40. The Awakening Of The Straw Hats

Luffy's sole focus was on rescuing Ace, oblivious to the daunting power and determination of the Marines or the World Government behind them.

"Do you understand the strength of the Marines, Luffy?" Rayleigh interjected solemnly. "Admiral Kizaru alone is a force to be reckoned with. The Admirals from the previous generation, like Sengoku, Garp, Zephyr, Crane, Aokiji, and Akainu, are all formidable opponents. Are you still determined to go, knowing this?"

"I am," Luffy replied firmly.

"Even if it means facing your own grandfather? Even if it means defying the entire world?" Rayleigh pressed, his voice filled with intensity.

"Yes," Luffy affirmed, his gaze unwavering. "No matter who stands in my way, no matter the odds, I will save Ace, and nothing will stand in my path."

Rayleigh observed the seriousness in Luffy's demeanour, sensing a newfound determination that surpassed his previous carefree demeanour.

"This is a decision you must fully comprehend. Are you prepared for the consequences? Are your crewmates willing to risk their lives? Are you ready to defy the government and the entire world?" Rayleigh questioned.

Luffy's resolve remained unshaken. "I understand, and I'm prepared for whatever comes our way," he declared resolutely.

Luffy remained silent, grappling with the weight of his decision. He trusted his crew deeply, but ultimately, this was his personal quest.

"Heh, been aware of this since I set sail, uncle. Don't underestimate us," Zoro stated, a calm smile playing on his lips. "I aim to be the world's greatest swordsman. If the government or anyone else stands in my way, I'll cut them down without hesitation."

"Exactly," Sanji chimed in, lighting a cigarette and exhaling slowly. "Our experiences may not be as legendary as yours, but we've never lacked determination."

"I've faced off against the World Government before," Usopp added with a laugh. "And I've sailed through tougher waters than Marineford without a hitch."

"I've been itching for another run-in with the government," Franky declared confidently. "My ship's ready to take us anywhere, even straight to the Naval Headquarters."

"Just let me play the anthem of battle one last time," Brook exclaimed enthusiastically. "I'm ready for whatever awaits us!"

Watching her crew's unwavering resolve, Robin couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth. They had once stood against the entire world to save her from the grasp of the World Government.

"Let's set sail, Captain," they all declared in unison, their eyes filled with determination, even the usually timid Chopper, Usopp, and Nami.

"Everyone," Luffy began, feeling a surge of gratitude and determination.

Luffy turned to face his crew, his eyes brimming with emotion. With a determined grin, he clenched his fist and slammed it into his palm.

"Alright, let's set sail! Our target: Marineford!" he exclaimed loudly.

A chorus of cheers erupted behind him as his crew raised their arms in solidarity.

Though the Straw Hat Pirates' strength might not be the greatest in these seas, their resolve was unmatched by anyone.

"I miss you too. Your partner's unwavering belief and determination," Shakky murmured, a wistful smile playing on her lips as she held a cigarette between her fingers, lost in memories of her youth at sea.

Rayleigh wiped away a tear from the corner of his eye, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over him. In the Straw Hat Pirates, he saw shades of his former crew, the Roger Pirates— the same fearless captain, the same composed vice-captain, and a crew bound by unbreakable trust.

As Luffy and the crew began to board the Sunny, Rayleigh halted them, a sense of concern etched on his face.

"What do you plan to do?" he asked.

"We're going to Marineford to save Ace," Luffy declared, his voice ringing with determination.

"The execution is in four days. What's the point of heading to Marineford now? Ace is still in Impel Down," Rayleigh sighed, feeling a sense of déjà vu with Luffy's impulsive actions, reminiscent of Roger's daring exploits.

"But Impel Down is heavily guarded. There's a special current blocking the way out, and three massive Gates of Justice stand in the path. Unless the Marines decide to open those gates, there's no way to reach Impel Down," Rayleigh explained, his tone tinged with helplessness.

"Let's sit down and strategize," he suggested, recognizing the Straw Hat Pirates' lack of a seasoned strategist.

While Sanji, Robin, and the others were intelligent, they lacked the depth of knowledge and experience that Rayleigh possessed. As the former vice-captain of the Roger Pirates, Rayleigh had extensive knowledge of the world and had tangled with the Marines countless times.

"I'll give you a brief overview," Rayleigh began, taking a sip of wine from his silver bottle. "Marine's motive for Ace's execution is likely to boost their prestige. They've weighed the consequences and are prepared for the repercussions."

"Their aim is a direct confrontation with the Four Emperors and the Whitebeard Pirates, with Marineford as their chosen battlefield," he continued. "Marine's strength is formidable, and with the advantage of defending their home turf, the odds are stacked against us."

"Since you're determined to rescue Ace, Luffy, your task now isn't to go it alone, but to gather all allies who can aid in Ace's rescue and head to Marineford together. That'll increase our chances of success," Rayleigh advised, looking directly at Luffy.

Luffy tilted his head, processing Rayleigh's words. "So, Uncle Rayleigh, what's our next move?" he asked.

"It's simple," Rayleigh replied. "We head to the New World and ally ourselves with Whitebeard."

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