We met up with El and the others without a hitch.
"Lord El!"
The Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock, rushed ahead eagerly and boarded their ship, not bothering to hide her excitement at all.
"Hmm?" Hancock frowned. "Rayleigh? What are you doing here?!"
To be fair, this was actually quite good treatment from her—she was far ruder to most men.
She and Rayleigh had a good history, same with everyone from Amazon Lily.
When Hancock was little and had just escaped from the Celestial Dragons, Rayleigh had looked after her for a while. That was why she spoke to him so "nicely."
"Hahaha…" Rayleigh just laughed and said nothing.
He knew exactly what she was like, and that it was better to stay quiet right now.
"Wait—" She suddenly noticed the damage to the ship.
"Lord El… what happened here?"
El waved it off casually.
"Nothing serious. Rayleigh and I were just sparring, and accidentally beat up the ship a bit. It'll sail fine after some quick repairs—no problem."
"How is that fine?!"
Hancock was instantly furious. She spun around, hands on hips, and glared at Rayleigh.
"Rayleigh! What is wrong with you? You're supposed to be a respected elder! How dare you damage someone else's ship?!"
Her feelings toward El were now clearer than day.
Even the legendary Dark King could only hold up his hands and back away step by step. He certainly wasn't going to argue with her.
"Alright, Hancock…"
"It wasn't his fault…"
Only El's voice could calm her down—she wouldn't listen to anyone else.
"But… Lord El…" She still looked dissatisfied.
"He has to pay for this!" She pointed straight at Rayleigh.
In this whole world, probably no one else but her would dare speak to him like that.
Even though Rayleigh had helped her as a child, their close friendship now made her completely unafraid to say whatever she wanted.
Rayleigh just sighed; he'd dealt with this stubborn girl for decades, and nothing ever changed.
"Fine, fine! I won't stay long, okay?"
"Once we get near the Calm Belt, just drop me off. Give me a small boat, and I'll go on my own."
He looked at El and said it plainly.
"Hmph!"
"About time you said that!"
Hancock crossed her arms and snorted.
"We're not far from the Calm Belt now—go pack your things and get ready to leave!"
She couldn't wait to make her feelings known.
The reason was simple: if only El and his crew were here, she would have happily invited him onto her ship—only him, of course, not the rest of his men.
But Rayleigh was still on board, and El couldn't very well just leave him behind.
She couldn't have Lord El all to herself on her own ship, and that made her miserable. All of this was Rayleigh's fault, that old man!
"Easy, easy. We've still got a way to go before we reach the Calm Belt."
"And Rayleigh doesn't get to visit often…"
"Hey! Bring out the good wine! We're drinking together properly!"
Since retiring, Rayleigh had almost no hobbies—other than coating ships, he really only loved drinking.
El knew that perfectly well. And luckily, he also enjoyed a drink or two. He didn't drink much, but he'd always kept a fine collection of wines.
They still had several jars of excellent stuff right here on board!
At the captain's order, his crew quickly brought out the best bottles.
Even retired, Rayleigh's status was legendary.
Anywhere in the Grand Line—anywhere in the world, really—if he got involved in something, it was big enough to make the World Government and Navy Headquarters panic.
Especially now, when the great era of the old legends was fading away; every remaining top-tier fighter was watched even more closely.
But El didn't care what Rayleigh was planning to do after leaving Sabaody.
They were both experienced, seasoned pirates. You did what you wanted, and didn't meddle in others' business.
Besides—if Rayleigh needed help, he'd never be too proud to ask.
"Lower a small boat."
El gave the order himself.
Even though he and Rayleigh had fought fiercely earlier, now that Rayleigh needed help, El gave it freely.
A small boat was nothing—every ship, navy or civilian, always carried lifeboats. That was all Rayleigh needed.
El didn't ask why, or where he was going, or what he planned to do. He just gave him exactly what he needed.
"Well then—I'll be off." Rayleigh waved.
El nodded gently.
Hancock, standing beside him, curled her lip in disdain and waved her hand dismissively. "Go on, get going!"
El looked at her and shook his head softly, helpless.
She noticed his gaze and instantly turned shy.
"Lord El…"
"Wait!" She suddenly brightened.
"Lord El—come stay on my ship instead!"
Truth be told, the damage to El's ship was actually a lucky break for her.
Normally, El would never easily agree to board the Kuja Pirates' vessel. But now…
El hesitated.
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