Aus wandered through the New World.
Sightseeing. Catching some memorable moments along the way. Mostly because he'd worked through his issues—dealt with the two characters that annoyed him most.
Yamato and Momonosuke.
Sure, he hadn't killed them. But playing the long game was more fun, wasn't it?
While Aus roamed the New World, the rest of his crew's journeys continued elsewhere.
Sabaody Archipelago.
The bustling red-light district constantly drew fresh-faced pirates.
Some played it smart. Others didn't know their place—thought a pair of fists could punch their way to fame.
But without exception, they all learned just how vast the seas really were.
And the area's powerful stability? That was thanks to one legendary figure—a middle-aged blonde man sitting at the bar, drinking rum.
Well-traveled seafarers might recognize him.
The man who'd retired years ago. Who no longer sailed the seas.
The Pirate King's right hand.
Named after an ancient weapon. Known as the Dark King.
Silvers Rayleigh!
After Roger disbanded the crew and Aus, Shanks, and others began making waves, Rayleigh had kept a certain level of fame—unlike the other crew members who'd vanished completely. After all, he had to watch Aus's territory.
His payment? Just some Belly and free access to everything on Sabaody.
But for an old man like him, that was plenty.
Food, lodging, shopping—Rayleigh barely spent a cent on Sabaody.
The job was simple.
Just clean up the "Supernovas" who either didn't know the Black Emperor's name, or knew it but got hot-headed enough to think they could replace Aus.
This approach was admittedly high-profile. Different from Roger's original condition about keeping a low profile.
The World Government had taken notice.
But after a closer look—
Oh, he's just making a living on Aus's turf.
Never mind then.
Though his actions and reputation pushed the limits, the World Government turned a blind eye thanks to Aus's reputation.
After all, Rayleigh was helping them eliminate plenty of unstable elements on the seas.
This also meant plenty of people who'd heard about the Pirate King's right hand came here hoping to see the legendary figure in person.
"That blonde guy—that's the legendary vice-captain of the Pirate King, Dark King Rayleigh, right?"
"Should be."
"Looks like some coating mechanic. Pretty ordinary old guy."
"Don't be fooled by appearances. Rumor says he's killed at least eight hundred troublemakers, if not a thousand!"
"He was the Black Emperor's vice-captain. No level of terrifying would be surprising!"
Inside the bar, everyone who recognized Rayleigh watched him with reverent fear.
Normally, pirates of his caliber dominated the seas.
No way they'd casually drink in some ordinary bar alongside regular folks.
"Hah~"
Shakky exhaled smoke, leaning lazily against the counter. Watching the pirates who'd come seeking fame, her lips curved slightly.
"Didn't know you had this use. Business is way up."
Rayleigh just shrugged helplessly and smiled.
"These greenhorn brats better not cry when they can't pay their tab."
But despite his reputation, hotheads never stopped coming.
Just like how even the Four Emperors faced constant challengers. Supernovas always felt invincible.
"Hey! Dark King Rayleigh! We'll use your head to mark our Workhorse Pirates' entry into the New World!"
Under the shocked gazes of other pirates, a crew of not-too-bright pirates charged forward with blades and guns.
Rayleigh just sat at the bar like any ordinary old man, hands supporting his drink.
"We'll take your head!"
Crack—
Black-red lightning exploded.
BOOM—
Bang bang bang—
A black blur flashed. Rayleigh looked like he hadn't moved at all. Those reckless fools went flying, crashing to the ground motionless.
Someone quickly dragged them away.
If they were dead, that was that.
If they weren't? Time to become actual workhorses.
"As expected of Dark King Rayleigh! Couldn't even see that move!"
The silent bar echoed only with Rayleigh's drinking. Every pirate held their breath, watching him with terrified eyes.
He'd gotten used to this life long ago.
Drinking. Getting massages. Strolling through Sabaody's markets now and then.
Middle-aged and already living the retirement dream.
Glug glug...
He drained his glass.
"Same as always."
Shakky collected the bottle, marking something in her little notebook.
"Still charging it to Aus, right?"
"Of course. This expensive booze? I can't afford to pay you, Shakky."
Rayleigh laughed.
Just as Rayleigh was about to order another bottle and really enjoy himself, a figure walked straight through the entrance.
Not just that—heading directly toward Rayleigh's back.
"Look! Another fool who doesn't know his place!"
"Looks young. Probably just set sail. Heh heh..."
But some of the more experienced ones saw the figure. Their eyes widened instantly. Mouths hanging open, speechless.
The young man walked right up beside Ra
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
Read up to (50+ ) advanced chapters on Patre\on
Visit us here: patreon.com/DarkGolds
Happy reading, everyone!