The trees cast lush shade, and insects chirped incessantly.
It was a remote island, and not a particularly large one.
Rayleigh followed closely behind River through the forest, confusion and curiosity on his face. He had no idea why River had suddenly brought him here, but instinctively felt that something shocking, perhaps even unexpected, was about to happen.
People clearly passed through this forest often, their footsteps having worn a faint trail.
River walked ahead the whole way, with Rayleigh following behind.
"You must forget everything you see here today, and everything we discuss, Rayleigh."
"You must not tell anyone."
"From today onward, you must also disappear from this world, except to those you know well."
River's voice came from ahead, his words carrying a hint of solemnity and seriousness.
Rayleigh's heart stirred. He could sense a trace of killing intent emanating from River.
What exactly was this guy trying to do?
"Understood!"
Rayleigh nodded.
His resurrection was strange enough in itself, and the man before him was very likely the one responsible.
The two continued onward without another word. Clearly, what lay ahead weighed heavily on River's mind as well.
A short while later, they saw wisps of smoke drifting up into the sky ahead.
A fence enclosed several wooden cabins. The smoke rose from one of them, making it clear that someone lived here.
A trace of puzzlement crossed Rayleigh's face. Few people ever came here, and vicious, powerful beasts lived in the surrounding forest. An ordinary person could never survive in this place.
Had River brought him here to meet its owner?
Soon, River walked into the yard as though he owned the place and lowered Whitebeard from his shoulder.
"It's time you woke up, Newgate!"
Those quiet words made Rayleigh's pupils contract instantly. Following close behind,