As Gawain pondered, Rayleigh nodded slightly.
"I see!"
He couldn't help but gently rub his chin.
"No wonder I didn't encounter any trouble when I came to live in Sabaody back then."
I stayed in Sabaody temporarily, believing that the most dangerous place was the safest place. At that time, Roger had just died, and as the one who started the Great Pirate Era, he was truly a thorn in the side of the World Government.
Before that, my bounty was only 1.6 billion. After all, I was just the first mate, and this was already the highest bounty among first mates.
But after Roger's death, my bounty doubled, so much so that in order to avoid possible pursuit, I decided to hide in an absolutely dangerous place like Sabaody.
Logically speaking, I should be discovered soon, after all, I'm not the kind of person who hides my identity.
Even when I'm not in a pirate crew, I still enjoy being in the spotlight.
In Sabaody, I gradually tested the limits of the investigators, first by making small appearances, and then by taking a large-scale stroll.
In the end, Old Du was so arrogant that he sold himself into the biggest auction house in Sabaody, appearing on stage in front of countless Celestial Dragons and CP members to be auctioned off, and yet no one came to arrest him!!!
At this point, Rayleigh couldn't help but chuckle wryly, patting Gawain on the shoulder as he did so.
"Captain, it's one thing if the Celestial Dragon don't recognize me, but how could the CP members responsible for protecting the Celestial Dragon not recognize me!"
It's alright now. Before I met you, I had been forgotten by people after disappearing for nearly twenty years.
But that was back then, not long after Roger died. Yet, the CP members couldn't even recognize this old man standing on the auction stage without any disguise!
From that day on, I knew it was probably a high-ranking member of some CP who had spoken up!
Rayleigh smiled wryly and pointed at the Law Elder.
"I really thought you were a high-ranking member of CP. After all, your peak fighting power was at least comparable to Shiki's."
I thought you had helped me, so I assumed we had developed a certain understanding.
From then on, I settled down in Sabaody. Not only settled down, but every year when famous Supernova arrive in Sabaody Island and martial law is declared to crack down on pirates, I go to the auction house to sell myself once to test whether our tacit understanding is still there.
Although this behavior is a bit risky, it's better than what I thought, where you never know when you might step down.
"I don't want to be cornered by strangers with Shakky. After this risky test, I can at least stay in Sabaody for a few months in peace..."
As soon as he finished speaking, Rayleigh slapped his forehead in exasperation.
"Damn it, what kind of mess is this? Why didn't you say you were Five Elders earlier?!"
If I had known you were Five Elders, why would I have bothered doing such shameful things as selling myself out?
If you are only a high-ranking member of the CP (Conference), your position could be removed at any time.
But you're Five Elders? You've got a nightmare! If I'd known, I wouldn't have bothered with my job. I would have just stayed near Sabaody and slept my way out of places. That kind of life would have been far more luxurious than staying on the island and extorting money!
I've missed out on twenty years of good fortune!!!
Rayleigh was extremely frustrated, while Rayleigh, Gawain beside him, felt relieved.
He knew that what upset Rayleigh wasn't the trivial matter he was talking about; no one present could fail to see that.
As for Rayleigh's attitude, it mainly means that the past matter is over. The Law Elder was saved by Roger and Rayleigh, and Roger caused the Law Elder a lot of trouble. He and Roger are even now.
Rayleigh, due to the presence of the Law Elder, received certain preferential treatment from Roger Pirates members, including himself.
This is also a different kind of "clearing up" situation.
On the other side, upon hearing Rayleigh's words, the Law Elder chuckled and waved his hand.
"Haha, so the reason you were so high-profile was actually to test me!"
I thought you were just asking for death, but since you didn't cause any trouble, I've decided to grant you a path to freedom.
Most of you Roger Pirates members are still alive and well. Although you have no contact with each other, I know your locations.
Aside from those two, hmph, you pirates really know how to cause trouble!
Oden, what a joke, dying in such a stupid situation, what a disgrace to your Roger Pirates.
If he is willing to become an ally of my World Government as a Daimyo, then considering the special circumstances of Wano Country, even if they are in the New World, I will send someone to at Rear Admiral expel Kaido!
After all, that was the Wano Country, which had never submitted to them, and had its own unique national circumstances.
As for the other one, humph, Bullet!
Does harboring some so-called ideal of being the best in the world give you the right to challenge the Buster Call through indiscriminate killing?
That said, that guy is still stuck on level six of Impel Down. Considering he was a member of the Roger Pirates, Rayleigh, Gawain, you two should go to Impel Down and get him out sometime!
Bullet's freedom is my gift to you, young Rayleigh. We haven't seen each other for over thirty years, and you are much younger than me. I won't hesitate to help you, and the debt of gratitude you owe me for saving me is far greater than you think!
After the banquet ends today, I will issue a pardon, but Bullet is ruthless and only obeys those stronger than him!
Moreover, it's not just a matter of obeying a few stronger people; for him to obey, the person he wants to obey must subdue him single-handedly!
So, Gawain, it's up to you to decide when to pick him up."
"Oh?"
Upon hearing about the gift the Five Elders had given to Rayleigh, Gawain's expression faltered at first, then he feigned a slight delight.
He had considered bringing up Bullet, but on the one hand, Bullet had personality issues, and on the other hand, the criminals on Level Six did indeed require a pardon from the Five Elders themselves to be released.
Gawain wouldn't stoop to doing something that would incur favor with the Five Elders for the sake of Bullet, so he never got involved in the matter.
Now that the Five Elders are eager to replenish his middle-aged combat strength, he will naturally accept their offer!
Gawain nodded and smiled.
"I see."
Then he put his arm around Rayleigh's shoulder.
"Haha, I really owe it all to you, old man Rayleigh."
"What do you mean by 'borrowing light'? Heh, I never even considered rescuing that kid before."
That kid has a troublesome temper, like... how should I put it, like a dangerous wolf cub.
If he were strong enough, he would be the first to challenge his king. His strength was enough to match mine decades ago. Although he hasn't trained much in the last ten years or so, he's still at least no weaker than Brother Yixiao. He's definitely in the top tier on our ship.
So..."
Rayleigh gave Gawain a subtle glance, implying that Gawain's current strength was probably insufficient to completely suppress Bullet.
On the other hand, looking at Gawain, Rayleigh couldn't help but think of...
When Gawain can suppress that kid Bullet, it will mean that Gawain has grown to at least Roger's level!
Considering Bullet's considerable age and continuously improving physical condition.
In other words, Bullet seems to have become a benchmark for Gawain; whenever he arrives on the ship, it basically proves that Gawain's strength has surpassed Roger's!
Thinking about this, Rayleigh was truly dazed and somewhat incredulous.
A year ago, he boasted that he would train a disciple who could easily defeat Garp.
But how could he have imagined that a Celestial Dragon in his early twenties who had never trained could, in just one year, vaguely reach a level at least sufficient to challenge Roger?
For a moment, Rayleigh felt increasingly emotional, reflecting on the past year for both himself and Gawain.
Everyone has taken a tremendous step forward...
Seeing the reminiscing look in Rayleigh's eyes again, the Elder of Military couldn't sit still any longer!
He gently patted the hilt of the knife, then spoke in a grand manner.
"Alright, that's enough. Rayleigh, you're not even a fraction of my age, yet your temperament is far more withered than mine!"
I've come here today hoping to have a good get-together with Gawain's family and enjoy some quality time together!
I'm not here to reminisce about the past with you two!
As for Roger's death, humph, that bastard choked the sea, I only regret that he didn't die in more agony!
If you are dissatisfied, um...
The Elder of Military hesitated for a moment, then, itching to touch the handle of his knife, he began to rub it with his thumb.
"Alright then, while you're staying in Mary Geoise, Rayleigh, find some time to come to Sabaody Castle to see me."
If you dare to come, then this old man will spar with you!
Although I haven't killed anyone in two hundred years, I was once a renowned swordsman of an era. I still have a few legendary dragon-slaying swords like Ryuma, so I'm qualified to have some fun with you!
As for now, hmph!
Come on, let this old man take a good look at my granddaughters-in-law, and while I'm at it, I'll help you pick out a few more you like.
Guys like Charlos and Debius have over a dozen wives, are you even worse than them?!
After the Elder of Military finished speaking, he immediately got up and left the basement.
The other Five Elders looked at each other, then smiled and stood up.
Of the five, the Elder of Military was the oldest and strongest, and was naturally the eldest brother.
This is evident in both their positioning and their attire.
What were the Five Elders dressed like? Four of them were wearing suits and ties.
The only unusual one was the Elder of Military carrying a knife.
He was dressed only in a white ronin outfit and wooden clogs—wasn't that unusual enough?
After the Five Elders left, Gawain patted Rayleigh on the shoulder reassuringly.
"The old man is gone."
"Yes, it's time to go."
Rayleigh slowly stood up, then casually took off his glasses and wiped them.
He gave a wry smile as he wiped it.
"I almost caused you trouble today, Captain."
"Haha, why say such things? Although I am not Roger, I consider myself to be just as heroic. You are not only my crew member, but also an elder I respect, and my master."
If you don't have the right to be willful, then who does?
Gawain smiled magnanimously, and the two walked side by side toward the stairs leading out of the basement.
As he walked, Rayleigh shook his head regretfully.
"Actually, I have never blamed him at all. Putting aside the fact that we are on different sides, I would not have been able to tolerate what Roger did if I were one of the Five Elders."
As for the debt of gratitude for saving a life, that's nothing special; unless you have a moral compass, you wouldn't even bother to acknowledge it.
But I've really learned something new today; the Five Elders are actually this kind of people!
If we set aside their identities and the various orders they have always given...
They seemed surprisingly generous and magnanimous!
After saying that, Rayleigh smiled slightly, his eyes full of profound meaning.
Looking into Rayleigh's eyes, Gawain chuckled and nodded.
"Indeed, Mr. Rayleigh."
My identity is mostly useless.
It cannot earn the respect of the strong, nor can it win the sincerity of the weak.
The only advantage of this identity is that you have connections in higher positions.
Ha ha!"
Amidst laughter, Gawain and Rayleigh walked out of the basement together. When they came out, the Five Elders had already gathered among the girls.
At this moment, the Law Elder was gently rubbing Shirahoshi's big head with his right hand.
While kneading, the old man of law turned to look at Neptune and cursed him without any politeness.
"Foolish wretch, utterly useless, humph!"
As the king of the mighty Fish-Man Kingdom, he also possesses a strategically vital transportation route that is coveted by military strategists.
After leveraging his geographical advantage to build countless connections, he couldn't even handle a mere pirate!
They actually let such a good girl like Shirahoshi live in the Hard-Shell Tower for five long years!!!
Waste!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the old man of law unceremoniously raised his foot and lightly kicked Neptune's prostrate arm.
Neptune nearly fainted from the kick from the Five Elders, and it took him a long time to manage a weak reply.
"Little Wang... no, this humble man..."
Little Fish feels ashamed, Little Fish really didn't do well..."
"Enough! I don't want to hear your explanation. What right do you have to explain yourself to me!"
For Shirahoshi's sake, go to the corner and reflect on your actions!
The Law Elders rudely shooed Neptune into a corner and made him sit against the wall. Although Shirahoshi was worried about her father, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the Five Elders' concern.
As for the Elder of Diplomacy, he was standing next to Hancock at that moment, and said it casually.
"Those fools who met you back then, hmph, I've driven them off to explore the New World. They'll probably encounter some kind of disaster like a shipwreck soon enough. How pathetic."
In short, I'm telling you this only because I'm saddened that several of my younger relatives are about to die.
As for you, don't worry about it. Just live a good life with Little Gawain!
"I understand, I understand...!!!"
Hearing the Elder of Diplomacy's words, Hancock excitedly grasped Elder of Diplomacy hand and lingered for a long time.
In just a few hours, Hancock spoke more to the Elder of Diplomacy than she had spoken to her Elder Nyon- in-law in all those years.
As for Gion, the Elder of Military stood beside her and spoke casually.
"I just made an appointment with Rayleigh to practice swordsmanship. When Rayleigh comes to see me, you should come with him."
Although my swordsmanship is somewhat outdated, it is, after all, my past insights. I don't know how much you can grasp; it depends on your own ability."
"I understand, thank you... thank you, Fifth... Grandpa!!!"
Leaving aside Gion, whose eyes suddenly gleamed with golden light, besides the three women who were brought before the Five Elders, the Elder of Culture quietly appeared near Robin, who was full of vigilance.
"Cough cough!"
The Elder of Culture, gently stroked his beard and smiled.
"Nicole Robin, Devil Child, I'll take the time to get rid of that name for you."
In addition, Mary Geoise preserves some of Ohara's books. If you'd like, you can take a look when you have time; I'll get you a pass.
Don't get too excited yet; Ohara's inventory is indeed too large, and Mary Geoise's is only a small portion.
If you wish to thoroughly study all the records of Ohara, then when you have time, take my permit to Borsalino, and he will take you to see someone who has preserved all the cultural records of Ohara!
"Why???"
Robin was utterly astonished. How could he be involved in this?!
In a short time, Robin had already imagined 108,000 schemes and plots by the Five Elders.
Unlike Robin, Nami is much easier to deal with.
The Elder of Economy appeared behind Nami, coughed lightly, and said...
"Ahem, young lady, do you know who I am?"
"Who are you...?"
"I am the one among the Five Elders who is in charge of the economy. All the wealth in the world belongs to me!"
Do you want to know what that number is? Do you want to know just how much treasure is hidden in Mary Geoise?
Marry Gawain, little girl. If you marry Gawain, you'll get everything you want!
What do you think?
"Senior!!!"
Gawain finally couldn't hold back any longer and quickly stopped the Five Elders' actions!
What are you all doing?!