Watching Sengoku's departure, Rayleigh, feeling relieved, turned to Ron to confirm, "Is Ace really Roger's son?"
The situation was bizarre. Ace was undeniably the descendant of the Pirate King. Raised as a grandson by a Marine and now known as Whitebeard's son—it was a chaotic situation.
"If Roger had lived, he might've walked the same path as his old men," Ron commented. "What was the name of Roger's sword?" he inquired.
"Ace!" Rayleigh's eyes widened, dispelling her doubts entirely. She remembered Roger's words—had the child been a girl, "Ann," and a boy, "Ace."
Rayleigh continued thoughtfully, "If I've guessed correctly, Sengoku must have realized it by now."
Sengoku, the Resourceful General, possessed the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Buddha. Consuming it granted power, wisdom, and a spirit akin to Buddha.
"The intention was to arouse Sengoku's suspicions, prompting Marine to draw Whitebeard to the Sabaody Archipelago," Ron explained. "However, Blackbeard knows Ace's past—a trump card to trade with Marine for Shichibukai status."
"If Blackbeard loses this advantage, he'll seek escape, attracting the attention of Marines. Your task will be to protect Ace and lure Whitebeard to him," Ron continued. "But beware, Blackbeard may create chaos or trade Ace for Marine's safety."
Rayleigh felt a sudden jolt, observing the young man across from him. He couldn't quite grasp him. Despite his vast life experiences, even Rayleigh found Ron inscrutable—a figure possessing immense power and information beyond both herself and Marine.
With just a single story, Ron managed to influence not just himself but the entire Marine and Whitebeard Pirates—a significant feat.
"I'll heed your advice. I owe you a favor this time," Rayleigh sighed softly. "Tomorrow, I'll bring you an exceptionally sharp knife as a token of gratitude."
"Then I'll accept it graciously," Ron replied, showing appreciation for Rayleigh's gesture. He recognized this as an effort to assist him at a critical juncture, perhaps to help Ace, which was a considerable deal considering Rayleigh's position among the twelve Supreme Big Guns worldwide.
Once Ace departed from the Sabaody Archipelago, the situation would drastically change.
Rayleigh, worried, glanced out the window. "I need to check on the situation."
Ron cautioned, "If Ace isn't in immediate danger, it might be best not to act."
Taking action would inevitably draw more Marine reinforcements, perhaps even Admirals.
"I understand," Rayleigh nodded in agreement. As he stood up, he pointed towards the remaining tiger penis wine on the cabinet, tentatively asking, "May I?"
"Of course, but don't overindulge," Ron advised with a smile.
Despite his age, Rayleigh's desires hadn't waned. "Tonight, I want to shake off the regret of these years!"
Amused by Rayleigh's enthusiasm, Ron recognized the significance of his earlier gift.
Rayleigh left the tavern with a smile, clutching the tiger penis wine like a prized possession, leaving behind a pile of berries.
Suddenly, the system's mechanical voice sounded in Ron's mind, informing him that both Sengoku and Rayleigh had finished talking and that Ace would soon visit the tavern.
The system prompted Ron to choose abilities: Rayleigh's Observation Haki and Sengoku's Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Daibutsu (Buddha), provided in fruit form.
Deciding on Rayleigh's Observation Haki and Sengoku's Devil Fruit, Ron requested, "Pick rewards."
With the system's affirmation, a blue light immersed Ron, ushering significant changes in his perception. Everything seemed to slow down; he could discern minute details like falling leaves and insect movements.
A glowing ball of light materialized on the bar, dissipating to reveal a strange-lined fruit—Sengoku's Devil Fruit.
"Can I eat other fruit after consuming this Devil Fruit?" Ron inquired.
The system assured, "Once the tavern is upgraded, it will bypass world rules, allowing multiple Devil Fruits consumption."
Ron further queried, "How can the tavern be upgraded?"
"When the tavern reaches a 500 million berry turnover, it will undergo the first upgrade," the system explained. "Upon upgrade, an extra guest from another world will be invited daily, with a guarantee after continuous upgrades."
Learning the tavern's current turnover was 32 million berries, Ron lamented not attempting to extract more from Sengoku earlier, thinking the tavern might have reached the turnover by now.
"Let's hold onto the fruit for now," Ron sighed, placing the Devil Fruit into the system warehouse.
Amidst this, a cry for help from Rem came from the tavern's laundry room, where Ram was stuck in the washing machine.
Ron chuckled, realizing that life imitates art, finding the situation not without its humor.
Ron headed to the backyard where he found Rem stuck, her shoulders wedged in the washing machine. She knelt on the ground, one hand pressed against the floor, and the other protecting her maid skirt.
Ron couldn't help but find the situation oddly familiar. He wondered who she was guarding against—him? He had no knowledge of any secretive matters or hidden motives.
"Master, please help me quickly," Rem pleaded with a flushed face, interrupting Ron's musings.
Realizing the awkwardness of the situation, Ron tried to ease the tension. "Let's take it slow."
He squatted behind Rem, appearing serious as he examined the situation. "Let me figure out where you got stuck first."
As Ron spoke, Rem sensed something unusual. She knew Ron was merely assisting her, yet she still felt embarrassed.
Once Rem was free from the washing machine, she hastily adjusted her skirt. Though she tried to act nonchalant, her flushed cheeks betrayed her feelings.
Looking at Ron, Rem wasn't complaining, but her expression held a mix of shyness and unfinished thoughts.
In that dimly lit space, as they were about to move forward, a voice, slightly nervous and panicked, interrupted them from the doorway.
"I-I just asked Rem to help me get something. Do you believe me?" Ram stammered, sensing the tension in the air.
Ron and Rem turned towards Ram, their expressions, though not verbal, clearly communicated a sense of apprehension.
Ram felt a chill. Were Master and Rem about to eliminate a witness?