The next day—
After leaving Banks Island, the Soul Society continued sailing through the Grand Line.
"Shinigami, are we heading to the Sabaody Archipelago now?" Fisher Tiger asked.
"That's right." Ren Kuro smiled lightly. "If we want to descend ten thousand meters into the deep sea, we need to coat the ship at Sabaody."
He glanced at Tiger.
"If I'm not mistaken… you haven't been back to Fish-Man Island for a long time, have you?"
"…Yeah."
Tiger stared out at the ocean, his eyes distant.
"Ever since I caused chaos at Mary Geoise… I never went back."
"What are you planning to do now?"
Tiger's voice rose with conviction.
"I'll gather the scattered fish-men again. As long as I'm alive, the Sun Pirates will never disband!"
"Even if it costs everything… I'll fight for true peace for Fish-Man Island!"
Ren Kuro didn't respond immediately.
"You've got ambition," he said at last. "But that kind of change… isn't something that happens overnight."
Just then—
a News Coo dropped a newspaper into Ren Kuro's hand.
He unfolded it.
The headline immediately caught his eye:
"Sun Pirates defeated in the Sigus Sea — Leader Fisher Tiger missing!"
Ren Kuro smirked.
"As expected… the Marines covered everything up."
"Sengoku really lives up to his reputation."
The defeat of the punitive fleet—
completely erased.
"Looks like you're taking the fall for it," Ren Kuro added, patting Tiger's shoulder.
Tiger didn't mind.
"I've been living as a fugitive for years. This doesn't change anything."
He knew very well—
once he left this ship—
the Marines would hunt him relentlessly again.
Sabaody Archipelago — Grove 13
Shakky's Rip-off Bar
The layout hadn't changed in the slightest.
The open ceiling, the neatly arranged tables, the rows of liquor behind the counter—
everything felt familiar.
The arrival of the Shinigami Pirates caused a stir across the island.
And before long—
Silvers Rayleigh arrived.
"Ren Kuro, you've really done something incredible."
Rayleigh laughed heartily.
"You actually repelled a Marine punitive fleet. I can already imagine Sengoku's face."
Even though the Marines had sealed the news—
someone like Rayleigh could still piece things together.
"You're giving me too much credit." Ren Kuro smiled. "It's thanks to my crew."
"Back here again… you're planning to head to the New World, aren't you?"
Rayleigh's tone turned more serious.
"The New World is in chaos right now. If you enter at this time… it's actually a good opportunity."
He lowered his voice.
"You've heard of the Emperors of the Sea, right?"
"Whitebeard," Ren Kuro replied.
"Exactly."
Rayleigh nodded.
"The title's been around for a while now. Aside from Whitebeard…"
"BIG MOM has also risen to power."
"So BIG MOM has already reached that level?" Ren Kuro's eyes flickered slightly.
"To stand alongside Whitebeard… that alone proves everything," Rayleigh said.
"She's the second recognized Emperor."
"Ren Kuro, listen carefully."
Rayleigh's expression sharpened.
"The New World is at its peak of conflict right now. Pirates are tearing each other apart to claim the remaining positions."
"The moment you enter…"
"You'll be dragged into that storm."
Then—
he smiled.
"But honestly? Across the entire New World… the only ones who might pose a real threat to you…"
"…are Whitebeard and BIG MOM."
"Maybe I'm worrying too much."
"The race for the remaining position is nearing its end," Rayleigh continued.
"The two most likely candidates…"
"…are Shanks and Kaido."
"If you're planning to step on someone to rise—"
"I'd suggest Kaido."
There was a hint of personal bias in his voice.
Ren Kuro nodded calmly.
"That was my plan."
"Kaido may be known as the strongest in a one-on-one fight…"
"…but he's a lone wolf."
"That makes him the safest target."
He looked toward the horizon.
"And besides—Kaido is only the first target."
"Once we enter the New World, any pirate crew that stands in our way…"
"…will become our enemy."
Rayleigh burst into laughter.
"Ren Kuro, I have one request."
"If you ever run into the Red-Haired Pirates…"
"…go easy on them."
Ren Kuro smiled faintly.
"For your sake, I'll consider Shanks a friend."
"Good!"
Rayleigh raised his glass.
"Seems my reputation still counts for something!"
"Coating will take three days. Stay here—"
"It's been two years. Tonight, we drink properly!"
"Cheers!"
Glasses clinked—
echoing the bond formed years ago.
Three Days Later — Grove 13 Port
The Soul Society stood at the harbor.
Now—
fully coated.
A transparent membrane covered the ship, shimmering faintly under the light.
"Whoa… so this is coating?" Yachiru stood on Ren Kuro's shoulder, eyes sparkling. "That's amazing!"
"Thanks, Rayleigh."
Ren Kuro stood at the edge of the deck.
"No need for that." Rayleigh waved it off. "Once you dive, follow the descending current. You'll reach Fish-Man Island safely."
"I understand."
Ren Kuro looked back one last time.
"Looks like it's time to say goodbye again."
Rayleigh laughed loudly.
"The New World is where you belong!"
"No man can stop someone who's meant for the sea!"
Ren Kuro smiled.
Then turned—
and stepped forward.
Next destination: The New World.
First target: Kaido.
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