No sooner had the old man of the law finished speaking than Rayleigh could no longer contain himself. He gripped the hilt of his knife tightly, gritted his teeth, and cursed.
"Shameless!!!"
The old man's voice was truly dripping with spittle; it was less like he was uttering words and more like he was squeezing the word "shameless" out from between his teeth!
At that moment, everyone nearby turned to look at the furious Rayleigh.
Shakky, needless to say, remained calm, even though she herself didn't know what kind of relationship the Five Elders and Rayleigh would have.
But in any case, having weathered many storms, she has long since become indifferent to most things that are surprising.
Compared to Shakky, the other officers on the Dark Bird Ship were surprised and slightly nervous, but amidst their nervousness, they all looked towards Gawain's retreating figure!
They didn't know what would happen next. If Rayleigh was determined to take action, then they... should just obey Gawain's orders.
Gawain wouldn't go so far as to kill Mr. Rayleigh. If Gawain is determined to stop Rayleigh, then everyone should work together to hold the old man down.
However, if... Gawain stands on Rayleigh's side and chooses to attack the Five Elders!
Therefore, every officer on the Dark Bird Ship was ready to fight their way out of Mary Geoise!
Crocodile and Shiryu, in particular, after a brief moment of stunned silence, suddenly turned and looked at each other.
After just one glance, they both understood each other's thoughts!
At this moment, the Five Elders had no more than thirty guards behind them. If their group were determined to act swiftly, it was entirely possible to directly bring the five most powerful people in the world under their control right here!
This is a rare opportunity—to capture the leader first!
In an instant, Crocodile and Shiryu itching for a fight, their eyes filled with even greater anticipation!
Unlike Crocodile, Doflamingo, who is usually the most arrogant guy, is actually extremely nervous at this moment!
If he hadn't known that the Five Elders were not truly at the pinnacle of the world...
If he hadn't known that behind the Five Elders stood an ancestor and deity named Imu...
If he hadn't known all that, perhaps he would have had the same thoughts as Crocodile.
But the more he knew, the more he worried!
While the crew of the Dark Bird Ship were lost in their own thoughts, among the others around them...
Not to mention the maids of the Gawain Family who didn't even dare to raise their heads.
Let's just talk about the two kings who were staying at the Gawain Family...
Cobra was about to pee his pants at that moment!!!
Those are the Five Elders!
Those are the Five Elders, who could wipe Alabasta off the map with a single word!!!
How dare that old bastard Rayleigh?!
Just as Cobra was trembling with fear, the Five Elders...
Looking into Rayleigh's eyes, which neither understood nor wanted to understand.
The old man of law sighed softly.
He gently raised his right hand, which wasn't using a cane, and waved it lightly at Rayleigh.
"Alright, Rayleigh, your actions have frightened far too many people."
This is Mary Geoise, and I'm the only one who owes you a favor. My four friends don't owe you anything!
You wouldn't want Little Gawain's dream to be thwarted from this moment on, would you, kid?
"Put down the knife in your hand, and I'll explain everything to you!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the old man of law looked around before fixing his gaze on Gawain.
"Little Gawain, don't keep us standing here. Take us old folks to a quiet room to rest for a bit!"
Originally, we old folks wanted to have a good chat with our granddaughters-in-law, but now it seems I need to give Rayleigh, this junior, a proper explanation first.
Apart from you and Rayleigh, no one else is allowed to listen in. Disperse!
After speaking, the Law Elder and the other Five Elders strode towards Gawain.
Facing the approaching Five Elders, Rayleigh stared wide-eyed for a long time before finally loosening his grip on the hilt of his sword.
"I'd like to hear what kind of explanation you have in store for me!"
Let's go!
Rayleigh took the lead and followed in the footsteps of the Five Elders, while Gawain, after a brief silence, followed behind Rayleigh.
They made their way through the crowd and continued towards the Gawain Family's basement.
This is the quietest place in the entire family.
The Five Elders didn't mind the somewhat gloomy environment of the basement; they each picked up a sofa and rested in different ways.
After a moment's thought, Gawain sat down next to Rayleigh.
Seeing Rayleigh sit down, the old man of the law spoke first, letting out a sigh and a bitter smile.
"Hey, Rayleigh, the way you look at me, you look like you're about to kill me!"
"Damn it, we used to drink together! Even though I'm from Mary Geoise, didn't you call me 'uncle' back then?!"
"Holy crap... I... what the hell!!!"
Upon hearing the Law Elder's words, Rayleigh's hair nearly stood on end. He raised his right hand, pointed at the Law Elder's nose, and asked.
"How could I have known that the people fighting Rocks and Shiki on your Celestial Dragon' side back when we hadn't even arrived at God Valley were not from CP0, but the Five Elders!"
You weren't wearing the Celestial Dragon's uniform back then, you're really cunning! I really thought you were a high-ranking member of CP0 or CP9!
"Ha ha ha ha!"
Upon hearing Rayleigh's words, the old man of the law burst into laughter. As he laughed, he took off his hat and nodded slightly to Rayleigh.
He then looked at Gawain and smiled.
"Little Gawain probably doesn't understand what happened yet, right?"
Or have you already guessed it?
Anyway, Rayleigh, you should take some time to calm down.
"Let me tell Little Gawain the story from back then first!"
After speaking, the old man of law placed his hands on his cane, his gaze passing over Gawain, as if drifting back to the battlefield thirty years ago.
As he recalled, the old man of law continued speaking.
"Thirty years ago, the God Valley had not yet become a ruin. It was not a place we were unwilling to mention now, but rather the place where we worshipped our ancestors!"
After all, well, God Valley.
Just from the name, one can understand the significance of that place for us, the so-called descendants of gods.
In short, at that time, besides the Reverie held every four years, the most important event in the world was the God Valley Sacrifice every ten years!
There, we, the younger generation, will pay homage to our ancestors with the utmost reverence.
Just as even though Mary Geoise had fallen so low, children like Charlos and Shalria dared not disobey Rosward's orders.
Even if we allow the younger generation in our clan to do whatever they want, we still teach them the meaning of filial piety.
It's just a pity..."
The old man of law shook his head with a wry smile, then gently patted his leg.
"Unfortunately, just thirty years ago, our ancestral worship ceremony was completely canceled. That's right, that Rocks destroyed many of our ancestors' monuments and inscriptions, and almost killed me on the spot!"
The ancestral worship ceremony held once every ten years is of paramount importance. Although the Five Elders were not required to participate in that event, I, being restless that year, still accompanied everyone and stayed at the God Valley for a period of time.
When Rocks and Shiki launched their attack, my troops and CP0 were quickly and completely overrun.
For the past eight hundred years, no one has ever dared to disrupt the God Valley Sacrifice. I must admit that I have been complacent for too long and underestimated the madness of the pirates.
After all my men fell, I had no choice but to take matters into my own hands.
Even I, an old man, could only hold out for about ten minutes against the combined attack of Shiki and Rocks!
It must be admitted that throughout history, few people have been able to surpass Rocks in his prime.
After being captured by the two of them, I thought my death was imminent. Who knew they didn't even know I was one of the Five Elders!
Thinking about it, it's true. The five of us rarely appear in the world, and almost no one at sea has ever seen what we look like.
After capturing me, they massacred the Celestial Dragon' descendants whom I was protecting, but they spared my life.
They just assumed I, dressed in a black suit, was a subordinate of Celestial Dragon. My suit actually saved my life, haha...
In short, although they didn't kill me, their torture ultimately ruined my body. They not only left clear scars on my face, but also left my left foot with lifelong aftereffects, requiring this shameful cane to walk properly."
At this point, the old man of law raised his cane and then tapped it on the floor.
"Although I have suffered countless torments, I have managed to survive. Speaking of which, I must mention Roger and you, Rayleigh!"
At that moment, when I was almost in despair under torture, your pirate crew truly seemed to descend like God's Soldiers, bringing me a way out!
First it was you guys, then Garp. When Roger and Garp joined forces to fight Rocks, I, too, dragged my heavily injured body along with you and Gaban to completely force Shiki, who was at his peak, to retreat.
After we defeated Shiki, we completely cut off Rocks' escape route. Rocks had no chance to escape, and ultimately died at the hands of Roger and Garp!
Suddenly, the Law Elder spread his hands and smiled at Rayleigh.
"Look, kid Rayleigh, now that we've got this far, the story from back then is pretty much clear."
Although after that, you drank with me many times and talked a lot.
But ultimately, I haven't lied to you. You were the ones who said I was a member of the CP (couple pairing). Do I really have to correct you?
As for Roger's invitation to me back then, haha, I still can't forget it. That guy really went to great lengths to invite me onto his ship.
Unfortunately, how could I possibly abandon my duties as one of the Five Elders to accompany you on your adventures across the Grand Line and the New World?
Although I refused you, didn't I still send that Flander Family child to your ship? If Roger hadn't insisted on searching for Laugh Tale and becoming the Pirate King...
If he continues to reign supreme on the high seas, just like Whitebeard does now.
The Flander boy I gave you can not only be your talisman, but he could even take over the banner of your pirate crew on his own, couldn't he?
The name Red-Haired Shanks is known to many on the seas. Although I was unable to reveal my identity to thank you in person back then, I have long ago given you a secure future!
Unfortunately, Roger was truly stubborn and went his own way!
At this point, the old man slapped his thigh heavily. He wasn't angry with Roger, but rather genuinely felt a pang of regret.
At the same time, standing beside Gawain, Rayleigh's body stiffened violently as he listened to the words of the Law Elder.
After a long silence, Rayleigh frowned and spoke.
"So, the reason we were able to find the treasure chest containing Shanks was because you were behind it all."
But... damn it!
Roger did save your life, after all!
"Sentencing someone to beheading without hesitation... you're still a bit ungrateful... forgetful... sigh..."
As they were talking, Rayleigh himself let out a soft sigh.
He simply waved his hand lightly, and then he seemed to age two years.
He waved his hand as he spoke.
"Forget it, that was Roger's own decision. He just wanted to die in front of the whole world!"
I'm just unwilling to accept this, and I really have no right to blame you. As for what happened just now...
"I've really gotten a bit too emotional!"
Rayleigh silently bent over, then leaned wearily against the back of the sofa, tilted his head back, and closed his eyes.
Meanwhile, across the sofa, the old man from the law let out a long sigh and smiled bitterly.
"Little Gawain, do you understand now? This is the story of me and Rayleigh."
"Back then, I was in the God Valley, and it was from that time that the five of us never set foot outside Mary Geoise again!"
Suddenly, the old man of law pointed at Gawain.
"It must be admitted that this generation of Mary Geoise has indeed produced many outstanding successors."
Whether it's you, Shanks, or even that Doflamingo outside, they'd all be passable!
If the God Valley were to occur today, then my death would be meaningless, and the positions of the Five Elders could be filled immediately.
From you to Shanks, if neither of you agrees, then the Donquixote Family brat has a good chance!
But things are different back then. In Mary Geoise back then, there wasn't a single person qualified to sit in that position!
If I had died back then, it would have taken a considerable amount of time before the Five Elders could be replaced!
The Five Elders are one of the face of the World Government; the accident I suffered must never happen again!
So, haha, this trip of the five of us is truly the first time in nearly thirty years that we've left Sabaody Castle.
At this point, the old man of the law shook his head at Gawain with a wry smile, then turned to look at Rayleigh.
Seeing Rayleigh's utterly exhausted appearance, the Law Elder sighed and continued speaking.
"Rayleigh, I don't think I owe you any favors, whether it's the shield and the future I gave you, namely Shanks."
It's about how, after Roger's death, we, the old man and the others, never raised our swords against you and Gaban and the others.
You even lived in Sabaody, right below me! You've gone too far!
Aside from you, even that little Fish-Man brat who built Roger's ship, my intention was to pardon him.
Don't forget, the Supreme Court, which I preside over, granted him a ten-year pardon!
When he successfully built the Sea Train, one of my judges even rode it himself with a smile, and after concluding that the trip was worthwhile, he easily pardoned the Fish-Man.
In any case, aside from Roger and his son who could also add fuel to the fire of the Great Pirate Era, for my sake, the five of us have been incredibly lenient with Roger's subordinates and friends!
As for Garp, hmph!
If it weren't for his kindness to me, he would be nothing more than a naval hero at best!
That guy never takes the Celestial Dragon seriously, and he even dares to curse Celestial Dragon and me in front of countless people!
"If it weren't for the kindness we received back then, even if his son's Revolutionary Army had provided some assistance to the five of us, he wouldn't be able to boast so arrogantly!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the old man of law let out a heavy snort.
At the same time, Gawain suddenly remembered something.
Those who have read the comics should know that when Tom went to court, the trial was only briefly shown.
Almost no one gave him a hard time, and Tom easily obtained a pardon.
What crime did Tom commit? Building a ship for Roger.
This crime may seem insignificant, but in reality, what's the difference between building a ship for Roger and building an airplane for Bin Laden?
They've provided the most needed tools to the world's most vulnerable people...
As a result, instead of being sentenced to death on the spot by those fierce-looking judges, Tom was pardoned and Tom even threw him a short, wild party. The joyous atmosphere only ended when Spandam arrived with his conspiracy...
In short, recalling what seemed wrong at the time, and then reflecting on the words of the old man of law now.
Gawain was finally able to string together his past memories into a single bundle!