One Piece: System User In The World Of Pirates

"Hahaha, your perception is sharp, little brother. This old man has just arrived, and you've already spotted me."

The hearty voice echoed across the sea surface.

A man with tousled silver hair, a slight stubble, and glasses appeared, radiating the calm elegance of an experienced gentleman.

But Kaelen Tsukishiro would never underestimate this seemingly unthreatening old man.

'The legendary right hand of the Pirate King, the famous Dark King Silvers Rayleigh. In the past two days, I've seen many formidable people.'

Kaelen's words sharpened with respect.

"Old man, you are old but strong, after swimming all this time, you show no sign of fatigue. Would you mind sharing some of your experience?"

Kaelen blinked, revealing an expression every man understands.

Rayleigh smiled lazily, feeling the sailboat's speed was a bit fast for his liking.

'This guy seems a little odd, not quite the same as the person I saw yesterday.'

Rayleigh glanced at Kaelen with a hint of amusement, thinking this young man might not be entirely sane.

If Kaelen knew this, he would likely unleash a fiery fist out of irritation.

True legends are judged by their strength and deeds, not trivial banter.

Snapping back to himself, Rayleigh resumed his smile and chuckled, "Experience? It's simple: sleep well, drink well, and swim well."

"Also, spend time talking with beautiful ladies, discuss life, dreams, and ideals. Keep your mind young, and your body will follow."

Changing his backstroke to a leisurely pace, Rayleigh floated near the boat like a relaxed old friend.

Kaelen listened thoughtfully.

He hadn't expected Rayleigh to be so insightful—this old man must have lived quite the life.

"Old Man, it's better to come aboard. I have a few bottles of fine wine."

Wine is a trusted companion, and talk rarely gets out of hand.

Kaelen liked Rayleigh's style and invited him aboard.

"Fine wine, you say?"

His eyes sparkled at the mention of good wine.

"In that case, the old man will trouble you!"

Without warning, Rayleigh's body emerged from the water step by step toward the sailboat.

The water barely touched his feet, making it seem as though he was walking on air.

Kaelen's eyes narrowed.

Rayleigh's movement looked simple but was actually an intricate procedure

His control over his body and energy had reached a level where he could almost defy the laws of nature.

"Rayleigh's strength might have waned with age, but his skill has reached a new peak."

'These old men are no ordinary men.'

Kaelen felt a deep awe but kept a calm smile.

After all, Rayleigh and his generation were legends, honed by decades of training and talent.

A presence like Rayleigh's was almost unbelievable.

---

Time passed.

On the deck, a table was laid with food: fresh seafood, peanuts, and rice, essentials of the sea.

Kaelen and Rayleigh sat across from each other, bottles of wine in hand, the atmosphere relaxed and cool.

"Whew, Bashi."

Kaelen took a sip of wine and sighed in contentment.

The sea breeze, cold beer, fresh seafood, and the endless waves made for perfect days, unchanging and beautiful.

"Comfortable," Rayleigh agreed.

After a day swimming without a drop to drink, the wine was a welcome relief.

They talked and drank, the atmosphere growing warm, like old friends reunited.

Kaelen knew Rayleigh was headed to the Nine Snake Island and had just witnessed his fight with Moria, which drew him over.

As the wine flowed, Kaelen loosened up.

Patting Rayleigh's shoulder with a grin, he said teasingly, "Heh, Rayleigh San, that Empress Hancock isn't your illegitimate daughter, is she? I see some resemblance in your face."

"Pft…"

Rayleigh nearly choked on his wine, spraying it out in surprise.

Kaelen's smirk only grew.

Rayleigh shook his head in disbelief, clearly tempted to toss Kaelen into the sea.

After a pause, he sighed, "Young people today have wild imaginations and no respect for their elders."

"Hey, hey…"

Kaelen raised his eyebrows, laughing silently. It was all in good fun.

Whatever Rayleigh said, Kaelen had already labeled him a lovable rogue.

Kaelen knew the old Granny of Nine Snake Island had ties with Rayleigh and had even asked him to help save Hancock.

Besides, Hancock's usual coldness toward men did not extend to Rayleigh, which added fuel to Kaelen's speculation.

The sea breeze whispered as the two drank quietly, a peaceful lull between storms.

Suddenly Rayleigh sighed deeply, his eyes clouded with memory and sorrow.

Whether recalling the past, lamenting lost heroism, or thinking of lost love, only he knew.

Out here on the vast ocean, everyone carries their own stories.

---

A new week has begun

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