(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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'Why are there such vindictive people in the world?'
Nami felt like she was about to break down.
The most hateful person she'd met over the years was the Arlong, the evil fishman.
But compared to Colt, Arlong seemed almost humble!
This guy took all her money, literally, and et said she still had to pay him more.
Nami suddenly remembered that she had "sold" herself to Colt as a navigator, and she couldn't help but feel that her future looked grim.
Watching Nami's frustrated outburst, Colt slightly curved the corners of his mouth in amusement.
'Heh, it's so fun teasing her'
There's always something fun to spice up a boring trip, isn't there?
While Colt idly teased his navigator, Sasuke and the others were off on their own adventures, having reached the Sabaody Archipelago.
Of course, they didn't travel together.
It was simple—each had their own mission.
Sasuke, representing himself, was wild and often out of touch with the others.
Senju Tobirama represented the interests of Konoha and aimed to ally with the World Government.
Colt had explained earlier that if Tobirama accepted this mission, he would avoid going to Rayleigh for Haki training to prevent any suspicion from the World Government.
Meanwhile, Sasori and Deidara, former members of the Akatsuki, had their own agenda.
That left only Kisame.
However, since the end of the Shinobi War, Kisame's identity had become somewhat ambiguous.
He didn't belong to any particular force, only obeying Colt's commands.
He didn't quite mesh with the others either.
After Colt had laid out their tasks, they each went their separate ways, trying to make a name for themselves.
With his powerful Water Style, Kisame single-handedly obliterated over a dozen pirate crews, amassing large bounties in the process.
Even the Marines extended an invitation to him, offering him a captain rank, which he politely declined.
That wasn't part of his mission.
Finally, one day, Kisame reached the Sabaody Archipelago.
Looking at this island made entirely of the roots of a giant tree, with its whimsical floating bubbles, even Kisame was awestruck.
"This world truly is magical. Too bad it's spoiled by those Celestial Dragons," he muttered.
A grin crept across his face as he continued.
"But it's only after experiencing darkness that people can appreciate the light."
Following Colt's instructions, Kisame easily made his way to Grove Thirteen.
On the way, people stared and avoided him, keeping their distance.
Kisame had gotten used to it.
Though he had no bounty on his head, word of his appearance spread quickly.
After all, he was the only 'fishman' on the Grand Line carrying a massive sword on his back.
Kisame shook his head.
'Tsk'
He wasn't some fishman! He was a full-blooded human!
Honestly, if he didn't know better, he'd start doubting his own identity.
He finally reached his destination.
He entered the bar, pushing the door open.
"Welcome to Shakky's Rip-Off Bar. What can I get you?" a lazy voice asked.
Kisame looked up to see a woman with a cigarette between her lips, leaning against the bar.
Despite her aging features, it was clear that she was a stunning beauty.
But…
'Not Colt's type,' Kisame thought, deciding immediately.
"I'm here to see Rayleigh," Kisame said.
Shakky's hand froze as she flicked the cigarette ash, but then she quickly returned to her usual demeanor.
"Sorry, there's no one by that name here."
Shakky was puzzled.
This was the third time in a month that someone had come looking for Rayleigh.
The first time, it had been two mysterious young men who fought outside for two days before she had to call Rayleigh out.
Those two went on to form the Explosive Pirates and Eternal Pirates, with bounties over 100 million already.
The second time, it had been a young man by the name of Uchiha Sasuke.
Shakky had thought to tease him a bit, but he turned out to be a fiery character.
Without saying a word, he drew his sword and nearly destroyed the entire bar.
Rayleigh had been forced to come out again.
Three days later, Rayleigh returned to the newly rebuilt bar, muttering about the kid being a monster.
Now here was Kisame—famous for being a fishman with a giant sword who could manipulate the sea and water.
Shakky thought it was strange.
Despite her rebuttal, Kisame wasn't annoyed.
'I would be stumped, if Colt didn't tell me what to do in this situation…'
He calmly took out a bag full of berries from his seal scroll and placed it on the table.
"Please, help me find Rayleigh. Consider this a gift from me."
Shakky's eyes sparkled, and her attitude changed instantly.
"Rayleigh? No problem! Have a seat; he'll be here shortly."
After all, it wouldn't be the first time Rayleigh had made an appearance.
A whole bag of Beli was worth the effort.
She might as well increase Rayleigh's pocket money this time.
Not long after, an old man with white hair walked in, carrying coating tools.
His attire was disheveled and casual.
Shakky pointed at Kisame.
"Another one for you, Rayleigh. Handle it quickly."
Rayleigh glanced at Kisame, put down his tools, and smiled.
"What can the recently famous fishman supernova 'Hoshigaki Kisame' want with this simple old man?"
"How could the legendary right-hand man of the Pirate King be called a simple old man?" Kisame responded, gripping Samehada, radiating fierce battle intent.
"Please, Rayleigh-san, I ask for your guidance. I know of your strength, and I'd like you to teach me how to use Haki."
Rayleigh winced slightly, still feeling the dull ache in his chest from his last fight.
"You young ones never stop pushing this old body to the limit," he muttered, thinking back to his battle with Uchiha Sasuke, which he had barely recovered from.
Despite his complaints, there was no refusal in his eyes.
That was because Rayleigh knew a lot about Kisame.
Unlike the other pirates who pillaged and burned, Kisame seemed more like a traveler.
Rayleigh didn't mind giving a few pointers.
His eyes shone with a fighting intent.
But…
"If you want to fight, take it outside. And don't you dare destroy my bar again!"
Shakky warned promptly, leading the two to sweat drop as they felt her 'fighting intent'.