Around the table, after a few rounds of drinks, it was clear to everyone that Tony had now mastered Haki. This meant the time for him to set out on his adventure had finally arrived.
Rayleigh, spinning his wine glass with a hint of amusement, looked at Tony and asked with a smile,
"So, what are your plans now?"
Seeing Rayleigh's look, Tony immediately guessed his meaning. Rayleigh was eager to see how far Tony could go, whether he could possibly change the world in ways even Gol D. Roger and Rayleigh had not.
Tony's mouth curled into a grin. In his previous life, he was just an ordinary person on a blue planet, but here in the world of pirates, he had extraordinary abilities. If he didn't make a mark, it would be a waste of his skills. Wiping the grease from his mouth, Tony spoke earnestly.
"Rayleigh-sensei, Shakky, I want to go out to sea and start my adventure! I want to explore this world and uncover its mysteries."
Upon hearing this, Shakky, sitting next to him, showed a clear look of sadness. Lighting a cigarette, she seemed to recall the young, naive boy who had come here three years ago. Now, he was all grown up. She knew, as family, that Tony needed her support, and she had prepared herself for this day—just not so soon.
After a moment of understanding, Shakky looked at Tony and spoke sincerely:
"Tony, if you've decided on a goal, go out there and achieve it. Shakky will always support you! I know that if it's you, no obstacle will be too big."
Shakky's encouragement gave Tony an undeniable surge of motivation. Rayleigh, on the other hand, said nothing, but raised his glass in a silent toast to Tony. There was no need for many words between master and disciple; Rayleigh trusted his pupil more than anyone. He was certain that Tony would shine in this world, like a brilliant star.
Tony held his cup in both hands and clinked it solemnly with Rayleigh's.
After finishing the meal prepared by Shakky, Tony habitually began cleaning the table and dishes. He had been doing this for three years, and today, more than ever, he wanted to do it himself, knowing he'd soon be leaving to embark on his journey at sea.
He felt a strong sense of reluctance. Three years wasn't too short or too long, but Rayleigh and Shakky's kindness was something he would never forget. Tony knew that if it weren't for their shelter, surviving in this world of the strong preying on the weak would have been extremely difficult, and he might not even have lived this long.
They had treated Tony as family, and to Tony, in this unfamiliar world, that warmth meant everything. Silently, he vowed that if they ever needed his help, no matter where he was, would return to aid them immediately.
On his final night there, Tony thoroughly cleaned the bar inside and out, leaving everything spotless before returning to his room to rest.
The next morning, the sunlight was dazzlingly bright—a perfect day to set sail. Rayleigh, who had prepared a surprise, was up early.
From the day he returned from the island of Rusukaina, Rayleigh had been building a small sailboat for Tony's journey, spending three months crafting it by hand. The materials were carefully selected, and though the boat wasn't large, it was extremely sturdy, capable of withstanding fierce storms and boasting a stability and speed several times that of regular sailboats.
It even featured technology typically exclusive to the Marines: a power-boosting device allowing it to move through calm seas without any wind.
Rayleigh had considered building a larger ship, but he knew that a big sailboat would easily attract the Marines' attention, which he didn't want for Tony at this stage. So, he quickly abandoned the idea.
"Oh~! What an amazing sailboat! Is this really for me, Sensei?"
When Tony arrived at the harbor and saw the finely crafted sailboat, his eyes sparkled with excitement. A ship personally crafted by the former first mate of the Pirate King, known to the world as the "Dark King" Rayleigh—how could it not make one's heart race?
The hull was made from the rare giant timber of Rusukaina Island, with a dark, single-mast design that radiated a feeling of familiarity, reminding Tony of the time he had spent training on the island with Rayleigh.
Under a large sunshade on the deck was a reclining chair and a solid round wooden table. The interior of the boat was complete with a kitchen, bathroom, and storage room—everything necessary for everyday life.
Rayleigh had hidden his skills for over a decade, he was deeply knowledgeable about shipbuilding. He had often helped rookie sailors prepare for their voyages by coating their ships on the Sabaody Archipelago. His understanding of what a ship needed was second to none.
"Rayleigh-sensei, this sailboat is incredible! I love it. What's its name?"
Tony stepped forward and ran his hand over the hull, clearly enchanted.
"Hehehe, as long as you like it. It's called the Starry Night."
The name held deep meaning—"Night" represented Tony himself, while "Star" reflected Rayleigh's hope for him: to see Tony shine like a star in this world, illuminating it with brilliance and power.
Rayleigh squinted slightly, his eyes holding a trace of sadness.
"I don't have much left to teach you. Out there on your own, you have to take good care of yourself."
Without his teacher pushing him along, Tony knew he couldn't afford to slack off or let his training slip. Rayleigh added a final bit of advice.
"When we meet again, I'll be testing you to see how far you've come."
Rayleigh, feeling a pang of concern for his student setting off on a long journey, couldn't help but add a few more words of encouragement.
"Don't worry, Sensei—I won't let you down," Tony replied confidently.
With everything ready, Tony, holding his Ryūjin Jakka, leaped onto the Starry Night, landing on the deck with a graceful jump. He waved to Shakky and Rayleigh, who stood onshore.
"Goodbye, Shakky! Rayleigh-sensei!"
"Safe travels, Little Tony!"
Shakky wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes as she said farewell.
"Go on—climb to the top of this world!"
Rayleigh looked at Tony on the deck, almost seeing a reflection of young Roger in him. Tony exuded that same energy and confidence, the kind that stirred a mentor's pride and belief. Rayleigh had no doubt he'd chosen well.
As they watched the Starry Night sail into the distance, Shakky lit a cigarette and said with a chuckle,
"Looks like you'll be bored for quite a while, Rayleigh."
"Hehehe, and won't you be just as lonely? Without Tony around, your days will be a lot less lively."
Rayleigh adjusted his glasses and looked up at the sky.
"The wheels of fate are beginning to turn, unstoppable. This era is about to face a tidal wave."
~----------------------------------------------------------
T/N:
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