...
The mystery of Kuma silently guarding the Sunny for two whole years truly piqued countless people's curiosity.
However, without more key intelligence, any speculation was futile and could not touch the core of the truth.
The light screen also seemed uninterested in delving deeper into this hidden thread at the moment. The scenes shifted once again, refocusing on the protagonist.
[Scene returns to the light screen…]
After reuniting with Zoro and Sanji, the three of them charged forward like tigers released from their cage. While repelling the sporadic Marine interceptions, they swiftly withdrew toward the direction where the Sunny was anchored.
As they darted through the colorful bubbles and buildings of Sabaody Archipelago, Luffy—who was running at the very front—sharply caught sight of a figure standing quietly on a distant high slope.
The man had snow-white hair, yet his posture remained straight and tall. He stood there calmly, gazing at them with gentle eyes. It was none other than Silvers Rayleigh.
Even though they were separated by some distance and drifting bubbles interfered with the view, Luffy instantly recognized his mentor who had guided him for the past two years.
His running steps paused slightly.
Almost at the same moment, Rayleigh's steady and relieved voice seemed to bridge the distance and clearly reached Luffy's ears: "I just came to take a look…
From what I see now, there shouldn't be any major issues with your Haki anymore. Hurry back to your crew, Luffy.
Haven't you been waiting for this day for a very long time?"
Rayleigh had personally witnessed the entire process of Luffy taking down the Pacifista with a single punch earlier.
That preliminary use of Observation Haki, the application of Armament Haki in combat, and the precise grasp of battle timing all proved that Luffy had successfully internalized the fruits of these two years of grueling training.
He had truly embarked on his own path as a strong individual.
Seeing his disciple grow to this extent filled Rayleigh's heart with comfort and reassurance.
Luffy was someone who wore his emotions plainly on his face.
Hearing Rayleigh's words and feeling that care and recognition from an elder, a warm current surged through his chest.
He would never forget Rayleigh's selfless guidance and help over these two years—not just the transmission of strength, but also the tempering of his will.
Luffy stopped running, gently set the backpack on his back down on the ground, then turned around to face Rayleigh's direction. He raised his clenched fist high.
Sunlight filtered through Sabaody Archipelago's characteristic bubbles and sprinkled across his youthful face, illuminating an incomparably bright smile full of boundless confidence and gratitude.
"Rayleigh! These past two years… thank you so, so much!!"
Luffy shouted with all his might. His voice was loud and sincere, cutting through the somewhat noisy surroundings: "I promise you! I'm definitely going to succeed!"
After saying that, Luffy took a deep breath, his chest puffing out, and roared out the unchanging vow as if declaring it to the entire world: "I'm gonna be the Pirate King!!!"
This declaration was thanks, it was farewell, and it was the most resolute charge toward the future!
Standing on the slope, Rayleigh watched the red-clad boy shining brilliantly under the sunlight, watched the pure smile on his face that seemed capable of dispelling all shadows. His expression froze for a moment, caught in a brief daze.
That smile, that gaze, that uncompromising determination to chase his dream… it was so similar.
So very similar to the man who, years ago on the execution platform in Loguetown, had laughed grandly and opened a new era!
The same boldness, the same fearlessness, the same… almost magnetic charisma that drew everyone's eyes.
Only, in Luffy's smile, there was more of the vibrant energy of youth than in Roger's, and less of the weight and loneliness Roger carried in his later years.
Looking at Luffy, Rayleigh felt as though he were seeing the most perfect continuation of Roger's will—even a brighter, more inclusive possibility.
After solemnly expressing his thanks and making his promise, Luffy no longer lingered. He turned and dashed off again toward where his crew was gathering, his strides full of eager joy and power.
Only then did the surrounding Marine soldiers snap out of their daze from Luffy's earth-shaking declaration.
They fearfully glanced at the legendary "Dark King" on the distant slope. Seeing that he had no intention of intervening, they finally mustered the courage to shout orders, reorganize their ranks, and pursue Luffy and the other two.
But their momentum was far weaker than before.
Rayleigh did not move. He simply stood quietly in place, watching the red figure nimbly weave through bubbles and buildings, gradually growing distant until he disappeared at the edge of sight.
A sea breeze carrying a salty tang blew past, stirring his white hair and the hem of his coat.
At some point, this man who had once dominated the seas, struck terror into countless pirates, and given the Marines endless headaches—the "Dark King"—
had moisture gathering at the corners of his eyes. A single crystalline tear silently slid down his weathered cheek and fell to the ground.
Two years of day-to-day companionship, of patient guidance night after night.
From the initial basic tempering, to the introduction of Haki, to the consolation and company when facing his inner demons (Ace's death)…
Those grueling days on the remote shores of Amazon Lily, battling ferocious beasts and pushing against his own limits.
Those nights sitting around the campfire, listening to Luffy talk about his crewmates, watching the light sparkle in the boy's eyes.
Those moments when he broke down crying from missing his crew and the pain of being unable to protect his brother, only to stand up again under Rayleigh's guidance…
Scene after scene flashed through Rayleigh's mind like a revolving lantern.
Unknowingly, Rayleigh had long since come to regard this stubborn, simple, deeply loyal, and incredibly infectious rubber boy as his own—like a grandson he cherished and placed great hopes in.
Watching Luffy, now grown and transformed, charge firmly toward his sea and his crew, Rayleigh's heart was filled with reluctance, but far more with pride and relief.
He understood that Shanks had entrusted Roger's straw hat and will to the most promising person possible.
…
[While Rayleigh on the light screen was still lost in warm and bittersweet memories, inside God Valley, many of the powerhouses who witnessed this scene also felt different ripples stir in their hearts.]
"Rayleigh, who would've thought…"
Scopper Gaban awkwardly adjusted the position of little Shamrock in his arms (the little guy seemed a bit uncomfortable from the light screen's glow) while turning his head. He elbowed the Rayleigh beside him, a teasing yet genuinely warm smile on his face.
"You're actually pretty gentle and sentimental in the future, huh! Hahaha! But…"
He deliberately drew out his words, winking and lowering his voice: "I've actually got a question I'm pretty curious about… You and Shakky get along so well, so how come in the future, it seems like you guys never had any kids?
Hm? Could it be… ah?"
Gaban shot him a knowing, "all men understand" ambiguous look.
"Gaban! What nonsense are you spouting!!"
Shakky, who was nestled beside Rayleigh, instantly blushed furiously. Yet her eyes couldn't help drifting toward Rayleigh, carrying a hint of shyness.
Even Rayleigh—battle-hardened, able to chat and laugh calmly in the face of thousands of troops—was momentarily choked by his old friend's sudden topic.
A rare trace of embarrassment and helplessness appeared on that handsome face. He rubbed his nose and shot Gaban an annoyed glare: "You bastard… stop talking rubbish! How would I know about the future!"
"Mam-ma-ma-ma~"
Big Mom Charlotte Linlin's huge laughter cut in. Watching Rayleigh and Shakky interact, she found it quite amusing.
"Who would've thought—the future infamous 'Dark King' Rayleigh could make such an embarrassed face! Shakky, let me tell you, you can't spoil men too much!
Especially a guy like Rayleigh who looks all serious—sometimes women have to be a bit tougher, a bit more proactive! Mam-ma-ma-ma!"
Although the Rocks Pirates and Roger Pirates often clashed, setting aside their positions, they had also drunk together and boasted in Shakky's bar on occasion—enough to count as drinking buddies.
Seeing this "tough guy with a soft side" moment from Rayleigh, Big Mom couldn't resist joining the teasing.
"Damn it… that's my woman!!!"
In stark contrast to the warm teasing on this side was Saint Garling's almost tangible resentment and sourness.
He watched the unspoken rapport and warmth between the elderly Rayleigh and Shakky on the light screen, then saw the young Shakky's open dependence and intimacy toward Rayleigh right now.
It felt like he had swallowed a hundred unripe lemons whole. His entire face twisted with jealousy as he gritted his teeth and hissed under his breath.
"Hey, Garling…"
Not far beside him, Saint Maffey exhaled a puff of smoke. Seeing Garling like this, he spoke in an unusually calm tone of advice.
"If you ask me, some obsessions… it's better to let them go. A forced melon isn't sweet. Look at Shakky, she…"
"Get lost!"
Before Saint Maffey could finish, he was cut off by Garling's furious, humiliated low roar.
Garling glared fiercely at Saint Maffey, turned his head away, and refused to look at the piercing scene on the pirate side any longer. Only his tightly clenched fists and heaving chest revealed the extreme turmoil inside him.
Inside and outside the light screen, emotions intertwined.
There was the touching inheritance between master and disciple, the good-natured teasing among friends, and the bitterness of unfulfilled longing.
...