Bab 318: Chapter 318: Sabaody - Departure for Fish-Man Island!
Sengoku suddenly opened the door, startling the Marine soldier standing outside who had come to report.
"Are you sure it was a wooden sword and a real sword?" Sengoku stared at the Marine, his expression stern.
Usually, he was easier to deal with, but under the dim moonlight, Sengoku's current demeanor seemed rather intimidating...
"Yes, I'm certain. But we can't be absolutely sure if it's Takumi," the Marine answered cautiously, "Fleet Admiral, should we send troops to search areas 40 to 49?"
Sengoku pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, go find Akainu and tell him to lead a search."
"Uh? Akainu, Admiral Akainu? If I go, won't he beat me up?" The Marine's face went pale.
Sengoku snorted. "He may be harsh, but he's not that petty with his own men. Just go. What are you standing there for? Go!"
"Fleet Admiral, I..."
Before he could finish, Sengoku raised his fist threateningly.
The Marine reluctantly swallowed his complaint, gave a resigned nod, and then hurried towards Akainu's quarters, feeling doomed.
Later that night, Marine Headquarters and areas 40 to 49 on Sabaody were bustling with activity.
Meanwhile, Takumi slept soundly in the comfort of his inn.
The Next Morning
Takumi awoke early and stopped by a breakfast stand next to the inn for a quick meal.
After finishing, he started back towards the shipyard. On his way, he passed by a squad of Marines who were going door-to-door in their search.
It was just pure coincidence that, while these Marines were entering a nearby inn to search, Takumi casually walked past them, completely brushing shoulders with them.
However, a few pedestrians gave him puzzled glances, as if they recognized him but weren't sure.
Takumi ignored their looks, continuing to walk calmly forward, as though he were completely oblivious.
When Takumi arrived at the shipyard, he found that the entire ship was already covered with a semi-transparent bubble, floating half a meter above the ground under Enel's control.
Judging by the progress, it seemed like the coating would be completed soon.
Both Rayleigh and Enel noticed Takumi approaching the shipyard before he had even entered.
"You're here early, kid," Rayleigh said, poking his head out from the ship's deck. He smiled down at Takumi below. "We worked overnight, and it'll be done in about half an hour. Once it's finished, how about treating us to a meal as a reward?"
Rayleigh's suggestion drew laughter and cheers from the shipyard workers, who immediately chimed in.
"Yeah, let's all have a meal together! Haha!"
"I think it's fair. You guys seem loaded. Surely you wouldn't mind treating us to a meal?"
"It's decided then! I know a great place to eat. Once we're done, let's head there!"
"You guys are really something," Enel said with disdain. "Our captain isn't going to treat you noisy people to a meal."
Kaku then added, "Although I'd love to treat everyone, we're in a bit of a hurry. Plus, our captain prefers peace and quiet. Maybe next time we come to Sabaody, we'll treat you all properly."
"Aw, you're so cold."
"Right? Not even a meal after we worked all night..."
The shipyard workers complained jokingly.
Takumi used Moonwalk to jump onto the deck, pulled out a stack of Beli, and said casually, "For the coating."
The shipyard's most experienced craftsman exchanged glances with his peers before waving his hand. "You're Rayleigh's friends, and Kaku learned shipbuilding here for a while, so we consider him a bit of a disciple. We won't take your money."
"You sure?" Takumi asked.
The old craftsman nodded. "Yep, we're sure. Just make sure Kaku treats us next time you come by."
"Fine." Takumi didn't bother arguing, pocketing the money again.
Rayleigh sighed with disappointment, "If they don't want it, I'll take it. How about giving it to me instead?"
Takumi shot him a glance that clearly said, "Keep dreaming."
With that, Takumi entered the ship's cabin and returned to his room. He picked up a book from the shelf and sat down at a small round table by the window.
As Rayleigh had said, in just about half an hour, the coating was finished.
Takumi gave Enel the go-ahead to set off, and Enel took control of the bubble-coated ship, lifting it out of the shipyard.
The shipyard workers all came out to see them off, watching until the ship had almost disappeared from view. Only then did they release the group of people Enel had tied up.
"Ah, youth... It's great to be young. Go wherever you want, do whatever you want," the old shipwright sighed as he watched them leave. Then he noticed Rayleigh sneaking off and quickly called after him, "Hey, where are you off to again? Your coating skills might be great, but the shipyard can't handle you only showing up once or twice a month."
Rayleigh laughed, "I haven't slept all night. Can't I go get some rest? Don't worry, I'll be back when the time's right."
And with that, he picked up his pace, walking away quickly.
The old shipwright shook his head helplessly as he watched Rayleigh go.
One of the younger shipwrights, puzzled, asked, "Master, it makes sense for Mr. Rayleigh to go rest after working all night, right? Why do you look so troubled?"
The old shipwright sighed, "You're new, so you wouldn't know. Do you really think he's going home to sleep?"
"Uh? Isn't he?" the young shipwright asked, genuinely confused.
The old man shook his head, "His place isn't even in that direction. I bet he's heading back to the casino again..."
Meanwhile
The ship, carrying Takumi and his crew, soon arrived at the nearest coastline.
As the ship approached the water, Enel activated a circular device installed on the ship's hull. The bubble membrane expanded like it had been inflated, growing larger until it fully enveloped the entire ship.
Once the ship touched the water, it slowly began to sink below the waves, descending at a visible rate.
Elsewhere
Rayleigh was about to enter the same casino from the day before.
He had just stepped through the entrance of the "meat shop" when he heard a commotion.
Behind him, a group of Marines was rushing towards the coast.
"Are you sure someone saw Takumi and his crew heading towards the coast of Area 50?"
"Definitely! The informant described the group's features, and they match perfectly. It's definitely them! Looks like they've coated their ship—probably planning to head to Fish-Man Island!"
The conversation between the two Marines caught Rayleigh's attention.
He paused, turning to glance back.
Immediately, he recognized the figure leading the Marines—it was Akainu.
After a moment of contemplation, Rayleigh acted without hesitation, appearing right in front of the Marines, forcing them to stop.
"Where are you all off to in such a hurry?" Rayleigh stroked his beard, smiling at Akainu.
Already in a foul mood, Akainu was about to strike whoever dared to block his way. But upon seeing who it was, he stopped himself, recognizing the man instantly. "Dark King Rayleigh?"
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