One Piece: Starting by Refusing Shanks

Two gold bars were merely a drop in the ocean for Takumi's wealth.

So, when Rayleigh mentioned his demand, Takumi unhesitatingly took out a second gold bar and tossed it over.

Rayleigh caught it effortlessly, letting out a sigh of mock regret, "You're too quick. If I'd known, I would have asked for more."

"Take the money and get to work," Takumi urged.

Rayleigh waved a dismissive hand, "Relax, kid. I keep my promises. Let me play a couple more rounds, and then I'll head over."

Takumi didn't say anything else, just stared at Rayleigh with a cold expression that clearly said, 'If you don't leave now, I'll make you.'

Rayleigh saw his gaze and chuckled helplessly, "Young folks just can't hold their patience, huh? Alright, alright. I'll finish coating your ship first. I'll be back after that, kid."

Saying this, Rayleigh turned around, his mood visibly uplifted, and continued towards the casino door.

Takumi followed behind, keeping pace.

As they passed the entrance, Rayleigh glanced at two casino staff members who were checking on the guard Takumi had knocked out earlier. Rayleigh asked playfully, "What happened to this guy?"

Both of them shrugged, clueless. One of them said with frustration, "He was already out cold when we got here. No clue if he just passed out or if someone took him out, but he doesn't seem seriously hurt. Just unconscious."

"Oh? Seems like your casino's security could use some tightening. Why not hire me as a security guard for three thousand Beli an hour?" Rayleigh suggested half-jokingly.

The other staffer chuckled, "We only get a thousand Beli an hour. How'd you come up with three thousand?"

Rayleigh laughed heartily, "Haha, if you can't afford me, so be it. I'll be on my way then."

"Alright, sir, take care." The two replied in unison.

Rayleigh walked over to a barrel filled with various weapons, rummaging through it until he pulled out his sword.

Watching Rayleigh's casual attitude, Takumi couldn't help but be impressed. Rayleigh really had nerves of steel, not even worrying that someone might have taken his sword.

Though, in fairness, it wasn't like anyone could easily snatch something right under Rayleigh's nose.

And the casino staff clearly had no idea who Rayleigh was. Hiring the infamous Dark King Rayleigh as security for three thousand Beli an hour—that'd be the best deal they could ever hope for.

"Kid, let's go see your ship," Rayleigh said, strapping his sword to his waist. He continued with a smirk, "I heard your old ship was wrecked. Got a new one, huh? Is it still one of those flying ones?"

"Yes," Takumi responded plainly, walking out of the still bustling casino alongside Rayleigh.

Rayleigh, curious, commented, "Your tech skills must be pretty impressive to manage to build another flying ship."

Takumi answered dismissively, "It's alright."

Rayleigh wasn't bothered by Takumi's indifferent attitude. He only needed answers to his questions, and as long as Takumi provided those, that was enough. "In such a rush to find me for the coating… Are you planning to head to Fish-Man Island next?"

Takumi nodded, "Yes."

Rayleigh stroked his beard, smiling, "Speaking of Fish-Man Island, remember that mermaid lady you saved during the auction last time you were in Sabaody?"

Takumi: "..."

"Her name was Cathy, right? I recall she mentioned she'd take good care of you whenever you came to Fish-Man Island."

Takumi cut him off, "Not necessary."

Rayleigh chuckled, "Oh, it's necessary. Most folks on Fish-Man Island are not too fond of humans, especially those from the surface. If someone they know is with you, things will go smoother. Even though there aren't many people there who could actually pose a threat to you, it is, after all, ten thousand meters underwater. Any mistake could be dangerous. Better safe than sorry."

Takumi already knew the situation on Fish-Man Island, so Rayleigh's concerns seemed unnecessary to him. He shrugged it off, "Got it. No need to worry."

"Haha, youth is a wonderful thing. Shame I'm just an old man with no energy for adventure. Otherwise, I'd love to go to Fish-Man Island with you all again, just to take in the sights."

Takumi: "..."

Takumi didn't believe a single word Rayleigh said.

Before long, the two arrived at the shipyard.

It had only been about an hour since Takumi had left to find Rayleigh. At the shipyard entrance, there were dozens of people tied up, looking defeated and covered in scorch marks.

In front of this group, Enel sat on a reclining wooden chair, his legs crossed, resting his golden staff across his shoulders, yawning as he kept watch.

Sensing Takumi and Rayleigh's presence, Enel lazily turned his head, giving them a glance, "These guys just wouldn't behave. I told them to stay put, but they tried to run. So, I had to zap them."

Right after saying that, Enel noticed yet another person had just stumbled across the shipyard scene. Without a word, he sent a bolt of lightning their way.

A pained scream followed.

The would-be escapee fell to the ground, unconscious.

"You really don't hold back, do you?" Rayleigh said with an amused smile, "Long-eared brat, you haven't changed at all."

Enel's eye twitched, "Long-eared brat...?!"

Rayleigh laughed loudly, "Haha, it's good, though. Having someone lively around keeps things from getting boring during the journey, right, Takumi?"

Takumi didn't directly respond to Rayleigh but instead asked, "If you work with the shipyard workers, how long will it take to finish the coating?"

"I need to see your ship first before I can estimate the time," Rayleigh replied as he walked into the shipyard.

Upon seeing the large, sleek, high-tech ship docked in the center of the shipyard, Rayleigh's glasses glinted, "Not bad at all. Judging by the shape and build, there's no way that long-nose kid could've made this alone, and most shipyards couldn't either. If I'm not mistaken, this ship was built in the North Blue? It must've been made by Germa Kingdom, right?"

Since it wasn't something worth hiding, Takumi admitted, "Yes, it was Germa. Now, can you estimate the coating time?"

Rayleigh pondered for a moment, inspecting the ship and circling around it. He soon made his judgment, "If it's just me, it'll take at least two days. But with the shipyard workers helping, we should be able to finish by noon tomorrow."

"Good. I'll come to collect the ship at noon tomorrow."

Rayleigh gave a thumbs-up, "Alright, leave it to us. In the meantime, go explore Sabaody, stock up on whatever supplies you need. Leave the long-nosed kid and the long-eared brat here—I've got some work for them."

Takumi nodded in agreement, "Alright, we'll do as you say."

As Takumi and Rayleigh reached an agreement, elsewhere—

Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

Akainu had just returned, bringing with him Judge and his crew, who had been captured during their raid. Though they hadn't managed to apprehend Takumi and his crew, Sengoku had anticipated such an outcome, so he wasn't too surprised.

Sengoku immediately made a call to the World Government to report the situation in the North Blue. Of course, he conveniently left out the fact that Kizaru had lost an arm.

Akainu, watching Sengoku hang up after speaking to the Five Elders, asked with a stern expression, "What do we do with Germa?"

"For now, imprison them in Impel Down," Sengoku replied.