Since parting ways with Naruto last time, Luffy and the others continued their adventure.
Just like in the original fate, they later experienced the nation-stealing war in Alabasta.
Thanks to mastering [Gear Second] early from being beaten up, although initially suppressed by Crocodile's Logia abilities, they at least weren't beaten to the brink of death.
Just as Luffy, without Haki, couldn't hit Crocodile, Crocodile also found it difficult to hit Luffy, whose speed and strength had multiplied several times.
Unfortunately, Luffy still had to temporarily retreat because he couldn't maintain Gear Second for long.
But this was enough to make Crocodile nervous.
He never expected an unknown guy like Luffy could fight him, a Warlord, on equal footing.
The final outcome wasn't much different.
Crocodile wouldn't give up on the possible ancient weapon, Pluton, buried in Alabasta for this reason, which destined his defeat.
Still, by using water to lock down Crocodile's elementalization, the steam-powered iron fist instantly hit Crocodile.
Originally, due to the steam, Luffy's fists could already affect him to some extent. After getting wet, it was a solid KO punch, sending Crocodile into a sweet sleep.
After this, [Devil Child] Nico Robin also joined their crew and was gradually accepted by everyone during their time together.
The subsequent journey to Skypiea and then to Water 7 didn't differ much from the original timeline.
Only when they arrived at Water 7 to repair the Going Merry, the CP9 Agents who had been lurking there were already withdrawn in advance, as if the World Government didn't value Pluton's blueprints as much as imagined.
Thanks to someone clearing the path in advance, Luffy and his crew arrived at Sabaody Archipelago earlier than in the original timeline and were preparing to coat their ship here.
Because Naruto had given a heads-up in advance, Rayleigh had actually been paying attention to Luffy for a long time.
Then came the current situation. Unsurprisingly, Luffy learned the news of his sworn brother Ace's impending execution.
Almost everyone on the ship agreed without any objection to turn back and rescue Luffy's brother together.
Even though they knew what awaited them ahead were likely unbeatable Marine Admirals and numerous powerhouses, it didn't matter.
"Truly, reliable companions."
Rayleigh couldn't help but exclaim upon seeing even the trio of the most cowardly, Usopp, Nami, and Chopper, show not a hint of intention to retreat.
The praised cowardly trio immediately showed embarrassed expressions similar to Chopper's.
But who knew Rayleigh's next sentence would change tone abruptly.
"However, with your current state, you simply don't have the ability to get involved in a battle of that level."
"Luffy, aren't you considering their safety and lives?"
Sure enough, after Rayleigh said this, Luffy, who was originally full of ferocious momentum, immediately froze.
Even if he usually acted foolishly, at critical moments, Luffy always became reliable.
Before Luffy could speak, the combatants Sanji and Zoro stepped forward first, each placing a hand on Luffy's shoulders.
"We're comrades, Luffy. Don't hesitate, do what you must."
Sanji said.
"You're the man who will become the Pirate King. If it's someone important, you can't just ignore them. Don't hesitate on such matters, Captain."
Zoro also smiled.
Hearing this, the tension on the others' faces was replaced by smiles.
It wasn't that they didn't know the dangers ahead, but they had already made the decision to advance and retreat with their captain.
"That's it, old man! Take us to the Sunny!"
Feeling his comrades' determination and support, the hesitation on Luffy's face completely disappeared, and he looked firmly at Rayleigh opposite him.
Rayleigh maintained his serious expression. The pressure belonging to the Pirate King's right-hand man intangibly solidified the air in the bar.
Under this pressure, Luffy and his crew also looked somewhat stiff, but no one showed any thought of retreating.
"Ha... You see it now, old man."
Shakky's laughter finally broke the suffocating atmosphere, and Rayleigh, as if having passed some test, showed a smile again.
"It seems I can't stop you."
"Then go. Go save your brother, Luffy."
"Yeah!"
Not just Luffy, everyone else shouted together.
"However-"
Rayleigh's voice suddenly interrupted the group's high morale.
"There are still three weeks until Ace's public execution. During this time, I will conduct 'hellish training' for you..."
"Don't think what I said earlier was just to scare you."
"In your current state, you would only become a burden in that environment."
Since Rayleigh's tone was very serious, Usopp and Nami couldn't help but swallow.
But then Nami, as if remembering something, quickly said,
"If we sneak into that Impel Down now and take Luffy's brother out before the Marines notice-"
Before she could finish, Shakky gently shook her head.
"Impel Down, the underwater prison, isn't an ordinary place like you imagine, little girl."
"And as for that... someone will probably go."
Shakky knew Naruto's personality.
Even if the World Government seemed to be blatantly fishing with a straight hook, that kid would never give up on that possibility.
Moreover, was there really any prison in this world that could hold that guy now?
In comparison, if the Straw Hat crew entered Impel Down, the difficulty of getting out would be too great.
"During these three weeks, you should honestly undergo training. Don't worry, Sabaody Archipelago is very close to Marine Headquarters. You definitely won't be late."
"Your ship can also be coated during this time. Believe me, it will help you."
According to Rayleigh's thinking, the best scenario was if Ace was really imprisoned in Impel Down. In that case, Naruto would definitely find a way to rescue him.
And after Naruto rescued him, Luffy and the others wouldn't need to risk themselves.
If Impel Down was just bait, then Naruto would definitely go to Marineford later. With Naruto looking after them, Rayleigh believed Luffy and the others at least wouldn't die on that battlefield.
It's killing two birds with one stone.
"Huh? Really?"
Hearing that he still had to wait here for three weeks, Luffy's face immediately fell, showing a reluctant expression.
Seeing this, Rayleigh didn't say much and directly released his Conqueror's Haki.
Instantly, the weaker cowardly trio passed out directly. Robin and Franky, who joined later, also looked grave.
This terrifying pressure was even stronger than what they felt from Aokiji back then.
Luffy, Sanji, and Zoro bore the brunt of the pressure. In their eyes, the white-haired old man before them seemed to expand infinitely, as if even the sky was being blocked by this man.
As a modified human from the Vinsmoke Family, although his lineage hadn't fully manifested yet, Sanji still possessed some resistance to Haki.
And Zoro and Luffy, under the pressure of Conqueror's Haki, gradually showed signs of a certain aura.
Seeing this, Rayleigh smiled and withdrew his Haki.
"Not bad. You three, come with me. As for them, I'll leave them to you. No problem?"
Rayleigh received an OK gesture from Shakky in response.