Sabaody Archipelago, Shakky's Rip-off bar.
At that moment, the bar, though not large, was packed with folks from different backgrounds. Various individuals filled the sofas. The Red Hair Pirates' crew members stood against the wall, observing quietly as Beckman and Rayleigh engaged in a hushed conversation at the bar.
Meanwhile, Shakky leaned against the counter, chin in hand, smiling as she watched the animated discussion between the two, occasionally chiming in with a few words.
"Our top priority is to save the captain from Impel Down, but Impel Down's defenses are formidable. With our limited numbers, reaching the sixth floor where the captain is held might be impossible," Beckman expressed with a serious expression.
This is precisely why he sought out Rayleigh. If it weren't for the Whitebeard Pirates engaging the Marines on the front lines at Marine Headquarters, they wouldn't even consider approaching Impel Down.
Marineford, Impel Down, and Enies Lobby form a triangle, with interconnected currents facilitating swift support whenever needed.
Even if they managed to breach Impel Down's gate, their escape might be thwarted by the Marines before they get far. Unlike fish-men, they lack underwater combat skills and mobility.
"Excuse me, you might struggle just to get past the first floor," Shakky teased Beckman mercilessly on the side.
"Impel Down has also bred a monstrous individual, a Paramecia Venom-Venom Fruit user. In the confined battlefield of Impel Down, even with someone like Rayleigh ..."
Shakky grinned and made a throat-slitting gesture, adding, "It could lead to the entire crew getting wiped out!"
Her network spans the seas, and she's well-informed about the person set to become Impel Down's director.
As for the price, it's all for the sake of Rayleigh.
"Just chalk it up for now."
"...So breaking in from the front is even more unlikely, and the Marines need to buy enough time to hinder their reaction," Beckman responded, undeterred by Shakky's warning, though his eyes betrayed a hint of concern.
"Whitebeard won't be able to hold out for long. The power gap between them is too substantial," Rayleigh quickly analyzed the situation.
Much like Beckman's role in the Red Hair Pirates, Shanks and Roger share a similar dynamic. Both are equally unpredictable, often taking the blame as the second-in-command.
Therefore, Rayleigh's intelligence is also in play.
"Then we'll certainly dispatch our forces to Marineford, do our best to assist Whitebeard in restraining the Marines, and simultaneously send someone to Impel Down for the captain's rescue."
"However, our deficiency in top-tier combat prowess is glaring," Beckman admitted with a shake of his head and a wry smile.
While he prides himself on strategic planning, rivaling even the figure in Marine known as The Resourceful Genera], the absolute gap in strength remains insurmountable. Resourcefulness and other skills pale in comparison.
"Of course, you don't need to fret over that. I've naturally factored in this concern..."
Boom! ! !
Before he could finish, the tavern door burst open suddenly, accompanied by hearty laughter:
"Hahahaha! Rayleigh, you old dog finally remembered me!!"
The wind roared as a tall man confidently entered the bar, silhouettes of two sharp axes hinting at his prowess. Two even taller figures flanked him, one on the left and one on the right.
"Yes, Vice Captain, it's been far too long!"
Behind the robust man, a fish-man wielding a trident-like weapon stepped forward, greeting Rayleigh warmly.
"If Shanks hadn't been captured by the Marines this time, we might never have seen him again."
A man with a round head and a square face, his head almost brushing the ceiling, spoke in the same tone.
It had been 13 years since their last farewell.
True, they hadn't crossed paths in a long time, and since the captain sacrificed himself to let them escape Marine pursuit, they felt a debt they couldn't easily repay.
If it weren't for the personal call from Vice Captain Rayleigh and the strong bond they shared with Shanks on the ship, they wouldn't have agreed so readily this time.
After all, reappearing as enemies of the Marines meant facing endless pursuit!
"What a coincidence. I was just discussing about you guys," Rayleigh swiftly rose, introducing to everyone in the bar:
"Scopper Gaban, I believe you've heard of him."
Beckman was momentarily taken aback.
Never did he expect to witness the right and left-hand men of the Pirate King gathered in such a humble bar one day.
Rayleigh then gestured towards the imposing fish-man beside him, a frown on his face: "Sunbell is also a formidable fighter on our ship. Exceptionally skilled in underwater combat."
Hearing this, Beckman's eyes sparkled, finally grasping Rayleigh's strategic intent.
Since entering Impel Down from the front is not viable, what about approaching from the water?
"Donquino, he's the biggest guy on our ship, with strength comparable to that of giants," Rayleigh continued his introductions. (T/N: This name may be wrong, do comment it it is wrong)
He didn't summon everyone from Roger's ship, just a select few key individuals.
Otherwise, if recognized by the World Government, the Roger Pirates would face even more intense pursuit upon their return.
After all, they were the ones who followed Roger to the final island.
"I'll entrust this mission to a select few this time. After all, that young lad Shanks is someone even the captain has high hopes for. His journey shouldn't come to an end here."
"When the vice-captain speaks, I naturally have no reason to refuse," Donquino, the towering figure, responded.
Fish-man Sunbell maintained his perpetually morose expression, showing no change.
"I've seen Shanks grow up, and I'll do everything in my power to rescue him," Donquino declared loudly, the sheer volume causing the glasses on the table to tremble.
"Hahahaha, it's been ages since I tangled with the Marines. My bones are almost rusting."
Jabba spared no pleasantries. He simply unsheathed the two mysterious axes behind him, bared his chest, and flaunted them openly.
.....
Time flew by.
The sea had been unusually tranquil, devoid of any turbulence, as if the entire world had been momentarily frozen.
Nearly everyone cast their anticipatory gaze towards Marine Headquarters. They knew...
That it's the epicenter of the storm!
The seas are tumultuous, clouds swirling, and the wind and waves raging.
Many await the climactic emergence of the World's Strongest Man!!
Undercurrents surge, troops amass around Marineford, and the once-bustling family homes at the rear now stand deserted.
The Whitebeard Pirates have gathered.
The clash... is on the brink of erupting!!!
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Read 35 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari