Conversation, and Purpose

Ryan looked at Rayleigh with a hint of confidence. Rayleigh's expression shifted for a moment before he forced a wry smile and said, "You bastard, you must have been planning to use this news to trick me all along!"

Ryan waved his hand and spoke with a heartfelt expression. "You're overthinking it. I just thought of this right now. To be honest with you, Mr. Rayleigh, even if you refuse, I still have a very high probability of rescuing Ace at Marine Headquarters."

"After all, he is Luffy's brother. As a friend I acknowledge, and since it will have little impact on my future plans, stepping in to help a friend is only natural."

"Besides, I also need an opportunity to thoroughly make our name known, and the Paramount War is a fantastic opportunity."

"Of course, if you, Mr. Rayleigh, are willing to join us, having the prestige of an old-generation legendary pirate like you will obviously be a tremendous help to my plan."

Ryan sincerely stated everything on his mind, causing Rayleigh to sigh inwardly.

Things had reached this point. Even if he turned down this trade, Ryan would still help, but could he accept that with a clear conscience?

As the right-hand man of the Pirate King, the infamous Dark King Rayleigh, he had his pride.

Sighing softly and blaming Roger in his heart for being so ungenerous—preferring to tell that jerk Garp about his son rather than his old friend—he composed himself and said, "Tell me about your faction and your goal. Since you're inviting me to join, you at least need to let me understand a few things."

Considering the loose conditions and the fact that he would need assistance rescuing Ace later, he had already begun leaning toward acceptance—provided Ryan's faction and goals did not