Rayleigh's Intervention for Rescue!

———

(It would be appreciated if you could provide more power stones and help elevate your favorite story back to the top ten.)

———

Join the book's Discord Channel at: https://discord.gg/TDbRMGQJz (New)

———

::::::::

Syrup Town:

Inside the art store, everyone held their breath, on edge due to the unsettling scene unfolding in the manga.

All were awestruck by the incredibly perilous situation. An admiral was targeting Zoro with intent to kill. They had witnessed the effortless defeat of the four pirate captains. It seemed effortless for the admiral to finish off the injured Zoro.

However, what drew the most attention in Syrup Town was Usopp's demeanor.

"Usopp, who's typically timid in such circumstances..."

"He's giving his all to shield Zoro..."

"Look at how he points his slingshot towards Admiral Kizaru..."

"It's meant to be humorous... yet why can't I muster a desire to laugh?"

"Usopp has truly outdone himself in this moment. He's exerting all his strength to keep Kizaru away from Zoro."

"Brook either... Oh my god, I really hope nothing happens to Zoro..."

Listening to the conversations of the readers, Yasopp and Beck couldn't help but smile.

"Here's your favorite drink..." Banshina set two brimming Sake glasses on the table of the duo, Beck and Yasopp.

The smile on her face was a reflection of her contentment with the readers' appreciation of her son's courageous attitude.

...

Marigoa, Domain of the Gods:

"That's... what does this monkey face intend to do!?"

"Stop, you bastard! Can't you see that he's gravely injured!?"

"Ne~ Ne~ Dad... Zoro is going to die!?"

"It's impossible, son. The main protagonist's crew won't die... no matter what."

"How do you know that, Dad?"

"Well, Zoro has a dream. He won't die until he fulfills it, at the very least."

"That jerk Kizaru came to the archipelago because one of the Celestial Dragons got hurt, right? Why do we have this kind of authority?"

"That's because our ancestors are remarkable... well, I hope Zoro doesn't get hurt. And where the hell is Rayleigh!? Isn't he the second-in-command to the Pirate King?"

Not far from the chaos caused by the Celestial Dragons, the Holy Knights stared expressionlessly at the fools who should have been reveling in the Straw Hats' predicament.

But none of that occurred; they merely appeared somber and dissatisfied.

"Sigh~ What is happening here?"

The Supreme Commander of the God Knights, Figarland Garling, pondered.

...

•———•———•———•———•———•

"One Piece" Events:

—————————

"No! He's already at his limits!!!" Seeing the perilous situation Zoro was in, Sanji felt extreme worry.

"Veinte Fleur!!" Robin intertwined her arms, causing numerous hands to emerge from the ground and pull Zoro away, but Kizaru grabbed him before she could succeed in moving him away.

"I won't let you move... It's useless. Now, you die!!!" Kizaru began to target Zoro's head with a light kic. 

Time seemed to slow down in this moment.

"ZOROOO!!!"

As the crew realized they were about to lose the second most important man on the ship, a certain old man appeared.

Rayleigh intercepted Kizaru's kick with a stronger kick. The laser beam that Rayleigh intercepted burst apart.

"So, you're making an appearance...? 'Dark King' Rayleigh!!!" said Kizaru.

"You shouldn't be plucking young sprouts like these... their time... is just beginning!!!" Rayleigh said with a smile on his elderly face.

"Old Man!!" exclaimed Luffy with tears streaming down his face.

•———•———•———•———•———•

On the grassy island of the New World:

"Rayleigh... you've stolen all the limelight with this interference of yours...!!"

Gaban stared jealously at Rayleigh, who was laughing, drinking sake, and reading the manga.

"This truly is the greatest rescue intervention we've witnessed so far! Oh man, you're splendid even as an old man! Wahahahaha!!"

"As expected from my right-hand man!"

"Hahaha! Magnificent! Look at this, my skin's tingling from the sheer adrenaline intensity of this scene!" Buggy cheered enthusiastically.

"Rayleigh-san is incredible! I'm getting chills too! Seeing the determined expression on Luffy's face, as if a family member jumped in to save him." Shanks shouted with an enthusiastic smile.

"This is absolutely something else. Look at Kizaru's expression – he seems like he just tasted something awful, Hahahaha!" Even Bullet, who happened to be here with his hunters, was thrilled by this spectacle.

"You shouldn't be plucking young sprouts like these... their time has only just begun... what a profound statement, Rayleigh. I genuinely admire such a performance from old bones like you, Gurararara!" Even Whitebeard couldn't help but praise the grandeur of Rayleigh's intervention.

...

Marineford:

"As expected! Damn you, you remnant of Roger's pirates!!!" Sengoku exploded in anger upon witnessing this scene.

"Buwahahaha! Seems like that rascal Rayleigh stole the spotlight I should've had." Garp didn't appear angry at all; rather, he seemed quite pleased.

"Kizaru needs to step back... if Rayleigh intends to take him out, he won't survive on his own," Zephyr remarked while exhaling smoke.

"And how do you know that? Are you belittling my manga counterpart, teacher?" Borsalino said with irritation.

"No, I don't view your counterpart with disdain, but the Dark King isn't the kind of opponent you can easily handle. He'll take you out without you realizing it... the title of Dark King isn't just for show—"

"Enough, Zephyr. Rayleigh doesn't seem to have intentions of killing anyone. He stepped in for protection, and Kizaru in the manga doesn't seem like a simple foe." Garp interjected. 

… 

Sorbet Kingdom:

"The kid's journey has progressed up to this point, and only now does he seem to grasp his true vulnerability." Dragon didn't feel pity, sadness, anger, or any emotion upon seeing his son in danger.

Luffy had chosen his own path and Dragon had saved him once before, right at the beginning of his journey. This meant he must shoulder responsibility for every decision he'd made since then.

"Dragon-san... will Luffy and his Nakama have a future after this incident?" Crocodile asked quietly.

He hadn't expected the boy who toppled his future counterpart to be so fragile in the face of crisis.

"Blood must be spilled, tragedies must unfold, heroes emerge from the womb of suffering."

"No matter the suffering he must endure, he has to emerge from it stronger and more resolute... at that time, he'll truly deserve to dream again."

Kuma and his daughter, Crocodile, and Ivankov listened to Dragon's words with utmost attention, as they held a wealth of wisdom within them.

::::::::

———

Upcoming chapter titles (spoilers):

———

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

———

Chapter 563: Chopper Transforms into a Beast Once Again! The Appearance of the Real Bartholomew Kuma!

Chapter 564: One Touch to Erase Existence.

Chapter 565: I Couldn't Save Them!!! (Part 1)

———