Chapter 45: To Sabaody

A month had passed since Ryoko's last meeting with Saint Christina. 

He sat in his office, reading the daily newspaper as he often did. 

While skimming, his eyes caught a headline: "Bounty Increase for Portgas D. Ace, Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates."

He read that Ace's bounty had risen to 300 million Beli. It reflected the growing threat he posed. 

This change had occurred around the same time as Luffy's departure from the seas, nearly a year ago.

A sense of unease washed over Ryoko. 

This news reminded him of the looming changes and the upheavals the world and the seas would face. He hadn't expected to be this close to that point in time. Ace's bounty poster was a stark reminder of the approaching storm, and it signaled that nearly a year had passed since Ryoko had arrived.

This development made Ryoko even more determined to improve his training. 

He hadn't felt any progress in a long time. He needed someone to teach him new skills. That person must not want to reveal his secrets. 

He needed a trainer who could provide the guidance and knowledge necessary to help him achieve his goals. With this in mind, he told his servants of an inspection trip to the Sabaody Archipelago. 

It was a cover for his true intentions.

As he prepared for the journey, Ryoko gathered his trusted companions: Yami and Vanessa, along with two Vice Admirals and a Marine warship. 

The rest of his staff were left behind in Mariejois to monitor and manage his affairs during his absence. 

The plan was to visit his properties—auction houses and info channels. Then, a tour, as he was bored of staying in one place. In truth, however, Ryoko's goal was to find the right trainer in Sabaody. 

Of course, he had a name in mind.

The Sabaody Archipelago, near the Red Line, was a key starting point for adventurers aiming to enter the New World. 

It was renowned for this. The archipelago had giant mangrove trees. They formed 80 "islands," or "Groves," not traditional islands. 

Sabaody was infamous for its slave trade. Auction houses sold slaves there. It was a grim reflection of the world's cruelty. 

It was also a gathering point for the World Nobles, making it a tense and bustling place filled with pirates and authorities. 

A Marine base was stationed there, too. Its powerful forces monitored illegal activities and ensured security.

Ryoko and his group arrived at the archipelago during a time of high activity. 

His warship sailed between the smaller islands, inspecting the area. The islands were teeming with life, filled with vendors, civilians, and pirates. 

The crowds quickly dispersed at the sight of the Marine flag and a Celestial Dragon. An eerie silence fell over the area. 

This frustrated Ryoko, as he had forgotten how much people feared being near a Celestial Dragon, a fear that needed no explanation.

Seeing that his plans wouldn't work if things continued this way, Ryoko turned to his companions and ordered: "I'm no longer in the mood for a tour. Let's head to my residence."

The group followed him to his home. His guards then surrounded it. 

The two Vice Admirals returned to their ship, and everyone else went about their business. 

Ryoko, however, had different plans. He intended to sneak out undetected to continue his mission. 

He changed his clothes and used his Devil Fruit's teleportation ability. 

He rarely trained with it due to his fear of being seen using it in Mariejois. Now, he decided, was the time to take a risk. If he wanted to find what he sought, he had to go alone.

Ryoko activated his power, visualizing a short distance. 

His Devil Fruit ability successfully teleported him about 40 meters away from the guards. However, the effort exhausted him. 

He was weak and inexperienced with this power. Realizing he needed more training, he headed to a nearby inn to rest for a while. 

After some rest, Ryoko resumed his exploration of the archipelago.

As he wandered through the archipelago, Ryoko came across a small shop displaying a collection of rare weapons and items. 

Entering the shop, he encountered an elderly merchant. Although the merchant carefully showcased his wares, Ryoko wasn't interested in the weapons. 

His true focus was on finding the right trainer. After asking a few questions, he left the shop and continued exploring.

On his walk, Ryoko heard rumors of a large conflict on the main island a few days ago. 

Pirates had clashed with the Marines, showing the region's volatility. It was a common occurrence. 

Uninterested, Ryoko made his way to a local tavern, where he met a group of sailors. He inquired about anyone skilled in ship coating, a necessary task for safely navigating to Fish-Man Island and beyond. 

The sailors directed him to an old man. He was said to frequent "Shakky's Rip-off Bar" in Grove 13 of Sabaody Archipelago. However, the man was rarely seen and had been absent for about three months.

With the directions in hand, Ryoko continued his search until he found the tavern. 

The bar had a rustic, nautical style. Large wooden beams and wide windows let in natural light. This created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Towering mangrove trees surrounded the tavern, creating a breathtaking natural backdrop.

Upon entering, Ryoko found the tavern dimly lit, filled with the scent of burning wood and alcohol. 

He sat at a table and waited for the server. A young woman with short, sharp black hair styled in a bob approached him. 

She wore a black, off-shoulder dress and held a cigarette. She exuded calm and confidence.

Ryoko felt a bit taken aback. He hadn't expected the server to be so strikingly beautiful or so young. 

It stirred something in him. He had focused so much on plans and paperwork that he had forgotten an important part of life. 

Fortunately, he caught himself before the feeling grew.

When the server reached him, she spoke in a warm voice: Hello there, young man. What can I get for you?

Ryoko responded: I need to speak with the owner of the bar. I've heard there's an expert ship coater around here.

The woman nodded, taking a moment before replying: Ah, I see. The coater isn't here right now, but he could return any time. He's been gone for about three months, and I don't know where he went. Is there something else I can help you with?

Ryoko replied: A shame. That's actually one of the reasons I came, but I have another reason as well. I'm looking for someone who can offer valuable advice for a business deal, and I think you might be the right person.

The woman raised an eyebrow and took a few moments to respond: I don't understand. What are you saying?

Ryoko didn't answer. Instead, he revealed part of his face from beneath his hood and showed a symbol in his hand before saying: I believe this should be enough for you to understand, Miss Shakky. Will we discuss the business deal somewhere private?

Shakky felt stunned. She looked young, but was not. She had lived a long time. 

Those who knew her were aware of her past. Ryoko standing before her stirred deep emotions. 

He represented everything she loathed.The Celestial Dragons had caused her great pain. She despised their cruelty and arrogance. She had no desire to meet one again.

She thought of attacking him, but held back. She knew it could destroy her peaceful life and harm her loved ones. Unwilling to risk it, Shakky sighed and replied: Tsk, follow me.

Thus, the first meeting between a key figure with a deep past and a young Celestial Dragon began.