NOVEL NEXT Chapter 62: Rayleigh
"So, where are we going first?" Tony asked, looking around the lively yet chaotic streets of the Sabaody Archipelago.
Dave replied with a confident grin, "We're heading to Grove 13. That's where we'll find our trainer."
Tony and Enel and other girls' nodded nodded, following Dave as he led them through the bustling crowds. The air was filled with a mix of curiosity and anticipation as they navigated the maze-like layout of the Archipelago. With bubbles floating around them and the faint sound of sea creatures beneath the islands, the atmosphere was both surreal and exciting.
Soon, they were in front of the bar, 'Rip-off bar'
"What a name" Tony mumbled seeing it as Dave shrugged and entered inside.
Inside the bar, people bustled about until Dave released his Conqueror's Haki at full strength. "Scram," he commanded, his voice echoing with authority. Instantly, the patrons fled, leaving only the bar's owner, Shakky.
"You just scared off my customers, and some still owe their bills," Shakky remarked dryly, taking a puff from her cigarette. She watched Dave as he approached the bar and set down two beautiful glass vials on the counter.
"It's called the Elixir of Youth. Whoever drinks it will revert to their mid-twenties," Dave said with a smirk. Shakky raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"And what exactly do you want in return?" she asked, eyeing the vials.
"I want my crew to train on Amazon Lily," Dave replied, nodding toward Emma and the others, who waited patiently behind him. "One vial's a gift for you, and the other's for us."
Shakky glanced between the vials and the crew, considering his request. She finally nodded, a hint of amusement in her gaze. "Alright. I'll make it happen."
Just then, the door opened, and Rayleigh stepped in, his presence filling the room.
Dave gave a respectful nod. "Please, accept these as a gift, Master Rayleigh," he offered. Rayleigh looked at the vials with a curious smile, wondering where he got them.
These vials were spoils Dave had gained from defeating a powerful pirate he'd encountered en route, and he hoped they would rejuvenate the old man, and he would fight during the war.
"Where did you get this from?" Rayleigh asked looking at vial.
"Devil fruit" Dave simpler replied as Rayleigh nodded, the Sea is vast, it's no surprise if new Devil fruits were to be discovered.
Rayleigh uncorked the vial and drank it in one swift gulp. Shakky watched him in astonishment, wondering why he trusted the elixir so easily. But as she stared, her eyes widened in disbelief: Rayleigh's silver hair and beard began to regain a deep golden hue, and the wrinkles on his face smoothed out, revealing the legendary Pirate King right hand man in his prime.
"This…?" Shakky gasped, glancing at the remaining vial. Without hesitation, she uncorked it and drank, eager to see if it was truly real. Within moments, her skin regained its youthful glow, and her energy felt revitalized.
Rayleigh stretched, feeling the strength and vigor of his younger self. "It's been a while since I felt this alive." He smiled as he looked at Dave " I guess, I should thank you for this, Roger's Apprentice"
Shakky looked at Dave, finally grasping why he had offered them such powerful vials rather than trading them with the Marines for a fortune. "So, Roger had an apprentice… he hid you well," she said thoughtfully.
"He also has a son," Dave replied, making Shakky raise her brows. "Wasn't he killed in the brutal hunt that targeted babies and mothers after Roger's death?" she asked, recalling the grim history.
Dave shook his head, explaining how Ace's mother had endured an extended pregnancy, hiding her son until he could be born safely.
Rayleigh closed his eyes, nodding solemnly as he took in the story. "I see," he said quietly, though his calm words held an undercurrent of overwhelming emotion. "Roger surrendered, hoping his family could live… but those bastards… I was old and powerless back then. But now, I'll sail once again."
"Then how about joining me?" Dave offered, testing if he could convince the legendary pirate to stand by his side.
Rayleigh chuckled heartily. "Haha, you and your master… never letting an old man rest, are you?"
Beside him, Shakky laughed as well. "Guess I'm getting back on the seas too. I've been slacking off here, but perhaps it's time I took to the waves again," she said with a smirk.
Dave smiled, nodding at the newfound energy in them both. "It'll be an honor to sail alongside legends."
Rayleigh and Shakky exchanged glances, both sensing something different in Dave's approach. "Should I coat your ship for the journey?" Rayleigh asked, raising a brow, but Dave shook his head confidently. "That won't be necessary," he replied.
Rayleigh looked intrigued but didn't question further. He simply stayed silent, waiting to see how Dave planned to cross the Red Line without the traditional coating.
"So, when are we leaving?" Shakky asked, glancing around. "I'll need to close up here."
Dave nodded thoughtfully. "I want to explore this place a bit, then we'll set sail for the New World. I also have one last vial of youth elixir, which I plan to give to Whitebeard."
Rayleigh's face softened, nodding in approval. "Yes, that old guy will definitely be interested."
Shakky's eyes glinted as she asked, "By the way, you're planning to intervene in Ace's execution, right?"
Dave nodded resolutely. "Of course."
"Good. If you hadn't, I'd have abandoned you now," Rayleigh replied with a smirk. Knowing that Ace was Roger's son, Rayleigh's resolve was clear—he would fight, especially now that he was back in his prime.
"Is that how you're planning to gain Whitebeard's support?" Shakky inquired.
"Exactly. Now, train my crew here while I go explore the archipelago," Dave said, about to head out.
But Tony chimed in, sounding slightly uneasy, "Something's off. Dave's never shown much interest in sightseeing, yet he's keen on exploring this island. I think there might be more to it."
Rayleigh and Shakky exchanged wary looks, nodding in agreement.
"I suppose Roger's apprentice isn't as peaceful as him," Shakky remarked, shaking her head.
Rayleigh chuckled, standing up. "I'll follow him to make sure he's safe. If he gets into any trouble, I'll be there to help."
With that, Rayleigh left, determined to watch over this young, ambitious pirate who seemed ready to challenge the world.
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