"Sigh…"
Shakky lit another cigarette, her expression full of complicated emotions.
"I really don't know what kind of charm you and your son have," she teased Rayleigh with a half-smile. "Even the women of Amazon Lily can't help but fall for you two."
Rayleigh gave an awkward chuckle, scratching the back of his head.
What could he even say to that?
"I wasted a few years of my life on you," Shakky said, a warning edge in her tone. "And now, I don't want to see Hancock make the same mistake… so you'd better keep an eye on things."
Rayleigh straightened up immediately and nodded. "Got it, got it."
"Good. Hancock stays here," Shakky said, exhaling a thin stream of smoke. "You go prepare a room for her sisters."
Soon, Sandersonia and Marigold were led away by Rayleigh, leaving only Hancock with Shakky.
Looking at the delicate young girl in front of her, Shakky couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
"That brat Malverick really lucked out."
–––
Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral's Office
After reading the latest report, Steelbone Kong let out a long sigh and turned toward Garp with an apologetic look.
"I'm sorry, Garp. I was wrong this time."
Garp had already warned him twice, but Kong hadn't taken it seriously.
Now the facts were undeniable—this man was indeed one of the masterminds behind the slave prison incident.
"Tell me everything you know about him. The more details, the better."
Garp, being the only one who had actually met Malverick and even fought him once, thought for a moment before replying.
"He's definitely a Devil Fruit user. I don't know what fruit exactly, but he's strong—so strong that there aren't many in the Navy who could stand against him."
Even now, Garp could still feel the force behind that punch.
It had been years since anyone had dared to trade blows with him like that—and lived to walk away.
"According to the captured slaves," Steelbone Kong continued, "this man can release some kind of black substance that absorbs everything it touches."
He frowned deeply. "Such a strange ability… I've never heard of one like it before."
"World Government agents are already cross-referencing the Devil Fruit encyclopedia," said Sengoku. "We should have an answer soon."
At that exact moment, the Den Den Mushi on the desk began to ring.
Buru buru buru… buru buru buru…
"Kong here."
"Fleet Admiral Kong, we found it! Based on the Devil Fruit records, that man's ability should belong to the Logia-type Dark-Dark Fruit!"
"Dark-Dark Fruit… a Logia?" Kong repeated, frowning slightly.
Before he could say more, the office door opened, and a tall figure entered.
It was Aokiji Kuzan, one of the Navy's Admiral Candidates.
At this point in time, Sengoku had yet to be promoted to Fleet Admiral, and the three future Admirals—Aokiji, Kizaru, and Akainu—were still Vice Admirals.
However, their strength already qualified them for Admiral rank, so within the Navy they were known as "Admiral Candidates."
"Kuzan, what are you doing here?" asked Kong as he hung up the call.
Aokiji walked up to the desk, picked up the photo of Malverick, and studied it carefully.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, I think… I know this man."
"What?"
Kong, Sengoku, and Garp all turned to him in surprise.
"Seven years ago," Kuzan said slowly, "during the Buster Call on Ohara…"
He proceeded to recount what had happened back then—the fierce battle, the injuries, and the appearance of a strange child.
Even now, Kuzan could still remember it clearly—Rayleigh's sword, Scopper Gaban's axe, and that boy's eerie, all-consuming darkness.
"So you're saying this man is Silvers Rayleigh's son?"
"That's right," Aokiji confirmed. "He was about ten years old back then. Seven years later, the age matches perfectly."
Kong's expression darkened.
"Very good… Silvers Rayleigh, you've truly raised quite a son."
"Issue a global wanted notice—immediately!"
"Yes, sir. What about the bounty amount?"
"Five hundred million. He's worth it."
"Yes, Fleet Admiral!"
Before long, a new bounty poster was printed and distributed across the seas.
Since they didn't know his name, the Navy gave Malverick a codename—Dark King.
Dark King — Bounty: 500,000,000 Berries.
At the same time, Fisher Tiger also received a bounty—300,000,000 Berries.
But before the posters were even sent out, another shocking report reached Marine Headquarters.
Fisher Tiger had founded a pirate crew—the Sun Pirates—composed entirely of Fishmen!
Kong rubbed his temples.
"This is going to be troublesome…"
A pirate crew made entirely of Fishmen—on the open sea, that was practically unbeatable.
Even if the Navy wanted to pursue them, who would dare chase Fishmen into the depths of the ocean?
–––
Sabaody Archipelago
Malverick soon returned to Shakky's bar.
When she saw what he had just pulled out from one of his black vortices, Shakky's expression turned sour.
"I swear, didn't you notice that Hancock is still wearing your clothes?"
Indeed, Hancock was still dressed in Malverick's oversized black shirt.
Malverick chuckled. "I thought you'd help her get some."
"Oh? So you're blaming me now?"
"Of course not! My fault, totally my fault," Malverick said quickly.
He might joke with Rayleigh or even spar with him,
but when it came to Shakky—he was nothing but respectful.
After all, this was a woman who had once given up everything for Rayleigh.
"Fine," Shakky said at last, waving him off. "Take Hancock out and buy her some clothes. Got it?"
"No problem," Malverick grinned. "Let's go."
Blushing slightly, Hancock placed her small hand into his palm.
Watching the two leave, Shakky sighed, shaking her head.
Then she picked up the goods Malverick had brought back and carried them to the storeroom.
–––
Meanwhile—On a Hidden Island Beyond the Grand Line
Seven years had passed since the fall of Ohara.
Thanks to Dragon, the surviving scholars—among them Robin and her mother—had resettled on a secluded island.
Not far away stood another island, stark white and fortified—the headquarters of the Revolutionary Army.
Yes, after seven years, the Revolution had already begun to take shape.
On the scholar's island, a fifteen-year-old Robin was reading the latest newspaper.
As her eyes fell upon the story of the "Dark King" and the newly formed Sun Pirates, she made a silent decision.
Closing the paper, she began to pack her things—
ready to set out on her own journey.
~~--------------------------
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