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"You all go have fun first! I'm going to meet the local power broker," Auguro offered proactively.
The women were quite looking forward to exploring the Sabaody Archipelago, so Auguro didn't plan to start the violence immediately. He intended to first visit the two retired veterans living on the island and gather some intelligence.
"Power broker?" Robin was immediately intrigued.
"Who is it?"
Auguro didn't hide it.
"The Right Hand of the Pirate King, Silvers Rayleigh!"
The name sent a small shockwave through Robin.
"Such a prominent figure is living in seclusion here? Right under the nose of the Marines?" Robin was astonished.
Auguro shrugged.
"In fact, the Marines probably know."
"It's just that the cost of capturing Rayleigh is too high, and since he genuinely retired and stayed out of world affairs, the Marines turn a blind eye."
"Of course, Roger must have made conditions when he surrendered, ensuring his crew's safety."
"The Pirate King surrendered?" This time, not just Robin, but Nami also cried out in disbelief. Capturing the Pirate King was the World Government's biggest achievement which they constantly promoted!
Auguro chuckled dismissively.
"The World Government, what else? They always take credit for everything!"
Hearing that such a legendary figure was nearby, Robin immediately decided to accompany him. Auguro knew she wanted to ask about the Poneglyphs and the Void Century.
However, Auguro, having read the source material, knew Robin wouldn't settle for answers given by others. She wanted to use her own hands to uncover the truth. That's the mark of a true scholar.
As for the others, they weren't interested in Rayleigh and decided to go shopping!
Auguro and Robin headed for Island 13, where Rayleigh's tavern, Shakky's Rip-Off Bar, was located. The rest of the crew went to the shopping district on Island 30.
Inside Shakky's Rip-Off Bar.
An old man with a full head of white hair was sitting by the bar, reading a newspaper. The short-haired proprietress was boredly wiping glasses.
Finally, Shakky couldn't help but roll her eyes.
"You old man, you've been eating and drinking for free here for days! Why don't you hurry up and earn some money?"
Rayleigh scratched his hair sheepishly, giving her a flattering smile.
"Shakky, don't rush me! I'll find a target soon!"
"Sigh! I don't know what's going on, but several auction houses have stopped buying slaves lately! It's tough to earn a quick buck!" Rayleigh ended with a long sigh.
Shakky's eyes almost rolled out of her head. Whenever Rayleigh lost money gambling, he would sell himself to the auction house. After being purchased, he would rob the buyer, calling it "earning side money." His method of making money was truly unique!
Ding-a-ling!
The bar door suddenly opened. Shakky immediately put on a warm smile.
"Welcome!"
Auguro stepped in and immediately spotted Rayleigh, who exuded a languid aura. If he hadn't read the source material, it would be hard to believe this unreliable old man was the renowned Dark King Rayleigh!
"What can I get for you two?" Shakky asked with a smile.
Auguro stated directly, "Proprietress, I need intelligence on the slave traders of the Sabaody Archipelago!"
Shakky's Rip-Off Bar's true business was information brokerage. Hearing Auguro's request, Shakky lit a lady's cigarette.
She looked at Auguro and smiled.
"I didn't expect the esteemed Lord Soul King of the Holy Spirit Empire to concern himself with slave traders!"
Auguro smiled. "Truly worthy of Proprietress Shakky! You know everything that happens without leaving the Sabaody Archipelago!"
"Hehe! You flatter me, Your Majesty!" Shakky accepted Auguro's compliment gracefully.
"In that case, I won't charge His Majesty for this information!"
"Consider it my thanks on behalf of those slaves!"
"Haha! I'll gladly accept your kindness!" Auguro readily accepted Shakky's goodwill.
As the two conversed, Robin's gaze remained fixed on Rayleigh. The current Robin was no longer the inexperienced scholar from the original timeline. She had mastered both Observation and Armament Haki.
Though unsure, she could vaguely sense the terrifying aura within Rayleigh. Linking this to Auguro's mention of Rayleigh's seclusion, Robin had a rough idea of his identity.
"Are you Rayleigh-san?" Robin asked softly.
Rayleigh was startled, then smiled wryly.
"I'm just a retired old man; I'm no 'san' (sir)."
"Haha! He even knows Rayleigh's whereabouts! His Majesty's intelligence network is quite capable!" Shakky watched the exchange with amusement. Neither of them sensed any malice from Auguro.
Auguro noticed that the newspaper Rayleigh was reading contained a new wanted poster. It was Luffy's picture!
"That's a decent bounty! It seems even without a few whetstones, the rise of the Protaganist is unstoppable!" Auguro mused inwardly.
Robin, meanwhile, was eager to ask, "Rayleigh-san, did you learn the full truth of history on the Final Island?"
Rayleigh looked at Robin and smiled.
"An archaeologist from Ohara? Yes! We certainly learned the truth of history on the Final Island!"
Robin asked anxiously, "Then what exactly is the truth of history? Why was Ohara destroyed for researching history?"
At this point, Auguro interjected.
"Robin! I think it's more appropriate for you to find the real answer yourself!"
"After all, someone else's answer will always carry their own subjective bias and may not be accurate."
"You went through all that trouble to earn your archaeologist title just to find the truth personally, didn't you?"
Hearing this, Robin froze, then her face broke into a radiant smile.
"You're right! Finding the truth myself is the duty of an archaeologist!"
Robin's gaze toward Auguro was softer than ever. This man not only saved her but also understood her so completely! This was truly the best gift fate could offer!
"Hahaha!" Rayleigh laughed heartily.
"Exactly! Exactly! Young people should pursue their dreams with their own hands!"
Auguro looked at the increasingly lazy Rayleigh, his eyes twinkling, and probed.
"Rayleigh-senpai! Are you interested in working for me? I can offer you a monthly salary of ten million Berries! And you can gamble all you want in the casino!"
Rayleigh was stunned. Did I hear that correctly? Someone wants to recruit me! Doesn't he know how much trouble I bring?
Rayleigh was certain. If he came out of retirement, a Buster Call would descend on Auguro's territory the very next day! The Roger Pirates were a taboo for the Navy and the World Government!