( shanks huffs a laugh, settling into a chair near luffy. )

You might be onto something there, Luffy. ( but shanks isn't here to talk about treasure hidden in books, and he can tell there's something much more pressing nagging at luffy. his expression turns thoughtful as luffy considers what he wants to say, the question he clearly wants to ask.

it doesn't necessarily take shanks off guard, but he does have to wonder what prompted the need for advice. luffy's always been resourceful, confident, fearless. and during the time shanks has spent with luffy's crew, he's found them to be almost blindingly loyal. what sort of captain advice could luffy possibly need from shanks? )

I'd say this place is beyond the scope of our promise. ( a gentle smile, reassuring. ) Advice is the least I can give, captain to captain.