Chapter 201: Shakky and Rayleigh
_____
Sabaody Archipelago, Area 13.
Hancock and her two Sisters looked at the sign for "Shakky's Rip-off Bar" with puzzled expressions. They didn't understand why, instead of returning to Amazon Lily, Aoki had brought them here.
Aoki offered no explanation, simply leading them forward as he pushed open the bar door.
Inside, only two people were present: an old man with gray hair and worn-out clothes, and a tall, thin woman with short black hair whose age was hard to determine.
"Both of them are here. Looks like we're in luck," Aoki remarked.
Hearing the sound, Rayleigh and Shakky turned to look, surprise showing in their expressions.
"Well, well, a big shot has arrived," Shakky said with a smile.
Now back in his original form, Aoki responded modestly, "Thank you for the compliment."
A hint of intrigue appeared in Rayleigh's eyes. He had realized the previous day that his greed had landed him in trouble, but he hadn't anticipated that the young man was involved in something this serious.
Killing Celestial Dragons was something most people wouldn't even dare to consider— even the most ruthless criminals. Yet this young man hadn't only thought about it; he'd done it, killing more than a dozen Celestial Dragons at once.
"I'm here today to ask for your help," Aoki said, stepping aside to reveal Hancock and her two sisters standing behind him.
The three young women looked at Rayleigh and Shakky with guarded expressions.
Rayleigh and Shakky noticed the wariness in their eyes. However, with their age and status, they weren't inclined to take offense at the attitude of a few young women. Instead, they turned their gaze back to Aoki, waiting for him to explain further.
"There was some chaos in Mary Geoise yesterday. You two probably know that already. These three escaped from Mary Geoise," Aoki said, and without pausing, he dropped another bombshell.
"They're all from Amazon Lily"
Shakky, who had appeared casual until now, suddenly straightened up. "Where did you say they're from?"
"Amazon Lily," Aoki repeated.
Shakky. frowned, her expression turning serious as she looked at Hancock and her sisters. "What are your names?"
Hancock glanced at Aoki, who explained, "She's a former leader of Amazon Lily, a past empress. You can trust her."
Surprised, Hancock and her sisters hadn't expected to encounter someone from Amazon Lily—let alone a former empress—out here in the wider world. Likewise, Rayleigh and Shakky were taken aback that Aoki knew this information.
Although it wasn't exactly a secret, very few people were aware of Shakky's background. She had been away from Amazon Lily for decades, and even many on Amazon Lily probably wouldn't remember her name.
"My name is Boa Hancock," Hancock said. "These are my sisters, Boa Sandersonia and Boa Marigold. We're from Amazon Lily, and three years ago, we were on the ship of the Kuja Pirates…" She trailed off, her face pale.
Aoki quickly interrupted, sparing her from having to continue. "We came here today hoping you could help them return to Amazon Lily."
Shakky didn't press for more details. She knew very well what it meant to escape from Mary Geoise, and it also helped her understand why Hancock and her sisters trusted this "Dragon King" so deeply.
"No problem! Leave it to me," Shakky replied seriously. "And thank you very much, Dragon King."
The corner of Aoki's mouth twitched slightly, and he quickly said, "Just call me Aoki. Also, I'd like to ask you for some information."
In this world, gathering reliable intelligence is no easy task.
Only a few groups have top-tier intelligence capabilities. The World Government is undoubtedly the strongest, and among pirates, the BIGMOM Pirates set the standard.
However, neither of them was a suitable partner for Aoki.
While Shakky wasn't considered a big name in the intelligence field, she was much more knowledgeable than he was.
"Go ahead," Shakky replied. "If I know it, I'll tell you everything I can."
Aoki glanced over at Rayleigh, who recalled their conversation from the previous night.
If Aoki was hoping to learn about Laugh tale or the truth of history from Shakky, he was mistaken. Shakky didn't know these secrets, and Rayleigh himself had chosen not to share the truth with anyone—it was too important to the future of the world. Not one of Roger's crew would reveal a single thing.
Aoki turned to Shakky. "Do you have any information on Nico Robin?"
"Nico Robin?" Shakky was surprised. "The Devil's Child, survivor of Ohara?"
"That's right."
"Why are you looking for her?"
"I have something I'd like her help with."
Shakky thought for a moment. "I only know that Nico Robin was last seen in Balabio in the West Blue last year. She stirred up some trouble and disappeared again shortly after. The World Government's bounty on her is still up, so she should be alright, just in hiding again."
"Balabio, huh?" Aoki noted the location in his mind. Though the lead might be outdated, it was a place to start.
He looked at Rayleigh and said, "Your Majesty, the Dark King, I have a favor to ask. If you agree, we'll call the drink bill even."
Rayleigh adjusted his glasses. "Isn't it enough that I'm sending them back to Amazon Lily?"
Aoki smiled. "That's between Hancock and Ms. Shakky. It has nothing to do with us."
Rayleigh shook his head with a smile. "Alright, let me hear it. But remember, I'm just an old man in retirement, with only a bit of coating skill. If it's too much, I can't help."
"It's not anything too difficult."
Aoki pointed to Hancock. "I want you to teach her Haki."
Rayleigh blinked and looked at him. "Why don't you teach her yourself?"
"Because I can't," Aoki replied plainly.
Rayleigh was even more taken aback.
How could a top-tier fighter not know Haki? While Devil Fruits were powerful, no one reached the top on Devil Fruit abilities alone.
Could Aoki's strength really be weak? That seemed impossible. He'd created a massive disturbance in Mary Geoise, killed over a dozen Celestial Dragons, and escaped unscathed—a feat few in the world could pull off.
Just then, Hancock tugged on Aoki's sleeve.
He glanced down.
Hancock frowned, casting a wary glance at Rayleigh. Her beautiful face held clear resistance.
"Aoki, I don't want to learn from him!"
Aoki was momentarily stunned, then quickly understood.
In the original story, Hancock had grown close to Rayleigh and Shakky because they had saved her from danger and returned her to her homeland. In her mind, Rayleigh was a trustworthy benefactor.
But now, Aoki had taken over that role, gaining most of the credit Rayleigh and Shakky would have had.
Given Hancock's dislike of men, it was no surprise that she wasn't comfortable around Rayleigh.
_________
T/N: There is a patreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early access of 40 chapters.
Patreon link:- patreon.com/ANelite