From Gawain's perspective, he watched as Sea King, some thousands of meters tall, surged out of the sea around Jaya.
Akainu looked towards the Dark Bird Ship with a sigh.
More than three months ago, he heard from rumors among naval officers that Saint Gawain might possess Ancient Weapon!
It seems that the Momonga happened to witness the moment when the Ancient Weapon awakened on Amazon Lily.
And now these Sea Kings...
A glint flashed in Akainu's eyes.
These facts basically prove that Saint Gawain has indeed mastered Poseidon, Ancient Weapon!
So, with the combined strength of the Navy and Saint Gawain's forces, they actually possessed the power to destroy all the pirates at the same time!
For a moment, Akainu couldn't help but start calculating.
Who are the Navy members? Sengoku and Garp, two veteran fighters, are still alive. As for Zephyr, he has severe asthma and had his hand cut off by pirates years ago due to an asthma attack.
Forget about Zephyr, then we have Garp, Sengoku, Kuzan, Borsalino, myself, and Tokikake. If we add Rayleigh, Issho, and Gion from Gawain's side...
Even combined, they already possess the ability to defeat the Four Emperors of the Sea!
Even though Gion Tokikake are still a bit green, the two of them working together should have no problem defeating Big Mom!
If Akainu knew everything that would happen in the next few years, he would definitely think to himself, "Gion Tokikake and Kid..."
Furthermore, Saint Gawain also possesses the Ancient Weapon Poseidon!!!
For a moment, Akainu's gaze toward Gawain grew increasingly expectant.
In his mind, Gawain had become an incredibly important factor in determining the balance of power in the sea!
At that moment, Akainu no longer saw anything wrong with Gawain recruiting pirates!
He even thought Gawain did a great job!
He suddenly realized that if Saint Gawain hadn't merged and recruited these powerful members of the Dark Bird Group, things would have been different.
If the situation worsens, then almost all of the teammates in the Dark Bird Group will become enemies when the Dark Bird Group is not around!
Look, this is Akainu, even though he's the one among the three Admiral who met Gawain the fewest times and for the shortest duration.
He was also the first person to genuinely consider the Dark Bird Group as teammates, and even more so, to regard Gawain as his superior!
It's important to know that while Aokiji and Borsalino would obey Gawain's demands, they were still keeping their distance from the Dark Bird Group for the time being.
Because in their hearts, they are not just the navy.
At the same time, in their hearts, the navy is not their everything, but a platform for them to realize their dreams and their own value.
If the government's demands completely cross their bottom line, and if the navy truly makes them extremely dissatisfied, then they might actually abandon their identity as naval personnel!
But for Akainu, he is just a Marine, and he can only be a Marine for the rest of his life, so the rules and responsibilities of the Marines are his everything!
The navy's duty is to fight pirates, and he dedicated his life to that!
The Navy's rule is to be loyal to the Celestial Dragon and the Five Elders, and he will always be loyal!
If Akainu feels extremely dissatisfied, he will vent all his frustrations and then continue to carry out orders diligently!
This is what a tough, disciplined soldier is all about.
Meanwhile, Gawain, of course, had no idea what Akainu was thinking. After leading everyone into the forest, he found a patch of grass that looked pleasing to the eye, and leisurely sat down on the grass, leaning against a tree, assuming a resting posture.
Upon seeing Gawain's appearance, the Dark Bird Group chuckled. They were certainly very familiar with each other!
So Gion and Hancock immediately took over both sides of Gawain's tree.
Meanwhile, Rayleigh and Shakky sat down on the same wooden post, both lounging around in a relaxed manner.
Jinbe and Kuma sat cross-legged on the ground to the side. After a moment, Jinbe glanced at the surrounding forest and said...
"Sitting around like this is pointless, sir. I'll go hunt a couple of wild animals and roast them to eat!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Jinbe excitedly stood up.
Gawain, who was standing nearby, smiled upon hearing this Jinbe.
"You're quite the professional animal feeder, fishing on the boat, hunting in the forest, eating wherever you go."
"Haha, things you hunt yourself taste even better! I'm off then, sir!"
Jinbe laughed and waved to Gawain, then immediately headed north.
Jinbe had Jinbe taken a step than Shiryu, Shiryu was smoking a cigar not far away, pointed to the southwest.
"There's Milk Boar over there, about 80 meters long. It looks delicious. Brother Jinbe, do you need any help?"
"No need, I'm a professional old hunter!"
Since Brother Shiryu wants to eat suckling pig, then you'll have to wait a moment!
As soon as he finished speaking, Jinbe smiled, changed direction, and jogged off in the direction Shiryu pointed.
As for their elder brother titles, Jinbe forty-one years old this year, Shiryu is thirty-nine. Jinbe indeed two years older than Shiryu.
Speaking of which, let's talk about the ages of the Dark Bird Group members. We'll leave Gion out of it; that's a secret.
But among the men of the Dark Bird Group, Rayleigh is undoubtedly the elder, currently seventy-three years old!
After Rayleigh, the oldest is undoubtedly Issho, who is forty-nine years old this year.
Aside from Issho, Kuma is one year older than Jinbe, and is forty-two this year.
Jinbe is 41, Shiryu 39.
Below them, those are all truly young people.
Rob Lucci is only 25 years old, a year younger than Gawain, and has a lot of potential to be explored in the future.
Kalifa states that one should be twenty-two years old.
As for Kaku, that long-nosed guy, he's only twenty years old this year!
Of course, their potential is still slightly lower than Hancock's. Hancock is only twenty-six years old this year, just one year older than Lucci, but her strength far surpasses his.
This is also largely due to the fact that Lucci wasted a few years.
However, speaking of this, we must mention one point.
Hancock and Gawain are the same age.
Getting back to the main topic
When Jinbe excitedly embarked on his hunting trip, Akainu was completely bewildered.
Even Lucci and Kalifa sat down, leaving him the only one still standing!
Seeing everyone's lazy and leisurely demeanor, Akainu couldn't help but clench his fists.
Suddenly, he spoke to Gawain.
"Saint Gawain, aren't you being a little too lenient with us? Why don't I see any of the necessary vigilance in you?"
The Red-Haired Pirates are nearby. Even if you, Saint Gawain, are determined to spare their lives for now, we should still be prepared to deal with a sneak attack at any time!
After all, they are pirates!
As soon as he finished speaking, Akainu crossed his arms in dissatisfaction, and an aura of iron-blooded power immediately enveloped him.
Gawain, who was standing nearby, took a deep breath after hearing Akainu's words.
He really admired Akainu; that guy could definitely become a competent advisor!
And then there's Yixiao, this loyal minister...
If we also consider that guy Aramaki, who's clearly a lone loyalist.
Looking back now, the navy after the Summit War fell directly into the hands of such a group of loyal retainers. Wasn't this clearly a sign of a naval boom?
As for Borsalino?
Oh, let's not talk about him. He probably practices Huang-Lao School philosophy, which is quite detached from worldly affairs...
In short, Gawain chuckled and waved his hand.
"Sakazuki, for us, respecting others and ourselves is far more important than following the rules."
Just as everyone respects you and no one asks you to sit down, you can also maintain your preferred posture.
Besides, don't you think that making Shanks feel that we don't care about them at all is also a form of intangible deterrence?
After saying that, Gawain took out a wine flask from his waist and took a leisurely sip.
The longer you travel at sea, the more you feel inseparable from food and drink.
Upon hearing Gawain's words, Akainu immediately wanted to say something more.
But before he could speak, Shanks and his group had already followed.
Seeing this, Akainu shut his mouth; he wouldn't do anything to damage his side's morale in front of the enemy.
At the same time, after carefully observing the situation, Akainu felt that he had indeed disrupted the intangible aura of the Gawain Pirates, which showed that they didn't take the Red Hair Pirates seriously at all.
He let out a heavy sigh, then quietly found a tree stump to sit on.
He even crossed his Erlang, with the toes of the top leg pointing straight down.
And so, when Shanks and his group arrived in front of Gawain and his group, their laughter immediately stopped.
Are they... actually so relaxed?
Benn Beckman's pupils contracted slightly in displeasure, but then he chuckled and said...
"No wonder Grandpa Rayleigh looks so young again! This atmosphere is really great, almost as good as ours, haha!"
After saying that, Benn Beckman found a comfortable spot on the grass and sat down.
Seeing this, the Red-Haired Shanks group followed suit and soon resembled Gawain's group.
Although the two groups appeared lazy, they maintained a standoff throughout.
Only then did Gawain make a move.
He took a big gulp of wine and pulled out an ivory jar from his waistband, throwing it at Shanks.
Without hesitation, Shanks took the jug, took a big gulp, inhaled slowly, and chuckled.
"I miss the sake from Water 7, but it doesn't taste as good as the New World!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Shanks took a black gourd from his waist and threw it at Gawain.
Gawain reached out and grabbed the gourd, then pulled out the stopper.
Inhaling the aroma of the liquor, it was extremely strong!
After drinking another whole pot of wine, it felt like sparks were flying in my throat, an exceptionally stimulating sensation!
After putting down the gourd, Gawain nodded in satisfaction.
"I couldn't taste which island it came from, but I tasted the determination of the New World!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain picked up the handle from the spout of the kettle and laughed.
"This wine gourd is quite good; I'll keep it."
"Your wine jar is nice too, give it to me."
After Shanks responded, he put Gawain's ivory jar back into his pocket, and then he said softly to Gawain.
"After all that, we could say we've become acquainted through a fight. So, how about we let our companions get to know each other better, and then you and I can have a chat one-on-one?"
"They really should get to know each other better; we'll inevitably have to deal with each other in the future, which suits me perfectly."
Gawain nodded first, then looked around.
"But Jinbe is hunting boars right now. We'll end our chat when he gets back."
After all, suckling pig tastes best when roasted by hand.
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain stood up and hung the wine gourd behind his waist.
As Gawain stood up, Akainu nearly twisted his ankle. He suppressed his surprise and frowned as he looked at Rayleigh and the others.
Can't you even say something to persuade them?
However, seeing that Rayleigh and the others remained silent, Akainu didn't want to spoil Gawain's momentum, so he could only maintain his imposing posture while remaining worried.
Under his watchful eye, Gawain and Shanks gradually drifted apart until they finally disappeared from sight.
With the two of them gone, to be honest, everyone present, except for Akainu, felt much more relaxed.
Benn Beckman, who was not far away, even waved to Rayleigh.
"Old man Rayleigh, haha, it seems our two captains get along quite well!"
"How could they not get along? Sometimes, the two of them are like they were made from the same mold."
Unfortunately, in this old man's eyes, the older of the two looks younger than the younger one!
Rayleigh said meaningfully.
Hearing Rayleigh's words, Gawain and his group smiled with satisfaction. This was the kind of person the vice-captain of the Dark Bird Ship should be!
It's important to understand that the vice-captain holds a very special position in the world of Pirate King.
This can be seen from the sparring battle between Roger and Whitebeard back then.
Before they started their battle, it was Marco who gave the order to attack for Whitebeard's side, while it was Rayleigh who called for the attack for Roger's side!
The captain on a ship is more of a spiritual leader, akin to a nuclear bomb, unless encountering a powerful opponent of equal strength, like Roger encountering Whitebeard.
Whether it was plundering or killing enemies, the order was usually given by the first mate, meaning the captain decided the direction and the first mate led the execution.
Rayleigh himself was well aware that, unknowingly, Gawain had already given him the same preferential treatment as a first mate.
Rayleigh was fully aware of this, though it wasn't outwardly apparent; when faced with any enemy or opponent, he knew it perfectly well.
Just like he is against Benn Beckman now, he will not allow his side to fall into a disadvantageous position.
Meanwhile, on the Red Hair Pirates' side, after hearing Rayleigh's words, Beckman leisurely took out a cigarette.
After lighting his cigarette, Beckman took a puff and then laughed.
"A few years ago, when Shanks and I were all under thirty, we genuinely felt we were still young."
Now that we're all over thirty, all we hope for is someone to tell us we look young!
So, haha, on behalf of Shanks, I thank you for your kind words! Youth is the future, isn't it?
"Yes, the future may belong to you, but for now it's always in the hands of more mature people."
Beckman Jr., and Little Lucky Roo. and Yasopp.
When you see Shanks again, please tell him for me, "Don't try to live like Roger just because you grew up on Roger's ship!"
At this point, Rayleigh smiled and accepted the drink Shakky offered Shakky, taking a large sip.
Rayleigh then went on to add to and emphasize Beckman's points.
"Because a person is only truly mature when they stop wanting to be anyone else!"
"Ha ha!"
As soon as Rayleigh finished speaking, Beckman across from him laughed heartily, shaking his head casually as Beckman did so.
"Old man, what you said may be right, or it may be wrong."
In my opinion, all the turmoil and upheaval on this sea was created by a group of naive people!
After all, if one weren't naive, who would hold onto a dream for decades?
Maturity means beginning to weigh the pros and cons, but both are hidden beneath the surface.
As for the waves rising from the sea, if they are all calculating how badly they will crash, then who will decide to be the highest wave?
As he finished speaking, Beckman slowly took a drag of his cigarette.
Across from him, watching Beckman smoke, a glint of light flashed across Rayleigh's glasses.
He responded with a smile.
"Yes, there are always people who want to be the waves, creating wave after wave, and becoming the most dazzling wave in the world."
But mature people are like that deep, dark sea...
At this point, Rayleigh slowly stood up.
"Although I watched Shanks grow up in the past, I haven't seen Shanks really grow up now."
Although I no longer know what dreams he has now, for someone who bets an entire arm on the so-called future, I can only praise him as a romantic!
And you, young men led by romanticism, do you know that the waves you create are constantly causing harm to the sea beneath you?
Whether it's me or Gawain, what we want is not one storm after another!
We must calm this deep sea completely!
The instant he finished speaking, Rayleigh drew his sword and raised the blade towards the sky.
"Gentlemen, let's wait until Jinbe returns from his hunt. Let's get to know these young men properly, but please don't harm the island any further!"
At the same time, across from him, Beckman suddenly spat his cigarette butt onto the ground.
"Old man Rayleigh's mouth is really sharp; he truly deserves to be called a legendary figure!"
Everyone, let's learn from our seniors, get to know each other, but please don't harm this island!!!
After the two finished speaking, everyone present, except for Akainu, stood up excitedly!
The two sides immediately became tense and engaged in a fierce battle!