On Sabaody Archipelago, Roy watched with amusement as the Celestial Dragons were beaten to a pulp.
"Didn't expect to see you here. What's going on?" Rayleigh asked, glancing at Roy.
"Bit of a situation. I'm considering something," Roy replied, eyeing the three unconscious Celestial Dragons.
"What's on your mind?" Rayleigh asked.
"How about we kidnap these three and use them to blackmail the World Government?" Roy said casually.
Kid, Law, and Luffy all turned to stare at Roy. Kid and Law had no idea who he was, but his words made them think he was insane.
"You're planning to kidnap Celestial Dragons? What's gotten into you?" Rayleigh asked, surprised.
"It's a long story—"
Before Roy could explain, the Den Den Mushi in his pocket started ringing.
"Purupuru!!"
CLICK
"Roy speaking," Roy answered.
"Big Bro, the Marines responded. They agreed to the exchange," Marco's voice came through.
"Good. Took you long enough. I've got three Celestial Dragons right in front of me—was about to take them hostage," Roy chuckled.
"Big Bro, you didn't attack them, did you?!" Marco sounded horrified.
"Nah, not me. But someone else beat them up," Roy said, amused.
"Someone actually hit a Celestial Dragon?! Hahaha, that's trouble. An Admiral's gonna show up," Marco laughed.
"Yeah," Roy nodded.
"Alright, that's it for now. I'm heading back."
Hanging up, Roy sighed in relief. Since the Marines had agreed to the exchange, his backup plan wasn't needed.
"Consider yourselves lucky," Roy said, kicking one of the Celestial Dragons. "Otherwise, I really would've taken you."
If they died, there'd be no turning back.
"My business here's done. I'm heading back to the New World," Roy told Rayleigh.
"Not sure what's going on, but if you say so. See you around," Rayleigh said.
"Later."
Roy waved and left the auction house.
"Straw Hat, who was that guy? You know him?"
Outside, Law and Kid, along with Luffy, were fighting the island's Marine garrison. As they took down the soldiers, Law couldn't help but ask.
He could tell Roy wasn't ordinary. Someone who spoke casually with the Dark King Rayleigh had to be a big deal. Yet, none of them had heard of him.
"You mean Uncle Roy? He's the Whitebeard Pirates' Vice Captain. Super strong!" Luffy grinned.
"Whitebeard Pirates?!"
"Vice Captain?!"
"Who are you trying to fool, Straw Hat? The Whitebeard Pirates don't have a Vice Captain. They only have sixteen division commanders," Law said.
"I don't really know either. Ace is the 2nd Division Commander, and the old guy told me himself that he's the Vice Captain. I'm not too sure, but he's strong—easily on par with the old man from earlier. It's probably true," Luffy replied.
"I've never heard of a Vice Captain in the Whitebeard Pirates, but based on how he talked with Rayleigh and was bold enough to suggest kidnapping Celestial Dragons, maybe it's real," Kid said.
"Never heard of him. What's his name?" Law asked.
"Roy. Uncle Roy. And he has a son, Loxus," Luffy said.
"Roy…"
Law and Kid memorized the name.
Roy arrived at Shakky's Rip-Off Bar, where Loxus was waiting.
"Dad, how'd it go?" Loxus asked urgently.
"It's settled. The Marines agreed to the exchange. Shakky, any way to get me to the New World fast?"
"Only through Fishman Island," Shakky said.
"Do you know any Fishmen on the island? If so, introduce me. It's tricky down there, and having a Fishman guide would make it much easier to reach Fishman Island," Roy said.
Back when Namur and the others were around, navigating the depths was easy. Without a Fishman, traversing the depths of the sea was full of risks.
"I'll try to contact someone. Oh, and your ship still hasn't been coated," Shakky added.
"Almost forgot. We'll wait for Rayleigh then," Roy replied.
"Alright."
Not long after, Rayleigh returned, bringing the entire Straw Hat crew with him.
"Hahaha! Uncle Roy! Loxus! What are you guys doing here?" Luffy and the others exclaimed.
"Call it a coincidence. I've known Shakky for a long time," Roy said.
"Ohhh, makes sense!"
"We didn't see you guys earlier," Sanji remarked.
"We were out," Loxus said.
"Rayleigh, we're heading out to sea. Can you coat our ship?" Roy asked.
"Little Straw Hat's crew needs coating, too," Shakky chuckled.
"Our ship is small; half a day is enough," Roy said.
"No problem, Uncle! Ours takes three days!" Luffy grinned.
"An Admiral's about to arrive. Are you sure you can afford to stay here for three days?" Roy said with a laugh.
"Will an Admiral really come?" Zoro asked.
They had fought Aokiji before and knew how terrifying Admirals were. Against one, they had no chance.
"We'll see."
Rayleigh and the others chatted about the Roger Pirates. In the end, Rayleigh took some gear and left with Roy and Loxus to coat their ship. Meanwhile, the Straw Hat crew left the bar and planned to wait on the island for three days while their ship was being coated.
"Do you think they'll survive?" Roy asked.
"I don't know," Rayleigh replied with a shake of his head.
"There's going to be a show soon," Roy smiled.
Roy and Rayleigh headed to the ship, which was docked by the mangrove tree where the bar was. It was a small boat, easy to bring in.
Rayleigh got to work quickly, coating the ship.
Hatchan was injured and couldn't guide them.
So Roy and his Loxus had to leave on their own.
Soon, explosions rocked the island, and a giant mangrove tree collapsed in the distance.
"Not gonna check on them? They might die," Roy teased.
"I was planning to go after the coating was done, but looks like I can't wait," Rayleigh said, pulling a sword from a pile of gear.
"Watch the ship. I'm off to enjoy the show too," Roy said.
Loxus watched his father leisurely ride off on a bubble bike to catch up to Rayleigh.
At nearby Grove 12, the Straw Hats encountered Admiral Kizaru and Sentomaru's Pacifistas. Roy saw them getting thoroughly overwhelmed.
Kizaru had his foot raised, waiting. Waiting for Rayleigh to step in.
Kizaru was even standing idly, lifting his foot, clearly waiting for Rayleigh to step in.
"He really is like a lazy uncle," Roy muttered, laughing at Kizaru's antics.
Rayleigh arrived and engaged Kizaru in combat, and then Bartholomew Kuma intervened, scattering the Straw Hat crew.
Once all the Straw Hats had disappeared, Kizaru stopped and looked up at Roy, who had been watching from the sidelines.
"You're a pirate too?" Kizaru asked.
"Yeah," Roy nodded.
...
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
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