One Piece: Starting by Refusing Shanks

Under Rayleigh's enthusiastic invitation, Takumi half-heartedly followed him to a certain tavern.

Looking at the familiar bartender cleaning the counter, Takumi couldn't help but feel a sense of exasperation.

Indeed, Rayleigh had brought him back to the very tavern where he had bought rum earlier...

"Kid, why are you here ag—" The bartender began, but his gaze quickly shifted from Takumi to the hooded figure who had walked in with him.

Rayleigh removed his hood and smiled, "It's been a while, hasn't it, old friend?"

The bartender's eyes widened in surprise, "Rayleigh? Is that you? Rayleigh, it's been years since you last came to Loguetown, hasn't it?"

"Yes, it's been five years," Rayleigh replied as he and Takumi sat down at the bar. The bartender immediately poured him a glass of rum, his eyes glistening with emotion. "You've come back to Loguetown for that, haven't you?"

Rayleigh downed the rum in one gulp, wiped his mouth, and smiled, "That's right. It's almost Roger's death anniversary. I'm here to remember him."

"Ah... is it really okay to say that so openly?" The bartender glanced worriedly at Takumi.

Rayleigh waved his hand dismissively, "It's fine. This kid can be trusted."

"Eh? You know this kid?" the bartender asked, surprised.

Rayleigh glanced at Takumi and smiled, "We only met today, but I trust Shanks' judgment. He wouldn't have chosen wrong."

Takumi remained silent, feeling a bit out of place. "So, are you just going to let me sit here and watch you drink?"

Rayleigh paused, then burst out laughing. "Haha! Bartender, bring out more drinks, and put it all on my tab."

"Right away," the bartender nodded, placing several bottles of liquor on the counter.

The unlikely pair—an old man and a young boy—soon started drinking heartily, enjoying themselves as they gulped down the alcohol.

As noon approached, Rayleigh noticed the empty tavern and asked curiously, "Takumi and I have been drinking here for hours. Why hasn't anyone else come in?"

The bartender sighed, waving his hand dismissively, "Ever since Roger's death, business here has been in decline. People in town avoid my place because of its name. Only pirates who admired Roger used to come by, but recently, even they've stopped showing up, especially after a Marine officer named Smoker was stationed here."

As he spoke, a cloud of melancholy seemed to settle over the bartender.

Rayleigh fell silent, staring at the man for a long time.

Then suddenly, he burst out laughing again.

He was about to clap Takumi on the shoulder when Takumi instinctively shifted, dodging the gesture.

A flash of surprise crossed Rayleigh's eyes, but he withdrew his hand and smiled. "Kid, do you have any plans this afternoon?"

Takumi eyed him warily and shook his head.

Rayleigh grinned widely. "Since you're free, how about joining me for a little hunt?"

Takumi gave him a puzzled look.

Hunt?

What is this guy up to now...

Then again, going hunting with Rayleigh might trigger a sign-in progress task.

Without further thought, Takumi nodded. "Alright."

Rayleigh turned to the bartender. "I'll pay for the drinks later tonight."

The bartender quickly waved him off, "No need! I couldn't possibly charge you. Consider this round on the house."

Rayleigh chuckled and stood up. "Let's go, Takumi."

"Mm," Takumi agreed, hopping off the barstool and following Rayleigh out of the tavern.

The two made their way to the busiest street in Loguetown.

Gazing at the bustling crowd, Rayleigh grinned. "Loguetown is the closest town to the Grand Line. Takumi, you're planning to head there next, right?"

Takumi nodded curtly. "Yes."

Rayleigh continued, "I met Shanks at the entrance to the Grand Line. Back then, he couldn't stop singing your praises. I thought he was exaggerating, but now I realize I was wrong. You might be even more talented than I imagined."

Takumi blinked, confused by Rayleigh's sudden shift in conversation. "What are you talking about?"

Rayleigh smiled. "From the moment I first saw you, I noticed that you were different. The wooden sword you carry suggests you're a swordsman. A powerful swordsman's greatest asset is a heart that remains calm amidst all things. Over the years, I've met many people and fought against powerful swordsmen, but few possess a heart that is truly at peace. Among them, you're the youngest with the greatest potential to become a master swordsman."

Takumi was unsure of how to respond. "And?"

Rayleigh chuckled. "Shanks said you've awakened all three types of Haki and that you're quite skilled with them. If that's true, then you truly are a little monster."

Takumi sighed in exasperation. "What's your point?"

Rayleigh's smile softened. "I can see that you're someone who longs for freedom. Being a traveler is a good choice, but the future is full of unknowns—events, challenges, people. Staying true to yourself and living the life you want is difficult, but I hope you can do it."

What on earth is Rayleigh trying to accomplish here?

Takumi was beginning to regret agreeing to go hunting with him...

Noticing Takumi's exasperation, Rayleigh burst out laughing. "Haha! I got a little carried away. So, how about this? Let's have a little competition, Takumi. Let's see who can catch more wanted criminals. If you win, I'll grant you a favor. If I win, you treat me to a good drink. How about it?"

It seemed like no matter the outcome, Takumi wouldn't lose.

So what's the point of this bet?

Takumi couldn't understand Rayleigh's motive.

Still, after thinking it over, he figured there was no harm in going along with it.

Besides, he was running low on money.

Catching a few bounty targets to exchange for Berries at the Marine base was a quick way to earn cash.

With that in mind, Takumi nodded, accepting the challenge.

Rayleigh grinned. "Then let's set a two-hour limit. After two hours, we'll meet back here and see who's caught the most."

"Alright," Takumi agreed.

"Then let's begin!" Rayleigh declared. And with a flash, he disappeared from sight.

Takumi's eyes widened.

So fast!

He hadn't even seen Rayleigh move.

As expected of the Dark King Rayleigh.

His reputation was well deserved.

Alright, in that case, it's time for me to get started!

Takumi immediately quickened his pace, first finding a few wanted posters.

With the help of his Observation Haki, he swiftly captured his targets.

Within just one hour, he had already caught five wanted criminals.

As he was closing in on his sixth target, ready to strike, a loud explosion suddenly echoed from the direction of the port.