"Times are changing. Everything in this world can shift in the most unexpected moments. It seems even Roger's words could be wrong at times.
Hahaha, why am I even overthinking this? That fool Roger made plenty of wrong decisions during our voyages.
When taking the left route would have safely led us to the island, he insisted on going right—only to encounter a Knock-Up Stream.
When sailing normally would have gotten us to the island a week early, he just had to challenge someone to a fishing contest—only to arrive just in time to see that bastard Shiki robbing civilians.
And when refusing to turn himself in could have protected his wife and son, that idiot still chose to surrender and start the so-called 'Great Pirate Era'... What a complete and utter fool!"
As Rayleigh spoke, tears slowly streamed down his face.
Jake, hearing this, offered gentle consolation.
"Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King, was also someone trying to save this world. Like me, he wanted to make it a better place. I respect him, but I don't agree with his methods or prophecies.
The only ones who can truly save the people of this world are the people themselves—not some mythical Sun God or pure heroism."
Listening to Jake's words, Rayleigh turned his head and downed the entire contents of his flask in one gulp before saying.
"You're absolutely right! Pure heroism is no longer a viable path! Hahaha, it's been ages since I've felt this happy! Shakky, lend me some money—I'm going to get these two youngsters the finest ship!"
Shakky gave him a resigned glance, exhaled a puff of smoke, and chuckled.
"You know, the debt you owe me is already beyond repayment in this lifetime."
"Hahaha, no worries! I'll just sell myself a few more times when the time comes."
"At your age, you'd have to sell yourself many, many times to pay me back."
The two bantered back and forth, filling the air with laughter.
Meanwhile, Jake smiled at Rayleigh before shaking his head and saying.
"Rayleigh-san, I'm afraid you won't get the chance to sell yourself that many times. After returning from Fish-Man Island this time, I plan to shut down all human auction houses on Sabaody Archipelago—banning the trafficking of not just humans, but also rare races like fish-men, giants, and oni."
Hearing this, Rayleigh's expression turned stunned once more.
"You... truly never cease to amaze me. I don't think I've ever been this shocked in my entire life. But if you can really pull this off, I'd gladly spend my days earning money by building houses for people. Hahaha!"
Amid their laughter, the partnership between Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral Jake and the Pirate King's right-hand man, Rayleigh, was officially formed.
.....
Half a day later, Rayleigh stood at the harbor, gazing at the freshly coated ship, and grinned at Jake.
"You'll be taking this vessel down shortly. This ship is specifically designed for travel to and from Fishman Island, boasting top-tier stability and safety among all the ships on the island. As long as you don't intentionally damage it, there won't be any issues whatsoever.
However, I must warn you—there are truly massive creatures lurking in these depths. Compared to those monsters, this ship might not even be the size of one of their teeth. If you encounter such a creature, the chances of you perishing underwater are very high. Are you sure you don't want me to accompany you down there?"
At this, Jake shook his head with a smile and replied.
"Don't worry, Rayleigh-san. Although I'm a Marine Headquarters rear admiral, most vice admirals aren't my match. I'm confident I can return safely from this Fish-Man Island trip."
Hearing this, Rayleigh suddenly looked at Jake with sudden realization, then said in a teasing tone.
"That vice admiral at Marine Headquarters you can't beat... is his name Garp?"
"It seems you know Garp quite well."
"Hahaha, that old bastard is still a vice admiral? Who stays a vice admiral for nearly thirty or forty years? If you could defeat him, you'd be practically no different from the fleet admiral.
But to think there'd come a day when I'd be working for the Marines, even helping you gather evidence of other Marines' crimes. This world is getting crazier by the day. Even now, everything I've experienced today feels like a dream."
As Rayleigh sighed, Jake was about to say something when he was interrupted by a ringing sound.
"Brrrring brrrring, brrrring brrrring."
The Den Den Mushi kept calling.
Jake softly said to Rayleigh.
"Rayleigh-san, I need to take this call. It's from Whitebeard. If you want to catch up with him, feel free to listen."
Before Rayleigh could respond, Jake had already answered the call.
"Gurararara! Jake, you brat, are you already on your way to Fish-Man Island?"
"Not yet. We're looking for Rayleigh-san to coat our ship."
"Rayleigh? That blonde bastard who used to run with Roger?"
Whitebeard's description made Rayleigh pause for a moment.
Staring at his now almost completely white hair while listening to the familiar voice from the Den Den Mushi, it was as if he'd been transported back to those days.
"Blond bastard? If you saw me now, you'd call me a white-haired bastard."
Hearing this, Rayleigh instantly flashed next to Jake, flicked him lightly on the forehead, and said into the Den Den Mushi.
"Whitebeard, you bastard—when I saw you last time, you'd already lost all your hair! Now you're just left with that beard! In a couple years when that falls out too, you should rename your crew the No-Beard Pirates!"
As soon as Rayleigh finished speaking, laughter erupted from the other end—clearly chaotic, indicating many people were listening and had heard Rayleigh's teasing.
Whitebeard laughed heartily and retorted.
"You bastard! Next time you come to the New World, I'll sink you to the bottom of the sea! But it seems you and Jake have already worked things out. That's good—another chance to meet up with old comrades."
"Whitebeard, after all this time apart, you've gotten sentimental."
"Gurararara! If I'm going to get sentimental, I'll save my tears for when you die."