Sabaody Archipelago, Area 13.
Unlike the hustle and bustle of the commercial street, this place is as quiet as another world.
The streets are lined with low-rise houses, and occasionally a few small shops selling daily necessities.
The number of pedestrians on the road was sparse, and most of them seemed to be in a hurry.
Roy led his companions through several alleys and stopped in front of an inconspicuous two-story building.
The sign downstairs hung crookedly, reading " Shakky's Rip-off Bar ".
"This is it." Roy pushed open the door and entered.
The bell on the door jingled.
The bar was small, dimly lit, with a few old tables and chairs, and a woman with short black hair standing behind the bar.
She was dressed casually, a cigarette dangling from her mouth, and wiping a cup.
Seeing Roy enter, Shakky looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, before she smiled.
"Oh, what a rare guest."
Roy walked to the bar and sat down. "Sister Shakky, it's been a long time."
"It's been quite a long time."
Shakky put down her glass and poured him a glass of wine.
"You've caused quite a stir these past few years."
"It's alright."
Shakky smiled, then looked past him at the group of people behind him.
Yamato, Savi, Jesus Burgess, Enel, Pea... one after another filed in, filling the small bar to capacity.
"Did you bring so many people to cause trouble?"
"Just passing by, popping in to see an old friend."
"An old friend?" Shakky raised an eyebrow. "You mean Rayleigh?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the door at the back of the bar opened.
An old man with a full head of silver hair came out, wearing round-framed glasses and slippers, carrying a bottle of wine in his hand.
It was none other than " Pluton " Buzz Rayleigh.
Former Roger Pirates.
He saw Roy, paused for a moment, then grinned.
" Roy, what brings you here?"
"Just passing by."
Roy raised his glass.
"Let's see if you're still alive, you old codger."
"Hahaha!"
Rayleigh laughed and plopped down next to him.
Don't worry, I'm doing better than you.
The two clinked glasses and drank it all in one gulp.
Yamato leaned closer, curiously examining Rayleigh: " Roy, who's this old man?"
"The vice-captain of the Buzz Rayleigh Roger Pirates."
Yamato's eyes widened instantly.
" The Roger Pirates?! That Pirate King Roger?!"
"Right."
"Wow--!!!"
Yamato was so excited he almost jumped up.
I grew up listening to Roger's stories!
I never expected to meet real members of the Roger Pirates!
Rayleigh was amused by her. "Little girl, who are you?"
"My name is Yamato! I'm Roy's partner!"
" Yamato..."
Rayleigh repeated the name, looked at Yamato's pink horns, and then thoughtfully glanced at Roy, " Kaido's..."
"Daughter," Roy interjected.
Rayleigh nodded and didn't ask any further questions.
Just then, the bar door was pushed open again.
The bell rang again.
A Red Hair man wearing Straw Hat walked in, followed by a group of imposing companions.
Ben Beckman, Yasopp, Raki Luke...
The entire Red Hair Pirates is present.
As soon as Shanks entered, he saw Roy at the bar and grinned, " Roy! Long time no see!"
Roy raised his glass in a gesture of welcome. " Shanks, you're here too."
"Haha! I just happened to be passing by, and I heard this bar has good drinks, so I thought I'd give it a try!"
Shanks plopped down next to Roy and yelled at Shakky.
"Boss lady! Bring me the best wine!"
Shakky smiled and poured him a glass.
The members of the two pirate crews found their seats, and the bar immediately became lively.
Yamato got excited again— Red-Haired Shanks, the great pirate who refused the invitation of the Shichibukai, was also one of her idols.
Van Augur and Yasopp started talking about sniping, and the two hit it off immediately, finding themselves getting along very well.
Between Jesus Burgess and Raki Ruby, there was a stack of empty plates in front of them, one of them able to eat more.
Enel floated in mid-air, staring at Beckman —he sensed the man's aura, which was frighteningly calm.
Beckman glanced at him, smiled slightly, and continued smoking.
The atmosphere inside the bar was as lively as a banquet.
Roy, Rayleigh, Shakky, and Shanks sat at the bar, holding their glasses and chatting casually.
They talked about the old stories of the Roger Pirates, Roy's encounter with Roger, and the vicissitudes of the seas over the years.
When the conversation turned to the day Roger was executed, Rayleigh remained silent for a long time before taking a large gulp of wine.
"That guy was laughing until the very end."
His voice was a little hoarse.
He said he wouldn't die. He would live on in the future, in another way.
Shanks lowered his head, the shadow of his Straw Hat obscuring his expression.
Roy didn't say anything.
He certainly knew what Roger meant by "another way"—the inheritance of will.
Just as Shanks inherited Roger's Straw Hat, Luffy will inherit that straw Straw Hat in the future.
The atmosphere was somewhat heavy, so Roy changed the subject.
Shanks, have you ever been to the East Blue?
Shanks paused for a moment.
"He's gone."
"You saw Rouge?"
Shanks was silent for a few seconds, then nodded.
"I saw him."
His voice was very soft.
"She's fine. Ace is fine too. That kid, he's looking more and more like Roger."
Roy nodded.
After Roger was executed, Roy found her beforehand and took her to Foosha Village in the East Blue to settle her down.
When Roy last met Shanks, he told him about Rouge and Ace.
"Thanks."
Shanks said in a low voice,
"Thank you for saving her."
You're welcome.
Roy raised his glass.
Roger is my friend.
Shanks nodded vigorously.
The two clinked glasses and drank it all in one gulp.
The atmosphere relaxed again.
Shanks began to recount his experiences in the East Blue, how interesting the kid named Luffy was in Foosha Village, and how delicious the drinks were at Makino's bar.
Roy listened with a smile on his lips.
He knew these names all too well.
The gears of fate have begun to turn.
Just then--
The bar door was suddenly pushed open.
The bells rang wildly.
A short, elderly woman leaning on a snake-shaped cane rushed in.
Her hair was completely white, and the wrinkles on her face were like tree bark, but her eyes were as sharp as an eagle's.
" Shakky!"
Her voice was urgent.
Something's happened!
Shakky put down her wine glass, frowning slightly. " Elder Nyon? What brings you here?"
Elder Nyon – the previous Pirate Empress of Amazon Lily, and the current Pirate Empress, Torch Lily's, assistant.
Three little girls followed behind her.
The oldest one was about twelve or thirteen years old, tall and slender, with cascading black hair, a delicate face that was taut, and eyes full of arrogance.
Boa Hancock.
The other two, slightly younger, one with her hair in a bun and the other wearing a hat, followed closely behind Hancock.
Boa Sandersonia, Boa Marigold.
The three sisters who will become the next Pirate Empress of Amazon Lily.
Elder Nyon walked quickly to Shakky, her voice low, but everyone could hear her.
"Two female warriors from the Kuja Pirates have been captured by slave traders."
"They're currently being held at the auction house in Sabaody; they're going to be auctioned off in two days."
"I brought men, but they're a major force in the Underworld; we can't force our way in."
She looked up at Shakky.
" Shakky, please help me."