Arrival at the Sabaody Archipelago

Upon the mysterious sea, there was a one-of-a-kind place—the Sabaody Archipelago.

The Celestial Dragons living in Holy Land Marijoa were always eager to come to the Sabaody Archipelago and indulge themselves.

The island had large Auction Houses where everything from Devil Fruits to firearms and ammunition could be found. As long as your pockets were deep enough, it seemed there was nothing you could not obtain.

Yet this seemingly bustling place had an extremely dark side: slave trading was actually legal here.

The Sabaody Archipelago was especially important because it stood at the center of the world.

The Red Line and the Calm Belt were like two enormous natural barriers, dividing the world into the East, South, West, and North Blues. The Grand Line was further divided into the first half and second half, while the Red Line stood at the center like a towering skyscraper, forcibly separating the two seas.

To travel from the first half of the Grand Line to the second half, the more common route was to pass through the other exit of Fish-Man Island.

And ten thousand meters beneath the Sabaody Archipelago, in the bottomless depths, lay Fish-Man Island.

Of course, aside from this conventional method, anyone capable of flying like a bird could also cross the Red Line through the sky.

Although Holy Land Marijoa also had a passage leading to the second half of the Grand Line, that was a privilege reserved for only a select few. Ordinary people could only follow the usual route, and it was fraught with danger. One careless mistake could lead to shipwreck and death.

It was precisely because of the Sabaody Archipelago's special location that all kinds of people passed through it every day.

World Government officials, Marines, and large numbers of pirates from every faction gathered here. No description suited this place better than a mixed bag of all sorts.

Anyone wishing to enter Fish-Man Island had to have their ship coated.

There was a special kind of tree on the island. After craftsmen used special techniques to apply the resin it secreted to a ship's hull, it formed a membrane. Only with this membrane could a ship withstand the terrifying water pressure ten thousand meters beneath the sea.

Never underestimate the power of that pressure. Out of ten ships entering the seabed, having two or three safely reach Fish-Man Island was already considered very fortunate.

Besides the endless threat of water pressure, the sea was also home to enormous Sea Kings.

To successfully reach Fish-Man Island, one needed not only powerful non-Ability Users to escort the ship, but also had to pray that the Sea Kings would not attack. The entire journey was filled with challenges and uncertainty.

After several days of sailing, Rayleigh and Allen finally arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago.

When Allen saw the island covered in bubbles, his mouth fell open in astonishment.

Those bubbles were incredibly magical. They could envelop objects and slowly lift them into the air.

The moment Allen set foot on the Sabaody Archipelago, he was deeply captivated by the sights before him.

Wow, that's amazing!

Although he had seen scenes of the Sabaody Archipelago on a screen in his previous life, experiencing it in person made the shock all the more intense.

Seeing Allen's expression, Rayleigh could not help teasing him.

Hahaha!

Allen, this place is interesting, isn't it? Do you want to settle down here?

But Allen thought to himself.

I only came here to help you find a wife. Once I complete this mission, I have no idea what the next one will be.

Still, he answered aloud.

I'd like to stay here for a while.

At that moment, Rayleigh made a suggestion.

Let's find somewhere to eat! We can also see whether anything major has happened recently.

Allen immediately responded enthusiastically.

Sure. We've been traveling for days. I'm starving.

The two then headed toward a restaurant ahead.

Before they could enter, they heard someone inside harassing a respectable woman.

Hahaha! Little beauty, have a drink with me!

An extremely arrogant voice rang out.

Thank you, but I don't drink.

A woman's voice politely refused.

You dare refuse me? Do you know who I am? I'm a Great Pirate with a bounty of 85 million Berry, Great Crocodile Luo Er, captain of the Crocodile Pirates.

If you don't want to die, obediently keep me company. Once I've had my fun, I'll let you go!

The Great Pirate began boasting about himself.

His Lackeys immediately echoed him and began flattering him.

That's right! Our captain is an Ability User who ate a Devil Fruit! A Zoan—Crocodile Form! He's one of the top Great Pirates in the South Blue.

Listening from the side, Allen found it especially amusing and secretly thought, Isn't this the classic scene from one of those domineering CEO and delicate wife novels?

Next, the domineering CEO will make a dazzling entrance, draw his sword to help the damsel in distress, beat up the thugs, and stage a hero-saving-beauty scene. Then the beauty will offer herself to him.

When he entered the restaurant and got a clear look at this "beauty," he could not help grumbling inwardly.

Damn it, I actually guessed the plot right!

Because the person about to become the "domineering CEO" had already appeared—Rayleigh, standing beside him. And this "delicate wife" was none other than the system mission target, Shakky.

Rayleigh recognized the woman at a glance.

Shakuyaku, why are you here?

Why don't you guess why I'm here?

The woman asked in return.

Rayleigh did not want to reveal their relationship in front of everyone.

Sigh... let's find somewhere else to talk first.

At that moment, the pirate became displeased and shouted at Rayleigh.

Who the hell are you? You dare interrupt my good time? Are you tired of living?

Looking at the arrogant pirate, Allen found it hilarious. He thought that a small fry like this had no idea how terrifying the person before him was.

If he knew that this old man was Pluto Rayleigh, the Right Hand of the Pirate King, forget acting arrogant—he would probably faint from fright on the spot.

So Allen mischievously said to Rayleigh.

Haha, Old Man, he doesn't know who you are! Want me to introduce you to him?

He then put on an eager, ready-to-fight expression.

Rayleigh did not dare let Allen make a move. He was worried that too much commotion would attract a large number of Marines.

I'd better handle this myself!

At that moment, Shakky remembered the child before her.

You are... little Allen?

It's been years. You've become even more handsome now.

Hehe, only a tiny bit more handsome!

Auntie Shakky has become even prettier too.

Rayleigh hurriedly refuted in a low voice, "She's not Auntie. Kids shouldn't call people that carelessly!"

Shakky ignored Rayleigh and smiled at Allen instead.

Good nephew, what a sweet mouth you have. Call me that a few more times.

The pirate did not care about their reunion and began shouting again.

Hey, hey, hey!

All of you, shut up! Who said you could catch up? You there, you want to play the hero and save the beauty? You're not qualified. If you don't want to die, get the hell out of my way!

As his words fell, the Lackeys all drew their weapons and pointed them at Rayleigh and the other two.

At that tense moment.

Boom—

A wave of Conqueror's Haki erupted from Rayleigh. A gray aura engulfed the entire restaurant. Aside from Shakky and Allen, everyone else rolled back their eyes, lost consciousness, and collapsed to the floor.

Rayleigh merely said calmly:

Let's go. We'll find another place to talk!