[Congratulations, Host, for successfully recruiting crew member Maya. Claim reward?!]
After two days, and with the (assistance) of Robin and the others, Leo smoothly 'conquered' Maya.
After a full four hours, Maya finally understood what 'favor' meant.
She couldn't help but feel a little regretful; if only she hadn't asked that extra question during the banquet.
Well, now it was done. Overnight, she had transformed from a girl to a woman.
Remembering the night's (madness) was utterly mortifying.
Simultaneously, the system reward Leo had been anticipating arrived as scheduled.
"Claim reward," Leo recited inwardly.
[Congratulations, Host, for obtaining the reward — Gravity Training Chamber.]
Gravity Training Chamber: A miraculous tool for (assisted) training. The user can adjust the spatial gravity within the chamber from one to ten times normal gravity according to their needs.
After reading the description, Leo's eyes lit up.
Training under the pressure of the Gravity Chamber would allow the girls to improve their strength much faster than before.
With the pirate crew fully taking shape, every beautiful crew member had a clear division of labor.
As of now, the Leo Pirates had six combatants: Nami, Robin, Tashigi, Doberman, Kalifa, and Perona.
Nami: Logia-type Weather-Weather Fruit user, all three Haki types awakened.
Robin: Paramecia-type Flower-Flower Fruit user, all three Haki types awakened.
Doberman: Rokushiki user, awakened Observation and Armament Haki.
Kalifa: Rokushiki user, awakened Observation and Armament Haki.
Perona: Paramecia-type Ghost-Ghost Fruit user, awakened Observation and Armament Haki.
Additionally, the assimilation of the 'Big Mom Constitution' was ongoing for all members.
Now, with the addition of the Gravity Training Chamber, these six could definitely raise their strength to the next level in a short time, providing Leo with powerful support once he reached the New World.
"As expected of the system! YYDY!!" (Note: YYDY's, likely meaning ' - Forever God, implying something is top-tier, the best.)
Leo couldn't help but marvel. It allowed him to experience beauties of different styles and obtain various powerful rewards.
In one word: Perfect!
After the brief interlude at Asuka Island, Leo continued his flight according to the original plan. Finally, three days later, they were about to reach the final stop of the Grand Line's first half: Sabaody Archipelago.
Sabaody Archipelago.
The entire archipelago was composed of 79 trees, each corresponding to towns and facilities in different areas.
It was both the most prosperous archipelago in the first half of the Grand Line and the necessary passage for most people wanting to reach the New World.
Area 13, Shakky's Rip-Off Bar.
Inside the bar.
"Rayleigh, you're already retired. I advise you not to go looking for trouble," a woman with short black hair, a cigarette dangling from her lips, glanced casually at the man opposite her.
The man she addressed as Rayleigh was none other than the former right-hand man of the Pirate King Roger, known by the epithet 'Dark King,' Silvers Rayleigh.
He was also the vice-captain of the Roger Pirates, famous throughout the seas.
Shortly after Roger became the Pirate King, he disbanded the Roger Pirates. All crew members went their separate ways.
After decades on the seas, Rayleigh came to Sabaody to live in seclusion. He spent his days drinking and listening to news from all over, living a relatively comfortable life.
Of course, the Marines were aware of his presence on Sabaody.
After all, a place as mixed as Sabaody was bound to have Marine and World Government informants.
The reason they left Rayleigh to his peaceful life was firstly because of his age, and secondly because he didn't cause trouble for them.
So the Marines and the World Government turned a blind eye.
But Rayleigh's mood wasn't great at the moment. In his hand were three of Leo's wanted posters.
The first: For wiping out the Arlong Pirates, killing Captain Nezumi. Bounty: 30 million Berries.
The second: For killing one of the Seven Warlords, Crocodile. Bounty: 500 million Berries.
The third: For destroying Enies Lobby. Bounty: 3 billion Berries.
At this moment, Rayleigh was staring intently at the first wanted poster, lost in thought.
He had learned of Leo's existence when Crocodile was killed.
After all, Sabaody was so close to Marine Headquarters; the news was first-hand.
Initially, he hadn't paid much attention. As the vice-captain of the Pirate King, what great storm hadn't he seen?!
Furthermore, he was old. No matter how talented the newcomer was, he couldn't spark any interest in him.
Until a few days ago, when he (accidentally) learned that Leo had also wiped out the Arlong Pirates before that.
It was important to know that he was once acquainted with the fishman Hatchan, a member of the Arlong Pirates. Hatchan had even saved his life once.
He never expected that the next news of Hatchan would be his death.
"Do you think I can defeat Leo?!!" Rayleigh slowly looked up at the woman smoking across from him.
Shakky, former captain of the Kuja Pirates.
Shakky calmly blew a smoke ring and shook her head. "Rayleigh, Hatchan is already dead. What's the point of killing Leo? If you fight, it will only end in mutual destruction."
"Hatchan saved my life. I can't remain indifferent to his death."
"Leo will come. I'll wait for him here."
Rayleigh folded the newspaper in his hand and set it aside, then leisurely resumed his drink.
Seeing this, Shakky sighed helplessly.
Once the Dark King Rayleigh decided on something, no one could sway him.
But she felt a faint unease in her heart, hoping it was just her imagination.
"Huh?!!" Rayleigh, about to chat with Shakky, suddenly raised an eyebrow and looked outside through the window.
"What is it?" Shakky asked, puzzled.
"They're here." Rayleigh narrowed his eyes slightly, a dangerous glint flashing in their狭长 (narrow) slits.
Within his Haki perception, a pirate ship was slowly descending from a hundred meters high onto Sabaody Archipelago.
Among the people he knew, only Leo and Golden Lion Shiki had such an ability.
And Shiki preferred controlling islands. Excluding Shiki, the identity of the newcomer was obvious.
"Glug, glug, glug..." After draining the rum in his cup, Rayleigh turned and walked out of the Rip-Off Bar.
Watching Rayleigh's retreating back, a trace of worry flashed in Shakky's eyes.
Simultaneously, Leo and the girls stepped onto Sabaody Archipelago.
Although he was trying to be low-key, the Ark Maxim flying in the air, plus the eye-catching lineup of one man and seventeen women, made it hard not to attract the attention of passersby.
Almost instantly, someone recognized them.
"Leo! He's Leo, captain of the Leo Pirates!!!"
"Holy crap, he's the one who took down Crocodile and destroyed Enies Lobby?!"
"What did you say? He's the one with the 3 billion Berry bounty?!"
"So many female crew members, and each one is so beautiful!!"
"Dammit, when will I get to form a beauty pirate crew too?"
The passersby reacted with a mix of shock, fear, and schadenfreude upon recognizing Leo.
Some of the bolder ones eyed the beauties surrounding Leo with ill intentions, practically drooling.
It couldn't be helped. Even though the girls dressed conservatively, their beauty was impossible to (conceal).
Especially top-tier beauties like Nami, Robin, Vivi, and Tashigi; even a single glance was enough to captivate.
"All of you, SCRAM!!!"
Leo snorted coldly. A powerful wave of Conqueror's Haki instantly erupted from his body, sweeping out like a tidal wave.
Those standing closer immediately had their eyes roll back and fainted, falling like harvested wheat.
The onlookers in the distance, seeing this, changed their expressions and quickly moved away, clearing a(unobstructed) path for Leo and his crew.
"The Captain is so awesome!!" The Ghost Princess Perona, holding her small umbrella, fluttered happily around Leo.
Even if Leo hadn't acted, she was ready to teach those guys a lesson with her Negative Hollows.
"Sigh~ Sometimes, being too famous isn't a good thing," Kalifa said helplessly, shrugging.
"Don't think too much about it. Sabaody is the most luxurious island in the first half. I'll take you all shopping properly this time. Whatever you want, it's on me!" Leo waved his hand豪爽 (generously).
He knew the earlier incident had dampened the girls' spirits somewhat.
But as the saying goes, shopping brings happiness.
As long as the girls were happy today, the credit was limitless!
Gold? He had plenty!
"I just knew Brother Leo is the best to us," Vivi beamed, intimately linking arms with him.
Nami, quick as lightning, grabbed Leo's other arm before Tashigi could, shooting a triumphant look at her.
Tashigi stamped her foot in frustration.
"Well, there are only two arms, after all," Robin said with a helpless smile, naturally reaching out her hand.
Tashigi gave a light hmph towards Nami, then happily took Robin's hand.
Because Sabaody was so close to Marine Headquarters, Leo worried about the girls running into trouble if they split up, so he decided they would all shop together this time.
"Leo, you haven't given me a gift in a long time. Today I want to buy the most expensive, prettiest dress here!!" Nami leaned against Leo, (acting coquettishly).
"Okay, you can buy whatever you want!!" Leo smiled and nodded.
Even though Nami often argued with him, to him, it was just a different form of flirting.
"Captain, you can't play favorites this time. You like it when we... at night... I want to see if there are any new collars," Doberman whispered somewhat sheepishly.
The other girls were stunned for a moment, then looked at Leo and Doberman with(strange) expressions.
Everyone seemed so normal when they were together.
Wow, you two play so wild when you're alone, huh?!!
But it made the other girls feel a bit(itchy/curious). They wondered what it felt like to be a sub.
Pity the soundproofing in the rooms was so good; they couldn't hear the (neighboring) sounds anymore.
Ahem~ Leo cleared his throat and said quietly, "We have to respect everyone's little kinks. If you all like it, I can... later..."
He gave the girls a 'you know, I know, we all know' look.
The girls all shyly lowered their heads.
But they secretly began to feel a little (anticipation).
Areas 40-49 of Sabaody were primarily tourist areas and specialty shops. Anyone wanting to buy things would basically come to these areas.
Although Leo and his crew had been recognized, his earlier intimidation kept everyone at a distance, only daring to watch from afar.
The group of over ten people moved unimpeded into Area 42.
However, before they could get happy, Leo's expression suddenly darkened.
The girls sensed something was wrong simultaneously and looked ahead.
Not far away, a bespectacled, white-haired old man holding a sword seemed to have been waiting for some time.
He radiated (unconcealed) killing intent.
"Everyone, be careful. This guy means trouble," Nami said(warily), looking at the man across from them.
"Who is he? We've never provoked him. Is he crazy?!!" Kaya glared angrily at Rayleigh.
"Dark King Rayleigh!!" Leo's voice was icy as he revealed the man's name.
"Rayleigh?!!" Robin was(startled). "He's the Dark King Rayleigh, the vice-captain of the Pirate King Roger's ship?!!"
Hearing this, the girls all turned their heads in unison to look at the old man opposite them.
"Captain, we have no quarrel with him. What's he doing?!" Tashigi frowned, still annoyed.
No matter how famous Rayleigh was, it had nothing to do with them.
Leo didn't explain much. He directly summoned the airship.
"Go back first. I'll join you shortly." The girls shot hateful glares at Rayleigh but boarded the airship immediately.
They might joke around normally, but at critical moments, they never disobeyed Leo.
The only pity was that today's shopping spree was completely ruined by Rayleigh.
Rayleigh stood quietly in place, letting the girls leave. His target was only Leo.
After all the girls were inside the airship, Leo controlled it to ascend.
He did this not because he feared Rayleigh, but because he was wary of the Marines.
Given the proximity, the Marines had probably already gotten wind of their arrival and were on their way.
If he fought Rayleigh and Admirals like Akainu or Aokiji showed up, given the girls' current strength—aside from a select few—most would be instantly killed.
With so many people, he was afraid he wouldn't be able to protect them all.
"If I'm not mistaken, you're here because of Hatchan, right?!!" Once the girls were safe, Leo looked at Rayleigh with interest.
He was already so old. Wouldn't it be better to just retire peacefully here?!!
In Leo's view, Rayleigh's current situation should have been the best outcome.
In his youth, he followed his dreams and became a pirate.
Later, he joined the Roger Pirates, became the vice-captain, gained fame, and his legends spread across the seas.
As long as he didn't cause trouble, even the Marines and World Government left him alone.
Couldn't he just live out his life in peace?!
Did he have to seek out trouble?
Rayleigh, holding his long sword, walked towards Leo and let out a carefree laugh. "Young man, you can't put it that way. Hatchan did me a kindness. You killed him, so I naturally can't just stand by."
"Ridiculous," Leo couldn't help but sneer. "When Hatchan was following Arlong's lead, throwing his weight around and oppressing people in the East Blue, where were you then?!!"
"You want revenge for Hatchan's death. Shouldn't I seek revenge for those killed by Hatchan?!!"
As he spoke, Leo grew furious.
What a hypocritical old fool.
A flicker of discomfort passed over Rayleigh's face, but it quickly returned to normal. "Leo, I've lived longer than you. You don't need to lecture me about principles. There are too many injustices in this world for me to handle."
"You just need to know that you must pay the price for Hatchan's death!"
As he spoke, Rayleigh raised his long sword, pointing it directly at Leo from a distance.
Leo's face immediately darkened. "Old fool, since you're seeking death yourself, I'll send you to meet that octopus!!"
He'd given him face!
As he finished speaking, a sword glowing with a green light appeared in Leo's hand—the Seven-Star Sword!
He hadn't used it to kill anyone since obtaining it. Today, he would use Rayleigh's blood to christen the blade!
Rayleigh looked somewhat surprised at the famous sword in Leo's hand. He considered himself well-traveled; he had heard of all twelve Supreme Grade Swords and the twenty-one Great Grade Swords.
Even if he hadn't seen them, he knew their general appearance and characteristics.
But the sword in Leo's hand was clearly not among them. Yet, he could sense a powerful,诡异 (bizarre) force within it, unlike an ordinary famous sword.
"What is the name of this blade?" Rayleigh asked.
Leo gently stroked the blade of the Seven-Star Sword, grinning. "Rayleigh, I'll tell you after it drinks your blood!!"
"Brat, arrogance comes with a price!!" Rayleigh snorted coldly, saying no more. The aura within him instantly swelled. Once he killed Leo to avenge Hatchan, he would have plenty of time to study this strange famous sword.
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T/N :
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