章 106: Battle Of Tongtianlu Shanks

Arías discovered a new and mysterious method, not only instantly understanding how to draw talismans out of thin air but also inheriting a vast array of talisman techniques. Without this knowledge, mastering the Tongtian Lu without understanding talismans would be like possessing a state-of-the-art missile launcher but having no missiles to fire.

Now, Arias had access to countless talismans, such as the Five Thunder Talisman, the Five Element Talisman, the Trapped Immortal Talisman, the Ecstasy Seal, and the Curse of Dean Dai, among others. However, while Arías now knew how to use them, he would need to explore and practice further to enhance their power.

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sight of a pirate ship not far away.

"Red Hair Pirates?" Arías murmured to himself as the familiar ship and flag triggered memories of past events.

"Get closer to that ship," Arías commanded Salome.

On the Red Hair Pirates' ship, Shanks was enjoying a banquet with his crew, barrels of fine wine and heaps of barbecue spread across the deck. However, Beckman noticed something unusual.

"There's a ship approaching us," Beckman informed Shanks.

Shanks, not taking it seriously, replied with a grin, "Let them come closer, and let's keep drinking!"

"They suddenly changed course towards us. Their original route wasn't on our path," Beckman warned, hinting at the possibility of trouble.

The Red Hair Pirates had become quite renowned, and only a few pirate crews like Whitebeard's could pose a threat. For someone to approach them directly meant they were confident in their strength.

As the Daybreak neared, Shanks finally set down his drink and walked to the side of the ship. He saw a smaller vessel approaching, with a pair of young figures standing on the bow.

"Isn't that the Nine Snakes Empress from the Seven Warlords of the Sea? What brings them here?" Shanks wondered aloud.

With a smile, Arías began writing in the air with one hand, swiftly creating a Five Thunder Talisman.

"Go!" he commanded, sending a brilliant thunderbolt toward the Red Force. Shanks stood still, unfazed, as a gunshot rang out and a small bullet shattered the incoming lightning.

Though the thunder dissipated, Arías quickly drew another Five Thunder Talisman, followed by another and another. Soon, dozens of talismans filled the air, summoning a massive barrage of lightning as if divine punishment had descended.

Shanks' expression hardened. He tossed aside his wine bottle, unsheathed his sword Griffin, and channeled his Conqueror's Haki into it. With a mighty swing, he unleashed a powerful technique inherited from Roger, known as "Divine Departure," splitting the thunder with ease. However, a trace of the sword's light reached Arías.

Arías recognized that his proficiency with the Tongtian Lu was still too low, preventing him from fully harnessing the talisman's power. With a sigh, he launched a Great Mercy Hand, shattering the incoming sword light and sending a powerful force towards Shanks.

Shanks, using only his sword skills, effortlessly countered the attack. Despite this, the sheer power behind Arías's technique made Shanks take him seriously.

"This Arías is strong," Shanks acknowledged, realizing that this was not an ordinary encounter.

As the tension between the two crews escalated, Usopp suddenly shouted, "Dad! I finally see you!"

Yasopp's expression shifted dramatically upon hearing his son's voice. Despite his initial worry that Usopp might be a hostage, Shanks reassured him, "Don't be nervous, Yasopp. Arías has no intention of killing us."

With his keen senses, Shanks could tell that Arías, despite initiating the conflict, had no real intent to fight to the death. Perhaps, like Mihawk, Arías sought only to test his strength.

"Today's young people are truly impressive," Shanks remarked with genuine admiration. Then, he extended an invitation, "Sir Arías, would you like to come aboard my ship?"

"It would be my pleasure," Arías responded, directing Salome to bring the Daybreak closer to the Red Force. He then led his crew aboard the larger ship.

Usopp, filled with excitement, ran to his father. Though Yasopp was taken aback by the unexpected reunion, he was relieved to see that his son had grown strong.

Shanks, observing the newcomers, couldn't help but be surprised. The young crew members, some as young as eight or nine, were an unusual sight. Among them were even a skeleton and a civet cat.

Shanks thought back to his own childhood, remembering how he had been on Roger's pirate ship at a similar age, alongside Buggy. He also recalled how Marco had grown up on Whitebeard's ship.

However, the large group of young ones that Arías had brought along was something entirely different.