At the campsite, Kalifa was diligently packing her things. She took the time to make seven more phone calls to Kaku, keeping the Den Den Mushi awake, while also confirming the arrival time of Kaku and the others.
Around 4 PM.
Before taking Hancock away, the adults gave instructions that after the ship arrived, everyone would have a dinner party, drink some wine, and then board the ship to leave.
Therefore, many of adults' belongings need to be packed and organized in advance.
Meanwhile, the people at the encampment were also leisurely packing their things. Apart from Grandpa Rayleigh, who always used materials from the forest to build his old-fashioned tent, everyone else had added more or less things to their own belongings over the past three months that shouldn't have been left in the forest and would damage the environment.
Just as everyone was packing, Gawain returned with Kuma and Hancock.
Jinbe leisurely in the reservoir, looking at Gawain, but after just one glance, he exclaimed in surprise.
Even someone as slow-witted as him noticed the difference in Hancock at that moment.
Gion raised an eyebrow with amusement. After that woman left with the adults, when she returned, the foolish look of being love-struck was completely gone from her face.
Although her cheeks were still slightly pink, she looked much more energetic, and her eyes were countless times sharper than before. Just one glance from her made me feel a little pressured!
This feeling only arises in Gion when facing Rayleigh and Sengoku, especially when facing someone with extremely strong Conqueror's Haki like Gawain.
So what exactly did they do that made Hancock's aura suddenly so much stronger?
On the other hand, seeing everyone packing, Gawain smiled and said to them.
"Haha, they've already started packing. What time will the ship arrive? Any news?"
"Sir, the ship is expected to arrive between four and five o'clock, which is only about two hours away!"
Kalifa adjusted her glasses and said calmly.
Upon hearing this, Gawain nodded.
"Soon. After we're all packed up, we'll give the Amazon Lily kingdom a proper visit. Before we leave, we should treat the Hancock girls to a few drinks."
"These past few months, our frequent outbursts of Conqueror's Haki have caused trouble for your country, Hancock."
Hearing Gawain's words, Hancock paused for a moment, then nodded shyly.
"Lord Gawain, you are joking. My people do not mind those things."
On the contrary, the Conqueror's Haki you, Rayleigh, and I have been releasing over the past few months has actually increased the strength of my clan.
Many of them have Awakening excellent Armament Haki, and can already somewhat resist my Conqueror's Conqueror's Haki!
After saying that, Hancock smiled sweetly at Gawain, then resumed her disdainful gaze.
And all around...
Hearing Hancock's words, slightly gentler but clearly less frantic.
A group of people looked at each other.
Suddenly, Rayleigh stood up, walked over to Gawain and Hancock, and waved his hand in front of Hancock's eyes.
"Little Hancock, what number is this?"
Hancock glanced at Rayleigh's three raised fingers, her lips curling into a smirk and her eyes turning cold.
"Rayleigh, even if you have done me a favor, don't make fun of me so easily!"
"Haha, not bad, really not bad!!!"
Rayleigh wasn't angry; instead, he laughed heartily, rubbing Rayleigh full head of white hair with a sigh.
"You look much better, little Hancock. You didn't even call me a stinky man!"
"Snort!"
Hancock gave a soft hum and subtly raised her chin. Although her trauma and mental illness had largely healed, she still didn't really enjoy communicating with any man other than Gawain!
After giving a soft hum, Hancock followed Gawain to the sofa to sit and rest.
After sitting down, Gawain reached out and took the wine Kalifa offered, then picked up the newspaper as well.
Looking at the newspaper, Gawain suddenly spoke to Kalifa.
"Bring me the information I had you collect about that person the other day."
"Yes, sir!"
Kalifa nodded slightly, then quickly went to her bag and took out a series of documents, which she gave to Gawain.
After receiving the materials, Gawain looked at the various patterns and texts on the briefing with interest. After a moment, Gawain suddenly spoke.
"Old Master Rayleigh!"
"Oh?"
Rayleigh smiled and found a sofa to sit on. He picked up the wine jug and gently shook it at Gawain.
"What, you've finally got a rare day off, so you want to have a drink with this old man again?"
"Of course not, I don't think it's that simple."
Grandpa, what I want is to be able to drink with you anytime, anywhere!
Gawain chuckled, then handed the intelligence to Kalifa and waved for her to give it to Rayleigh.
Meanwhile, everyone who was packing up their things nearby also perked up their ears.
They heard it! They finally heard Lord Gawain's words about recruiting the old man!
Over the past three months, the old man has gotten along very well with everyone, but in any case, he has never made any statement about the future.
Even people from Gion wanted Rayleigh to join their crew, even though the Pirate World doesn't have the concept of "an elder in the family is a treasure."
But how could anyone not admire a living legend like Rayleigh, who is powerful, cheerful, witty, and experienced in navigation?
Everyone has been speculating whether the old man will board the ship, and everyone is also looking forward to Gawain's recruitment of the old man.
Since Gawain made his move, he has struck without fail, whether against pirates, the Shichibukai, the Revolutionary Army, or the Empress of Kuja!
So everyone looked expectantly at Gawain and Rayleigh.
Will Gawain succeed this time?!
Facing the expectant gazes of Gawain and the others, Rayleigh took the documents and smiled.
"You brat, and all you young people, you were indeed waiting for this old man here!"
But haha, don't even think about laughing at me.
How could I not know Little Gawain's style!
Every time you speak, Gawain, you must have made thorough preparations, and you are almost 100% confident!
For the past three months, I've been waiting for you. I knew that day would come.
But what I really want to know is, what kind of intelligence makes you feel so confident?
After all, I'm not like you young people chasing your dreams!
As soon as he finished speaking, Rayleigh took the intelligence report and began to read it with interest.
The first page of this intelligence report features an incredibly clear photograph.
In the photo, a shirtless young man wearing only shorts is engulfed in flames, brutally beating a naval captain to the ground.
The headline of this intelligence report, clipped from a newspaper, was:
The Logia Mera Mera no Mi reappears in the ocean, and the Fire Fist becomes famous at Reverse Mountain!
Seeing this, Rayleigh glanced at Gawain with a puzzled expression. What did this mean?
You've been preparing for so long, and so have I. I even had the idea of holding you in my arms and crying my heart out before saying goodbye, as your teacher.
And you actually want me to look at another young man?
Puzzled, the old man continued flipping through the newspaper. At the back, most of the photos were taken on-site, clearly the work of members of the Black Ice Terrace.
The photo largely depicts the story of an unnamed young man who, as Devil Fruit User, had just formed the Spade Pirates a month and a half prior.
The intelligence report was brief and contained little information, which Rayleigh quickly finished reading.
He sent the information back to Kalifa, then asked Gawain.
"What is my relationship with this young man? Why did you specifically pass on his information to me?"
"Grandpa, let's not talk about that now. I've been learning from you for three months. You taught me the basics of Conqueror's Haki and helped me master the technique of binding Conqueror's Haki even when my strength was so low."
For this, I must thank you; you deserve it."
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain stood up with a smile and bowed deeply to Rayleigh.
Seeing this, Rayleigh's eyes softened slightly, and he waved his hand.
"Haha, there's no need for all that nonsense. I know what I'm doing."
I wanted to teach you, and I had no choice but to teach you, so I fulfilled my duty as a teacher, and you did everything a good disciple should do. That's good.
As for boarding the ship..."
Rayleigh paused for a moment, then let out a long sigh.
"I understand your intentions, and I also know that I do still have the strength to fight."
I am in excellent health now. Even if I can't reach my peak level of yesteryear, I could still fight for another ten years without any problem.
However, even if I were to set sail again, I would probably end up joining the ranks of pirates!
You... sigh!
You are indeed magnanimous and all-encompassing, accepting pirates, marines, CP, the Shichibukai, and even the Revolutionary Army.
But have you considered my position?
"I've only ever been a pirate all my life. I don't want to change my allegiance for the rest of my life. Do you expect me to fight my old friends before I die?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Rayleigh slowly stood up and walked kindly to Gawain.
Rayleigh gently patted Gawain's shoulder, shook his head, and said regretfully.
"Tell me about that intelligence. After I hear it, I should give you a definite answer, Gawain!"
"OK."
Seeing that Rayleigh seemed to have made up his mind, Gawain raised an eyebrow at the briefing in Kalifa's hand.
"To do anything on this vast ocean, having enough manpower is essential."
Our current team is full of elites, but that's not enough, far from enough!
Therefore, this user of the Mera Mera no Mi is my next recruitment target.
"Old Mr. Rayleigh, do you think I should let him board my ship?"
"Ha ha!"
Rayleigh smiled broadly.
"Who exactly is that guy? You actually value him so much. The Mera Mera no Mi, it really is a good Devil Fruit!"
However, why do you think that the decision of whether or not to recruit him would affect my judgment?
You're mistaken. My mind isn't swayed by just any young man. You think he's...?"
Suddenly, Rayleigh fell silent, then stared wide-eyed at Gawain in shock and asked loudly.
"Wait, what's his last name?!"
"Old man, answer my question first: do you think I'll let him board my ship?"
Gawain asked with a smile, and Rayleigh was much more cautious this time.
"Even Kuma and Jinbe are standing behind you. He's just a young man. If you're serious enough, I don't think he can escape your grasp!"
After Rayleigh finished speaking, he immediately looked expectantly into Gawain's eyes. Faced with Rayleigh's anxious gaze, Gawain smiled and nodded.
"It seems you also think I can do it. What a coincidence, that's what I thought too."
Recruiting this guy will definitely be difficult, and he might even be more troublesome than you.
But I believe he will become my strength.
So, let's talk about something that interests you: his full name is Portgas D. Ace."
"Ace!!!"
Rayleigh's eyes widened; how could he not know the significance of that name!
Ace is the name of Roger's sword!
"But why Portgas?!"
Rayleigh looked at Gawain solemnly; he was serious!
Across from him, Gawain chuckled sarcastically as he watched the impatient Rayleigh.
"Haha, alright, alright, Portgas is his mother's surname. As for his father, didn't you already guess?"
The moment Gawain finished speaking, everyone present widened their eyes in shock. Apart from Empress Hancock, everyone else, including Gion, stared at the briefing in Kalifa's hand in astonishment.
Even Kalifa herself was astonished as she picked up the briefing. When she instructed Kaku and the others to collect this intelligence, she never imagined the true identity of this person!
At the same time, Gawain continued speaking with a smile.
"If we disregard the fact that he changed his surname, which comes from his mother, then his full name should be..."
Gol D. Ace!
He is the only descendant of the Pirate King.
Roger's son!
"Damn it!"
Rayleigh rolled his eyes, then laughed and casually ruffled Gawain's hair.
While ruffling Gawain's hair, Rayleigh put his hand on Gawain's shoulder and chuckled.
"My experience proved effective; from the very beginning, I never made my refusal absolute."
Otherwise, look, I almost became the laughing stock in their eyes!
In short, you win, Gawain.
But... but you have no sportsmanship!
Do you know how long I've waited for your recruitment? Do you know how many excuses I've prepared to deal with you?
"I've been losing sleep for the past two weeks trying to shut you up, you little brat!"
At this point, Rayleigh shrugged off Gawain's shoulder in annoyance.
"And what happened? When it came down to it, you actually prepared such a big gift for me, trying to bully this old man in his sixties!"
At this point, Rayleigh patted Gawain.
Seeing Gawain grimacing in pain, Rayleigh smiled with satisfaction and continued.
"No need for further words, I will board your ship. As for what I said before, that there is no ship in this era capable of carrying me, etc."
Haha, you know what? I'm pretty sure about one thing now: from the moment you stepped into this ocean, a new era is about to begin!
This era cannot contain me, so I will venture into the next era!
At this point, Rayleigh approached Kalifa and gripped Ace's briefing tightly in his hand.
"Gawain, even without information about Roger's son, I'm pretty much ready to board the ship."
After all... if it were just a fight, you would be no match for me; you're far from being a match for me.
But when it comes to chatting, I'm no match for you. Although I've been preparing for a long time, I'm also ready to be persuaded by you.
Having lived with you for three months, I really like your personality. You're not one of those Celestial Dragon trash, but a unique thinker who has never appeared on this ocean before.
At the same time, you not only possess unique yet incredibly enviable thoughts, but you are also a strong person with sufficient willpower and action.
Even I, an old man, can't help but look forward to seeing just how far you'll go in the future!
Of course, that was just my past thinking. As for now, since you have given me this briefing...
Well, my opinion has changed!
If you want me on board, then you must hand over this Ace to me for personal training. I want him to be my godson, hahaha!!!
"Oh?"
Upon hearing Rayleigh's words, Gawain suddenly laughed and punched old man Rayleigh on the shoulder.
"Are you sure you want Ace to be your godson, old man?"
As far as I know, Ace is Garp's adopted grandson!
Your generational hierarchy... haha!
Ace has already set sail, Gawain is about to set sail as well; the trajectory of the new era is gradually becoming clear!
Next, let's see what changes Gawain brings to this sea!
Come on!!!