As Ron finished his story, an inexplicable rush of images flooded Rayleigh's mind—Ace's face, followed by Rouge!
Both shared the surname "Portgas," and both had a connection: one vanished two decades ago, while the other was born during that time. Could both be linked to evading Marine pursuit?
The pieces of the puzzle clicked together, triggering a figurative explosion in Rayleigh's mind. The aftermath shattered his soul, pulverized his consciousness, leaving a blank void in its wake.
Suddenly, an overwhelming surge of energy permeated the entire tavern. The elderly man unleashed his power with unbridled intensity, a blend of vengeance and regret swirling within.
Black and red lightning crackled in the air, the aura charged with profound emotion.
Why? Why didn't Roger entrust Rouge and her child to him but to Garp instead? Would there be no connection after the Pirates disbanded?
The unimaginable pain of a twenty-month pregnancy haunted Rayleigh's thoughts.
Sengoku's heart sank. "What's happening?!"
Standing behind him, Gion extended her hands, unleashing her armed colors. A protective barrier formed in front of Sengoku, warding off the intense impact.
Sengoku sensed something amiss—Rayleigh's loss of control and Ron's story, both unfamiliar yet oddly familiar.
Rayleigh drowned in sorrow, his emotions spiraling out of control under the influence of Conqueror's Haki.
Meanwhile, Rem and Ram's faces turned pale, feeling momentarily powerless despite entering a defensive stance.
The tavern's furniture crashed, the floor upheaved by the forceful impact.
"It's excessive," Ron frowned, tapping his finger lightly on the bar.
With a resounding bang, the chaos came to an abrupt halt.
A powerful surge of Conqueror's Haki emanated from Ron, instantly colliding with Rayleigh's own.
Their clash echoed through the tavern, dispersing the clouds in the sky. In that moment, Ron seemed like the sovereign of the world, commanding the very essence of surrender.
Simultaneously, a voice enshrouded in armed colors whispered into Rayleigh's ear, "Since you've figured it out, regain your composure. Your lack of control will only raise suspicions with Sengoku."
Slowly, Rayleigh lifted his head, his crimson eyes gradually regaining their usual state. The Conqueror's Haki dissipated into the air.
Rayleigh, instead of immediately probing, changed the subject. "Does Ron also possess Conqueror's Haki?"
Sengoku, Gion, and Rayleigh looked at Ron in surprise.
"It's merely a defensive measure," Ron replied, shaking his head. He narrowed his eyes and added, "Otherwise, I wouldn't dare to operate a tavern in the chaotic Sabaody Archipelago."
The trio's expressions turned grim. Who would label Conqueror's Haki as a defense mechanism?!
In the New World, few could wield it freely, and Ron was merely in his twenties.
Sengoku decided to sweeten the offer to convince Ron to join the Marines. "Join us, and I guarantee direct promotion to Marine Vice Admiral. When I retire in a few years, one of the three Admirals will ascend to Fleet Admiral, and I assure you will get the position of Marine Admiral."
Originally, Sengoku's starting offer was only for Vice Admiral. But witnessing the immense crater left by the Tokikake's impact made him reconsider.
Though Tokikake was barely injured, the display of power was unmistakable.
Ron's exceptional control over his power struck fear, with Sengoku acknowledging that apart from Garp, no one in the Marines possessed such mastery.
With Ron's display of Conqueror's Haki, Marine's potential for cultivation hinted at the emergence of a new powerhouse—beyond even Garp's abilities. This led Sengoku to raise the stakes significantly.
Gion couldn't help but envy Ron's seemingly effortless rise within Marine's ranks. She realized that in the halls of Naval Headquarters, merit determined one's ascent.
Rayleigh, with a blush, playfully queried, "Sengoku, Can I join?"
"The door to the sixth floor of Impel Down is always open for you," Sengoku quipped, his response teasingly rigid.
Rayleigh chuckled. "You're as inflexible as ever. You show no interest."
Sipping his Pinyin wine, Rayleigh's gaze fixated on Ron. He'd make a dash if Ron dared to agree. Sengoku's offer was excessive, and Rayleigh worried Ron might not hold to a reasonable limit, hence his hypothetical agreement.
Ron smiled, considering that he might genuinely have agreed had there been no Wanjie Tavern system. Logically, joining Marine was the safest choice for security and nurturing in this world. After all, Marine stood as the paramount force globally.
"Apologies, but I have no inclination toward joining the Marine."
Before Ron could voice his refusal outright, Sengoku intervened, offering him time to contemplate, advising against hasty decisions.
Gion was astonished. She anticipated a smooth negotiation, not such a swift and simple refusal from Ron. Additionally, she hadn't expected Sengoku to display such patience in this scenario.
"All this exceeds expectations," Ron sighed resignedly. "Recruiting a tavern owner isn't the ultimate solution for peace in the sea."
Sengoku appeared puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Ron explained with a smile, "When there's no gold in the sky, nations reduce taxes. If Celestial Dragons lose privileges, piracy decreases, leading to unprecedented peace in the seas."
The era of great pirates owes to Roger, but the real reasons are the Celestial Dragons' actions and certain manipulations by the World Government. After all, when civilians have plenty, who'd opt for the starving life of a pirate, except for adventurers or the ambitious?
Sengoku chuckled wryly, "Marine's funds come from the World Government. Even as Fleet Admiral, I lack authority over celestial wealth."
"I know these are all erroneous..." Gion intervened hastily, fearing the consequences of Sengoku's words.
"Mr. Sengoku, you've had enough to drink. It's time to head back," she urged.
Heeding the suggestion, Sengoku glanced at Rayleigh before rising from his seat. "Another time, Rayleigh. Stay out of trouble."
Finishing the bottle, Sengoku exited the tavern, followed by Gion, leaving for Naval Headquarters on a battleship.
Standing on deck, Sengoku confided to Gion, "You, as a woman, have certain advantages. If you're free, visit the tavern often. Marine will reimburse the expenses."
Though Ron didn't join Marine, Sengoku knew Ron's commitment to the tavern and staying out of pirate or any force's affairs.
Gion agreed, vowing to frequent the tavern and aim for Ron's sleeping attire.
"However, Rayleigh's reaction was excessive," remarked Sengoku. After recalling the story, his eyes widened in realization.
"Ace... is Roger's son. Damn you, Garp!!"