Shanks was sent flying by Oak's kick and landed right at Rayleigh's feet.
"How could you..."
Rayleigh helped Shanks up, about to say something comforting, but before he could finish, Shanks spat out a mouthful of blood. Whether it was from Oak's kick, the grief and rage over Benn Beckman's death, or both, Rayleigh only grew more worried at the sight.
"Shanks..."
He did not even know how to console Shanks. No one understood Shanks's feelings better than he did. Shanks, who valued his companions above all else, had watched his first mate get killed before his eyes. That hurt more than killing Shanks himself. Coupled with the casualties from earlier, the Red-Hair Pirates had nearly been wiped out in this battle.
Rayleigh regretted it now. He regretted acting so impulsively and clashing with Oak. If he had not provoked Oak, and if he had stopped Shanks and the others when they stood up for Luffy afterward, perhaps things would not have turned out this way.
Shakuyaku would not have been seriously injured, and Shanks's Red-Hair Pirates would not have nearly been annihilated.
That man was simply too terrifying!
Rayleigh raised his head and looked at Oak across from him.
He had overestimated himself and underestimated Oak. He had thought that, with his seniority and strength, Oak would at least show him some respect, allowing him to put on airs as an old veteran before Oak.
Little did he know that the things he was so smug about meant nothing at all to Oak.
"Phew..."
Taking a deep breath and suppressing the regret in his heart, Rayleigh stepped in front of Shanks and silently made up his mind. He absolutely could not let anything happen to Shanks too. Even if he had to sacrifice himself, he would not hesitate.
Benn