Prelude to the Sabaody Storm

Shakky's Shakky's Rip-off Bar, Island 13, Sabaody Archipelago

The bar was dimly lit and quiet, with only a few dim wall lamps on the bar counter emitting an orange glow.

The air was filled with the aroma of aged liquor, mixed with the salty smell of tobacco and the sea breeze.

An elderly man with white hair sat alone at the bar, his back hunched, yet like a sleeping sword.

The amber liquid in the glass rippled slightly, reflecting a cold light with the subtle tremor of his wrist.

Shakky slowly wiped the glass, her fingertips sliding back and forth on the glass, reflecting her thoughtful expression.

After a moment of silence, she finally spoke, her voice heavy. "Rayleigh... are you going to make a move?"

Upon hearing this, Rayleigh paused, his wine glass trembled slightly, and a tiny ripple appeared on the surface of the wine.

Shakky continued, "This escort of Marco looks like a trap... but even if it is a trap, Jozu and the others will definitely make a move."

This is their last chance.

Her gaze sharpened as she peered through the smoke from the bar at Rayleigh's profile. "To rescue Marco, they will not hesitate to bring the war to this island."

"Because this is their only chance to break the deadlock."

Rayleigh paused for a moment, then slowly set down his glass, the bottom of which struck the wooden bar with a soft, muffled sound.

His voice was deep and weathered, "Times... have changed."

Shakky frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

Rayleigh looked up, his gaze behind his glasses as deep as the ocean floor, and slowly said, "Roy will definitely come."

That short sentence made the air in the bar freeze instantly.

Shakky's eyes flickered, and the wine glass she was wiping stopped with a "click".

"Roy... the man who defeated Whitebeard and slew Golden Lion..."

"His existence was like a mountain, pressing down on the hearts of all the Pirates of that era."

Shakky murmured to herself, her gaze becoming complicated.

Rayleigh shook his head slightly and continued, "Everyone outside thinks this is just Commodore escorting someone..."

But we both understand that Roy's 'Teleportation' ability allows him to appear on any Battlefield.

"Even if it's the World Government putting pressure on us, as long as they don't want this rescue to happen,"

"Then he's probably already in Sabaody Archipelago."

Upon hearing this, Shakky's pupils contracted sharply, and a chill ran down her spine.

"Instant teleportation... an unbeatable ability... coupled with unparalleled domineering Haki and strength..."

Rayleigh tilted his head back and finished the rest of his drink, letting out a long breath with a faint, bitter smile, "Whitebeard's era is over."

"The era of the Golden Lion has come to an end."

"The old guys have all retired one by one..."

His voice was soft, yet it struck the heart like a hammer blow, as if proclaiming the end of an old era.

Shakky remained silent for a long time before finally asking in a low voice, "So... you choose to stand by and watch?"

Rayleigh didn't answer directly, but slowly stood up and walked steadily and slowly towards the bar door.

As he pushed open the door, he slightly turned his head, a look of relief on his aged face:

"I'll be watching."

But we won't interfere.

"These are... the rules of the New Era."

As the wooden door closed gently, Rayleigh's figure disappeared into the night.

The following day, Sabaody Archipelago - Harbor

"Splash--!"

Small Warships docked in the Harbor of the Sabaody Archipelago, their heavy iron anchors sinking into the water and splashing up large white waves.

At that moment, all eyes in the Harbor focused on the Warship.

Pirates, bounty hunters, human traffickers, black market dealers... countless eyes gleamed with curiosity and hostility.

"Bang! Bang!"

Two figures leaped off the deck first, landing heavily on the Harbor's stone bricks, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Ace and Luffy stood side by side, their navy coats casually draped over their shoulders, the front open to reveal the strong muscles honed through Hell Training.

The Haki emanating from the two was like waves crashing on the shore, causing the surrounding low-level bounty hunters to feel a chill.

"That person... is the Navy's rising star 'Fire Fist' Ace?!" someone in the crowd exclaimed in a low voice.

"Who's that black-haired kid standing next to him? To be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with 'Fire Fist,' he must be a monster too!" Another passing Pirate broke out in a cold sweat.

Behind them, Sanji and Usopp slowly stepped off a small prison van, one on each side.

Inside the prison van, "Phoenix" Marco was bound in Seastone chains, his Blond Hair on his pineapple head had lost its luster, his face was pale, and his breath was weak.

Sanji, a cigarette dangling from his lips, said with a hint of helplessness, "Mr. Roy really went all out this time..."

Knowing they would come to rescue them, they still arranged for us to parade Marco around the island for supplies. That's just cruel..."

Usopp's legs trembled as he stammered, "This... this is just making the mission harder! And why the Island 13 they have to parade on?"

Sanji glanced at him. "If you're scared, then go back."

Despite his trembling legs, Usopp forced a smile and declared, "I'm not afraid! I'm going to become a mighty warrior of the sea!!"

Nami followed closely behind as she disembarked from the Warship. Her slender yet strong figure was encased in a smart naval uniform, with a specially designed telescopic baton strapped to her waist.

She walked to Luffy's side, took a deep breath to suppress her unease, and said, "Let's go."

Despite her calm demeanor, her fingertips trembled almost imperceptibly, revealing the nervousness of her first mission.

Ace noticed Nami's nervousness, turned to look at her, and gently comforted her, "Don't worry, we're here."

Luffy grinned and shouted, "Don't worry, Nami! With me here, no one can hurt you!!"

The prison van slowly drove toward Island 13, and more and more Pirates and bounty hunters gathered around, their whispers spreading like waves.

In the shadows of the crowd, cold eyes were fixed on the prison cart, suppressing a surging murderous intent.

"It's Brother Marco..."

"They really came..."

Nami whispered to Ace, "Roy said that the Whitebeard Remnants would definitely make a move."

Ace's eyes burned like fire. "Hmm, our mission is to force them to show themselves. There's probably a deeper meaning behind specifically sending us to Island 13."

Luffy, however, looked around like a monkey, his fighting spirit soaring. "Where are the enemies? Come out and let's fight!!"

Sanji facepalmed. "Idiot, who would want the enemy to come to their door..."

Usopp was almost in tears. "Luffy, don't be so arrogant..."

In the distance, atop the massive Mangrove of Island 13, two figures silently overlook the Harbor.

"Diamond" Jozu's muscles bulged, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked, his eyes turning cold. "They really came..."

"Flower Sword" Vista stroked his sword hilt, a cold smile playing on his lips, "Plan unchanged."

Jozu turned to look at him. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

Vista's eyes turned cold, his tone as sharp as a drawn sword. "If you're going to save Brother Marco, you have to risk everything!"

"Let's direct the war... toward 'Pluton'!"

Meanwhile, in the shadows of higher, more distant treetops, another enormous figure silently surveyed everything below.

He held the enormous Bible in his hands, his face showing no emotion whatsoever.

Bartholomew Kuma, like a silent colossus, gazed down at Ace, Luffy, and Marco in the prison wagon below, his eyes deep and unfathomable.