Chapter 85 : Golden Lion Shiki!!

In the Sabaody Archipelago, Buggy, accompanied by Mr. 3 and Domino, strolled through the streets, heading towards Island 13.

Due to Luffy's recent assault on the Celestial Dragons on Island 1, which had drawn the attention of Admiral Kizaru, the Sabaody Archipelago was eerily deserted. Even the security in the lawless areas was notably tighter than usual.

Mr. 3 glanced around, his curiosity piqued. "Buggy, shouldn't we be heading to Islands 50 through 59 if we're looking for coating artisans? This is a lawless zone—are you sure we're in the right place?"

Upon arriving at the Sabaody Archipelago, most of their group had continued to the New World under Doflamingo's arrangements. However, Buggy had opted to take a different path, unsatisfied with the ordinary ships Doflamingo had provided.

Shiryu, along with a dozen elite guards selected from the prisoners, was dispatched by Buggy, while Diamond Jozu and Boa Hancock were imprisoned on the ship under his orders. 

Meanwhile, Buggy chose to search for a skilled coating craftsman himself, bringing Mr. 3 and Domino along.

Buggy explained, "That's correct. An old acquaintance of mine is here, and he happens to be a master at ship coating."

"An old acquaintance?!"

Both Mr. 3 and Domino were taken aback. Could this person, who Buggy referred to as a 'old acquaintance,' also be a member of the legendary Roger Pirates?

The thought sent a thrill through Mr. 3, while a gleam of interest flashed in Domino's eyes, even behind her sunglasses. The two quickly focused their attention, following Buggy in silence.

After about ten minutes of walking, they finally stopped in front of a bar named 'Shakky's Rip-off Bar.'

However, the bar was closed, with a sign on the door reading, 'Temporarily Closed.'

Unfazed, Buggy stepped forward and knocked politely on the door.

"I'm sorry, the shop is closed today. Please come back another time!"

After a moment, a slightly lazy yet intellectual voice floated out from behind the bar, carrying a tone that brooked no argument.

Buggy grinned and pushed the door open without hesitation.

"Bang!"

The moment the door swung open, a bullet whizzed past Buggy's cheek!

Buggy, unfazed, smiled calmly and looked towards the tall woman behind the bar. "Why so angry, Sister Shakky? Did Mr. Rayleigh upset you?"

"It's you." Shakky raised an eyebrow in surprise when she recognized Buggy. She casually returned the pistol to its place under the bar. "Come in and have a seat."

Buggy walked into the bar and took a seat on a high stool opposite Shakky. Meanwhile, Mr. 3 and Domino stood somewhat awkwardly by the door.

Shakky glanced at Buggy, then at Mr. 3 and Domino, who were still standing. She pulled out three glasses and said, "Sit down. We don't have so many formalities here."

Mr. 3 and Domino instinctively looked at Buggy for guidance.

Buggy shrugged. "Relax, Sister Shakky has spoken. Find a place and make yourselves comfortable."

Mr. 3 and Domino nodded and settled on the nearby sofa.

Shakky poured a glass of wine for each of them, then looked at Buggy with a slight smile. "You've really caused quite a stir in Marineford. Your name will be echoing across the seas after today!"

Buggy swirled his glass nonchalantly. "A few titles here and there, they don't mean much. By the way, where's Mr. Rayleigh?"

At this, Shakky's expression subtly tightened. "Rayleigh went looking for you. Didn't you cross paths?"

"Looking for me?" Buggy was momentarily taken aback. He shook his head. "I didn't see any sign of Mr. Rayleigh on my way here. I just stopped by to catch up with him and, incidentally, ask him to help coat my ship."

"Yes."

Shakky slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, a hint of worry flickering in her eyes.

What neither of them realized was that after leaving the Sabaody Archipelago, Rayleigh did indeed intend to head straight for Buggy.

However, on his way, Rayleigh first encountered Ivankov and his group, who were leaving Marineford with Luffy and Ace!

Fearing that Luffy might be gravely injured and because of his special fondness for Ace, Rayleigh boarded Ivankov's ship, causing him to miss Buggy!

Noticing Shakky's expression, Buggy grinned and said, "Sister Shakky, you don't need to worry too much. With Mr. Rayleigh's strength, there aren't many people on these seas who could keep him!"

Shakky nodded, though still uncertain. "That's true, but the seas have been tumultuous lately. First, we've got a bunch of pirate supernovas being dubbed the 'Worst Generation,' and now the old legends of the past era are stirring again!"

Buggy pointed at himself, feigning shock. "Old legends from the past? Sister Shakky, you're not talking about me, are you? I'm a rookie who only set sail on the Grand Line this year!"

Technically speaking, Buggy had only begun his adventure this year, so he considered himself a rookie too.

Shakky glanced at him and said lightly, "You're halfway there, but I'm talking about Bullet, the Golden Lion Shiki, and the others!"

"The Golden Lion!"

At the mention of this name, Buggy's usual smile faded, replaced by a serious expression.

Shakky was momentarily surprised, then understanding dawned, and she reassured him, "That's right, you were still in Impel Down at the time, so it's normal you wouldn't know!"

"Not long ago, the Golden Lion Shiki, who had been silent for decades, reemerged, gathering forces and plotting to destroy the entire East Blue. But his plan was thwarted by the Straw Hats before it even began!"

Buggy frowned; this was not what he had expected!

In the One Piece storyline, the Golden Lion Shiki is the major antagonist in one of the movie versions, and his appearance should fall between when Brook joins the Straw Hat Pirates and before they reach the Sabaody Archipelago.

According to the main timeline of the One Piece manga, after leaving the Florian Triangle, Luffy and his crew should have gone straight to the Sabaody Archipelago without encountering the Golden Lion Shiki.

Given Luffy's strength before reaching Sabaody, it didn't seem possible for him to defeat the Golden Lion. Buggy originally thought that the Golden Lion would appear two years later under the world's revision!

But Buggy never anticipated that the Golden Lion would show up before the Summit War and lose to Luffy, who hadn't even mastered Haki yet!

It's absurd!

Buggy pondered for a moment, then looked at Shakky and asked, "What happened after that? Where is the Golden Lion now?"

Shakky exhaled a puff of smoke and replied, "After the Golden Lion was defeated by the Straw Hats, he was captured by the Navy again. He's likely being held at the G2 branch along with his crew."

Buggy continued, "So, Sister Shakky, do you have a Log Pose to the G2 branch?"

Shakky raised an eyebrow at this and shook her head. "No, I don't! Why, are you planning to rescue the Golden Lion?"

Buggy smiled as he stood up. "I wouldn't call it a rescue. I'm just going to make a deal with him! Since Mr. Rayleigh isn't here, I'll be off now. Please pass along my regards to him!"

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