Half a month.
Time flew by quickly amidst self-examination and battles with the World Government.
During this period, Benedict had intended to visit the Extreme Evil Land to obtain the Giant Fruit.
However, due to the environment of the Extreme Evil Land and a message passed from Noxus Saint, the owner of the Giant Fruit was no longer in the original hiding place.
Therefore, more time was needed to search for them.
For this reason, Benedict also focused on collecting Justice Points.
What Benedict did not expect was that
After a thorough internal investigation of the Xuanwu Navy, thousands of suspicious individuals were discovered.
Yet, among these thousands, there were secret spies from the World Government and individuals planted by a certain kingdom, but not a single one was Rocks.
Benedict did not believe this news when he received it.
However, after repeated confirmations, he had to accept that there was indeed no Rocks within the Xuanwu Navy.
Regarding this outcome, Sengoku was the first to express his dissatisfaction.
“Grusa, he’s playing us.”
“Bastard!”
Sengoku had been secretly investigating and scrutinizing to root out any hidden Rocks, hardly sleeping at all.
Now, he even had dark circles under his eyes.
The result was that Rocks was nowhere to be found.
Therefore, Sengoku was convinced that Grusa was deceiving them.
“It shouldn’t be like this!”
“He wouldn’t dare to joke about the life of his young master.”
“Perhaps, Rocks has some means to completely hide himself.”
Benedict shook his head and said thoughtfully, “Bring Shanks here.”
Sengoku looked at Borsalino.
Borsalino smiled and then left.
With his speed of light, he could only run errands for these big shots.
Without waiting long.
Shanks was brought over.
At this moment, Shanks, although imprisoned for over a month and sporting a beard, appearing unkempt.
However, his eyes remained as bright as ever.
“What would you like to drink?”
Benedict asked Shanks.
“Alcohol, strong liquor,” Shanks stood quietly opposite Benedict, his handcuffs removed. Upon hearing the question, he did not stand on ceremony.
Benedict then looked at Borsalino.
Seeing this, Borsalino sighed, transformed into a beam of light, and departed.
Before long, Borsalino returned with alcohol and handed it to Shanks, saying, “Just one bottle, and that’s it.”
It was a two-jin bottle of baijiu, 53% proof.
Shanks opened the bottle and said, “Thank you.” m..oΓg
He then took several large gulps.
Finally, he let out a sigh of contentment.
“Is there something you need me for?”
Shanks knew very well that Benedict wouldn’t have called him over just to offer him a drink.
Therefore, rather than waiting to be asked, it was better to ask proactively.
“I have reached an agreement with your father.”
“In exchange for three conditions, you will continue to live.”
“However, you must remain in the Xuanwu Navy for ten years.”
Benedict smiled and explained the three conditions one by one.
After listening to Benedict’s words, Shanks’ expression was very calm, with no hint of dissatisfaction.
However, Shanks also understood why Benedict had summoned him.
“Now, after a long period of investigation, you haven’t found Rocks.”
“So, you think they are playing you.”
“You called me here, wanting to contact him?”
Shanks did not know if Rocks was truly in the Xuanwu Navy.
Nor did he know if this was a smoke bomb by Grusa, intentionally causing division within the Xuanwu Navy.
However, regarding this news, Shanks was extremely shocked.
Shanks did not believe that Rocks was still alive.
Benedict smiled and clapped his hands, saying, “As expected of Shanks, you are indeed smart.”
“I prefer to take the initiative rather than passively waiting for information.”
“Furthermore, if this news is false, meaning the third condition will not be fulfilled.”
“Then, it will be considered a failed transaction.”
“And you will no longer be able to remain in the Xuanwu Navy.”
Shanks’ pupils changed slightly.
He then fell silent.
This was clearly a threat.
A threat to him, and also to his nominal father.
“Although I would very much like to help you.”
“However, I regret to say that I do not have his contact information either.”
Shanks spoke.
Benedict’s smile receded, his gaze sharpened, and a powerful pressure descended upon them.
Shanks frowned slightly, and his powerful Conqueror’s Haki erupted in an instant.
Despite being a prisoner now, his kingly aura had not diminished.
After a moment, Benedict withdrew his Conqueror’s Haki.
“Not bad, as expected of someone with Conqueror’s Haki.”
Benedict paused, then suddenly said, “You are free now.”
Shanks doubted if his ears were functioning correctly.
He looked at Benedict incredulously.
“Have you become weak after being locked up for a while? Did you not hear what I said?” Benedict said with a smile, looking at Shanks.
Receiving Benedict’s answer again, Shanks confirmed that he had not misheard.
“What about my crew members?” Shanks asked tentatively.
“You can take three people with you,” Benedict said with a smile.
“Uta cannot.”
Shanks still wanted to try and negotiate.
However, Benedict’s gaze made him fall silent.
“What do you need me to do?” Shanks still did not believe that Benedict would let them go for no reason.
Benedict held up two fingers and said, “Two conditions.”
“First, find the Gum-Gum Fruit and give it to me.”
“Second, I need a Den Den Mushi that can contact Noxus Saint.”
Shanks was deeply shocked by this.
The second condition was not a big deal for him.
After all, he had nothing to lose in terms of benefits.
However, the first condition greatly surprised Shanks.
Because, when Roger had spoken to him years ago, he had mentioned the Gum-Gum Fruit.
He had also instructed him to pass on his straw hat and the Gum-Gum Fruit to Ace.
Shanks had always remembered this.
For this reason, he had been working hard since setting sail.
However, to his disappointment.
Let alone finding the Gum-Gum Fruit.
He had no news about Ace’s whereabouts.
“I will try my best.”
Although Shanks did not understand why Benedict wanted the Gum-Gum Fruit, leaving this place and finding the Gum-Gum Fruit was also very important.
Therefore, Shanks did not dwell on it.
“Not ‘try your best,’ but ‘you must’!” Benedict commanded coldly.
Shanks blinked, then nodded.
He would search.
Not only would he find the Gum-Gum Fruit, but he would also find Ace.