The Sabaody Archipelago was as restless as ever. Inside Shakky's Rip-off Bar, the air was thick with the scent of tobacco and old secrets. Shakky stood behind the counter, looking as alluring as ever as she toyed with a television and a recorder. She looked up with a small, surprised smile when the door creaked open and Silvers Rayleigh stepped inside.
"Well, this is a surprise," Shakky said, exhaling a thin trail of smoke. "I didn't expect you back so soon. Don't you need to be with Ace and Luffy today?"
Rayleigh walked over to the counter and reached for a premium bottle of wine. "There's no need," he said, his voice calm and steady. "I've taught them everything I can for now. Their growth is in their own hands now". He twisted the cap, took a lingering sip, and then began carefully pouring the vintage into his small hip flask. He gestured toward the devices on the bar. "Is this the new gadget little Buggy has been busy with?"
"It is," Shakky replied, her expression turning thoughtful as she adjusted the boxes. "When these first arrived, I was curious, but I never expected them to be this revolutionary. With these out there, the Marines and the World Government won't find it so easy to suppress the news across the Grand Line. I'm impressed that the red-nosed brat managed to produce something so significant. Though, from what I hear, the authorities are already moving to shut him down".
Rayleigh leaned against the counter, his curiosity piqued. "I assume it isn't as simple as Buggy acting alone?"
Shakky gave a knowing smile. "Correct. My sources suggest he was being used as a front. Doflamingo and Morgans are pulling the strings from behind the scenes, but even they aren't the whole story. I took one of these apart and found a mix of Sky Island Dials and Den Den Mushi from Wano Country inside".
Rayleigh's body stiffened at the mention of the isolated nation. "Kaido?"
Shakky nodded, her tone turning serious. "Exactly. Sky Island technology is rare, but who else but Kaido has the resources to supply Den Den Mushi on this scale from within Wano?"
Rayleigh let out a heavy sigh as he finished filling his flask and set the wine bottle down. "That explains a lot. With Douglas Bullet acting as a lightning rod, the Marines will be far too distracted to notice Kaido's broader moves. The man is incredibly lucky".
"And what about Bullet?" Shakky asked, her eyes searching Rayleigh's face. "He was your comrade once, wasn't he?"
Rayleigh's hand faltered for a second, nearly spilling his drink. He recovered quickly, though his voice was somber. "There's nothing I can do. The younger generation must find their own path. As for us old-timers, we're just here to see through the promise we made to Roger".
Shakky leaned forward, her gaze piercing. "The Grand Line is on the verge of total collapse, Rayleigh. Can you really still guide those boys toward the future you envisioned?"
Rayleigh's eyes sharpened, the casual air of a retired pirate momentarily replaced by the intensity of the Dark King. "If you had asked me that a year ago, I would have said yes without hesitation. Now? I'm not so sure".
"Is it because of Kaido?" Shakky asked, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.
Rayleigh didn't speak; he simply gave a slow, grim nod. Shakky understood. For the last six months, Kaido had been moving with a terrifying purpose, and every choice he made seemed to ripple across the entire world, throwing their established plans into disarray.
Deciding it was time to share everything, Shakky took another puff of her cigarette. "I have two reports that just came in. I can't confirm them with absolute certainty, but given the sources, I believe they are true".
Rayleigh looked at her, his attention fully captured. "What news?"
"First," Shakky began, exhaling a cloud of smoke, "rumor has it that Kaido and Big Mom have officially formed an alliance. They are reportedly rebuilding Kaido's old home, the Woka Kingdom, and intend to establish a massive, sovereign nation under the protection of two Yonko".
Rayleigh's expression hardened. But Shakky wasn't finished. "The second piece of news is even more dangerous. There are whispers that Kaido has finally obtained the blueprints for the Ancient Weapon, Pluton".
The flask slipped from Rayleigh's hand, wine splashing onto the counter as he stared at her in disbelief. "Is that confirmed?" he demanded.
"Not yet," Shakky admitted, shaking her head. "But the evidence is mounting. When Kaido came to Paradise six months ago, he visited Water 7. Shortly after, two CP9 agents who were monitoring Tom's disciples vanished and were later reported as traitors to the World Government. Combine that with the sudden appearance of Artificial Devil Fruits in the Beasts Pirates, and the conclusion is obvious. If you want the truth, the only person who might know is the shipwright on Luffy's ship—Franky".
Rayleigh rubbed his temples, feeling the onset of a massive headache. He finally understood why Kaido had made that unusual trip to the first half of the Grand Line. It hadn't been a whim; it was for the power to destroy the world. "Who leaked this?"
"The World Government," Shakky replied. "It seems they want to muddy the waters. They're hoping greedy opportunists will go after Kaido to confirm the blueprints for them".
Rayleigh let out a long, weary sigh. "You're right, Shakky. The Grand Line is spinning out of control".
"So, will you step in?" she asked.
Rayleigh thought for a moment before shaking his head. "Not yet. It's a mess, but Ace and Luffy still haven't grown enough to navigate a storm this big".
Just then, a sharp, ringing tone—the sound of an incoming broadcast—erupted from the two boxes on the bar. Both of them turned toward the screen as Shakky hit the power buttons. With a flicker of light, the excited face of "Big News" Morgans appeared.
"Citizens of the sea! Are you ready for history?" Morgans shouted, his wings flapping in excitement. "The World Economic Journal is proud to announce an exclusive partnership with Douglas Bullet to broadcast the Pirate Festival live! But that's not why I'm here today. I have a scoop that will shake the very foundations of this world! Effective immediately, the Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates have officially entered into a total alliance! The ceremony will be held in the Woka Kingdom in three days. If you want an invitation, contact us now! Hahahahaha!"
The screen went black with a final click. The silence in the bar was heavy.
"The alliance is real," Shakky whispered. "Which means the news about Pluton is likely real, too".
"It doesn't matter," Rayleigh said, his voice quiet as he reached for his flask. "Shakky, are you thinking of going to this ceremony?"
Rayleigh had intended to say no, but something changed in his mind. He gave a slow nod. "Why not? It's been a while since I've seen a party this big. It might be worth seeing the chaos firsthand".
Shakky nodded, her eyes drifting toward the direction of the Holy Land, Mary Geoise. "I imagine the Marines and the World Government are losing their minds right about now".
She was right. In the heart of the Holy Land, the Five Elders had already summoned Fleet Admiral Akainu.
"Explain yourself, Sakazuki!" one of the Elders barked, his voice filled with cold fury. "Kaido has already drawn his sword and is pointing it at our throats. How much longer do you Marines plan to sit on your hands?"
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