Rayleigh stood beside Roger, his keen gaze fixed on Kakarot and the others nearby.
He turned to Whitebeard and asked, "Whitebeard, is this young man part of your crew too?"
"Ho ho ho! Rayleigh, you've noticed them too?"
Roger laughed, his distinctive laughter echoing on the sea breeze.
With his Observation Haki, which allowed him to hear the Voice of All Things, Roger had long since sensed the unusual spirit and will within Kakarot and his two companions, blazing as brightly as flames in the darkness.
Kakarot stepped forward, an indescribable emotion in his eyes, and said:
"Gold Roger and Dark King Rayleigh, I've heard so much about you!
But we're not part of the Whitebeard Pirates. I came here to film the fight between Roger and Uncle Newgate."
Then Kakarot repeated in detail what he had told Whitebeard about filming and sharing the proceeds.
"Ho ho ho! Young Kakarot, we don't mind. As for our share of the money,
you don't have to give it to me. You can keep it yourself, or give it to my crew.
But Kakarot, would you and your companions like to come aboard my ship?
Let's go to the final island, Laugh Tale, together," Roger invited him, his gaze sincere.
Hearing this, Kakarot silently considered it.
He knew Roger might already have plans of his own. At this point, Roger
was probably thinking about disbanding the Roger Pirates after his death,
but from the looks of things, he probably hadn't yet considered turning himself in to the Marines.
Kakarot declined with a smile. "Roger, we're not interested in Laugh Tale or whatever secrets the world holds.
But Roger, I'd like to exchange a few moves with you and experience your 'Divine Departure'!"
Roger was the future Pirate King, and Kakarot knew full well