20. The Great Escape Begins

"Haha, looks like you've had your fair share of run-ins with him already," Rayleigh chuckled, glancing at their expressions.

"He's the type who always keeps you guessing. You might cross paths with him again down the line," he added.

"Probably not," Nami muttered almost instinctively.

She was about to dismiss Buggy as just another small-time pirate from East Blue. But Rayleigh's words reminded her of Buggy's connection to the legendary treasure, One Piece.

"I always get the feeling he'll pop up where you least expect him," Nami sighed.

In a way, dealing with Buggy proved to be quite a challenge.

"Oh, by the way, Uncle Rayleigh, about the One Piece?" Usopp blurted out suddenly.

Zoro and Sanji's expressions darkened, but they didn't intervene. Only one person present had the authority to halt Usopp's line of questioning.

"Stop it, Usopp," came the firm command.

Luffy's calm yet resolute Haki-infused voice cut through Usopp's words.

"But, Luffy," Usopp began, but Luffy's determined gaze silenced him instantly.

"I don't need to know the outcome of the journey, the uncertainties along the way, or the freedom I seek. My dream is something I'll discover on my own," Luffy declared, his tone serious and composed yet carrying a powerful sense of determination that resonated with everyone present.

"I get it now. Don't spill the beans, Uncle Rayleigh. I must've caught some weird illness that kicks in whenever I hear cryptic news," Usopp joked, attempting to lighten the mood.

As one of the original members of the Straw Hat Crew, Usopp had always understood Luffy's unwavering resolve. But in the presence of Rayleigh and the revelation of the nearly attained great secret treasure, he momentarily lost his composure. However, he quickly regained his senses.

Their collective dream went beyond just the pursuit of One Piece. They had come together because of Luffy, each with their own aspirations for the journey ahead.

Along the way, it became evident that their voyage wasn't solely about chasing after a single elusive treasure.

"That's something only Luffy could say," remarked one of them, acknowledging the unique spirit driving their adventures.

Sanji couldn't help but sport a familiar smile.

Despite their captain's usual carefree demeanour, he always exuded a sense of reliability during critical moments.

Zoro, Nami, and the others wore expressions of expectation, mirroring Sanji's sentiment.

However, Robin remained conflicted, her expression betraying her inner turmoil.

Eventually, she gathered the courage to speak up.

"Mr. Rayleigh, you're familiar with the hidden history spanning a hundred years in this world, aren't you?" Robin inquired, her usually composed demeanour replaced by palpable anticipation and nervousness, her body trembling ever so slightly.

"Robin," Nami, who was closest to her, looked on with concern.

The concealed century-old history held connections to the fabled final island. Unlike Usopp, no one among the Straw Hat Crew dared to interject Robin's line of questioning, recognizing the weight of what she carried.

Robin bore the collective will of thousands of scholars from Ohara—a burden heavier than any present could comprehend.

A hush fell over Shakky's bar as Rayleigh rose from his seat, his head bowed slightly. His glasses caught the sunlight, obscuring his expression behind a veil of light.

Rayleigh let out a sigh before responding, "Ah, yes, we're well-acquainted with all the historical texts, the entire history of this world."

"We've meticulously studied every historical record and sent them off to the final island."

"But you see, a young lady from Ohara, it's still too early for you. Even if you possess knowledge, you're powerless to alter the course of events, much like we were in our time."

"Therefore, it might be best to rely on your own strength to reach the final island. Witness the vanishing history of the century and uncover the truth of this world with your own eyes."

"Perhaps the conclusions you draw won't align with ours, and that's perfectly alright."

After a moment of silence, Robin exhaled heavily. "I understand."

Though she didn't receive the exact answer she sought, it sufficed.

The weighty atmosphere lifted.

Rayleigh then swung open the bar's door and announced, "I've nearly finished preparing the tools for coating. I'll guide your ship to a secluded spot. The coating process will take about three days. During this time, you should make yourselves comfortable here on the island."

"Comfortable? I doubt we'll have that luxury," Nami remarked with a hint of resignation in her voice, her good mood dampened by Rayleigh's words.

"Oh? Something happened?" Sanji inquired, his curiosity piqued. "Come to think of it, right after we got back from the auction, the Marines seemed to be acting strangely. Any idea what's going on?"

"I have no idea," Luffy replied, folding his arms and cocking his head to the side. "It seems to have started after I punched a Celestial Dragon."

"No, it's definitely because of you," Nami interjected, giving Luffy a dazed slap on the head.

Luffy's statement momentarily stunned Rayleigh, the seasoned veteran.

Breaking the silence, Miss Shakky burst into laughter. "Haha, little Monkey, I've got a soft spot for you. You're just like us, always stirring up trouble wherever you go."

Rayleigh chuckled, shaking his head. "You lot won't have an easy time these three days. Find a good hiding spot immediately; an Admiral isn't someone to be taken lightly."

"Right," Luffy replied nonchalantly, sporting a carefree smile.

Zoro and Sanji remained composed, but Nami, Usopp, and Chopper seemed visibly nervous, clutching their heads in apprehension.

"Camie, Hatchan, you two should stay here," Shakky advised, noting their strength.

"But we want to help," Hatchan expressed a hint of disappointment, though he understood the limitations. The island wasn't exactly welcoming to Merfolk like them, and their strength might not be much help anyway.

"Don't fret, Hatchan. After three days, we're counting on you to guide us to Fish-Man Island," Luffy reassured him before swinging open the bar door with a broad grin. "The grand escape begins! This is going to be fun, everyone!"

Luffy's carefree demeanour contrasted sharply with the serious expressions of Shakky and Rayleigh as they watched the group depart.

"Do you think Little Monkey and the others stand a chance against the Admiral's pursuit?" Shakky pondered, idly twirling a lady's cigarette between her fingers.

"It's going to be tough," Rayleigh admitted, his smile fading slightly. "The Admiral is a formidable opponent, and even with Luffy's Conqueror's Haki, the odds are stacked against him."

"But I'll intervene at the right moment. You can count on me," he added.

"As reliable as ever, Rayleigh," Shakky chuckled, acknowledging his steadfastness.

----------

You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion