Grusa watched Benedict, who was grilling and eating meat with Kapu and the others, standing by the ship. He fell silent for a moment.
So, should he go down now, or not?
If he went down, wouldn't that be losing the face of the Noxus family?
The Noxus family's pride was, on many occasions, more important than life itself.
But if he didn't go down, how could he take the young master back?
After hesitating for a good while, Grusa finally stepped off the ship.
With a troubled heart, he still maintained a calm and collected demeanor, preserving the noble aloofness unique to his kind.
"Marshal Benedict."
However, upon reaching Benedict's side, that aloofness was withdrawn, replaced by a fawning smile.
There was no other way.
Benedict's strength was simply too terrifying.
He was not someone anyone could oppose.
Someone of his strength, thought Grusa, was already very formidable.
But in front of Benedict, he was merely an ant that could be crushed at any moment.
Benedict seemed not to have heard, continuing to eat and drink with Kapu and the others.
Kapu, Sengoku, Kenshiro, and the others had indeed heard, but since Benedict showed no reaction, they were content to play deaf and mute.
After all, how Shanks would ultimately be dealt with depended on Benedict.
Without Benedict's nod, their actions would be overstepping.
Grusa's expression turned slightly awkward, but he dared not show any displeasure. He forced a smile again and called out, "Marshal Benedict."
This time, Grusa's voice rose slightly, but it still didn't sound jarring. Instead, it carried a hint of gentleness.
"I am the steward of the Noxus family. Following the instructions of Lord Noxus Saint, I have come to your esteemed location, hoping to bring back my young master, Shanks."
"Furthermore, Lord Noxus Saint has stated that any conditions within his power to fulfill may be put forth by Marshal Benedict."
Lowering his stance, keeping his temper, enduring humiliation, and absolutely not showing any dissatisfaction towards inferiors.
Speaking with his head bowed, acting with restraint.
Everything was done solely to bring the young master back.
Grusa tried to comfort himself and also prepared himself for Benedict to continue ignoring him, intending to persuade him further.
Benedict, while eating roast meat, said, "Any condition, at will?"
"Are you sure?"
Grusa's cheek twitched slightly, and he then explained, "Within the scope of what our Lord can achieve, any condition is open."
Grusa felt that if he didn't clarify, Benedict would definitely ask for the moon.
However, after explaining, Grusa was also afraid of angering Benedict, and cautiously looked towards him.
Benedict saw the look in his eyes and couldn't help but smile inwardly.
But since the other party was giving him the opportunity to set conditions, he wouldn't be polite.
"Condition one: I want the Giant-Giant Fruit and the Rubber-Rubber Fruit."
"Condition two: I want Shanks to stay in my Genbu Navy for ten years."
"Condition three: I want Noxus Saint himself to come and talk to me."
"If you cannot fulfill these three conditions, then you may leave now."
Benedict extended three fingers and said slowly and deliberately.
Upon hearing Benedict's words, Grusa's hand gripping the cane began to tremble.
To Grusa, Benedict's three conditions, aside from the first one being acceptable, were both unacceptable.
The young master must be taken back, and it was impossible for him to remain in the Genbu Navy, let alone for ten years.
As for having Lord Noxus Saint personally meet Benedict, that was undoubtedly a risk.
Playing with one's own life was absolutely out of the question.
"Marshal Benedict, regarding your conditions, I will report them truthfully to Lord Noxus Saint," Grusa said with a slight bow, his voice deep.
Benedict glanced at him and said indifferently, "It is to convey my intentions."
That one glance made Grusa feel as if he had fallen into hell; it was incredibly chilling.
It was as if a single look could kill him.
"Yes, Marshal Benedict."
"Regarding your conditions, I will certainly convey them clearly."
Grusa quickly reiterated, fearing that if he were even a moment late, Benedict would find an excuse to kill him.
"Get out!" Benedict continued to eat his roast meat, too lazy to pay Grusa any further attention.
Grusa said nothing and, taking his men, returned to the luxurious cruise ship.
As Grusa left, Kapu asked with a smile, "Marshal, why didn't you keep them?"
"If you detain them, that Noxus Saint will also have to show up."
"Unless he doesn't want his own son anymore."
Hearing Kapu's words, Benedict smiled.
"Kapu, if your grandson became a pirate and was captured by the navy, facing execution, what would you do?"
In the original story, Kapu desperately wanted to save him and tried his best, but his uniform restricted him, causing him immense pain, and he ultimately failed to truly save his grandson.
He even allowed Ace to die right before his eyes.
"What are you talking about?"
"I would never let him become a pirate."
"Luffy's path can only be that of a Marine from now on."
"If he dares to become a pirate, I'll make sure he knows that my fists can smash his head."
Kapu's spirit immediately ignited upon hearing anything related to his grandson, and he declared his resolve loudly and firmly.
His son, Monkey D. Dragon, had gone astray, fixated on reaching the pinnacle of power, which caused him, as a father, some embarrassment.
Although his original intention was to overthrow the rule of the Celestial Dragons,
That fellow was opposing him.
Therefore, he absolutely could not let his grandson go astray as well.
"Marshal, what do you mean?" Sengoku could guess many things but couldn't quite fathom Benedict's intentions.
"I'm just curious, which faction does the Noxus family belong to?" Benedict said with a somewhat mysterious smile.
Kenshiro, Sengoku, Borsalino, and the others were all surprised to hear this.
This Noxus family, belonging to the Celestial Dragons and being one of the most mysterious among them, did they have ulterior motives?
"I've asked Silvers Rayleigh, and I've also asked Whitebeard, in addition to the intelligence I've gathered."
"The Noxus family is mysterious, yet it also exudes a certain strangeness."
"Among the figures appearing on the seas, there have been traces of the Noxus family."
"These individuals are influencing those around them."
"It seems like they are making arrangements, paving the way for someone."
Listening to Benedict's words, Kenshiro and the others were momentarily confused.
They didn't quite understand what Benedict meant.
And Benedict had no intention of explaining further, so they could only surmise that the Noxus family was not simple.