Chapter Text
The unexpected sighting of the Red-Haired Pirates created an uproar upon being spotted next to the shores of Karai Bari Island. Various members of the Cross Guide found themselves tense in apprehension, waiting to see what brought an emperor’s crew so close to their shores. And wondered: were they going to dock? Others, meanwhile, sat on the fence, not knowing what an emperor’s crew was doing on another emperor’s territory either.
However, a certain clown’s screeching instantly diminished the tension. Buggy’s upper half advanced to the crew deck of the Red-Haired Pirates’ ship. Members of the Cross Guide felt themselves relax. After all, their wonderful captain Buggy could handle the matter. They remembered back to when he said he could, declaring war against the red-haired pirate. Though, unbeknownst to them, their beloved captain was just talking shit in order to rile up his former old friend. Alongside being very ill-equipped and far too weak to actually go to war with the Yonko.
The blue-haired Yonko quickly found Shanks in the crowd and seized him. Buggy, in typical fashion, was unconcerned as he ignored the sounds of the pirate crew aboard deck. Neither his arrival nor his harsh treatment of their captain made them tense or flinch.
“SHANKS, WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!”
The red-haired captain could only smile. His voice was smooth and deep as he greeted the other.
“Hello, Buggy.”
“Oh, no. Don’t go ‘Hello Buggy’ me. Why are you here?” The other retorted angrily.
Lifting his hand to wedge Buggy’s hands off of his shirt and holding them easily within his much bigger and broader hand, Shanks responded. “Can’t I visit an old friend?”
Snatching his hand away, or at least trying to, Buggy quickly found that he couldn’t withdraw them because of Shanks’ unyielding grip. “No, no, you can’t. Because, unlike me, your presence causes too much tension and a lot of focus to be directed to you from the Marines. I don’t want them thinking that we have anything going on.”
A chuckle left the former cabin boy. “And you didn’t think that your alliance with Mihawk and Crocodile wouldn’t have drawn unwanted and unsavory attention from the Marines?”
The redhead cocked his head in amusement before continuing. “If anything, you forming an alliance with those two would certainly draw far more attention than I ever could. Their antics draw nothing but attention and suspicion now that their bounties are unfrozen.”
Flushing in embarrassment over knowing that the other had a valid point, Buggy attempted to make one last valid point in his favor. “But they weren’t former Yonkos.”
“Oh, but one was a Marine hunter. Someone that was so infamous and dangerous at the time that the Marines had no other option but to make him into a warlord. Just so their numbers wouldn’t be decimated. While the other one ruled over an entire country through very complicated and immoral means, which resulted in a war that almost destroyed the country from within.” Shanks mused. “I, on the other hand, haven’t done either of those things and barely caused unnecessary tension for the Marines to begin with. So, yes. Occasionally, they might glance my way, but I know and you definitely know that I’m not at the top of their list. As opposed to your current endeavor and your associates… So, let’s try that again, Bugs.”
Huffing in irritation, Buggy attempted once more free his hands. Once again, he was met with no success and angrily glared at the other. Hopefully his glare would be enough to make the man get the hint.
Sadly, it wasn’t.
“What. Do. You. Want. Shanks?”
“To visit, of course. After all, it’s not every day that we’ve managed to cross paths.”
For good reasons. It’s been over twenty years since they last saw each other on civil terms.
At that, Buggy’s frame practically shook from holding in his impending rage. Buggy, once again, tried to pull his hand away, muscles straining with one last effort. However, Shanks’ grip tightened unexpectedly, his eyes narrowing as if anticipating the clown’s next move.
A wince was forced from the irritable clown, contorting his face in pain. Upon seeing the pained expression, Shanks froze. The emperor immediately loosened his grip, eyes widening as he recognized the excruciating tight grip he was exerting. Without any further hesitation nor instruction, he let go.
“Always the brute. I see you haven’t changed in that aspect. But you need to leave, Shanks.” The clown stated.
And for a moment, the red-haired emperor didn’t say anything for a while, expecting that.
However, he met Buggy’s eyes. “No. I have something of interest for you. Though, I would like to play a game, if you will, in order for you to get it.”
“Other than a map, which, if past experiences are anything to go by, you don’t actually have. What do you have that’s worth my time?”
The distrust was evident. Honestly, Buggy had every right to feel that way. Especially since Shanks always came out on top in their interactions. But the red-haired emperor paid it no heed, used to dealing with the other’s wariness.
“A couple of maps, surrounding the new world and its islands.” A thoughtful look appeared on Buggy’s face as he contemplated the likely chances of what game he could possibly win in if he participated. “Plus, I’ll even throw in a couple of treasure maps to sweeten the deal. Those were quite the find. A few pirate crews thought they were ready to handle an emperor’s crew, so we had to rectify that quickly.”
Upon hearing the second part, the clown’s expression shifted to one of glee. Although, he completely ignored the very last thing that Shanks had said, more so focused on the treasure map.
“However, in order to get them, we’ll have to play a game. Though the game will last for several days.”
Hearing how long the game could potentially drag out for, Buggy’s eyes widened. The clown’s wariness grew the more and more his former crewmate spoke.
Nothing ever worked out in his favor whenever Shanks was involved and proposed a bet. Somehow, the odds always landed in the other’s favor no matter what he did to tip the odds back into his favor. Personally, Buggy didn’t know how the other did it. Betting against Shanks was never truly worth the risk. Neither did it help that there was also no telling what kind of game Shanks had in mind either. So, there’s that to gamble too.
The truth is, he couldn’t win. Doesn’t matter what decision he makes. Should he decide not to participate, he’ll forfeit potential treasure maps that could prove valuable over time. However, if he gambled and failed, Shanks’s demands for compensation would be unpredictable.
Everything in him was pointing in the direction of declining the offer. But… it couldn’t hurt to try, could it?
“What is this game you had in mind?” He queried, taking on an uncharacteristic slow and uncertain voice.
A glint flashed in the red-haired emperor’s eyes, causing a knot of dread to form in Buggy’s stomach. ‘Oh no.’
Shanks moved closer until Buggy could feel nothing but Shanks’ warm body pressed against his upper half. Not being able to take the closeness, the clown sputtered and split himself into many pieces, reassembling back near his crew. His face burned a bright red, feeling the many eyes of his crew glued to him. That didn’t last for long. Within a mere second, faster than everyone, besides the red-haired pirates, could process, Shanks moved in front of Buggy.
Gasping in shock, Buggy stepped back. Upon blinking, Shanks was no longer within sight. That perception broke the second he felt himself bump into someone behind him. Startled, Buggy tried to move forward but was stopped. A strong arm wrapped around his waist, feeling stubble against his ear.
“Don’t run from me now, Buggy. I haven’t even told you about the game yet.” Feeling the deep tremor of Shanks’ voice, he felt a shudder run down his spine.
“...What’s the game, Shanks?” He finally asked.
The clown’s voice came out small and uncertain. He didn’t dare for a second to pull away, for even he knew he’ll be caught once more.
It was finally, at this moment, that Buggy remembered that they weren’t alone. Shifting his gaze over to where his subordinates were, he saw their unease. Standing with his original, close crew, Alvida seemed unsure about what was going to happen.
Darting his eyes back towards the Red-Haired Pirates, Buggy’s breath hitched as he noticed their relaxed composure. They remained unbothered and at ease. Compared to his crew, and the newly gained crewmates from Impel Down, it was a stark contrast; they were tense and looked back between red and him. Secretly, he began to wonder where Mihawk and Crocodile were. Just as quickly as that train of thought passed, he just as quickly discarded it. There was no need for another stress-inducing situation if they decided to come to the shore.
Shanks brought his attention back to him, speaking in an equally measured tone.
“The game would last for three days. Acquire a particular small brooch from me. It's a stark black little thing with a splash of fiery red, small enough to fit within your palm. It must be within your possession for a complete minute.”
Turning his head, Buggy’s face washed over in shock. That’s it? “Is that all?”
An amused smirk graced Shanks’ lips. “Not quite. No maiming, killing, or lethal injuries. If you can avoid all of those, then yes. That’s all. The game starts tomorrow, so I’ll show you the item later tonight.”
“You better promise me that you’ll be fair.” The clown warned.
The back-and-forth banter between them was as easy as breathing, resuming like no time had passed. Shanks followed suit.
“When aren’t I?” Came the swift response.
Rolling his eyes in faux annoyance, Buggy responded. “Don’t push it, Red.”
”Wouldn’t dream of it, Blue.”