Hello everyone. I do hope all of you are having such a great time. Now, thankfully, I was able to upload sooner! I genuinely want to keep updating two chapters of different fanfics per week! Hopefully, the next one will be this Friday or Sunday! See you later!

The next set of updates is as follows!

-Harry Potter: The Demon-Who-Lived? (One Chapter!)(Smut fanfic)

-The Overlord Geass (One Chapter!)

-Harry Potter and the Demon Empress (One Chapter!

-See you all later!

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Chapter 8

Rayleigh's smile made Camie feel somewhat calm; he stood before her, carefully inspecting the slave collar around her neck. Everyone knew what could happen if it were to explode, but thankfully, Rayleigh wasn't about to let the mermaid girl die. He gently looked at her, appeasing the worries of the young girl.

"It's fine. It shall take no longer," Rayleigh whispered before the slave collar began the countdown. Everyone there, especially the Straw Hats, panicked at the sound the collar made, yet Rayleigh remained calm. For her part, Galadriel hummed deeply, watching and wondering what the old man would do to free the pretty mermaid out of that collar. However, she didn't have to wait too long. Usually, someone who couldn't use Obersavation Haki wouldn't notice such fast movement. But Galadriel had many abilities that allowed her to see such details as if she were using Observation Haki. Some of her skills were even far better than that skill alone. So, Galadriel was able to see how fast Rayleigh's hands truly were, which truly impressed her.

The collar quickly flew away, detonating away from Camie, saving her, much to the surprise of everyone.

"Camie!" Pappag screamed in relief as he simply flew towards Camie, who held him tightly. It seemed like forever since they were separated.

"She is alive," Nami whispered, surprised and confused about what had happened.

Franky soon arrived with the keys in his hand and for the looks of it. He seemed annoyed that he couldn't save the day. "Hey! And I just found the keys!"

Rayleigh chuckled. "Well, those keys are still useful. There are a lot of slaves here who could use this moment to escape."

"Tch! Ordering me around. Who are you anyways, old man?" Franky asked as many of the Strawhats wondered the same. Although, not all.

"Just an old man," Rayleigh laughed, which didn't make anyone truly believe him at all.

"That geezer took out these guards all at once too. What did he do? I didn't see it," Usopp muttered. "Maybe he's got powers or some Devil Fruit!"

Galadriel understood the suspicion from the young pirates. Suppose she were in their shoes and didn't know better. She'll be anxious and scared of an old man capable of using such Haki with that expertise. Still, Galadriel could see that in Rayleigh's eyes, a sort of fascination emerged as he watched Luffy's Straw Hat. The old man seemed to have been waiting for him for quite a long time.

"That straw hat suits dauntless men very well," Rayleigh gazed at Luffy, who looked extremely perplexed at the old man's words. "I've been waiting to meet you, Monkey D. Luffy."

"Hey, Luffy, do you know this old man?" Ussop whispered anxiously.

"I don't know him! Really!" Luffy replied, almost exasperated.

"Sorry about that, kids. I didn't realise other pirates were watching as well," Rayleigh stated with a big innocent smile on his face. "You must be quite strong to have withstood that with no problem at all."

Trafalgar almost wanted to snort at the clear teasing voice from Rayleigh. Yet, he was wise to know his own limitations. Nevertheless, Trafalgar couldn't take such words as an insult. Rayleigh was quite the big shot. Even if he were old and long past his prime. Kid thought the same as he smirked at the old-timer.

"I never expected to meet such a big shot here of all places... "Dark King" Silvers Rayleigh. No doubt about it. What's a legendary man doing in a place like this?" Kid whispered to himself, only thinking things were never as they seemed.

"On these islands, I'm simply Ray, the coating craftsman," Rayleigh replied, smiling again smugly. "I'm an old soldier now. I just want to live in peace and quiet."

Rayleigh approached Hachi, still on the ground with a bloody bandage covering his chest. It looked like the fisherman would survive but it would be a painful recovery.

"Are you going to be alright, Hachi?"

"Rayleigh... I'm sorry..."

"Hachi, please don't move. The wound will reopen again," Chopper said, observing the movements of Hachi. "We must get you out of here. I must make sure to take a good look at the wound."

Galadriel was taken aback as she looked at the dog that was speaking to the octopus man. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. The dog appeared to be some sort of doctor. However, she knew that having an injured group member could pose some serious challenges, so she decided to lend a helping hand to the talking cat and Strawhats.

This is like a dungeon raid. All party members must be capable of fighting or running. Galadriel thought to herself.

"Stand still," Galadriel whispered, and soon from her hand, a greenish light appeared. Everyone looked confused at it, and on the benches, Trafalgar watched with keen interest what the Lunarian was doing with her hands.

"W-what are you doing?" Chopper exclaimed as he watched in astonishment, the wounds of Hatchi being healed before his eyes. Trafalgar even looked stunned at the way Galadriel healed such wounds without much problem. Now, he was thinking if that was the ability of one of her Devil Fruits.

"There, how do you feel?" Galadriel asked as Hachi simply moved around, feeling no pain at all.

"I-I feel like new!" He exclaimed, mesmerised.

"How did you do it?" Chopper asked, trying to learn more about the woman's strange power. "It's... a Devil Fruit?"

"No," Galadriel asked, noticing a few stares. "It's just part of who I am."

Upon hearing those words, Robin's countenance contorted into a deep frown, her mind racing with thoughts on the implications of what was said. She was not alone in her confusion. Trafalgar and Kid also appeared to be pondering the significance of what they had just witnessed. It was becoming increasingly evident that the enigmatic Lunarian was far more mysterious than any of them had initially anticipated.

"What does that mean?" Robin asked before Galadriel simply glanced at her, raising an eyebrow at the woman with inquisitive blue eyes.

"Introductions could wait for later," Galadriel added, sensing an increasing number of marines outside the auction house.

"Mm, you're right. We must get out of this place," Rayleigh added, sensing the same as Galadriel.

"They have the place completely surrounded, Boss," one of Kid's subordinates whispered. Kid, for his part, only scoffed.

"Alright, you criminals! Release the Roswald family at once!" A marine screamed using a loudspeaker. Echoing the entire room with his voice. "An admiral will be arriving shortly! I recommend immediate surrender! Don't blame us for whatever happens, you rookies!"

Oh, an admiral is coming here? Now that's an exciting meeting. Galadriel hummed internally, wondering who it would be; from what she had heard from Hancock, the admirals were incredibly strong, not just because of their Devil Fruit but because of their combat experience and Haki. However, there was also one thing. Hancock did mention their Devil Fruits to an extent. And Galadriel found herself quite shocked to hear that one of them had a Magma Devil Fruit, which would make her the worst match up to that particular admiral. Galadriel was a Demon Empress—the highest level of the Demon Race. Fire, either lava or magma, doesn't hurt her at all. The only type of fire that could hurt Galadriel was Holy Fire. Still, she doubted this admiral had that particular ability. Galadriel has already tested her resistance by simply arriving on an island with an active volcano and entering the volcano's mouth, and taking a swim, so to speak.

Nothing happened to her. Testing that the Yggdrasil's lore and attributes were still in place. So, if Galadriel were to face that admiral, it would be an incredibly unfair match for the admiral. Now, there was another admiral who had an Ice Devil Fruit. Again, it was a match-up that only bothered Galadriel a little. Her elemental resistance would take care of that, and so were her abilities and armour. She had everything to counter such an enemy; her build was made specially to counter magic casters and elemental mages back on Yggdrasil, so nothing would take her by surprise. The only genuine intrigue Galadriel currently had, was the admiral with the Light Devil Fruit. Such a unique power made Galadriel wonder how it worked or if her Arcane abilities would be sufficient.

Devil Fruits' power can be countered by their natural counterparts. If Light is his power, my Arcanist abilities should be enough to face him. Still, I must not underestimate these admirals. They still have Haki, among other things. Galadriel's mind began to run many scenarios in case her facing them.

"It seems we were lump with the Strawhats too," Trafalgar chuckled. "They see us as accomplices now."

"So you say," Kid added, smirking widely. "Still, I got a good glimpse of the insanity that makes Straw Hat Luffy so notorious. And had to see first-hand the mysterious Lunarian Queen. Nevertheless, I have no intention of facing an admiral so soon."

"That's true. I'd prefer not to use that power of mine anymore. Besides, if they know I am here, it could bring more attention to all of you. So, I leave the rest to you," Rayleigh said, showing up a polite smile, which earned a sudden snort from Kid.

"I have no intention of helping out a senior citizen!" Kid exclaimed, laughing. "But in anycase... since there's no other choice. I'll be the one to save you all. Just stay there. I'll clean the path for all of you. So don't worry."

The sharp and haughty tone triggered an immediate reaction from Luffy and Trafalgar, who both appeared visibly agitated. Without wasting time, both of them practically ran towards the exit as if they were playing a game.

"Geez, they're so simpleminded!" Nami groaned as she saw Luffy go.

"Is that their captain pirate ego talking? Or just their men's ego?" Galadriel pondered out loud.

"I think it is half and half," Rayleigh chuckled. "As a pirate captain, you can't allow an enemy captain to outdo you, especially before your crew."

"I guess that makes sense," Galadriel muttered, remembering how often her guildmates argued about the silly things—especially Touch-Me and Ulbert. "In anycase, I guess we should leave? I doubt those three would keep things quiet."

"True," Rayleigh nodded. "Hachi?"

"I... I am fine!"

"Alright, let's meet up at Grove #13 should we find ourselves separated."

Rayleigh said as Galadriel wondered just what would happen next.

Outside of the Auction House, Galadriel witnessed the onslaught. The three captains were truly showing up their abilities and their strenght. Still, Galadriel did see Luffy's power and hummed deeply, watching his rubber power. Could it be...? Uh, now that's more than a simple coincidence. Galadriel chuckled to herself, earning a few stares. None of them would know how ironic it was that Luffy had such a specific Devil Fruit, but then again. It could be destiny talking here.

"Still, it is too early for them," Galadriel muttered, watching the Strawhats and the other pirate's crew fight the marines. They were strong, clearly. They survive the first half of the Grand Line. They were ahead of everyone in this sea. But the reality was that with their current level. Those pirate crews would face challenges that they may not survive.

"You're the Lunarian Queen!" One of the marines yelled, snapping Galadriel back to reality.

"Yes," Galadriel replied, much to the surprise of the marines watching her.

"Y-you're under arrest!" The marine yelled, poting his gun at her.

Galadriel hummed as she was debating how to simply go away. However, she then recalled something. A particular thing she wanted to test. It was foolish, but curiosity got the best of her. "Y-you wouldn't hurt a lady like me, would you?~"

Galadriel whispered, blushing, before the group of marines began to blush. "She's so cute!"

Well, how about that? Hancock's abilities were true. This is either a powerful skill, or they are foolish. Galadriel groaned deeply, not wanting ever to use such an idiotic ability. So, she simply closed her eyes and then opened them, using her Basilisk's eyes to turn them to stone.

"This is my version of Hancock's power... sort of," Galadriel muttered, watching how the rest of the crews slowly moved away. It would take them a few hours to reach Shakky's bar, so she cut the trip short. "Mm, Grove #13 is quite far away. So, it should be better to leave fast."

Galadriel flew towards the Strawhats and Rayleigh before landing next to them as they all tried to leave. "All of you, come here," Galadriel called as they stopped running away.

"Mm, what is it, Galadriel?" Rayleigh asked, watching her with intrigued eyes.

"H-hey, aren't you seeing! We are going to be surrounded!" Usopp exclaimed.

"Not for long, just come here, all of you. I will take you all to Grove #13."

"Oh! Are you going to fly us there?!" Luffy exclaimed as Galadriel just stared at him like an idiot.

"No, obviously. You idiot," Galadriel scoffed as she pulled an item out. "Just all of you, stay in place, don't move. Or you'll die."

That did the trick, as some of them froze. Especially Usopp and Chopper, the talking raccoon. Soon, a circle appeared beneath them with strange symbols. Robin frowned deeply, not recognising such a scripture before.

"What's this...?" She muttered.

"Oi, what are you doing?" Nami asked nervously.

"Nothing, just close your eyes, and it shall end soon enough."

"This... what is this?" Even Rayleigh couldn't help but hide his shock.

"Almost done, all stand still... I haven't used this often, so I don't want any accidents."

The Strawhats, for some reason, obeyed, but the marines were slowly surrounding him.

"Strawhats! Surrender in this instant!" One of the marine officers yelled.

Zoro hissed as he pulled his sword out. Even Brook and Franky were preparing to fight. But, suddenly, a bright light appeared, blinding all of the Strawhats and marines. The spot where the pirate crew was just a few seconds ago was empty. The Marines were left speechless; they didn't know what happened. A strange smoking circle was left on the ground. A burnout. Yet, no pirates were standing there.

"They vanished...?"

"How... what happened?"

The marines were scratching their heads, confused and disoriented. And far away. On Grove #13, the Strawhats appeared as confused as the Marines, as they simply appeared in a place so different from the one they were just a few seconds ago. They began looking around, trying to look at any recognisable sign or landmark.

"Uh, what... where are we?" Usopp muttered, confused.

"My, my, of all things... I didn't expect this," Rayleigh whispered, genuinely stunned at what he was experiencing. "You're truly a bag of surprise, my good lady."

"We teleported?" Franky whispered, trying to come to a theory of what took place. Galadriel chuckled as she looked at the item in her hand, vanishing in thin air.

"Yes, we teleported here. I left a trinket here to offer a sort of escape. And well, it worked!" Galadriel smiled as they all stared at her, quite confused and stunned.

"Wait, you can teleport people?" Namie questioned.

"Mm, sort of...?"

"How does it work?" Franky asked, and for some odd reason, there was a shining bright light in his eyes.

"Magic," Galadriel only replied, wiggling her fingers.

"Oh! Magic?! You're a witch?!" Luffy exclaimed loudly. "Can you do some tricks?"

"Oi! Luffy, you're being disrespectful to sweet, Galadriel-schawn!" Sanji exclaimed, genuinely fascinated by the beauty before him.

"Well, not a witch," Galadriel muttered. "Regardless, I think this is a topic we should have inside."

Galadriel said before the rest of the Strawhat crew entered Shakky's bar. There would be a lot to talk about.

Once all the members of the Strawhat crew had made themselves comfortable inside Shakky's bar, Rayleigh's true identity was revealed. This revelation took the crew by surprise, as some of them were completely taken aback by the knowledge of who he truly was.

"Eh?!" Luffy was one of the first ones to yell, utterly stunned. "You were on the Pirate King's Ship?!"

"Yes. I'm Silvers Rayleigh, the ship's vice-captain," Rayleigh replied as he poured himself some beer. "Nice to meet you all."

"Vice-captain?!" Rayleigh's portrait was not as well-known as it used to be, possibly because he had not been seen in person for a long time. So it wasn't truly weird that some didn't know who he was. At least a first glance.

"What, didn't Hachan tell you?" Rayleigh said, a bit confused.

"I didn't want to bring problems to either of you," Hachan whispered, apologetic.

"Oh? Didn't you realise it? Has any of you seen his wanted poster?" Robin inquired with a perplexed but amused expression. "I think the Navy still prints his wanted poster occasionally."

"Yeah, those posters aren't my best," Rayleigh laughed. "I look way too old."

"You're old, love," Shakky replied softly, kissing Rayleigh's cheek. "But your name should still echo in the sea."

"I know his name so well!" Usopp cried, not believing he was in front of such a legend.

"It's in so many books!" Nami added, muffling her cries of wonder.

"Y-yeah, it's definitely a name everyone hears at least once," Sanji whispered. "I think Zeff had his wanted poster in his office."

"Ah, Gold Roger... I think he was a rookie during my times," Brook added as he kept eating while Galadriel looked at the skeleton with amazement, wondering where the food was going.

"But how did this octopus make friends with a big shot like you?" Zoro asked as everyone stared at Rayleigh. Galadriel glanced at the old man before he began to tell the history of how Roger's pirates disbanded on Roger's orders. It was a tale Galadriel knew already. Roger himself told her about it. Yet, it truly felt different, hearing it from Roger. His voice had a sense of bitterness, guilt, and melancholy when he told her about it.

The depth of Roger's affection for his crewmates was genuinely remarkable. It was difficult to witness their departures, the act of leaving them, and even causing them pain. That was more agonising to Roger than the sickness slowly killing him. But because his love for his crew was so great, Roger would've never forgiven himself if he would lead his crew to their demise if he hadn't disbanded them at the time.

Galadriel had told him how jealous of him she was. It was unfair to compare her guildmates to Roger's crewmates. But at the very least, their loyalty to him and each other was something Ainz Ooal Gown didn't truly have. Otherwise, they would have never left her alone. Still, that could be her talking. Galadriel could only wonder if Roger's final days were filled with those thoughts. The dead pirate king never told her about it. But she would like to think that Roger truly felt relief. No one from his crew would face death.

That was an excellent way to die; on my terms, my friend. Let them see their captain smile once again. Galadriel recalled those words and the smile Roger gave her.

"It's like we just heard something incredible," Nami whispered, making Galadriel snap back from her thoughts. "It's almost a different story, hearing it from someone who was there."

"Only the people living can decide this era," Rayleigh smiled. "Your good friend, Shanks, should know about it."

"Uh, Shanks? You know, Shanks?" Luffy asked, with his mouth full of food.

"Have you heard of the East Blue pirate known as Buggy? Both of them were apprentices on our ship during the last years."

"Eh?! Shanks was on the Pirate King's ship?!" Luffy exclaimed as Galadriel carefully moved away, trying to evade some of the food being spat out.

"What? He didn't tell you about that?" Rayleigh now looked surprised. "I ran into him again on these islands about 10 years ago. He'd lost his trademark straw hat, along with his left arm. Yet, he only told me about a particular kid he met. Since then, I've wanted to meet you, Monkey D. Luffy."

Luffy seemed overjoyed at the thought of Shanks, those wonderful memories, and his promise to him. It put a smile on his face. Yet, Galadriel, who has been quiet all this time, hummed deeply.

Shanks? Could it be...? Galadriel thoughts wonder once again.

"In anycase, you have come this far away. Good job. I'm sure Shanks would be glad to meet you again," Rayleigh smiled at Luffy, who held his straw hat close to him. "I bet he's eagerly waiting for you in the New World."

"Really? Do you think so?! I can't wait to see him, too!"

Now those words made Galadriel snap at Rayleigh and Luffy. "Wait," Galadriel called as everyone stared at her.

"Mm, what is it, Galadriel?" Rayleigh asked, confused.

"I think you're allowing good memories and faith to cloud your judgment, Rayleigh," Galadriel stated as the vice-captain frowned at her. "As they are... the Strawhat crew... will get slaughtered in the New World."

Those words were received with a mixed reaction, especially from Luffy, who frowned deeply at her.

"Eh? What'd you mean?" He exclaimed, irritated. Galadriel raised her eyebrows and could see that naivety that gets rookies killed once they arrive at the New World. They thought they could overcome everything that came to their path. That kind of determination may work in Paradise, but in the New World, courage wasn't enough.

"You're not ready for the New World," Galadriel said again, this time with a hissing tone. "None of you are."

"H-hey, what you mean? We came this far. We have faced challenges just like anyone else," Nami stated, sounding quite insulted at the words of Galadriel. "I think we know what we are capable of."

"Y-yeah! We have faced two Warlords already! We can take the New World!" Usopp added as Chopper nodded fervently.

"We can overcome the challenges!"

"No, you don't. You truly don't know what you are going to go against," Galadriel stated again as Luffy got more annoyed. "It's possible that you'll make it to the New World, but it would come at a great cost. Some of you may face serious harm or even lose your lives. You could lose important parts of yourself, your ship, your determination, and your aspirations. It's even possible that you may be forced to join one of the Yonko's crews just to stay alive. Right now, it's important to acknowledge that all of you are weak."

Luffy stood up, entirely irate for having someone telling him what he could or couldn't do. And even some of the Strawhats shared the feeling.

"Shut up! I don't care what you say! I'll become the Pirate King! I don't need you to tell me what I can or can't do!"

Galadriel glanced at Strawhat boy and sighed. "Try to hit me," she said.

"Uh?" Luffy now looked at her, confused. "What?"

"Try to hit me. Prove me, right here, that you have what it takes."

"Hey, I don't think that's a good idea, Luffy," Usopp muttered, but Luffy's anger remained. So, without wasting time, he stretched his arm, and quickly, a punch came.

"Gomu Gomu No... Pistol!"

Soon the punch came, but it went right through Galadriel, whose Logia Devil Fruit was the first line of defence. Luffy and the rest saw she was made out of a strange misty cloud. Luffy thought it was the same as Smoker and hissed. "Just like Smokey!"

Galadriel then vanished before everyone's eyes and suddenly appeared before Luffy. It was in a blink of an eye that even someone like Rayleigh couldn't keep up with. Galadriel then punched Luffy directly into his stomach, sending the rubber boy to the ground, without breath, in pain.

Luffy felt how his insides were bleeding. He was left stunned and bewildered. That punch from Galadriel was unlike anything he had ever experienced. It was a fierce display of raw, unbridled strength that left him reeling. What was most frightening was that she made it look effortless. It was as if she held back her true power, leaving him to wonder what else she was capable of.

"Luffy!" Chopper screamed as everyone reacted the same way. "How... he is made out of rubber."

"You don't even know Haki," Galadriel stated, looking down at Luffy. He felt like all his orgasms were squashed down to disintegration. He has never felt such pain. Not even when facing the Cipher Pol. "You can't fight a Logia user without knowing Haki. That's just a basic thing you need to learn if you wish to survive in the New World."

Galadriel raised her hand and simply healed Luffy. "Then, there are the territories controlled by the Emperors of the Sea, who each had armies of powerful users in their ranks. If you wish to truly be Pirate King, guess what? You'll have to fight them. Each one of them."

Rayleigh's eyes opened up, and he understood what Galadriel was saying. It was true. His excitement, melancholy, and hope in Roger's words blinded him to the truth of what was lying before him. They were not ready for the voyage.

"I see," Rayleigh muttered, putting his beer down. "I understand."

"I'm not saying this to... kill your dreams," Galadriel said as Luffy slowly stood up, watching Galadrie nervously. "I am saying this so you understand what you will face. You're about to jump to a place controlled by pirates whose strenght is equal to an admiral. Do you think, as you are, you can beat them? As any of you faced an admiral before?"

Luffy's expression showed a stubborn determination. However, a part of him couldn't shake the feeling of simply disbelief. Luffy took his straw hat and watched it. Not knowing what he could do or if he should just follow his guts and ignore the warnings of the Lunarian. Yet, he did recall the memories of Aokiji and how he almost died. If he truly wanted to become Pirate King, then he should have to beat more like him. Was he prepared for that? Luffy wanted to believe he was, but he truly began to doubt.

"Not strong enough...?" The rest of Luffy's crew was surprised to see him so quiet and reflective while he muttered to himself.

Rayleigh closed his eyes and sighed. "What about this? Why won't you and your crew stay here for a few days? Consider what you should do and if you wish to take Galadriel's warnings to heart. It would also help to wait until things on the island became calmer."

Luffy said nothing, just kept his thoughts to himself.

Robin stared at the Lunarian Queen on the other side of the conversation, and her silence reflected Luffy's self-doubts. "You... on Thriller Bark, you mentioned the D. You know what it is? I also saw Roger's words written on a Poneglyph on the Sky Islands. How could he write those words? Do you know what happened during the void century 900 years ago? Does both of you know?!"

Robin's expression truly reflected the desire to know about that specific detail of history. Rayleigh looked at Galadriel, who hummed deeply. She then glanced at him, and it seemed they had a conversation with just their eyes.

"Yes, we know. We learned the entire history."

Robin was left stunned as Rayleigh leaned in to whisper the answer to the questions that had been weighing heavily on her mind. Robin was desperate to uncover the truth about what happened during those years. The reason why the World government was so vicious in hiding it all led to the destruction of Ohara, Robin's home. The last Robin could do was to find out the truth of the Void Century, and to hear that Rayleigh knew all of it was something hard to ignore. Yet, Rayleigh did not want to add more to their problems. Learning the truth, that truth could be fatal to people not prepared for it.

"Be careful there, Miss Robin," Galadriel added as Robin stared at her. "You mustn't be hasty. That type of information is bigger than you. Especially at this moment."

Rayleigh nodded slowly. "That's true, Miss. Robin. We, and perhaps, Ohara, might hurry a bit too much. Roger was not a scholar; he just could hear the voices in things, even if I told you everything about it right now. There's nothing you could do."

Robin gulped deeply, taking those words into consideration. "How do you know...?" She whispered at Galadriel, who chuckled.

"I, well, you could say that I was born on the last island," Galadriel said, smiling.

"What?!" Ussop exclaimed. "You know what the One Piece is?!"

"Uh, well, yes, like I say, I was born there. I know it all too and all it conveys."

"So...! The Legendary great treasure, the One Piece...! It really is-!"

"Usopp!" With a sudden burst of energy, Luffy let out a fierce yell, his true self returning. His foot pounded down on the table with a resounding thud, causing even Galadriel to jump in shock. "I don't wanna know where the treasure is! I don't even want to know if it exists! We've put all our lives on the line and set out to sea to find it! I'd rather give up being a pirate all along if someone tells me the end of my journey! I don't want to take part in such a boring adventure!"

Those words were a smack in the head to Galadriel. It was such a Roger thing to say that she only stared at Luffy with a shocked expression.

"You think you can do it...? To rule the seas?" Rayleigh asked, as his eyes stared directly at Luffy's, who simply smiled.

"I don't want to rule anything! It's the freest person in this sea who's the King of Pirates!"

For Rayleigh and Galadriel, those words were truly a clear image of Roger. It was truly something he'll say, to the point where Galadriel laughed. Rayleigh followed suit.

"Even if your enemies are stronger than you?" Galadriel now asked, to which Luffy smiled.

"Even if!" Luffy smiled.

"Truly, they are all so damn stubborn, aren't they?" Galadriel stated, smiling as Rayleigh shook his head in amusement.

"Truly, they have to be. Otherwise, they wouldn't last long in the sea," Rayleigh added.

"I guess if you're going to be an idiot, you must be tough. What about you, Miss Robin?" Galadriel asked as Robin seemed to have relaxed a bit.

"I shall take my own path, on my own time," Robin smiled.

"I see," Galadriel nodded. "In anycase, you must still think about what you will do. My warnings are for something."

Rayleigh nodded. "The coating will take days even. Still, it should give you time to think about your next step honestly. The One Piece isn't going anywhere. You must be ready before you give your next step."

Luffy nodded as Galadriel shook her head, still thinking that Luffy, while truly showing Roger's will. He has yet to realise the demanding nature of his goal. Perhaps, none of them do. Yet, Galadriel hoped that showing him a view of what could happen to him and his crew would be sufficient. Hopefully, Luffy wouldn't have to experience something painful to understand his current state.

Otherwise, he'll die before truly starting his adventure.

Galadriel thought, deciding to stay a while, and see Luffy's decision.

But soon, all of that would change when arriving from underneath the sea, just entering the sea known as Paradise. Two flags appeared. Katakuri looked at the bright sky above him on one ship. It's been ages since he came to this sea. However, he could feel a presence not so far away from him.

King and the Beast Pirates arrived simultaneously. Both pirate ships were aware of each other now. And they knew that they were in a race that neither wanted to lose.

Currently, the first half of the Grand Line has become smaller.