Chapter 400 The New Era's Wind
Rayleigh was indeed quite curious why his good disciple would bring this Golden Lion guy before him.
Though all pirates remaining from the previous era, they'd had no friendship during those years—plenty of life-and-death battles though.
"Well, let's go inside and chat." Brett smiled.
"No—better find a place outside."
But Rayleigh shook his head repeatedly, somewhat ruefully. "Shakky's still sleeping. If we wake her, I can't guarantee what might happen."
Brett couldn't help shaking his head.
Life was truly quite miserable, Rayleigh-sensei—even sleeping in the bar's main hall at night.
Who'd imagine that the former Pirate King's right hand, Dark King Rayleigh's retired elderly life was like this?
Perhaps this was being henpecked.
So Brett and Golden Lion followed Rayleigh into the Redwood Forest, finding a secluded spot to sit and properly chat.
"Golden Lion-senpai has already allied with me."
Brett said straightforwardly. "In the final war against the World Government, he'll face that first and strongest enemy together with us."
"I noticed."
Rayleigh nodded lightly, then his lips curved as he smiled. "But Brett—quite impressive you could persuade this guy."
In Rayleigh's impression, the man called Golden Lion possessed a lion's arrogance and pride—would absolutely never submit to anyone.
"Don't talk nonsense, Rayleigh. No one can persuade me. I simply decided to do this myself."
Golden Lion-senpai floating in midair raised his chin slightly, supremely arrogant.
Rayleigh couldn't help laughing heartily.
Quite stubborn.
Brett didn't expose that because he'd helped Golden Lion-senpai with some matters, Golden Lion was repaying a favor.
Strictly speaking, couldn't really call it persuasion. After all, opposing the Government—this was indeed what Golden Lion-senpai wanted to do.
"As for why Golden Lion-senpai came to see you, Rayleigh—"
Brett paused. "Look—Golden Lion-senpai is about your age, but still active at sea."
Rayleigh's lips twitched. "Hey, you brat..."
"I naturally know disturbing your leisurely retirement isn't good, but—"
Brett looked up, gazing at the lush tree canopy above. "You should know what kind of opponent we'll ultimately face."
"I know this isn't good, but I need to gather all the strength that can be gathered."
The time for war absolutely wouldn't be far off. Probably couldn't wait for Straw Hat junior and his generation to grow up.
So must gather even stronger forces.
"This is really..."
Rayleigh sighed. In the cold morning air, he exhaled a white column.
"Jihahahaha! Rayleigh—have you grown as old as your hair?"
Golden Lion laughed heartily. "The era Roger opened—I'll bring it to a close! And you'll just watch from the sidelines?"
"Truly troublesome. Looks like I really can't refuse anymore."
Rayleigh's lips curved slightly. "After all, since reaching Laugh Tale, I've been waiting for that final day."
"Alright—"
He stretched. "Looks like I need to start training hard from now on."
A delighted smile appeared on Brett's face.
Though he'd already surpassed his master, Rayleigh-sensei remained very powerful combat strength. In the final war, he'd definitely be very useful.
"Moreover, if that's the case, I might try contacting some old friends."
Rayleigh-sensei said.
"Oh? That's truly exciting!"
Golden Lion's smile could no longer be suppressed. Rather, he'd already begun laughing excitedly. "The Roger Pirates reunited! Jihahahaha! Perfect timing for my comeback—how about finding time to visit Newgate! Let's all chat properly!"
"Sounds good."
Rayleigh's lips curved.
Pirates who'd walked from the previous era—truly fewer and fewer remained on these seas.
What followed was truly reminiscence time. Though Golden Lion and the Roger Pirates hadn't gotten along back then, grudges had already faded.
Rayleigh-sensei could sit down calmly with Golden Lion-senpai to recall those glorious years.
Of course, the two discussed Roger most.
As the Pirate King's number one fan, Golden Lion-senpai held some interest in Roger's daily life behavior, continuously asking Rayleigh casually.
Rayleigh naturally didn't refuse. Those were indeed his life's most beautiful years.
The three chatted until noon. When Rayleigh suggested returning to the bar for food, Golden Lion-senpai said, "No need. Today is already sufficient."
He floated up. "See you again sometime, Rayleigh."
He looked at Brett. "You too, kid."
"Contact by phone if anything comes up."
Brett waved goodbye with a smile. They'd already exchanged numbers earlier. "Also, don't forget what you promised me before."
"I'm not senile yet."
Golden Lion snorted. The next instant he rose into the air, directly vanishing into the dense tree canopy.
"Vigorous as ever."
Rayleigh smiled, shaking his head.
Nearly seventy years old, yet still spirited as a young person. Should he say Shiki truly maintained his mindset well?
"What about you, kid—eating?" Rayleigh asked Brett.
"Of course. Haven't visited Shakky in a long time. Since I'm already here, naturally can't just go back."
Brett saw joy immediately surface on Rayleigh-sensei's face. Without needing to read minds, he knew—the old man was happy because with his visit, Shakky would finally be generous, letting him drink properly today.
Sigh.
Was this married life?
After eating at Rayleigh's place, Brett returned to Fish-Man Island.
He went to Ryugu Palace. Still needed to explain earlier matters to Jinbei and Neptune.
Fortunately, both were reasonable. After Brett's detailed explanation, they chose to trust him.
Time flowed slowly. Sea Circle Calendar year 1516 finally passed.
The current time: Sea Circle Calendar year 1517.
East Blue, Windmill Village, port.
"Then! I'm off!"
A boy with faint freckles on his face raised both arms, loudly bidding farewell to friends and family who'd come to see him off.
"Ace! Bon voyage! In three years I'll set out to sea, then catch up to you!"
The new era's wind—had begun to blow.
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