Kapitel 43: Chapter 43: Loguetown - When Aokiji Met Rayleigh
"Hey, did you hear? Some old guy just bailed out that failing underground casino on West Street."
"What? Are you kidding me? That place was on its last legs—no way anyone could save it."
"I'm serious! The old man's got deep pockets. He bet big every time, but only won his first round. After that, he kept losing, over and over, like the casino was rigged."
"Yeah, I heard that too. The old guy's something else—kept losing and just wouldn't stop. He's down over a million Berries now. Talk about stubborn! A million Berries would keep a family of three comfortable for years!"
As Takumi made his way back to the tavern, he overheard bits of conversation on the street.
He didn't need to ask—he knew they were talking about Rayleigh.
Whether or not Rayleigh single-handedly revived a dying casino, Takumi couldn't say. But losing a fortune? That was classic Rayleigh.
At least Rayleigh had the sense to give most of his money to the tavern keeper before heading out. Otherwise, he'd probably be flat broke by now.
As Takumi continued on his way, he turned a corner into a narrow alley and, wouldn't you know it, there was Rayleigh, strolling along with a big grin on his face.
"Hey, Takumi!" Rayleigh called out with a friendly wave.
Takumi nodded back, his face impassive.
Rayleigh chuckled. "Well, today wasn't my lucky day. I ended up placing a bet while watching someone else, even though I was out of money. And wouldn't you know it? The result was exactly what I predicted. If only I had some cash, I'd have made it all back! What a shame. So, how about it? Got any spare Berries to lend an old man?"
Takumi sighed inwardly. Seriously? You've fallen so far that you're asking to borrow money?
You're the Dark King Rayleigh, for crying out loud...
"No," Takumi said flatly.
"Really? Not even a little?" Rayleigh asked, sounding disappointed. "Come on, I'll pay you back with interest. How does ten percent sound?"
"No deal," Takumi said with a slight smirk. "But I'll tell you what—I'll lend you the money if you forget about that drink you said I owe you."
Rayleigh stared at Takumi for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Ha! I can't believe you'd go that far to get out of buying me a drink. Fine, fine, I'll pass on the loan."
Takumi just shook his head. So, in the end, drinking is more important to you than gambling or money, huh?
He couldn't understand why Rayleigh was so insistent about that drink.
Honestly, if it were up to Takumi, he'd choose a bottle of good booze over a hundred thousand Berries any day.
"Alright, enough about that. Let's head back to the tavern and keep the drinks flowing!" Rayleigh clapped Takumi on the back, intending to steer him forward.
But just as his hand was about to make contact, Takumi took a quick step forward, leaving Rayleigh's hand hanging in the air.
It might have seemed like a coincidence, but Rayleigh knew better. Takumi had done that on purpose.
Rayleigh withdrew his hand, a thoughtful look on his face. "You really don't like people touching you, huh?"
"I don't like people bothering me either. Can you keep it down?" Takumi muttered.
Rayleigh laughed again, louder this time. "You're a real piece of work, kid."
Takumi didn't bother replying, just picked up his pace and headed straight for the tavern.
Rayleigh followed him, still chuckling.
When they arrived at the tavern, they found Bartolomeo sitting on the stone steps outside.
The moment Bartolomeo saw Takumi, he sprang to his feet, grinning widely. "Hey! I asked the tavern keeper—you're Takumi, right? I'm Bartolomeo. Wanna be friends?"
Takumi didn't even blink.
"Oh? Making friends, are we?" Rayleigh said with a knowing smile.
Bartolomeo's excitement was palpable. "Takumi, you're amazing! You're even younger than me, and yet... Man, I really wanna be friends with you! Please, what do you say?"
"No," Takumi replied without hesitation, walking past him and into the tavern.
Bartolomeo froze, his face contorting with disappointment. "Oh no... he hates me..."
As Rayleigh walked by, he patted Bartolomeo on the shoulder. "A real friend can handle a little rejection. If you can't take that, you should give up now. Takumi's not someone you can win over easily."
With that, Rayleigh followed Takumi into the tavern.
Bartolomeo watched them go, the gears turning in his head. The dejection he felt moments ago was quickly replaced with renewed determination.
Clenching his fist, Bartolomeo muttered, "Yeah! If I can't even handle this, then I don't deserve to be Takumi's friend. Just wait, Takumi—I'll prove myself to you!"
Takumi, having overheard Rayleigh's words to Bartolomeo, rolled his eyes as he entered the tavern.
The tavern keeper, noticing their return, quickly brought over some drinks.
Takumi took a swig, then sighed. "Why'd you have to fill his head with all that nonsense?"
Rayleigh chuckled. "Better to make a friend than an enemy, right? That green-haired kid looks like a punk, but he's got a good heart. Maybe he can't do much for you now, but who knows? Someday he might be a real asset."
Takumi snorted. "Yeah, right. I don't need it."
He knew better than anyone what Bartolomeo's future held.
Bartolomeo was better off idolizing Luffy than hanging around him.
"Just drop it," Takumi said flatly, taking another drink.
Rayleigh just smiled, saying nothing more.
The tavern keeper chuckled as he wiped down a glass. "You're something else, Takumi, talking to Rayleigh like that. Even if you're not the first to do it, you've definitely gotta be the youngest."
"No harm done," Rayleigh said with a wave of his hand. "The kid's not wrong—I was meddling. It's all good."
As Rayleigh laughed and took another drink, the door to the tavern suddenly creaked open, letting in a cold draft.
The tavern keeper barely had time to react before the lock on the door shattered with a loud crack.
A tall figure stepped inside, descending the stone steps toward the tavern floor.
The tavern keeper's breath caught in his throat.
Aokiji ducked slightly to peer into the dimly lit tavern. When he saw who was sitting with Takumi, his eyes widened in surprise.
"Well, well, if it isn't the Dark King Rayleigh. What brings you to Loguetown? Here for Roger's anniversary?" Aokiji pushed the door open and strolled inside.
The tavern keeper paled, terrified.
Rayleigh, however, didn't seem the least bit concerned. He took another sip of his drink and smirked. "I've been retired for a while now, but you Marines just can't seem to let go."
"Retired or not, you're still a pirate as long as that bounty's on your head," Aokiji said as he sat down on the other side of Takumi. He raised a hand to the tavern keeper. "Hey, could I get a glass of sherry, please?"
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