The Inevitable Ending

Shanks choked up because he heard the 'farewell' in Rayleigh's words.

This shows that Rayleigh subconsciously believed he was going to die!

Without saying a word, Rayleigh hung up the phone and immediately appeared beside Luffy in the midst of the beast Luffy. Luffy was still focused on his training and was caught off guard when the old man picked him up and carried him across the forest like Inazuma, heading towards the other side of the island.

"Uncle Rayleigh... what are you doing?"

Luffy opened his eyes, looking both dissatisfied and surprised.

However, Rayleigh remained solemn, showing no inclination to even respond.

In just over ten seconds, Rayleigh had already carried Luffy several kilometers away, pushing his speed to its limit.

He dared not exert too much force on the soles of his feet, lest he make the slightest noise and be noticed.

Even so... just as he expected, since Oboro was able to find them, it meant that he was certain that the two were on the island and that there was no way he would have a chance to escape.

Boom! A huge black shadow fell from the sky and landed right in front of Rayleigh as he was walking forward.

The impact shook the woodland and kicked up a cloud of dust.

Amidst the smoke and dust, Bare stood with his arms crossed, grinning widely, "Yo... leaving without a word?"

He glanced at Rayleigh.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh.

Immediately, one figure after another appeared around them, surrounding Rayleigh and Luffy.

It was the crew of the Hell Pirates.

Although two people are missing, such as Crocodile and Gild Tesoro, the current situation is already a dead end for Rayleigh.

Luffy finally realized that something was wrong.

He stood beside Rayleigh, his face cold.

The Hell Pirates and the God Slayer... these are the opponents Luffy has always wanted to defeat!

He was unaware of the recent news at sea, but he was aware of the turmoil that followed the Summit War after he left Marineford.

Rayleigh laughed, held his knife in one hand, tilted his head back and drank the wine in the bottle in one gulp, then smashed the bottle at his feet, wiped his mouth, and called out in a very relaxed tone, "Luffy."

"Um?"

Luffy was taken aback and looked at Rayleigh.

"I'll cover your escape first..."

Upon hearing this, Luffy's pupils contracted instantly, and he was deeply shocked.

"No! No!"

"Uncle Rayleigh, you..."

Luffy instinctively shouted.

"Luffy!"

Rayleigh repeated the sentence.

At this moment, the old man's aura and overall charm were completely different from usual. Even Luffy calmed down after sensing that invisible aura.

"Listen to me... This is the last lesson I will teach you, and it is also my only request of you."

"You understand, if we stay here, we'll all die."

"You've grown up... Don't act impulsively anymore. This is my own choice, and I'm happy about it."

"Besides, your companions are still waiting for you, don't forget your promise to them."

Rayleigh's words were all gems.

With each word, Luffy's face paled a little more.

After speaking, the old man lowered his head and looked into Luffy. The meaning in his eyes behind his glasses pierced straight into the depths of Luffy's heart.

"I'm not as weak as you think, don't worry about me... I'm the Pluton, after all. These juniors think they can kill me? That's too childish." Rayleigh patted Luffy's head, then raised his sword and held it across his chest. "We'll see when the time is right. Don't waste my efforts."

Luffy clenched his fists, lowered his head, and bit his lip.

"Hey... discussing escape plans right in front of us, you're really something!"

"As expected of the One Piece's right-hand man."

Dorans laughed loudly, making a sarcastic remark.

"Junior? Do I count as one?"

Bare tilted his head and looked directly at Rayleigh.

They used to be in cahoots.

I know everything about him!

But knowing Barrett inside and out is a thing of the past. Rayleigh is definitely unfamiliar with Bare's current strength.

Rayleigh wasn't surprised at all that Bare joined the Hell Pirates and became God Slayer. Bare was a very 'maverick' on his former ship, and if it weren't for Roger, someone like him wouldn't have stayed on their ship for so long.

Rayleigh could guess why Bare joined the Hell Pirates.

He knows the other person too well.

In some ways, Oboro's role is the same as Roger's.

Bare only desires power and destruction... To subdue him, all you need to do is be powerful enough, powerful enough to inspire his worship.

Roger could do it, but unfortunately, Rayleigh couldn't.

"You don't count... To be honest, I'm quite happy to see you again."

Rayleigh also looked at Bare, "When was the last time we sparred?"

"It's been so long... I can't quite remember anymore."

"However, you shouldn't have forgotten, right? You've never beaten me... Back then, to save face for you, the first mate, I went easy on you quite a bit."

Rayleigh said with a smile.

The claim that Bare possesses strength comparable to Rayleigh, the One Piece King's right-hand man, naturally originated from within their own One Piece crew. Given Bare's personality, he wasn't exactly well-behaved after joining the ship, frequently challenging veteran crew members, including Rayleigh.

However, at that time, Rayleigh... simply didn't want to hurt Bare.

That's why this saying came about.

Of course, given Bare's potential, he was already among the top in Roger Pirates.

Just look at the Bare Bullet caused after the Roger Pirates disbanded.

"Yeah?"

Bare wasn't angry at all. What Rayleigh said was indeed true, but when the Roger Pirates disbanded, his strength had already grown enough to threaten Rayleigh.

Not to mention now.

"To be honest... judging from your appearance, I've lost all interest in you."

"Because... your body is already telling me that you are simply... incredibly weak right now."

Bang.

Before the echo of Bare's voice had even faded, the next second, Rayleigh, radiating Haki, swung his sword down, the blade crackling with Haki lightning, its arc sharp and piercing.

But...

To Rayleigh's astonishment, his surprise attack was blocked by just one finger.

Bare stuck out a finger and caught the blade.

This prevented Rayleigh's blade from advancing even an inch further.

Bare grinned, revealing a row of large teeth, and stared at the old man who was standing close at hand, his expression one of shock.

Then, with his palms bracing against Rayleigh's blade, he slowly rotated it, finally gripping the hilt with all five fingers. Both men unleashed their full Haki, like two beams of light shooting into the sky. Sparks crackled where Bare held the blade with one hand... Rayleigh had initially held the blade with one hand, but as Bare gradually raised his arm, causing the blade to tilt backward, Rayleigh was forced to grip the hilt with his other hand as well. The two old 'buddies' were not only grappling, but also unleashing their auras in a clash and confrontation.

Bare's palm was cut open... blood flowed continuously, dripping down.

But he didn't care at all.

Still raise your arm little by little, and use your five fingers to exert force.

With a click.

After a standoff lasting nearly half a minute, Rayleigh's knife... broke.

This scene caused Rayleigh's pupils to dilate in disbelief.

"First mate... you're getting old."

Bare's eyes were filled with domineering Haki and rage, yet he spoke in a cold tone.

"Luffy... run!!!!!"

Suddenly, Rayleigh shouted to the sky, urging him on.

Then, taking advantage of the moment when Bare was unable to attack him after destroying the sword, he prepared to swing the broken sword and fight desperately.

However, he had only just raised his arm.

The blade seemed to be welded to the void, and could not be pulled out.

He didn't turn around to look, but closed his eyes resignedly.

Because someone had already silently appeared beside him, just like Bare had done before, and had caught the broken knife between his fingers, interrupting his actions.

"Rayleigh ...this isn't like you."

"Don't be so impulsive... You understand, when you saw the Blood Pluton, the ending was already decided... wasn't it?"

The man wearing a black round hat raised his head slightly, revealing a scarred face, and said with a nonchalant smile.

"..."

Rayleigh.

"Is it over..."

The old man opened his eyes and murmured something.