Translator: PapaSmurf0700
On the Sunshine Merry, Luffy, who had just put on a super cool act, quickly showed his more typical side the next moment: "Now that we've decided, let's hear Bai Ye's plan first!"
Nami and the others exchanged looks that said, "As expected."
Bai Ye's mouth twitched slightly, "Do you guys really see me as some kind of external brain?" He thought to himself, If I weren't here, would you just make any plan and act on impulse?
As Bai Ye pondered this, he realized that without his guidance, indeed, they might just continue to charge ahead recklessly...
Convincing himself of his role, Bai Ye then explained, "Although the Revolutionary Army's intelligence indicates that Ace is being held in solitary confinement, this could also be a tactic by the World Government or the Navy to provoke the Whitebeard Pirates into fighting at Marineford."
"This might require our comrades in the Revolutionary Army to gather as much intelligence as possible while staying safe," he continued. "After all, we should avoid direct combat if it's possible."
As he spoke, Bai Ye glanced at Sabo standing beside him, the implication of his words clear.
Sabo nodded in agreement, signaling his understanding of the plan.
"However, if we do need to engage in direct combat on enemy territory, we'll need to be well-prepared," Bai Ye added. "First of all, it's essential to..." He paused, then continued outlining various strategies, "Next, we should..." and "When necessary, you'll need to..."
Sabo watched Luffy intently absorbing every word from Bai Ye and couldn't help but smile. He noticed that not only Luffy, but even Brook, who was new to the crew, had complete faith in Bai Ye's strategies. This display of trust made Sabo, the Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army, feel a twinge of envy.
Sabo then asked quietly, without looking up, "Mr. Bartholomew Kuma, do you think there will ever be a day when I can be like Mr. Bai Ye, providing analysis and plans that others can rely on?"
Kuma, hearing this, didn't respond verbally but instead hesitantly placed his large bear paw hand on Sabo's head, a gesture that spoke volumes.
Bai Ye surveyed Luffy, Zoro, and the others thoughtfully. "Since we have a month left, we have ample time to prepare," he noted.
Regarding the matter of combat power, he continued, "I have some ideas, but we need to find some strong allies willing to help."
Upon hearing Bai Ye mention the need for a strong ally, Sabo immediately responded, "I might be able to help with that." He explained, "After learning about Ace's execution, the Revolutionary Army discussed it and decided to offer as much support as possible should you decide to act."
"However, for various reasons, the Revolutionary Army can't openly engage on the battlefield with you," Sabo added. "Instead, our mission will involve going to Mary Geoise to create a diversion on the day of the execution."
"To provide the greatest possible assistance, we've also decided to share a crucial piece of information we stumbled upon," Sabo revealed. "We know the location of Pirate King Roger's vice-captain, Silvers Rayleigh."
The Straw Hat Pirates, having matured significantly, took the news about the "Vice-Captain of the Pirate King" in stride.
"Vice Captain of the Pirate King?!" Luffy's interest was piqued, not because he intended to ask Rayleigh for help, but simply because of his connection to Roger's crew.
Zoro, ever focused on the potential challenges ahead, remarked, "Someone like that must be incredibly powerful."
The others nodded in agreement, recognizing the significance of knowing another individual connected to the Pirate King, besides Ace.
Ultimately, what anyone else thought didn't really matter. With Luffy's dream of becoming the Pirate King, it was inevitable that the Straw Hat Pirates would cross paths with the Roger Pirates. This wasn't a matter of fate; rather, to claim such a title meant following and surpassing the paths laid by those who came before.
Seeing that the crew had processed the information he'd shared, Sabo added, "According to the Revolutionary Army's intelligence, Silvers Rayleigh is at the last stop before you enter the New World, on the Sabaody Archipelago. It's also very close to Marineford, aligning with the battle plan Bai Ye mentioned."
No one expected Sanji to be the one most stirred by Sabo's news: "Fishman Island!!! We will definitely meet the legendary mermaids!!!" His excitement was palpable; he twisted his body, his eyes morphing into heart shapes as he daydreamed.
However, Franky quickly burst his bubble, "Mermaids? You mean like Granny Kokoro?" His words were a stark reminder of their previous encounter with the elderly, less-than-glamorous mermaid.
Sanji's enthusiasm came to an abrupt halt. The image of Granny Kokoro, the weathered and tipsy mermaid, flashed through his mind, and the fantasy crumbled. The next moment, he was on the floor, tears streaming down his face as he lamented, "Damn it, are you going to shatter my dreams just like that?!"
Franky, seeing Sanji's despair, tried to salvage the situation, "There will still be young and beautiful mermaids out there too, you idiot!"
While Sanji and Franky were wrapped up in their mermaid debate, Bai Ye redirected the conversation, "In that case, heading to the Sabaody Archipelago is indeed the best choice." His focus remained on the mission ahead, steering the crew back to the matter at hand.
Bai Ye had pinpointed the Sabaody Archipelago as the critical destination in his previous analysis and planning. This location is crucial because it's the gateway for anyone aiming to enter the New World. One must either cross the daunting Red Line or navigate through the sole passage at Fish-Man Island.
To access Fish-Man Island, travelers first need to stop at the Sabaody Archipelago to have their ships coated for the underwater journey.
Moreover, the Sabaody Archipelago is one of the most intricate and bustling spots in the entire ocean, offering numerous opportunities for Bai Ye and the crew to execute their plans.
Despite the potential of running into troublesome figures like that infamous admiral again, the current strength of the Straw Hat Pirates should be enough to handle any challenge. It might even prompt Kizaru to repeat his iconic line!
Another significant aspect of the Sabaody Archipelago is that it's a melting pot for pirates, especially those from the so-called "Worst Generation" like Kidd and Law. Now that the Straw Hat Pirates have grown considerably—albeit secretly—it remains to be seen whether these groups will still be known by that moniker.
As they continued their voyage, they encountered various figures—some just, some not, and all of differing strengths and from different eras. But now, they were about to meet others from their own generation. It would certainly be an interesting meeting, not just to act cool, but perhaps even to strike up meaningful alliances or rivalries.
Lost in these thoughts, Bai Ye couldn't help but chuckle to himself, amusing at the potential dynamics that awaited.
Usopp, noticing Bai Ye's sudden laughter, asked Nami, "Hey Nami, why is Bai Ye suddenly laughing like that?"
Nami, with a knowing look, replied, "Generally, when Bai Ye has that kind of smile, it means someone's about to find themselves in a bit of trouble."
"Is that so? How scary! I'd better keep my distance," Chopper said, attempting to hide behind Zoro, though most of his body was still comically visible.
Bai Ye: ?????