Bab 68: Chapter 68: Alabasta: No Surprise, You’re Really Something
Shanks continued chasing after Takumi as fast as he could. Just when he caught sight of a small figure riding a camel in the distance, a giant desert lizard appeared out of nowhere.
Before he could get excited, the lizard scared the camel so badly that it ran off at an incredible speed, carrying Takumi away.
Watching Takumi fade from sight again, Shanks picked up his pace, trying to catch up.
But just as he was about to overtake the lizard chasing Takumi, another giant lizard burst out of the sand right beside him. It opened its massive jaws and swallowed Shanks whole.
These giant lizards in Alabasta always traveled in pairs.
Almost immediately after the lizard gobbled him up, a flash of steel sliced through the air.
The lizard's head was cleanly severed in an instant, and Shanks landed lightly on the sand.
The lizard chasing Takumi turned back, furious after seeing its companion fall, and tried to avenge it.
But with Takumi getting farther away, Shanks didn't have time to mess around. With one clean swipe, he sliced the second lizard in half, just as easily as the first. Then, he took off after Takumi, shouting as he ran, "Takumi, it's me! Wait up…"
Even though the lizards were now dead, Takumi could still sense it from a distance. And he could also feel a familiar presence nearby.
When he turned to look back, he saw a man with red hair and a straw hat chasing after him in the distance.
Takumi couldn't help but feel a little exasperated.
Shanks… What's he doing in Alabasta…?
And how on earth did he even know I was here?
Running into Shanks here was quite a coincidence. Maybe this time, Shanks would play a role in whatever mission he had in Alabasta.
With that thought, Takumi tried pulling on the camel's reins to get it to stop. But no matter how hard he pulled, the terrified camel refused to stop.
Left with no other choice, Takumi used a bit more force, yanking the reins back sharply.
The camel reared up on its hind legs, nearly toppling over. But before it could fall, Takumi effortlessly leapt off and landed smoothly on the sand.
The camel scrambled back to its feet, looking around in confusion. Once it realized the giant lizard chasing them was gone, it finally calmed down.
In just a few minutes, Shanks caught up.
"You sure can run fast, kid," Shanks said with a grin.
Takumi glanced at Shanks' straw hat and his intact arms.
That's not his original hat… So, he must have given it to Luffy already.
Also, if he remembered correctly, Shanks was supposed to lose an arm saving Luffy from the Sea King near Windmill Village.
Could it be that the Sea King that was supposed to bite off Shanks' arm was the one Takumi had killed when he left the village?
Without dwelling on it too much, Takumi looked away and asked casually, "Where's Benn Beckman and the others?"
Shanks shrugged. "They're waiting for me by the shore near that town. Don't worry about them. Haha, Takumi, it's been over six months—did you miss me?"
Takumi responded flatly, "No."
"Hahaha," Shanks laughed heartily. "You haven't changed a bit, still not one for chit-chat, haha…"
"So, what do you want with me?" Takumi asked.
"Can't I just drop by to catch up?" Shanks grinned. "On the way here, I heard about a kid around ten years old who likes to visit taverns on every island, buying up large amounts of alcohol. I knew right away it had to be you. So, I figured you were heading to Alabasta and decided to follow your trail. Turns out I was right—pretty lucky, huh?"
"Oh."
Takumi gave a nonchalant response, then started leading his camel forward again.
All around them, the landscape was nothing but golden sand. Today was cloudy, so without the sun to guide him, Takumi just picked a random direction and hoped it would lead to the next town where he could ask for directions.
Seeing Takumi walk off, Shanks quickly caught up, walking alongside him and chatting as they went. "I didn't expect you to reach the Grand Line so quickly. I thought it'd be a few years before we saw each other again."
Takumi kept walking, silently.
It was supposed to be a few years, but thanks to your persistence, it's happening now. No surprise—it's Shanks we're talking about. You're really something…
"Hahaha…" Shanks laughed, taking a swig from his flask. His eyes widened when he noticed two swords hanging from Takumi's waist. "Huh? You've started practicing swordsmanship?"
Takumi didn't respond.
Shanks' gaze shifted to the sword's hilt, and he narrowed his eyes slightly. "That sword… It looks like a Kitetsu. Don't tell me it's actually a Kitetsu?"
Takumi casually replied, "It is."
"That's a cursed blade!" Shanks exclaimed. "You really can handle a cursed sword, huh?"
Takumi chuckled. "What's so hard about that? Only those with weak wills get controlled by cursed swords."
Shanks was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter. "Hahaha, you're right, you're right! With your willpower, no cursed sword could ever control you. I should've known better, hahaha…"
"So," Takumi asked with a hint of exasperation, "how long are you planning to make Benn Beckman and the others wait?"
Takumi's question was clear—he wanted Shanks to leave and stop following him.
But Shanks didn't seem to mind. "I promised them I'd be back within ten days. Don't worry, it's been a while since we had a good drink together. Once we reach the next town, let's find a tavern and have a proper drink. My treat."
If it's just a drink, I guess that's fine.
Without giving it much thought, Takumi responded with a simple, "Okay."
Shanks, clearly in high spirits, walked beside him, his eyes landing on the gourd Takumi carried. "That gourd looks pretty cool. Where'd you get it? Maybe I'll pick one up too."
"Shimotsuki Village."
"Hmm? Shimotsuki Village?" Shanks rubbed his chin, thinking. "Isn't that the village with the Isshin Dojo?"
"Yeah."
"Hahaha, no wonder you've got those swords. So, you went to that dojo, huh? I heard the dojo master is quite the swordsman. Did you spar with him?"
"No."
"Eh? Why not?" Shanks asked, puzzled.
Takumi shot him an annoyed glance.
This guy is really getting on my nerves…
Seeing that Takumi wasn't going to answer, Shanks thought for a moment, then said, "Don't tell me you chickened out because you thought you'd lose to the dojo master, hahaha…"
Takumi remained silent.
"Hahaha," Shanks laughed, "I was just kidding. You're the strongest kid I've ever met—no way you'd lose to just anyone. Let me guess—knowing you, you probably thought it was too much of a hassle to fight, right? Am I right? Tell me I'm right!"
******
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