With Akainu's furious roar, his right arm transformed into a blazing magma hound that lunged straight at Rayleigh.
Rayleigh gripped his Western sword tightly, instantly coating it in jet-black Armament Haki.
"When my disciple sets sail, no one is allowed to interfere."
With those words, he swung his blade down without hesitation.
Whoosh!
A single slash tore through the magma hound.
In the next instant, Rayleigh appeared directly in front of Akainu.
Akainu's eyes sharpened. His arms turned into magma as he met the attack head-on.
The two clashed repeatedly in midair.
During the exchange, Akainu's gaze flickered past Rayleigh toward the harbor behind him.
At that moment, there was no sign of Luffy anymore.
"It looks like they've already boarded the ship," Rayleigh said with a calm smile.
Akainu snorted coldly.
"Then I'll capture you instead!"
Rayleigh raised an eyebrow.
"Capturing me won't be so easy, Sakazuki."
The two surged forward again, colliding in fierce combat.
Meanwhile, aboard the Thousand Sunny, the Straw Hat crew had finally regrouped.
"Everyone… during these past two years, I acted selfishly and made you all suffer," Luffy said from the ship's bow.
"But now, our adventure continues!"
"I'm going to become the King of the Pirates! Set sail!"
"OOOHHH!!!"
The crew burst into cheers.
Franky activated the Thousand Sunny.
Their destination was clear.
The adventure would continue.
Fish-Man Island.
With a loud mechanical roar, the ship departed from the harbor.
Back on the battlefield, Rayleigh, already using Observation Haki, had sensed their departure.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Sakazuki, Luffy and the others are already gone."
Akainu immediately expanded his Observation Haki across the harbor.
No trace remained.
His expression darkened as he turned back toward Rayleigh.
"Rayleigh… you deserve to die!"
"Dark Hound!"
His magma surged even more violently.
Rayleigh's attention snapped back.
Seeing the incoming attack, his eyes narrowed.
"Hey now, Sakazuki. There's no need to keep chasing them. They're already gone."
He swung his blade again.
But this time, Akainu did not hold back.
"Armament Haki coating!"
The magma hound was instantly wrapped in black Haki.
Rayleigh's pupils contracted.
He could not take this head-on.
He stepped back sharply, barely dodging.
Even so, the edge of the attack scorched his arm.
"Tch… Rayleigh…"
Akainu clicked his tongue and pressed forward again.
Rayleigh gritted his teeth, enduring the pain in his arm.
"…Looks like I really am getting old."
He gave a bitter smile and decided not to continue the fight.
With a glance at Akainu, his figure suddenly retreated at high speed.
Akainu froze for a moment, clearly not expecting Rayleigh to withdraw so decisively.
"Rayleigh!!!"
He roared in rage.
But by the time he reacted, Rayleigh was already gone.
"Sir Akainu, shall we pursue?" his subordinate asked.
Akainu snorted.
After a brief pause, he shook his head.
"No need. The Straw Hats have already escaped to the sea, and Rayleigh is no longer a threat."
"Focus on the other islands."
"Yes, sir!"
Over the next several hours, Akainu vented his frustration across the island.
No matter the bounty, no matter the Supernova, none could withstand him.
Those who still had a chance wisely fled in advance.
Watching the lined-up prisoners, Akainu adjusted his cap and snorted.
"Withdraw."
"Yes, Admiral Akainu!"
After the Marines loaded the captured pirates onto the warships, Akainu took out a Den Den Mushi.
Bruu bru… bruubru…
In the office, Shiu picked up the call.
"This is Fleet Admiral Shiu."
Akainu's voice came through.
"Fleet Admiral, this is Akainu."
"How did the mission go?"
Akainu stiffened slightly.
"…The Straw Hat crew escaped. It was my negligence."
Shiu frowned.
"Explain."
Akainu then recounted the encounter with Rayleigh.
"…Rayleigh again," Shiu muttered, his expression darkening.
This was the second time Rayleigh had helped the Straw Hats escape.
Clearly, this was becoming a recurring problem.
Akainu said seriously, "Fleet Admiral, this is my failure."
Shiu shook his head slightly.
"It's not your fault. No one could have predicted Rayleigh would interfere."
He comforted Akainu briefly before ending the call.
Beside him, Sengoku set down his report.
"So they escaped again?"
Shiu rubbed his temples.
"That guy… every time, someone helps him."
Sengoku gave a faint smile.
"The Straw Hats are gaining more and more momentum. Their reputation now rivals the worst generation."
Shiu sighed.
"This can't continue. Otherwise, it will start to resemble Roger's era."
Sengoku's expression turned serious.
"You're right. I overlooked that."
He looked at Shiu.
"So what do you plan to do?"
Shiu tapped the armrest lightly, thinking.
"If Rayleigh insists on interfering…"
"Then it's better to remove the problem at its source."
Sengoku froze slightly.
"…Shiu, you mean "
Shiu nodded.
"Silvers Rayleigh. Kill him."
Sengoku's body trembled slightly.
But in the end, he said nothing and simply nodded.
It was not pity.
Just a quiet feeling of nostalgia.
Men from their generation were disappearing one by one.
Shiu understood that expression but said nothing more.
He picked up a Den Den Mushi and dialed a number.
"Puru puru… Puru puru…"
"Yo, Fleet Admiral Shiu."
"Green Bull, any issues with Dr. Vegapunk's place?"
"Nothing here, yo. All good."
Shiu nodded.
"Then send Sentomaru to guard Vegapunk. I have a mission for you."
"Finally a mission! Who's the target this time?"
Shiu smiled faintly.
"Silvers Rayleigh."
A flash of killing intent appeared in Green Bull's eyes.
"Oh? That old guy? I accept the mission!"
"Make sure it's done."
"Understood, Fleet Admiral!"