Had they entered the Grand Line?
Of course, it was just a bit of curiosity. He also did not know how things would develop next without Kuma's help.
Just as Ian was lying there with his daughter sprawled on his stomach, leisurely basking in the sun,
The ship suddenly came to a stop!
Ian opened his eyelids in confusion, looked at Enel at the bow of the ship beside him, frowned, and called out in a puzzled tone: "What's wrong?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Enel yawned and said casually, "There's a group of pirates!"
Ian: "...?"
Pirates?
Ian was completely stunned.
No way, there were pirates in the West Blue who dared to block their path?
Who was it? Who had such guts?
Before he could ask, Enel seemed to have already guessed what he wanted to say, and still in a casual tone said: "The Straw Hat Pirates!"
Ian: "...!"
The Straw Hat Pirates?
How did they end up coming to the West Blue?
…
At the same time, the Straw Hat crew also noticed the situation on the Umbrella Corporation side, and immediately shouted excitedly: "Mr. Rayleigh, we have already found Umbrella Corporation's fleet!"
"Oh, already found them?"
Rayleigh, who was lying on a beach lounge chair with his hands behind his head and wearing only a pair of beach shorts, took off the sunglasses from his eyes.
When he saw Umbrella Corporation's fleet not far away, a smile appeared on his face as well.
"Not bad luck. You guys are quite good at being able to find them in this vast sea. It looks like they just returned. I was even wondering whether I should go to the New World to look for them!"
As he spoke, he stretched lazily, stood up directly, picked up the coat beside him, and draped it back over his shoulders. "Let the ship approach them. If we get rejected later, don't blame me."
Everyone: "...?!"
Upon hearing Rayleigh's words, just as complicated and heavy expressions appeared in everyone's eyes…
"We won't!"
Luffy, sitting at the bow, grinned broadly, pressed down his hat, his face full of smiles but his tone filled with determination, and said: "No matter what, we will become stronger."
As he said this, he took a deep breath and raised both hands. "Because I am the man who will become the King of the Pirates!"
Everyone: "...!"
As soon as these words fell, smiles appeared on the faces of everyone behind Luffy. Some leaned against the ship's railing, some leaned against the mast, some sat cross-legged on the deck, some controlled the helm... But the gloom in their eyes was gone.
They all looked at their captain, who, no matter what, was always full of optimism and always able to inspire everyone.
That's right. They would definitely become stronger.
At this moment, it was as if a warm sea breeze swept past, gently blowing away the doubts and hesitation in their hearts.
This scene also brought a smile to Rayleigh's face. He lit a cigarette and took a light puff.
After exhaling a smoke ring, he also looked toward that boy with a Straw hat sitting under the sunlight, bathed in sunshine.
At this very moment, in his eyes, it seemed as though this boy overlapped with a figure in his memories.
Both were full of optimism, and no matter when or what hardships they encountered, they would never give up easily.
And both possessed the ability to inspire others, gathering an exceptionally fine group of companions.
Now he somewhat understood why Shanks had made that decision.
They really are alike!
Perhaps this kid really might be able to do it?!
Could it be that the era Roger spoke of... Is it really about to arrive?
Rayleigh flicked the cigarette in his hand, looked at the Straw Hat crew in front of him, smiled, and said: "Looks like you won't easily give up on that guy, Marshall D. Teach."
"Of course!"
Luffy grinned and said with a smile, "Teach is also one of our most important companions, and he even stayed behind for us. How could we just give up on him like that? Everyone must continue the adventure together!"
As these words fell, aside from Chopper, who nodded firmly, and Zoro, who looked indifferent, the others all showed conflicted expressions on their faces.
They were still somewhat doubtful whether that guy, Teach, really stayed behind for them.
But since Luffy thought so, what could they say? And they certainly couldn't really do as Luffy said and just abandon their companion!
"Won't abandon your companions? That's quite good."
Rayleigh smiled and nodded, but a trace of emotion and hesitation flashed through his eyes.
To be honest, he also hadn't expected it... That Rocks' son, Roger's son, and Garp's grandson would come together in such an unexpected way.
Although Roger's son did not join the Straw Hat Pirates, no matter what, those three powerful figures who once stirred up the seas and were enemies to one another had now become brothers.
One really has to say, fate truly plays tricks on people!
Especially Rock's son... The righteous Marshall D. Teach, who was willing to expose his identity in order to protect his brothers.
And on the Sabaody Archipelago, he even voluntarily drew the attention of an Admiral, truly worthy of the title of righteous.
Truly, like father, like son!
Therefore, even though he clearly understood the terror of the World Government and the trouble brought by the blood of Rocks, he still did not stop these children.
Perhaps the three of them coming together is the hope that that guy, Roger, spoke of!
Rayleigh tossed the remaining cigarette butt into the sea, clapped his hands, and looked toward Umbrella Corporation's ships that were getting closer and closer. "You should first think about how to get the Umbrella Corporation to agree."
"With just your level of strength, let alone competing with Marine Headquarters to snatch someone, even entering the New World would already be extremely difficult. The New World belongs to pirates; it's not a place for a bunch of brats to play games!"
As Rayleigh's voice fell, the Straw Hat crew came back to their senses.
Their eyes still carried determination as they likewise looked toward Umbrella Corporation's fleet that was drawing ever closer.
Everyone clenched their hands into fists and gripped them tightly.
[No matter what, we must make Mr. Ian teach us how to become stronger!]
They no longer wanted to be like before... Only able to abandon their companions and flee in disgrace.
Check my Patreon for more chapters and novels, Patreon.com/SweetestDeath