Sabaody Archipelago, "Shaky's Rip-off Bar"
Outside the bar, Shakky, former Empress of Amazon Lily and ex-captain of the Nine Snakes Pirates, wiped down a wine glass after settling a few rowdy pirates. Suddenly, her attention snapped to the door as it creaked open on its own.
"Crack!"
The door handle turned on its own, and the door swung open slowly, revealing nothing but empty space beyond.
"Observation Haki couldn't sense a thing—no breath, no sound, nothing. It's as if it doesn't exist in this realm. This ability..." Shakky muttered, her expression grave as she stared at the open doorway.
"Buzz!"
The air shimmered, and figures cloaked in a strange, transparent aura materialized slowly.
"So, it's true. This silent power that evades even Observation Haki—could it be a Paramecia user of the Transparent Fruit?" Shakky mused, eyeing Tashigi, who stood before her, exhausted but determined after lifting her transparency to reveal herself.
"Thank you, Tashigi," Ace praised, gently patting her head. Tashigi blushed, a shy smile brightening her fatigued features.
"A major player has arrived. The Fifth Emperor of the Sea, Portgas D. Ace," Shakky remarked, narrowing her eyes slightly and letting out a chuckle.
"As far as big shots go, you're no slouch yourself, former Empress of Amazon Lily, ex-captain of the Nine Snakes Pirates," Ace replied, a faint smile playing on his lips as he regarded Shakky.
"Empress of Amazon Lily?" Vivi whispered, intrigued.
"Yeah, it's an island in the Calm Belt of the Grand Line, inhabited only by women. Each Empress forms the Kuja Pirates, an all-female crew known for their prowess," Kaya explained, fascinated.
"A pirate crew entirely of women? That's incredible," Kaya added with awe.
"Though the Entei Pirates, aside from Ace, are all women, it's due to Ace's influence," Vivi chimed in, nodding.
"The Kuja Pirates may lack Ace's understanding, but their all-female crew still holds immense respect and power on the seas," Kaya continued, impressed.
"You're quite something yourself. The Entei Pirates, save for Captain Portgas D. Ace, are all women. Your reputation far surpasses that of the Nine Snakes Pirates. You're practically a super crew on par with the Four Emperors," Shakky praised warmly, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes as she reminisced about her own pirate days.
Hearing Shakky's words, the Nami girls exchanged proud glances, their faces beaming with satisfaction. Their strength and reputation were a testament to their captain's leadership.
"I never expected the renowned Flame Emperor of the seas to know about my humble past. But I left that life behind long ago. Please, have a seat. Can I offer you something to drink?" Shakky invited graciously, setting aside her reminiscences.
Decades at sea had taught Shakky to discern intentions, even of someone as formidable as Ace, now one of the foremost figures in this new era. Even if he harbored ill will, she knew she stood no chance against him—nor did she wish to provoke conflict.
"After all," Shakky reflected, "even Rayleigh would struggle against a full-fledged crew of Four Emperors caliber. And he's not here at all."
"Let's have a drink at the most unique bar, hahaha," Ace said, ordering like any regular customer.
"Coming right up," Shakky replied promptly.
Moments later, Shakky returned with the specialty wine Ace had requested.
"Grrrrrr!"
"Haha! This is delicious, very distinctive," Ace remarked, downing the wine in one gulp and praising its flavor.
"Of course, wine fit for the Flame Emperor requires true craftsmanship. This is a unique specialty of the Nine Snakes, a fine blend," Shakky chuckled.
"Turning the seas upside down, drawing in two Four Emperors—Kaido of the Beasts and the red-haired Shanks—the big shot that Naval Headquarters awaits, the Flame Emperor. What brings you here to me, a relic of the past?" Shakky's tone grew serious as she scrutinized the young man before her.
To think that this gentle-faced man, smiling lightly, was the core of today's sea upheavals, causing chaos across vast waters—Shakky couldn't reconcile the image with the man wanted on bounty posters.
"Why would such a figure come to drink with me, a retired captain, feared even by Amazon Lily itself?" Shakky wondered aloud, her expression solemn.
"Purpose?" Ace chuckled softly at Shakky's question, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I simply wanted to taste wine made by the former Empress of Amazon Lily herself. That's all. And I wasn't disappointed," he added, admiring the wine in his hand.
"Just that?" Shakky's expression faltered slightly as she stared at Ace in disbelief.
"Indeed. I came here purely for a drink. Is there any other reason?" Ace replied with a laugh.
"It's truly unique, a wine made by the former Amazon Lily Empress," the Nami girls giggled softly amongst themselves.
Ace savored the wine, filling the bar with laughter. His carefree demeanor resonated with his crew—their captain, straightforward and unbound by expectations.
Watching Ace laugh and the girls smile coyly, Shakky's lips curved into a wider smile. "Hahaha, truly the legendary Flame Emperor. No wonder... no wonder."
As the Four Emperors, Kaido and the red-haired Shanks, converged on Sabaody Archipelago, Naval Headquarters mustered its forces, preparing for imminent conflict. Even as a retired pirate, Shakky keenly felt the tense atmosphere, sensing the impending storm—a potential cataclysmic war involving Marines, Shichibukai, and Four Emperors.
To Marine's stringent security networks, the arrival of Kaido and Shanks meant little. But Ace had come here simply for a drink.
Shakky marveled at Ace's freedom and consideration, traits reminiscent of another legendary figure who had traversed the seas—Pirate King Gol D. Roger. "As for titles, can I just call you Ace?" she asked, smiling warmly.
"It's just a title. Call me whatever you like, but I haven't finished this glass yet," Ace laughed heartily, raising his glass.
"As long as your wallet can handle it," Shakky teased, a playful glint in her eye.
"Hahaha, let's see if 'Shaky's Rip-off Bar' can bankrupt me," Ace jested.
With a wide grin, Shakky continued to pour glass after glass for Ace. He welcomed every patron who joined them, drinking through Shakky's entire inventory of wine.
"Well, I've had a great time today," Ace remarked, setting his glass down and flashing a satisfied smile.
With Ace's exceptional metabolism, he could handle alcohol swiftly, enjoying his time at the bar to the fullest.
"After finishing this last drink, it's time to say goodbye," Ace said to Shakky with a light smile.
"You're quite the drinker, little Ace. It's a shame Rayleigh isn't here. He'd definitely want to meet someone like you," Shakky chuckled.
"Rayleigh? An extraordinary figure on this island," Ace remarked, his smile widening slightly as he glanced at Nami.
"Understood," Nami replied, her lips curling into a faint smile as her focus sharpened.
"Dial!"
Shakky looked up suddenly, surprised.
"An incredible ability—blanketing the entire sky above the Sabaody Archipelago with a layer of static electricity. This must be the Thunder Fruit, right? It's reached an impressive level," Shakky exclaimed in awe.
"Thanks to my navigator's ability, we easily bypassed all those annoying warning nets," Ace said, his smile quirking up.
Nami's Thunder Fruit had awakened, enhancing her Observation Haki's range and precision to extraordinary levels. It was this ability that effortlessly navigated them past the complex security networks surrounding the archipelago.
"I found it! The scent is amazing!" Nami suddenly exclaimed, her eyes brightening. "In the auction house, this aura is even stronger than Aokiji's. Shakky, is this person the Rayleigh you mentioned?"
"Stronger than Aokiji?" Vivi, Robin, and the others murmured, their eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
While Aokiji wasn't currently Ace's equal, he remained a formidable Admiral, one of the sea's most potent forces.
"You can't hide from the Thunder Fruit," Shakky noted with a slight smile.
Having traversed the seas for decades and overseeing a covert intelligence network, Shakky understood Thunder Fruit's ability to amplify Observation Haki. Nami's development of the fruit seemed to have reached an awakened state—a testament to its status as a top-tier Logia-type Devil Fruit.
"His name is... 'The Dark King' Silvers Rayleigh," Shakky revealed.
"I've heard that Sabaody Archipelago has a skilled coating craftsman, the former Pirate King's right-hand man, Silver..." Ace interjected, his smile growing.
"Pirate King's Vice Captain?" the girls exclaimed in astonishment.
Despite the Entei Pirates achieving Four Emperors status and Ace becoming the fifth emperor, legendary pirates like Rayleigh still resonated powerfully.
"I can't keep anything from you, little Ace. Yes, Rayleigh enjoyed gambling in his spare time, racking up debts until he eventually sold himself into slavery at a human trafficking auction," Shakky disclosed with a wry smile.
Rayleigh's past escapades were laid bare, reflecting his free-spirited nature.
"The legendary Dark King still has such hobbies? Do those at the pinnacle of the sea always engage in such eccentricities?" Nami sighed, looking helplessly at Ace.
The reminiscence of Ace's past tumultuous relationships brought to mind the unpredictable nature of those who stood at the sea's apex.
"Hahaha, isn't it strange? Human trafficking shouldn't exist. Coincidentally, I also plan to visit the human trafficking auction house here to find something to do," Ace chuckled, his smile taking on a slightly sinister edge.
As a former inhabitant of Earth, Ace naturally abhorred human trafficking.
"Human traffickers deserve to be eradicated," he declared firmly.
Shakky observed Ace quietly, sensing the gravity in his words.
"Hey, Ace! Not far from Rayleigh, there's another aura, no weaker than Aokiji's," Nami interjected, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Ace.
Shakky's expression hardened at the mention of someone rivaling an Admiral's strength, and being near Rayleigh was especially concerning.
"Oh? Seems like things are getting lively at Sabaody Archipelago," Ace remarked, his interest piqued.
"Nami, where are those Celestial Dragon idiots?" Ace asked, turning to Nami.
"They're also at the human trafficking auction," Nami replied promptly.
"Ah, everyone's conveniently gathered. Saves us some trouble," Ace quipped, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Thank you for the wine, Shakky. We'll settle the bill when we return," Ace said, standing up with a smile.
"Little Ace, Celestial Dragons... What are you planning?" Shakky asked, her eyes wide with curiosity and concern.
"Remember, turn on the Video Bugs and prepare a Broadcast. The world will change after today," Ace declared with a laugh as he left the bar.
Meanwhile, at the Human Trafficking Auction House...
In a dimly lit cell, an elderly man with long curly white hair, a silver beard, and glasses sat in chains. Despite his captivity, his eyes radiated an intense aura of Haki.
It was none other than the Dark King, Silvers Rayleigh!
"Ta! Ta!" Footsteps echoed in the dungeon, drawing Rayleigh's attention.
"Feeling lucky?" a deep voice spoke, belonging to a man with short black hair and a beard, sporting an "X" shaped scar across his forehead and eyes, leaving him blind.
"Interesting," Rayleigh responded, his lips curling into a faint smile.