Both Rayleigh and Shakky were at Shakky's Rip-off Bar that day. As for why Rayleigh wasn't drinking at Su Yu's bar, the reason was simple: he was broke... He genuinely couldn't afford it anymore. The "cash cows" had been milked too hard before, and they needed time to recover.
Just then, the bar's door swung open, and three people of different heights walked in wearing dark green cloaks. Their entire bodies were hidden beneath the cloaks, giving them a mysterious air.
The three mysterious visitors slowly approached the counter, trying very hard to look impressive. Shakky and Rayleigh quietly watched them strut over, utterly unmoved. Shakky even blew a smoke ring.
Then all three pulled back their hoods in perfect unison, revealing their faces.
The man in the middle had wavy blond hair, a scar around his left eye, and a faint smile. On his left stood a girl with cute, short orange hair and a large hat fitted with goggles, smiling sweetly. The remaining man was in a completely different size category from the other two. If they were XL, he was XXXL. He had long, curly aqua-blue hair and fins growing from his head. Yes, he was a Fish-Man.
The visitors were none other than the Revolutionary Army members Sabo, Koala, and the Fish-Man Hack.
The three clearly knew Rayleigh and Shakky. After exchanging greetings and a few words, Rayleigh led them outside.
The direction they headed was none other than toward the Wish-Granting Bar.
Indeed, now that word of the Wish-Granting Bar had spread, there was no reason the Revolutionary Army, with members scattered across the world, wouldn't know of its existence.
And an organization as hungry for talent as the Revolutionary Army naturally wanted to see whether they could bring its owner over to their side.
As for why an organization as cautious as the Revolutionary Army-so cautious that every little disturbance put them on edge-had sent people straight over without worrying about a trap, their leader, Dragon, had first contacted Rayleigh, who lived in the Sabaody Archipelago, to verify the information. Rayleigh had assured him that the bar owner was absolutely not subordinate to any faction. His only explanation was that the owner was very strong.
Dragon had been surprised to hear Rayleigh describe Su Yu as very strong, but hadn't thought much more of it. He assumed Su Yu was probably around the level of a Shichibukai. That strength was respectable by the standards of the sea, but it still wasn't much in his eyes. How could he have known that Rayleigh's idea of "very strong" meant strength that had already shot beyond the heavens...
Dragon still trusted Rayleigh's judgment, so he had sent people over directly. He had even sent the Revolutionary Army's second-in-command, Chief of Staff Sabo, which showed just how seriously he took these negotiations.
The four arrived at the Wish-Granting Bar. As always, the air was fresh, Miland stood behind the counter ready to greet customers, and Su Yu, the owner, was curled up on a sofa reading some unknown book, looking half-asleep.
Seeing customers arrive, including a regular, Miland nodded to Rayleigh, then poured a drink without being asked and gestured that it was for him.
Rayleigh rubbed his nose. He hadn't intended to drink again, but now the drink was already poured and within easy reach. His sensitive nose could practically smell its aroma already, and his less-than-firm resolve immediately crumbled.
At that moment, the previously drowsy Su Yu came over too. Seeing him approach, Rayleigh opened his mouth to explain, but Su Yu nodded at him without a trace of surprise, cutting him off, then motioned for them to talk upstairs.
Rayleigh paused, then relaxed. After all, Su Yu was a god. Having a few strange abilities was hardly surprising, so there was nothing odd about him knowing why they had come.
The three cloaked visitors following him exchanged glances. Assuming Rayleigh had told the owner in advance that they were coming, they thought nothing more of it and followed him upstairs.
These strange figures did catch the attention of the customers drinking on the first floor. It looked as though some secret deal was taking place. Curious as they were, though, they wouldn't dare pry into the owner's secrets even if someone lent them the courage.
Su Yu led the four upstairs into a small room. It contained only a few small sofas and a little table, with just enough space for all five of them, though Hack's size made sitting down rather difficult.
Once Sabo and the others sat down, they removed their hoods, revealing their faces.
"Hello, Mr. Su Yu. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Sabo, and these two are Koala and Hack."
Hearing themselves introduced, Koala and Hack quickly greeted Su Yu. Koala also gave him a bright, sunny smile that was very cute.
Su Yu smiled and nodded at them. So this was Master Hack and the legendary second sister-in-law.
Sabo continued, "You may already know this, but yes, we're from the Revolutionary Army! We had no choice but to conceal our faces earlier. Please forgive us."
As Sabo said "Revolutionary Army," all three watched Su Yu's face closely, studying his expression. Unfortunately, his control over his expressions deserved a perfect score. They couldn't discern a damn thing.
In truth, Su Yu wasn't quite as calm inside as he appeared. It wasn't because Sabo belonged to the Revolutionary Army-he had known that long ago-but because a sarcastic comment had lodged in his throat and nearly slipped out. To preserve his air of a lofty master, however, he forced it back down.
Sure, I understand hiding your faces, but do you really think three shady people covered head to toe in cloaks aren't conspicuous?! Aren't you practically telling anyone paying attention, "Look, look! There's something seriously wrong with us three! Come investigate us!"?! You might as well shout that you're suspicious! Su Yu was at a loss for what to say...
Seeing no change whatsoever in Su Yu's expression left the three feeling uncertain, but Sabo steeled himself and continued. "Mr. Su Yu, we've come on our leader's instructions. We'd like to purchase a suit of armor identical to Armor Boy's. We've brought the Devil Fruits as well."
As Sabo spoke, Hack set the bag he had been carrying on the table and opened it. Inside were seven Devil Fruits.
Leaders really did think alike. Both Sengoku and Dragon had chosen the most ordinary Zoan Devil Fruits.
Still, this was indeed the most cost-effective choice. Logia Devil Fruits were simply too precious; even with money, you couldn't necessarily find one for sale. And eating one guaranteed at least a basic ability to protect yourself.
Mythical Zoans went without saying. Those things were even rarer than Logias.
As for Paramecia fruits, the useless ones were spectacularly useless, while the powerful ones could sometimes outclass even Logias. Paramecias also offered many utility abilities. Those might not do much to improve combat strength, but in a war, they could have strategic significance and decide victory or defeat.
So no matter how they weighed their options, Zoan Devil Fruits were the best choice.
Before you continue