The moment Rayleigh entered, he saw Luo Yan. Shakky exhaled a smoke ring and chuckled, introducing him:
"This is little Luo Yan. He's here to ask you to coat his ship."
"Coating? Are you going to Fish-Man Island?"
Other than occasionally selling himself for some extra cash on Sabaody Archipelago, Rayleigh earned money by coating ships for others. He wasn't surprised that someone would come to him for coating, but he also recognized Luo Yan, a piece of information he had received through Shakky's Secrecy channels.
Luo Yan didn't dare to be negligent. He immediately got off the bar's high stool and, with a smile, bowed to Rayleigh.
"Nice to meet you. My name is Luo Yan."
"Hahahaha, no need to be so formal. I'm just a coater."
Rayleigh replied with a cheerful laugh, like any ordinary old man, but Luo Yan's demeanor remained unwavering, becoming even more serious.
"If you were just an ordinary coater, I certainly wouldn't be so formal. But standing before me is a living legend, the right hand of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger, Silvers Rayleigh! I cannot help but be so respectful."
Rayleigh's benevolent expression subtly tightened. His head tilted slightly, just enough to reflect the bar's lights, making it impossible to see his eyes through his glasses.
Upon hearing that title, Xia Tali's beautiful eyes widened, and she instinctively covered her mouth with her hand. Shakky, who was behind the bar, had, at some point, propped her chin on her hand, adopting an expression of someone watching a good show.
Rayleigh adjusted his glasses with his hand, a smile returning to his face, as if nothing had just happened.
"I didn't expect that after so many years, someone would still recognize me. It seems you're not just here for the coating, are you?"
"No, I truly am only here for the coating this time. I have a very urgent matter I need to attend to. Of course, after I've completed that task, I might seek you out again."
"Oh? An urgent matter that needs to be done in the New World?"
Rayleigh showed a certain degree of surprise and curiosity. Luo Yan nodded, his gaze becoming a little deeper.
"That's right, but this matter is too significant. I can't speak about it yet. When we meet again next time, I can tell you in detail. I have a premonition that it won't be too long."
"Heh heh, while I am a bit curious, it's merely curiosity. When do you plan to have the coating done?"
Since Luo Yan had clearly stated he wouldn't speak about it, Rayleigh didn't press further and actively changed the subject. Luo Yan thought for a moment and said:
"If possible, I hope to start the coating today. After all, coating takes time, and I don't want to stay on this island for too long."
"Alright, then once I've had a drink, take me to see your ship."
Rayleigh sat down at the bar. Shakky, already prepared, brought out two plates of food and a glass of sake for Rayleigh. Although he said he was drinking, it was more like lunch.
Luo Yan didn't wait too long; about half an hour later, he had eaten and drunk his fill. Afterward, he followed Luo Yan all the way to where his ship was docked.
When he saw how small Luo Yan's ship was, Rayleigh was quite surprised. After all, such a small ship wasn't ideal for sailing in the New World. And when he boarded the ship and saw a monkey tending to flowers and plants, a ferret wiping the deck with a rag in its front paws, and a bird boastfully giving orders, he couldn't help but show an expression of astonishment.
"Is this the ability to command animals?"
Luo Yan didn't answer but turned to look at Xia Tali. Xia Tali nodded, vaguely saying, "To be precise, it's taming. Little Gold and Little White are pets I tamed. That bird belongs to the captain."
"I see, I understand. I'll be done by tomorrow afternoon at the latest."
"Thank you. How much do I owe you?"
Luo Yan didn't think that a few casual words with the other party would get him a free pass, so he proactively brought up the issue of payment. But Rayleigh just chuckled and shook his head.
"No need. I'm very much looking forward to your growth. Consider this my investment in you."
"Then thank you very much."
Although the free service surprised Luo Yan, he wasn't averse to it; in fact, he was a little pleased. After all, this was Rayleigh, a man with at least the strength of an Admiral. He was definitely a major force to rely on at the moment, and since such a powerful figure was actively extending a hand, there was no reason not to accept it.
After discussing the coating details with Rayleigh and instructing the animals on the ship to listen to Rayleigh's commands and help with the coating, Luo Yan and Xia Tali went shopping. Their main goal was to purchase ingredients. They could buy less meat, but they needed to stock up on long-lasting vegetables and fruits.
"Captain, can we buy things later this afternoon or in the evening?"
After walking for only a short while, Xia Tali couldn't take it anymore. For a Vampire, walking under the scorching sun was not a good experience. The back and forth from Shakky's bar had already pushed her close to her limit, and now she really didn't want to walk anymore.
"Okay, then let's go eat something first," Luo Yan nodded, leading Xia Tali into a shop specializing in takoyaki. The shop front was very small, about the width of four people standing side by side. Inside, a man and a woman were busy, and the aroma could be smelled from a distance.
"Boss, two servings of takoyaki and two glasses of juice!"
Luo Yan shouted into the shop as soon as he reached the doorway. The busy man, wearing a bandana, looked up, and seeing customers, immediately broke into a wide smile.
"Please have a seat, guests. Two servings of takoyaki and two glasses of juice will be ready shortly."
Luo Yan nodded, said no more, and sat down with Xia Tali at a small table nearby.
Finally in the shade, Xia Tali let out a long sigh of relief and began to observe the passersby with her crimson eyes.
"Captain, when will our new ship be built? The current ship is too small; it's simply not enough."
Xia Tali, uncharacteristically, started to complain. Luo Yan chuckled, not surprised, because recently Xia Tali had been making very full use of the space on the ship. For example, she had placed several flower pots in everyone's room, claiming it was to add greenery and promote health, but in reality, it was mainly because the ship's space was too small and no longer enough for her to grow flowers and plants.
"We should be able to get the ship the next time we meet Dragon. However, if we switch to a larger ship, we'll need more people to sail it."
"Then why doesn't the captain just recruit a few more subordinates?"
Xia Tali waved her hand indifferently. Luo Yan smiled and was about to speak when the boss brought over two servings of takoyaki and two glasses of juice.
Luo Yan immediately ate a takoyaki, the delicious flavor bursting on his tongue, making him involuntarily narrow his eyes. Xia Tali also had an expression of enjoyment, and then she very seriously stared at Luo Yan.
"Captain, don't you have any potions that can improve cooking skills? Luo Ta's cooking is too... uh, ordinary."