"Does the CP9 group even fit in here?"
Seeing Lucci, Kaku, and the other four former CP9 members among them, some pirates felt out of place. Did pirates still follow the custom of drinking together to solidify alliances?
"This kind of wine is rare…" Rayleigh gazed at the scene before him, lost in nostalgia.
"Good!"
Ryu raised his hand, and in an instant, a bottle of fine rum appeared in everyone's grasp.
Looking at the drink in his hand, Rayleigh sighed deeply. "I have to admit, your existence and your ambition make my blood boil…"
"If I could drink this and then go fight alongside you without regrets, I would. But… I'm too old now. There is no ship in this era that can carry an old man like me."
Everyone understood.
At his age, Rayleigh simply wanted to live out his final years in peace. Many pirates considered dying on the battlefield an honor, but growing old with dignity was also something to be proud of.
"Then let me cut you down—because the Rayleigh from the past is already dead, isn't he?"
Hearing those words, Ryu suddenly shouted:
"Give your remaining years to me! And for the rest—come with me to turn this world upside down once more!"
Boom!
A surge of overwhelming presence exploded from Ryu as the full effect of his "Fake World's Strongest" title activated.
The moment that invincible aura spread, Rayleigh was momentarily dazed, his heart filled with an undeniable urge—an ambition to shake the world.
Then, he roared:
"Alright! I'm in!"
"If I can personally overthrow the World Government and crush the Celestial Dragons beneath my feet, Roger himself will have to pour me a drink in the afterlife! Hahahahaha…!"
Rayleigh's deep laughter resounded through the area.
The blood of the old burned anew.
His excitement was contagious, spreading to the entire gathering.
"This toast…"
"A toast to our sworn loyalty!"
Rayleigh inhaled deeply, his gaze filled with old memories, and led the entire group in a ceremonial toast.
"To our captain!"
"Cheers!"
Ryu downed the rum in one gulp, feeling a wave of exhilaration like never before.
The Ritual of Sworn Brotherhood
Among pirates, it was tradition to drink together when forming an alliance or joining a new crew. This ritual, "Yoshiko's Wine," symbolized unbreakable loyalty.
From that moment onward, betrayal was unthinkable. Any pirate who broke the oath would be seen as the lowest of the low—both by themselves and by the entire world.
Ryu's Warning
Taking advantage of the moment, Ryu swept his gaze across the group and spoke with unwavering seriousness:
"To ensure trust among us, let me make one thing clear—I have zero tolerance for betrayal."
"Those who disobey orders will be crippled and imprisoned."
"Those who betray me…" Ryu's voice grew darker, "will have their limbs cut off and be paraded through the streets of the Grand Line before their entire family is wiped out."
"…Five limbs…?"
Everyone shuddered at his words.
Crocodile, without hesitation, declared: "Anyone who dares defy the captain, I'll personally destroy them. If someone betrays the captain—I'll kill their whole family!"
His cold glare landed on Lucci and his CP9 members. "Especially you lot. You don't even understand what it means to drink Yoshiko's Wine!"
Lucci didn't back down, his eyes sharp. "We may not understand it now, but we can see that it's a vow of loyalty and honor—one that we will uphold. And if you betray, I will kill you."
Ryu smirked at their exchange and casually waved his hand. "Alright, take a seat."
Using his Cloud-Cloud Fruit abilities, he formed a row of seats out of mist, allowing everyone to sit comfortably.
"Now, let's talk about benefits."
Everyone perked up.
"First— You are free to claim any Devil Fruit ability you desire, or trade your contributions for one. You've already seen what I can do."
The group nodded.
That moment was still fresh in their minds—the miracle of gaining abilities without needing to kill the original user.
"Second— You will no longer have to worry about aging."
Silence.
Then, several people trembled in shock, unable to believe what they had just heard.
Enel scoffed at their disbelief. "Hmph! Mortals who have never seen true divinity. The captain can make people permanently younger at will and even revive the dead! You just don't know yet—"
Suddenly, Enel paled and glanced at Ryu nervously. "Ah, Captain, I… I didn't mean to reveal too much!"
Ryu waved a hand dismissively. "It's fine. Elite members and above are allowed to know."
"Regaining youth…? Reviving the dead…?"
Rayleigh was astounded once more.
Roger and Ryu were complete opposites, yet both were extraordinary captains.
Rayleigh couldn't help but smile. "Heh… Looks like this old man is about to shine once again."
How could the youth resist when even the elderly were fired up?
Ryu's Final Perk—Senzu Beans!
"Third— I will provide each of you with a Perfect Senzu Bean once per day."
He then explained the beans' effects—restoring health to perfection and curing all ailments.
The moment Ryu finished speaking, the entire room fell into stunned silence.
This wasn't just a simple item.
This was their second life.
Rayleigh clenched his fists. "If Roger and Whitebeard had access to these, things might've turned out differently…"
Ryu smirked. "These Senzu Beans have been optimized. They now cure diseases, too."
"Are these three benefits enough?"
"More than enough!"
No one dared ask for anything more.
Youth! Haki Mastery! Immortality! Revival of the dead! Ability swapping!
This was just what Ryu was offering now. Who knew what else he'd introduce in the future?
The Next Target—Whole Cake Island
Ryu spread out a map of the New World and pointed at a specific location.
"Our next move— In ten days, we take down Whole Cake Island and declare the end of the Four Emperors."
The room grew tense.
No one expected such a bold move so soon.
But they loved it.
None of them believed that Big Mom was capable of defeating Ryu. In fact, they doubted she'd even survive the encounter.
"Hold on."
Ryu pulled out a Den Den Mushi and made a call.
After a moment, the receiver picked up.
A calm, sharp voice spoke. "Speak."
Ryu smirked.
"Hawkeye, my crew now includes Rayleigh, Crocodile, Moria, Enel, six CP9 members, a CP0 agent, a Supernova from last year, the Donquixote Family, and Amazon Lily."
"Come to Whole Cake Island in ten days and witness the beginning of a new era."
Silence.
Mihawk, always composed, felt a ripple of surprise.
How long has it been?
And Ryu had already built such a force?
If he gave this man two more years… he might truly ascend beyond the heavens.
Realizing that Ryu's rapid growth was beyond belief, Mihawk made his decision.
"I'll be there."
When Ryu hung up, everyone was in a daze.
Crocodile suddenly stood up.
"Damn it! The Four Emperors are nothing! Anyone who gets in our way—dies!"
Applause erupted.
Because he was right.
And Ryu was leading them into a new age.
"Four Emperors, here I come!"
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