Chapter 254: Zephyr’s Disaster!

In Shakky's Rip-Off Bar, Rayleigh and Shanks sat across from each other while Yasopp and the others gathered around Shakky, peppering her with questions about Rayleigh's life over the years. After all, Rayleigh was a living legend!

Although their initial reunion had been awkward and embarrassing, it didn't diminish Rayleigh's legendary status. Shanks had always talked him up, constantly bragging about how incredible Rayleigh was and comparing everyone to him. Now, with the opportunity to meet the man himself, how could they not seize the chance to ask all their burning questions?

Rayleigh had been worried at first that Shakky might spill all his embarrassing secrets. However, since Shakky hadn't initially realized that Shanks and Rayleigh knew each other, she hadn't said anything incriminating. Now that she understood their connection, she naturally protected his dignity, much to Rayleigh's relief.

Shanks, meanwhile, pulled out his wallet, placed it on the table, and slid it over to Rayleigh. Looking a bit embarrassed, he said, "Deputy Captain, this is my compensation."

Rayleigh's expression darkened as he replied, "Shanks, who do you take me for? That was just me fooling around, having some fun. Do you really think I did it for the money?"

Shanks watched as Rayleigh casually pocketed the wallet and felt helpless. "When you say it like that, you're not convincing at all…"

Rayleigh cleared his throat, clearly trying to mask his slight embarrassment. "Ahem. Anyway, it's been years since we last saw each other. Where's Buggy? He's not with you?"

Before the crew reached Laugh Tale, Buggy had fallen seriously ill and couldn't handle the rough journey any longer. For his safety, he stayed behind on an island, and Shanks, as Buggy's good friend, had stayed with him to take care of him.

That was the last time either of them had seen Rayleigh and the others. Later, both Shanks and Buggy were present for Roger's execution in Loguetown.

Because of Buggy's illness, neither he nor Shanks had reached Laugh Tale. Even so, they'd learned enough about the final island that finding it again someday didn't seem impossible.

At Rayleigh's question, Shanks shook his head nostalgically. "We were in Loguetown, giving Captain Roger his sendoff. Afterward, I invited Buggy to join me in forming a pirate crew, but he refused. Said he wanted to go his own way."

"Really? When I see you, I always think of him. I miss him," Rayleigh said with a smile.

"I heard he started a pirate crew in East Blue," Shanks said. "I spent a long time wandering around East Blue but never ran into him. I don't know if he was avoiding me or what. Honestly, I feel like Buggy has some kind of grudge against me. Do you think I'm imagining things?"

Rayleigh rolled his eyes. "An illusion? You're seriously asking that?"

They didn't dwell too much on Buggy, and the conversation shifted. Curious, Rayleigh asked, "So why are you here in the Sabaody Archipelago? I heard you were causing a lot of trouble in the New World not long ago. What did you do to make Garp chase you?"

Rayleigh assumed Shanks had been stirring up trouble for the Marines or the World Government. Shanks grinned and said, "It's a big misunderstanding. Here's what happened…"

After explaining everything, Rayleigh was stunned. Shanks had really stepped in it this time. Convincing Garp's grandson to become a pirate? No wonder Garp was after him—it was enough to drive anyone crazy!

Seeing Rayleigh's surprised expression, Shanks laughed awkwardly and said, "It was honestly a misunderstanding. I didn't know Luffy was Garp's son at the time…"

"It's his grandson," Beckman corrected suddenly.

Rayleigh chuckled, shaking his head at the absurdity of it all.

The world truly worked in strange ways.

Roger's son, Ace, had been taken in by Claudius and would likely grow up to serve the World Government. Meanwhile, Garp's grandson, Luffy, was dead set on becoming a pirate. The children of these two old rivals had essentially swapped allegiances, it was a poetic twist of fate.

"So you're here on Sabaody to lay low for a while?" Rayleigh asked.

Shanks nodded. "Yeah. Garp probably thinks I fled deeper into the New World, but I did the opposite and came here instead. Once things cool down, I'll head back."

Rayleigh nodded in agreement, and Shanks took a sip of his drink before speaking again.

"I've been through Sabaody plenty of times, but I never imagined you'd be living here, Deputy Captain. It's surprising, honestly. You're living so close to the World Government's base aren't you worried? This is Mariejois's backyard, after all. You've got guts, I'll give you that," Shanks said with admiration.

Rayleigh looked a bit embarrassed but explained, "Well, I haven't exactly been hiding from the World Government. I've helped them out a bit here and there, so I've got some cover. As long as I don't stir up trouble, they leave me alone."

Shanks froze. "Wait a second. You actually helped the World Government? What the hell?"

Rayleigh quickly clarified, "Don't get the wrong idea. I don't work for them or anything. I just have a personal connection with someone high up."

"Someone high up?" Shanks asked, intrigued.

Rayleigh smiled and said, "Yeah. It's someone we crossed paths with a long time ago, a Celestial Dragon Roger nearly invited to join our crew."

"Donquixote Claudius?" Shanks asked in surprise.

"Exactly. That's him," Rayleigh confirmed.

"That guy's no joke. He's captured some of the biggest pirates out there. I'm surprised you're friends with someone like him, Deputy Captain," Shanks said, clearly surprised.

"Well, when I first saw him here, I thought he'd come to capture me. But it turned out he wasn't here for that. He's actually a pretty interesting person," Rayleigh said with a chuckle.

He considered mentioning Ace but decided it wasn't necessary to bring it up.

Having a friend like Rayleigh on the Sabaody Archipelago made it feel like a safe haven for Shanks and his crew. They weren't in any rush to leave.

The Red Hair Pirates weren't known for strict schedules or elaborate plans they thrived on freedom and spontaneity. For now, they were happy to relax and enjoy their time with Rayleigh.

---

Meanwhile, aboard the Prometheus, Claudius received a call from Spandine.

Holding the Den Den Mushi in his hand, Claudius looked surprised, though anger simmered just beneath the surface.

"The news hasn't leaked, has it?" Claudius asked in a low voice.

Spandine, sensing Claudius's displeasure, quickly replied, "We've already detained all the reporters from the World Economy News Paper. Nothing has leaked, Your Highness. You can rest assured."

"Good," Claudius said, his tone softening slightly. "How is Zephyr?"

Spandine hesitated before answering. "The situation isn't good. It looks like he's lost an arm…"

Claudius frowned deeply. Zephyr, a former Admiral, had been attacked by pirates while protecting Marine recruits during a training exercise. Losing to pirates, even while protecting others, was a serious blow to his reputation. Claudius valued Zephyr and was determined to safeguard his honor.

"What about the recruits?" Claudius asked.

"Garp arrived in time to rescue them. Zephyr… Zephyr put his life on the line to protect the recruits. Thanks to his efforts, the casualties were minimal. They were incredibly lucky," Spandine reported.

"I see. Track down any information you can on Whitebeard Jr. That b*****d must pay for this…" Claudius said, his voice cold and full of fury.