Don had already sensed the use of Conqueror's Haki.
But Rayleigh still found it unbelievable that Don had mastered such an advanced technique so quickly.
"Shall we practice a little more?"
Don raised his left hand, Conqueror's Haki coiling around it, and asked lightly.
"If you say you've mastered it, then our sparring ends here," Rayleigh tightened his grip on his blade and replied.
"That's right. A future great man must keep his word," Don nodded thoughtfully.
"Though I must admit, troubling you this long… I feel a bit embarrassed."
If you were embarrassed, then don't bother an old man like me, Rayleigh thought, holding back the words.
For now, he just wanted to see this young man off.
If staying in the Sabaody Archipelago became impossible, they would have to find another place.
Don glanced at the ship in the distance, leapt high into the air, and descended toward it.
Rayleigh's gaze swept over the cluster of floating islands the broken land had become, lingering for a moment on the scarred cliffs of Red Line.
Finally… it was over.
Relieved, Rayleigh performed the same leap, heading toward the ship.
Onboard, the three watched as Don landed back on deck.
"Success?" Robin asked.
"Yes. Success!" Don nodded.
"So… we're leaving?" Robin glanced at Rayleigh, who had also returned to the ship.
"You really should leave," Rayleigh spoke first before Don could reply.
"You should know how things are in the Sabaody Archipelago right now. To avoid unnecessary trouble, the Marines have mobilized heavily," Rayleigh added, prompting Don to think.
"This time, something feels off. It seems someone is pushing the situation from the shadows. Shakky mentioned this, though details are still unclear," Rayleigh said, then sat down, showing no intention of speaking further.
From his expression, he truly was tired.
"Let's discuss more after returning," Don said, and the ship began to turn, heading back to the archipelago.
Indeed, the outskirts of Sabaody were crowded with Marines.
But perhaps Don's ship had been forewarned.
Upon noticing them, the Marines did not approach or attempt to intercept.
"Seems the Marines are definitely on alert. Probably related to that auction," Robin observed, noting the fifth Marine ship they passed on the return journey.
"Morgans!"
At her call, Don immediately grabbed his Den Den Mushi.
"Some big news?"
"Not exactly news, but I want to ask you something," Don replied.
"What is it?"
"You've heard about the auction in Sabaody, right?"
"Nothing new there. Slave auctions are common in the archipelago," Morgans answered, puzzled.
"Then who's behind organizing these slave merchants?" Don asked.
"Hmm…" Morgans hesitated, giving no answer.
"Let me guess… connected to Doflamingo?" Don asked, a glint of meaning in his eyes.
"Why would you say that?" Morgans' tone sounded strange.
"This gray market trade ties directly to your underworld. Only Doflamingo or the King of the Sea could pull something like this off."
"I didn't say anything," Morgans replied after a brief silence.
It seemed he said nothing, but in reality… he had said everything.
Don hung up, a smile spreading across his face.
"Could it be Doflamingo's doing?" Robin asked.
"According to Crocodile, although auctions happen frequently here, events of this scale are rare—sometimes nonexistent. If it's tied to Doflamingo, it's hard not to speculate," Don said with a light chuckle.
He knew Doflamingo well and understood he would not forget Don's actions in the North Blue and East Blue.
Now, with Don showing such strength, Doflamingo might not dare act directly—hence the flashy distractions.
"So, if it's his scheme… what do we do?" Robin asked, looking to Don for direction.
"Let's wait until we return," Don shook his head, withholding a direct answer.
But dealing with Doflamingo was certainly on the horizon.
He didn't bite, but he could irritate.
The ship docked at Sabaody.
Recently, few pirates dared approach the archipelago, leaving the port relatively empty.
Yet those still on the island struggled to break through the Marine blockade.
District 13.
Don paused, raising his gaze forward.
A figure approached at incredible speed.
Long, straight legs aimed a kick at Don.
The air around her crackled with explosive energy.
"Supreme Aroma Kick!"
High heels slammed into view just as a cold, commanding voice rang out.
"Hancock!" Rayleigh called out just in time.
Bang!
Don raised his arm, Armament Haki flowing, blocking the strike.
A strange force tried to penetrate his arm, but the Haki nullified it.
Boa Hancock!
Don flicked his arm, deflecting her grappling leg, observing her balanced on one leg.
Why was she here?
"Rayleigh!"
Hancock looked at Rayleigh, then at Don, a hint of confusion flashing across her face.
"You… why are you here?" Rayleigh also appeared puzzled.
"I saw the news about your clash with this one, so I came," Hancock replied immediately.
Rayleigh paused, glancing at Don.
Don's eyes lingered on Hancock, then he stepped past her.
"You handle this," Don instructed, leading Robin and the others onward.
Hancock's gaze followed Don's back, recalling the force of their previous clash. Then she turned her attention to Hawkeye.
Hawkeye ignored her entirely, walking past without a glance.
"We were just sparring," Rayleigh said, noticing Hancock standing frozen in place.
"Let's go. Return first. Your status doesn't belong here," Rayleigh added, heading toward the Bamboo Bar.
Back on the island, Shakky watched Hancock behind Rayleigh.
"You dashed out before I finished speaking," she said.
"Who do you think you are? I don't need to listen to you," Hancock replied, tilting her head back.
Hancock clearly disliked Shakky, purely because of her former status as the Nine Serpent Island's Empress.
"Something big may happen soon in Sabaody. You'd better leave," she warned.
END OF CHAPTER
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