At Rayleigh's enthusiastic invitation, Lin Mo reluctantly followed him to a certain tavern.
Looking at the bartender wiping the counter, Lin Mo was speechless.
Sure enough.
Rayleigh had brought him back to the same tavern where he bought the rum earlier...
"You again, kid..." The bartender hadn't finished his sentence when his eyes landed on the hooded man who walked in with Lin Mo.
Rayleigh removed his hood and smiled. "Boss, long time no see."
"You… you're Rayleigh?" the bartender exclaimed in shock. "Mr. Rayleigh, if I remember right, you haven't been to Loguetown in years?"
"That's right. It's been five years." Rayleigh led Lin Mo to the counter and sat down.
The bartender immediately poured him a glass of rum, eyes misty. "You're back in Loguetown because of that reason, right?"
Rayleigh downed the drink in one go, wiped his mouth, and smiled. "That's right. Roger's death anniversary is coming up. I'm here to remember him."
"Eh… is it really okay to say that out loud?" The bartender glanced worriedly at Lin Mo.
Rayleigh waved dismissively. "It's fine. This kid can be trusted."
"Huh? You know this kid?" the bartender asked in surprise.
Rayleigh glanced at Lin Mo and smiled. "It's our first meeting today, but I trust Shanks's judgment. He wouldn't praise the wrong person."
Lin Mo: "..."
He replied flatly, "So… you just plan to have me watch you drink?"
Rayleigh blinked, then laughed heartily. "Haha! Boss, more drinks! Put it all on my tab!"
"Alright." The bartender nodded and placed several bottles on the counter.
The old man and the young man sat side by side, drinking heartily and enjoying themselves.
By noon...
Seeing the empty tavern, Rayleigh asked curiously, "We've been drinking for hours—how come there haven't been any other customers?"
The bartender sighed. "Ever since Roger's death, business has declined. Maybe it's the name of the bar. Folks in town avoid coming here now. Only pirates who admired Roger occasionally visit, but ever since a marine named Smoker got stationed here, even the pirates stopped coming."
Hearing this, the bartender's face darkened with melancholy.
Rayleigh stared at him silently for a while...
Then suddenly burst out laughing again.
Just as he was about to pat Lin Mo on the shoulder—
Lin Mo shifted slightly and dodged it.
A hint of surprise flashed in Rayleigh's eyes, but he withdrew his hand with a smile. "Kid, got anything to do this afternoon?"
Lin Mo gave him an exasperated look and shook his head.
Rayleigh grinned. "If you're free, how about going hunting with me?"
Lin Mo gave him a strange look.
Hunting?
What's this guy up to again...?
But then again, maybe going along could trigger progress on one of his sign-in missions.
Without much thought, Lin Mo nodded. "Sure."
Rayleigh turned to the bartender. "I'll pay for the drinks tonight."
The bartender quickly waved him off. "No, no, how can I charge you? This round is on me."
"That won't do." Rayleigh stood up and looked at Lin Mo. "Let's go, Lin Mo."
"Mm." Lin Mo calmly hopped off the stool and followed Rayleigh out of the tavern.
They walked to the busiest street in Loguetown.
Watching the bustling crowd, Rayleigh smiled. "Loguetown is the closest town to the Grand Line. Lin Mo, you planning to head there next?"
Lin Mo answered calmly, "Yeah."
Rayleigh continued, "I met Shanks at the entrance to the Grand Line. He praised you to the skies—I thought he was exaggerating, but it seems I was wrong. You might have even more talent than I imagined."
Lin Mo: "?"
What is this guy even talking about?
Rayleigh smiled. "From the moment I saw you, I knew you were different. Judging by that wooden sword at your waist, you must be a swordsman. The most important trait for a powerful swordsman is a calm heart. Over the years, I've met many powerful swordsmen, but very few truly have a heart as still as water. You're the youngest I've met with the potential to become a swordmaster."
Lin Mo: "And?"
Rayleigh laughed. "Shanks said you awakened all three types of Haki, and at a high level. If that's true, then 'little monster' suits you perfectly."
Lin Mo replied blankly, "What are you trying to say?"
Rayleigh smiled. "I can tell you're someone who yearns for freedom. Being a traveler is a fine path. But no one can predict the future—what you'll face, who you'll meet. Staying true to yourself, living how you want... it's hard. But I hope you can do it."
So... what is Rayleigh trying to do?
Lin Mo was beginning to regret agreeing to this hunting trip...
Seeing Lin Mo's exasperated face, Rayleigh burst out laughing. "Haha! Guess I talked too much. How about this—we'll make it a contest, Lin Mo. Let's see who can capture more bounty targets! If you win, I'll grant you one request. If I win, just treat me to a drink. How about it?"
It seemed like a win-win either way.
So what was the point of this bet?
Lin Mo really didn't get what Rayleigh was up to.
But still, it wasn't a bad idea.
He was low on cash, and bounty hunting was a fast way to earn some Beli.
With that in mind, Lin Mo nodded, agreeing to the challenge.
Rayleigh grinned. "Then let's give ourselves two hours. After two hours, we meet back here and compare."
"Alright."
"Then let's begin!"
As soon as Rayleigh said that, he vanished with a "whoosh."
Lin Mo's eyes narrowed.
So fast!
He hadn't even seen Rayleigh move.
No wonder they call him the Dark King.
Impressive.
Alright then—it was time for him to start too!
Lin Mo quickly searched for some bounty posters.
With the help of Observation Haki, he quickly began tracking down his targets.
In just one hour, he'd captured five bounty criminals.
As he spotted his sixth target and was about to make a move—
A sudden loud explosion echoed from the direction of the port.