55. Wherever There Is Someone, There Must Be Traces!

A month passed.

clatter—

Amidst the melodious sound of the waves, the Platinum Angel sailed slowly into the Sabaody Archipelago and then docked at a relatively secluded corner.

"Let's go to Sabaody Archipelago first!"

Ashore.

With a look of expectation on Rob's face, he picked up Uta, placed her on his shoulders, and held the twelve-year-old Robin with one hand. The three of them, dressed in matching outfits, headed towards the heart of the Sabaody Archipelago.

Despite the chaos, the unique soap bubble culture here was fascinating. Rob was intrigued by the bubble cars, bubble Ferris wheels, and other whimsical attractions.

First, he took Robin and Uta to the famous Soap Bubble Park. Afterward, they strolled around Sabaody Archipelago to get a feel for the place.

With Rob's powerful Observation Haki, the three of them easily avoided the supercilious Celestial Dragons and other potential dangers.

In the afternoon.

Rob brought Robin and Uta to Grove 13.

"It should be here."

Looking at the unique tavern in front of him, Rob had an expectant smile on his face.

"This is the tavern Mr. Crocus mentioned!"

Hearing Rob's words, Robin glanced at the unremarkable tavern.

"Oni-chan, are you going to knock on the door?"

Rob smiled and stepped forward:

"This is a tavern; no need to knock. Let's just go in."

jingle—

Pushing open the door, Rob led Robin and Uta into the tavern, which was almost empty and devoid of customers.

As they entered, a voice greeted them:

"Welcome!"

Following the voice, they saw a tall and thin woman who appeared very fashionable. Despite her relaxed demeanor and cigarette, it was clear she had been quite beautiful in her youth. She didn't bother to get up for business, which seemed fitting, as this wasn't her primary livelihood.

"Excuse me."

Rob stepped forward and took out Crocus's handwritten letter to Rayleigh from his pocket.

"We're here to meet Mr. Rayleigh. Could you please help us get in touch with him?"

Hearing Rob's words, Shakky, who hadn't even looked up before, raised her head in surprise. She glanced at Rob, Robin, and Uta with interest.

"Ah, isn't this Rob, who made quite a name for himself last year as a 'talented swordsmith'? What a rare guest!"

As she spoke, Shakky took the letter Rob handed over and, after glancing at the signature, looked even more intrigued.

"I didn't expect Crocus to ask you to deliver a letter to Rayleigh... Can you tell me what kind of relationship you have with that lighthouse keeper?"

Rob didn't hide anything and replied, "Master-student relationship! I once studied medical skills under Mr. Crocus for half a year and became his only disciple! This letter is Mr. Crocus' request for Mr. Rayleigh to train me in combat experience!"

After hearing Rob's explanation, Shakky snuffed out her cigarette and nodded. She didn't fully believe him, but she didn't doubt him either. She simply said, "Unfortunately, Rayleigh isn't here right now. When he comes back, I'll give him the letter. Are you going to stay here and wait for him, or should I tell him to find you later?"

Rob pondered for a moment and then said directly, "Our ship is docked at Grove 42. If you could hand the letter to Senior Rayleigh, that would be great!"

For the Rob trio, Shakky didn't entirely trust them. The fact that Rayleigh wasn't there was true, but it also served as an excuse. After Rob and his siblings left, Shakky, who was excellent at gathering intelligence, would definitely investigate Rob.

To this, Rob had no objections. He was telling the truth, and it was fine if Shakky wanted to investigate him. It didn't matter even if Rayleigh didn't meet him. He didn't need to fight Rayleigh or even study under him.

Soon, Rob left with Robin and Uta.

As she watched the three of them leave, Shakky lit another cigarette, her eyes flickering slightly, "Smart young man! At the age of twelve, he's made a name for himself on the sea. Their identities must be more complex than they appear. We need to investigate thoroughly!"

After Rob defeated Crocodile last year, many significant figures in the sea had tried to gather information about him but didn't get much. They only knew that Rob and Robin first appeared on Keluoluo Island in West Blue, then disappeared for over a year. Their first notable appearance was in East Blue as the "genius swordsmith" which was covered in the newspapers. Shortly after, the little girl named Uta joined them.

Beyond these superficial details, many had noted Rob's rapid growth and increasing strength, and they were reluctant to provoke such a young and potent individual.

But now, the trio had come directly to them. For Rayleigh's safety, Shakky decided it was time to check Rob's background thoroughly.

Wherever someone has been, there are always traces left behind. Unless Rob had spent over a year on an uninhabited island doing nothing, there would be something to find.

Rob, Robin, and Uta returned to their ship at Grove 42, spending their time exploring the Archipelago and enjoying the unique culture. Rob continued to train while also keeping an eye out for any signs of Rayleigh.

Meanwhile, Shakky started her investigation, using her vast network to dig into Rob's past. She knew that unraveling his history would be crucial for ensuring Rayleigh's safety and understanding the intentions of this talented young man.

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