Meeting Rayleigh

Haku is certain that Blackbeard has revealed Ace's true identity to the World Government. Presumably, the World Government is already investigating Ace's background!

"I understand. Just remember to keep an eye on this matter. Also, arrange accommodations for Mr. Iceburg, and have Kyros cooperate with Mr. Iceburg in carrying out a new round of renovations at the G5 Base," Haku instructed.

Kalifa nodded, and then took Iceburg to complete the further renovation plan for the G5 Base.

Haku didn't linger; he immediately steered the Ark towards the Red Line!

Given the current situation, Haku isn't in a hurry to get to the Thriller Bark.

Moreover, given the Straw Hat Pirates's speed, it will take them some time to reach the 'Thriller Bark'.

During this time, he still wanted to go somewhere.

With the Ark at her disposal, Haku was indeed very fast, taking almost no extra time.

Haku then piloted the Ark to her destination: the Sabaody Archipelago!

Without delay, Haku steered the Ark across the coast toward No. 13 Area of the Sabaody Archipelago!

Perhaps because doing so would be too conspicuous, Rayleigh, who was waiting to be auctioned off at the auction house, received news that Marine Admiral Haku was heading to No. 13 Area.

Rayleigh paused for a moment, then a playful smile appeared on his face. He ruffled his messy hair and muttered to himself, "This kid actually came here. Looks like he wants to see me about something."

No. 13 Area the Sabaody Archipelago is Paradise for Pirates. Haku stood on the deck of the Ark, her gaze sweeping around before finally settling on a small tavern not far away. That was also where Rayleigh had long lived in seclusion.

After Haku docked the Ark at Shakky's Rip-off Bar, he leaped down and landed steadily on the lawn. He walked across the grass toward the pub.

The Pirates crew that was already gathered at No. 13 wisely withdrew from No. 13 Area of the Sabaody Archipelago when they saw Haku's Ark.

Some Pirates, for safety's sake, even left the Sabaody Archipelago altogether.

Upon entering the bar, Shakky was sitting alone at the bar counter, adjusting the drink in her hand.

She wasn't surprised by Haku's arrival.

As an information broker, she had already received news when Haku's Ark appeared in the Sabaody Archipelago.

Looking at the young Marine Admiral before her, Shakky pushed her glass towards Haku and said, "Kid, because of your arrival, I doubt my tavern will have much business for the next few days!"

"Look, there were quite a few fat sheep waiting to be slaughtered here just now, but now there aren't a single one left!" Shakky said, pointing to some remaining wine bottles on the table.

Haku laughed and said, "What, are all these people's bills being put on my tab?"

Shakky Qi laughed and shook her head, saying, "You're quite the joker. I wouldn't dare put these people's bills on your tab. I wouldn't dare take Marine Admiral's bill so casually."

Haku smiled and waved her hand to indicate that she wasn't joking, then asked, "Where's Mr. Rayleigh? Where is he?"

Shakky smiled and said, "You came all this way so openly, that old guy must have gotten wind of it and came over."

As if sensing something, the two turned to look at the bar entrance at the same time!

Just then, Rayleigh pushed open the bar door and walked in.

"Hey! Kid, what brings you here today?" Rayleigh asked with a smile as he saw Haku.

He walked slowly forward, casually pulled out a chair from the bar, and sat down next to Haku.

"A bottle of rum, Shakky."

Shakky smiled and squinted her eyes, saying, "No problem, but you have to pay first!"

"Huh? Shakky, don't be so heartless. There's a junior here watching over us," Rayleigh said pitifully to Shakky.

Haku shrugged, took out a gold nugget from her System Space, and handed it to Shakky, saying, "Here, including the losses from the past few days!"

"How could I possibly accept this!" Rayleigh reached out his hand, trying to take the gold nugget from Haku's hand.

Shakky quickly slapped Rayleigh's hand, took the gold nugget from Haku's hand, and said, "Haku is the most sensible kid."

Rayleigh watched as Shakky took the gold nuggets, then chuckled and shook his head, saying, "Shakky, you're really greedy for money."

Shakky didn't take it to heart and replied with a smile, "Rayleigh, you've been this greedy for small advantages all these years."

The conversation between the two was relaxed and natural, and Haku couldn't help but smile as she watched their interaction.

He cleared his throat and said seriously, "Rayleigh, I've come to discuss something important with you."

Upon hearing this, Rayleigh's smile faded, and he looked at Haku seriously, asking, "Oh? What is it?"

Haku took a deep breath and told Rayleigh about Ace in detail. She recounted how Ace was captured by Blackbeard and how she deduced that Blackbeard had revealed Ace's true identity to the World Government.

"Right now, the World Government is probably doing everything it can to uncover Ace's background, hoping to use it to their advantage," Haku said seriously.

After listening to Haku's account, Rayleigh frowned. He clearly realized the seriousness of the matter.

After a long pause, he slowly spoke, "Ever since you told me about his background, I've always had high hopes for Ace. I never imagined he'd encounter something like this. Is Newgate getting more and more senile with age? Things have turned out this way, and he can still sit idly by!"

Haku nodded and said, "Things have come to this point, there's no turning back. The World Government will probably uncover Ace's past soon."

"Given the World Government's track record, they'll probably reach an agreement with the Navy and use this incident to Whitebeard!"

Rayleigh was silent for a moment, then said, "Don't worry. I will do my best to help you. But, after all, I'm getting old now!"

Haku said, "You don't need to get involved personally. I'll handle Ace's situation. You just need to ensure their escape route is secure!"

A glint flashed in Rayleigh's eyes upon hearing Haku's words. He nodded and said, "Okay, I'll try my best to ensure his safe departure."

"But I'm curious, how will you help Ace escape? You know, your current status is completely unsuitable for doing these things."