Chapter 21: Our Captain Is Entrusted to You!
Chapter 21: Our Captain Is Entrusted to You!
"If you could go anywhere in the world... where would you want to go?"
Bartholomew Kuma suddenly appeared in front of Portgas D. Ace, expressionless as always, removing his gloves while asking the question in a calm, detached tone.
Bang!
Before Ace could respond, Kuma slapped him with his massive paw—and in the next instant, Ace vanished into thin air.
Having teleported Ace away, Kuma next appeared between Admiral Aokiji and Silvers Rayleigh with a swish. The sudden appearance startled both of them, causing the seasoned fighters to instinctively retreat and keep their distance.
"You must be the 'Dark King'... Silvers Rayleigh," Kuma said quietly as he took a step forward.
"Bartholomew Kuma?" Rayleigh frowned, his grip tightening on his sword, but stopped short when Kuma whispered into his ear:
"I am not your enemy."
Rayleigh's hand froze mid-draw. Kuma leaned in again and whispered:
"I've sent Ace to Skypiea. If you want to find him, you'll know where to look."
"…As a Shichibukai, you expect me to just trust your word?" Rayleigh muttered, skeptical.
"That man won't appear on the seas for a while. Whether you believe me is your choice," Kuma replied with indifference, then turned and walked away.
"Ahh... Bartholomew Kuma," Aokiji called out, halting his steps. "As a Warlord of the Sea, what are you doing here? Teleporting a high-value criminal wanted by the World Government—are you prepared to explain yourself?"
"As long as it's not a direct order from the World Government, the Seven Warlords of the Sea are not obligated to report to the Marines," Kuma said flatly. "I don't owe you an explanation."
With that, Kuma walked past Aokiji without another word, disappearing from sight.
"This is such a headache," Aokiji muttered, scratching his head. "I've said it before—the Shichibukai system can't be trusted."
He turned toward the Marines waiting on the shore.
"Hey—who's in charge here?"
A Marine stepped forward briskly and saluted. "Rear Admiral Atlans, reporting, sir!"
"Ala la... alright then, Rear Admiral Atlans. The prisoner's escaped. Mission's over. Withdraw the troops."
"Withdraw? But General Aokiji, what about Silvers Rayleigh?" Atlans asked nervously, glancing at the legendary pirate nearby. "That's Pluton himself."
"That's the 'Dark King' Silvers Rayleigh. Even I can't capture him unless I'm fully prepared," Aokiji said casually. "Let it go."
With that, Aokiji turned and left without looking back.
Rayleigh watched him go, a small smile tugging at his lips before he too disappeared into the shadows of the Sabaody Archipelago.
None of the elite Marines dared to make a move.
---
A Small Island Near Sabaody Archipelago
The Spade Pirates' ship was anchored off a small island, a designated rendezvous point agreed upon by Ace and Rayleigh in advance.
The crew, including Gambia and other officers, stood at the railing, looking anxiously toward the archipelago. Their captain had yet to return.
Soon, a small boat approached. Standing on it was a white-haired old man radiating strength and poise—Silvers Rayleigh.
"Who's that old guy? He's headed straight for us. Should we drive him off?" a crew member asked.
"Shut it," Gambia barked. "That man is Captain Ace's master—the legendary 'Dark King' Silvers Rayleigh!"
"Silvers Rayleigh?! The Pirate King's right-hand man?!"
Gasps rang out from the crew. Even senior members like Worras were stunned.
"That's the man who stood beside Gol D. Roger…"
"The legendary 'Right Arm of the Pirate King'—he's Captain Ace's teacher?!"
"That means Captain Ace... could really become Pirate King!"
"He always said he would!"
"Long live Captain Ace!"
"Long live the future Pirate King!"
The crew's excitement built, their minds racing ahead to a future where Ace wore the crown of the Grand Line.
Rayleigh finally reached the Spade's deck, hopping aboard with a relaxed smile.
"Hello. You must be Ace's crewmates?" he asked.
"Yes, Master Rayleigh!" they chorused in unison, standing at attention.
"Haha, no need for 'Master.' I'm just an old man." Rayleigh chuckled and looked toward Gambia. "You have Ace's Vivre Card, right?"
"Yes!" Gambia immediately pulled out the piece of paper and handed it over. "Master Rayleigh—where is our captain?"
Rayleigh studied the Vivre Card. Its tip fluttered slightly upward in the breeze.
"He's on Skypiea now," Rayleigh said after a pause. "There was an incident on the Sabaody Archipelago. I had Kuma send him away in advance. I'm heading there now to meet him. You're welcome to follow—but…"
Rayleigh's eyes swept over the crew.
"…as Ace's partners, you're still far too weak. I recommend taking this year to train. Otherwise, when Ace returns to the seas, you'll find yourselves unable to keep up."
Rayleigh didn't suggest they accompany him to Skypiea—he lacked the energy to train so many at once, and their varied abilities made unified instruction difficult.
The Spade Pirates fell silent, understanding the truth in his words.
"…We understand." Gambia nodded. "Then Master Rayleigh—how long do you expect Captain Ace to train with you?"
"About a year, give or take," Rayleigh estimated.
"One year…" Gambia's eyes grew resolute. "Then please tell Captain Ace—one year from now, we'll be right here, waiting for his return."
Rayleigh nodded with a smile. "I'll tell him."
Suddenly, Gambia and the rest of the crew stood tall, then bowed deeply to Rayleigh.
"Master Rayleigh, we entrust our captain to you!!"
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