11. Supernovas And Celestial Dragons

But Ms. Shakky clearly didn't want to share more, so Luffy and the others didn't push further.

"By the way, Shakky, where's Rayleigh?" asked Luffy.

After chatting for a bit, Hatchan remembered why they had come.

"We're here to ask him for help with coating," Hatchan explained.

"Rayleigh?" Shakky blew out some smoke. "Haven't seen him in six months. Who knows where he's off to? Probably chasing after some new lady. But don't fret. He's likely still on the island somewhere."

Shakky chuckled.

"Anyway, enjoy your time here. It's a good period for pirates. The Marines are stretched thin right now."

"Marines weakened? What's going on?" Nami inquired suspiciously.

Sabaody is pretty close to Marine Headquarters, so her concern was valid.

"And who are these Celestial Dragons?" Luffy added.

Hatchan had mentioned them earlier with a serious tone.

"One question at a time, guys," Shakky chuckled, trying to keep up with their curiosity.

Shakky smiled softly and explained, "The Marines have been scaling back their forces lately. I'm not exactly sure why. It could be to deal with a powerful pirate or for some other reason."

She wasn't entirely clear on the details. Despite being an intelligence officer, she no longer had the vast network of information she once did as captain of the Nine Snake Pirates.

"Regarding the Celestial Dragons, they're the most untouchable figures on this island. You'll understand when you see them. Despite being a nuisance, they're the world's nobles. If provoked, a Marine Admiral will intervene."

"Admiral?" Nami and Usopp's eyes widened in horror.

They had only encountered one Admiral before, Aokiji, whose overwhelming power still haunted them. His icy presence had nearly crushed them, saved only by Aokiji's mercy.

The thought of provoking an Admiral by tangling with the Celestial Dragons was daunting, to say the least.

However, this fear was mostly felt by Chopper, Nami, and Usopp.

"Admirals, Celestial Dragons... it's all so intriguing," Luffy chuckled, excitement gleaming in his eyes.

He couldn't help but look forward to another clash with an Admiral. His current strength was a mystery even to himself, a vast improvement since his last encounter with Aokiji. He yearned to test his limits against the world's top fighters.

Shakky couldn't help but admire Luffy's fearless spirit.

"You're truly something else, Luffy," she remarked.

Chopper and Usopp, however, were quick to voice their reluctance to face another Admiral.

"Speaking of Celestial Dragons, why do they hold such immense power?" Sanji inquired, echoing the curiosity shared by the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates present, except for Robin, who was already familiar with the answer.

"Because they're the world's nobility. Legend has it that they're descendants of the creators, and it's their ancestors who established the World Government," Shakky explained.

Hatchan couldn't hide the fear in his eyes as he spoke up.

"If the Celestial Dragons are harmed, the World Government will spare no effort to retaliate. This is Sabaody, so an Admiral would swiftly intervene."

"So, Luffy, promise me you won't provoke them, okay?" Hatchan pleaded.

Luffy nodded, but his gaze hinted otherwise.

"You're itching for trouble with those Celestial Dragons," Hatchan observed, growing increasingly uneasy as he looked at Luffy.

"Haha, maybe we won't even cross paths. No need to worry," Luffy replied nonchalantly. "As long as they don't harm my friends, I'll keep my cool, right?"

Camie was nearly speechless at Luffy's remark.

After a brief exchange, Luffy and the others stood up.

"Thanks, Miss Shakky. Take care of the Sunny for us," Luffy said with a smile.

"You can count on me, Luffy. Enjoy your time on the island," Shakky replied, a cigarette between her fingers.

"Alright then," Luffy waved as they headed out.

"Oh, wait a moment, Luffy. Take this, it might come in handy," Shakky said suddenly, retrieving a newspaper and a stack of wanted posters from under the bar and passing them to Luffy.

"What's this?" Luffy asked, slightly puzzled.

"These are the current supernovas gathered on Sabaody, and you're one of them. Take a look," Shakky explained, blowing out a puff of smoke.

"Ah, thanks a lot," Luffy replied absentmindedly, handing the newspaper to Nami before they left.

As they departed, Shakky's expression darkened.

"It looks like things are about to get messy on Sabaody again."

Luffy and the others headed back to the Sunny, fetching Zoro and Franky who were still on board. With Shakky's assurance, they felt confident that the ship would be safe. Shakky's strength was formidable; only the likes of a bear or an Admiral posed a threat to them.

This time, Luffy decided against splitting up. Sabaody wasn't safe, especially given its proximity to Marine Headquarters and the Celestial Dragons. It was likely that an Admiral might intervene. Since Sanji and Zoro hadn't fully honed their skills, it was best to stay together. This way, they'd be better prepared to face any emergencies.

"Supernova Eleven gathered in Sabaody?" Nami exclaimed, walking along a forest path in Sabaody with the rest of the group.

She was flipping through the newspaper Shakky had handed them, and that headline caught her attention.

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