and even kingdoms torn apart by conflict.

To Shanks, who had once followed Roger's example of fighting for a friend, the island's reputation made restraint unnecessary. He saw no reason to hold back, and to him, this was simply a bold gesture.

However, this greeting did more than announce his arrival—it was a direct affront to the Cross Family.

By incapacitating those who depended on the Cross Family for protection and business, Shanks had not only broken Dressrosa's unspoken laws but also damaged the Cross Family's reputation. 

As if in response to this audacious act, the once-clear skies over Dressrosa quickly darkened, a gathering storm forming ominously above the island.

The tension in the air suggested a confrontation on the horizon. Shanks had delivered his message; now, the Cross Family would surely respond.

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