Sabaody Archipelago: The Clash of Eras
Hearing Bai Yu's question,
Nojiko whispered, "As long as I can help everyone, that's all that matters."
Conis spoke even softer, "I'll eat whatever you give me…"
Makino smiled gently. "If it means I can protect myself and not be a burden to everyone, then I'd be happy with anything."
The three women had no specific requests. They knew Devil Fruits were rare and precious, not something they could casually demand.
Little Aisa was still in a daze, while Vivi spoke sweetly. "Brother Bai Yu, I want to help you too!"
Kalifa, however, clenched her fists and looked up seriously. "I want a powerful fruit—if possible."
Unlike the others, Kalifa understood the importance of strength better than anyone present. She had spent years in CP9, and she knew that power dictated survival.
Bai Yu nodded slightly. "I see."
With his ability to transfer Devil Fruit powers, there were many ability users in this world who had unknowingly become his targets.
Too many powerful fruits were waiting for Bai Yu to claim.
Not to mention Impel Down and the World Government's secret vaults—they were bound to have an abundance of Devil Fruits.
"I should take a little trip there someday."
The Holy Land Mary Geoise was tempting, but Bai Yu knew to be cautious.
After hearing about the Spatial Fruit from Kukaros, he had become more wary of unknown abilities.
After all, if the Time-Time Fruit existed, there had to be even more conceptual Devil Fruits out there.
"Alright, let's eat."
"Afterward, we'll train. Only strength can make our lives better."
The women nodded, their fighting spirit ignited.
Two Days Later – Sabaody Archipelago
The Sabaody Archipelago was composed of 79 giant mangrove trees, their roots forming the islands themselves. Each was numbered and divided into different districts, making it the most famous and prosperous hub in the first half of the Grand Line.
An old man sat on a branch, sipping his sake.
Suddenly, he looked up at the sky, his expression uncertain.
"This presence… Golden Lion?"
To the naked eye, the sky seemed empty.
But in the old man's perception, a massive ship, several hundred meters long, was silently hovering in the air.
It was invisible to ordinary people.
"No, it's not him…"
The old man sensed several life forces aboard the ship, but none were familiar, nor particularly strong.
Yet—
His expression darkened. "They aren't very strong, but… why does this presence feel so dangerous?"
"Extremely dangerous."
Rayleigh trusted his instincts.
So, he quickly retracted his Haki and continued drinking.
"No… a spaceship?"
Adjusting his glasses slightly, his eyes gleamed. "That kid's spaceship… the one in the newspaper? He really is something else."
Elsewhere – Bai Yu's Ship
Bai Yu skimmed through the newspaper while sipping his drink.
"Huh. No update on my bounty. Oh? Finally, there you are, Straw Hat boy."
He ignored the various dramatic headlines about himself and focused on a small section regarding the Straw Hat Pirates.
"The Straw Hat Pirates have defeated a disgraced pirate who returned from the New World."
Bai Yu smirked. "Nami, where is Klein Island?"
Nami, who was sketching a map, instinctively responded. "It's the first island on the second route. Why?"
"No reason."
Bai Yu mused for a moment.
The Straw Hats had only just entered the Grand Line, meaning it would take at least two more months for them to reach Sabaody.
Or…
Perhaps Bai Yu could no longer use the Straw Hats' voyage as a timeline reference. He should calculate based on other pirates of the same era instead.
After all, without Nami, the Straw Hats' pace was unpredictable—who knew if they'd speed up or slow down?
"The world is finally shifting because of me…"
Bai Yu had no regrets.
If nothing changed because of his presence, then what was the point of being here?
He turned to Nami. "Do you remember the old Fish-Man, Hatchan?"
CRACK!
Nami's pen snapped in half.
Her expression darkened. "Why do you ask?"
Bai Yu calmly answered, "That Fish-Man saved Rayleigh's life when he was a child. He is the benefactor of the Dark King—the former first mate of the Roger Pirates."
The entire ship fell silent.
Everyone turned to look at Bai Yu.
Even Nami was in disbelief.
"Hatchan… is Rayleigh's benefactor? Then what should we do?"
Bai Yu remained indifferent.
"What else? We repay kindness and avenge grievances. That's the law of the sea."
"And if I'm not mistaken, Rayleigh has already sensed our presence in Sabaody."
Rayleigh's perception was on another level. His mastery of Observation Haki was unmatched.
At least for now, Bai Yu himself hadn't noticed anything—but he could guess.
Robin grew serious. "Rayleigh is in Sabaody… does that mean he's preparing for battle?"
Nami took a deep breath, but her emotions boiled over.
"WHY?! Hatchan and his crew terrorized my village for eight years! And Rayleigh did nothing!"
"Now that Hatchan is dead, he suddenly wants revenge?!"
Her voice trembled with anger.
Bai Yu didn't argue.
He didn't care about morality in this situation. The only thing that mattered to him was strength—everything else was irrelevant.
So, he simply comforted her. "Don't think too much. If it upsets you, we can just have Athena blow up Sabaody."
"NO!"
Nami frantically shook her head.
"Do you know how much Berries that would cost?! What a waste!"
Bai Yu and the rest of the girls were speechless.
The Challenge to a Legend
Bai Yu stood up, picked up his black blade, Shusui, and smirked.
"Pirates need righteousness, but strength is the only true law."
"Wait for me—I'll be back soon."
SWOOSH!
Bai Yu disappeared.
Perona hugged her stuffed bear tightly. "Is he insane? That's Dark King Rayleigh!"
Even those who trusted Bai Yu couldn't help but worry a little.
Vivi reassured them. "It's okay! Brother Bai Yu fought Admirals before. We have to believe in him."
Meanwhile, Kaya looked toward a corner of the room and commanded,
"Athena, monitor the battle. If anything happens, immediately lock onto Brother Bai Yu's enemies, activate the island-destroying energy cannon, and start charging it now."
Athena's holographic form flickered.
"The energy-gathering pulse is extremely powerful. Ms. Kaya, are you certain? Do the other ladies agree?"
Bai Yu's system required at least half the crew's approval to fire such a destructive weapon.
"Agree."
"Seconded."
"I have no objections."
"Begin the energy charge."
Perona and Kalifa exchanged nervous glances.
Tashigi smirked. "Don't worry. Mr. Bai Yu will return before we even need to fire."
Perona swallowed hard. "This crew is terrifying…"
Robin chuckled. "Kaya just now… she really sounded like the crew's mistress."
Kaya turned bright red. "Ah—no! I wasn't—!"
To change the subject, she quickly asked, "Athena, can we watch the battle?"
"Scanning now. Please wait, Ms. Kaya."
Meanwhile, in Sabaody—
Rayleigh sighed, drinking his last sip of sake. "Kokoros… what should I do?"
He should avenge Hatchan.
But he had also promised to watch over Bai Yu's crew.
Before he could decide, someone suddenly appeared before him.
Rayleigh froze.
"Teleportation…?"
And then Bai Yu smirked.
"Old man, I spared your life. Didn't I?"
Rayleigh was stunned.
"…This kid is insane."
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