章 140: "A Pact in the Shadows: The Strategist and the Pirate King’s Legacy"

Grove 27 of Sabaody Archipelago was a storm of chaos and flashing lights. Pirates scrambled away from Admiral Kizaru's ominous presence, desperate to escape his powerful light-based attacks. One reckless pirate tried his luck and shot at Kizaru, but the Admiral merely tilted his head as the bullet phased through him, his body glowing with an otherworldly brightness. Unbothered, Kizaru responded with a devastating light-powered kick, toppling a massive mangrove tree nearby and leaving his subordinates stunned by his ruthlessness.

Across the archipelago, other Supernovas clashed with Marines in their own ways. In Grove 24, Jewelry Bonney laughed as she used her Devil Fruit powers to transform Marines into children and elderly people, giggling at their helplessness. Meanwhile, Capone Bege threatened nearby Marines, his chilling confidence clear: "You've already lost."

Nearby, Basil Hawkins, calmly holding a deck of tarot cards, watched the approaching Kizaru. His crew urged him to flee, but Hawkins remained unflinching. "Today isn't the day I die," he said, relying on his abilities and accepting whatever would come his way.

Back with the Straw Hats, Usopp tried to convince Luffy to avoid another trip to the amusement park. Their argument was interrupted by a figure appearing before them, causing Luffy to frown in curiosity. "Who are you?" he demanded, sensing trouble.

Meanwhile, Marines gathered near Capone Bege, only for him to surprise them by activating his Devil Fruit ability. Compartments opened across his body, revealing a miniaturized army within his chest. Cannons fired from inside him, and his tiny crew members expanded to full size, charging into the Marines on horseback, overwhelming them with Capone's command.

In Grove 41, Urouge was locked in a fierce struggle with a Kuma clone, or Pacifista. Battered and bruised, he observed his misfortune in facing such powerful opponents—one a Warlord and another an Admiral. Despite his injuries, he powered up, his muscles bulging as he prepared for one final, desperate stand.

Back in Grove 24, Kizaru made his way toward Hawkins. Hawkins calmly shuffled his cards, examining the odds of his survival. Kizaru, unfazed, delivered a light-speed kick that should have shattered Hawkins. But Hawkins' powers diverted the impact, transferring the damage to two unlucky pirates nearby, sparing him for the moment.

Watching the pandemonium with interest, X Drake intervened in Urouge's battle, striking the Kuma clone with a powerful kick. Seeing Drake, Kizaru prepared for a confrontation, recognizing the former Marine Rear Admiral. Urouge recovered from his injuries and bulked up even further, while Scratchmen Apoo, observing from the sidelines, chuckled at the escalating chaos.

Elsewhere, the Straw Hats had their own encounter with a Kuma clone, PX-4, which attacked Luffy with a searing beam. Surprised, Luffy dodged, recalling their terrifying run-in with the original Kuma at Thriller Bark. With little choice, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji launched a joint attack, but the trio quickly realized that this Kuma might be different, and possibly not the only one roaming the island.

In the meantime, X Drake examined the Kuma clone with a calculating eye. Recognizing Dr. Vegapunk's advanced technology integrated into the clone, particularly its light-based powers, he transformed using his Ancient Zoan Devil Fruit. The battle between man and machine raged, each taking severe hits.

As Hawkins summoned his voodoo doll powers, he transformed into a massive, eerie figure to attack Kizaru. Apoo intervened, delivering a surprising sound-based attack that severed Kizaru's arm and exploded him into pieces. However, Kizaru reformed instantly, retaliating with a kick that launched Apoo through a building, emphasizing his overwhelming strength.

In the nearby grove, the Straw Hats struggled to bring down PX-4, with each member taking their turn in the fight. Zoro, weakened from the injuries he sustained at Thriller Bark, stumbled, and Sanji encouraged Luffy to focus on defeating the clone. Chopper charged in, enraging PX-4, which retaliated viciously. Franky and Robin supported the team, using their unique abilities to pin down the cyborg.

Finally, Usopp fired an explosive shot that damaged PX-4 internally, causing it to malfunction. Robin and Nami seized the opportunity, delivering brutal strikes. Sanji, Zoro, and Luffy coordinated a final assault: Sanji's Flambage Shot, Zoro's Asura technique, and Luffy's Gear 3 Gigant Rifle pummeled the relentless clone, ending the fight in a spectacular clash.

Their victory, however, was short-lived. An axe-wielding figure dropped from the sky alongside yet another Pacifista. The newcomer, Sentomaru, identified PX-1 as a Pacifista and ordered it to attack the Straw Hats. Realizing the overwhelming odds, the crew decided to split up and escape. Sanji, Nami, and Franky formed one group; Usopp, Zoro, and Brook another; and Luffy, Robin, and Chopper the third. They agreed to meet back in three days' time.

As they fled, Usopp used his Hissatsu Kemuri Boshi to create a smokescreen, hoping to buy the others some time. However, PX-1 destroyed a bridge to cut off Sanji's group, appearing right in front of them. Sentomaru intercepted Luffy's group, and when Luffy tried to attack, Sentomaru easily deflected his Gatling punches, demonstrating his immense strength and revealing that he wasn't a Devil Fruit user.

In Zoro's group, the situation grew dire as Kizaru appeared, launching an assault. Zoro, still exhausted, couldn't defend himself, and despite Brook and Usopp's attempts to protect him, they were quickly overpowered. Kizaru unveiled his Pika Pika no Mi (Light-Light Fruit) abilities, preparing to finish off Zoro. At the last second, Rayleigh appeared, intercepting Kizaru's attack with his sword, telling Kizaru not to "pluck the fine sprouts" just yet.

Amidst the chaos, Luffy ordered the crew to prioritize escaping. Franky used Coup de Vent to propel his group out of harm's way, but Kizaru pursued Zoro's group. Rayleigh clashed with Kizaru again, even managing to cut the Admiral's cheek, while the relentless PX-1 continued its attack on the Straw Hats. Sanji and Brook held off the cyborg momentarily, but they too were beaten back.

Luffy found himself targeted by Sentomaru once more, sent flying into a mangrove tree. Nearby, Rayleigh and Kizaru engaged in an intense sword fight, with Kizaru using a blade of light. In the chaos, the Pacifista attacked Usopp, prompting Chopper to activate his Monster Point in a desperate bid to protect his friends. Just as Chopper braced for impact, the real Bartholomew Kuma appeared, addressing Zoro directly.

"Kuma!" Zoro shouted, his voice barely concealing his shock. Before he could react, Kuma asked him a simple question: "Where would you like to go on a trip?" With a touch, Kuma made Zoro vanish, leaving the crew stunned.

The sudden disappearance threw the crew into confusion and panic. Luffy demanded an explanation, and Sentomaru revealed that Kuma's paw-paw powers sent people flying, taking them to unknown locations for three days. Kuma continued, making PX-1 disappear and then targeting Sanji, Usopp, and Brook. As Brook attempted to defend them, he too vanished under Kuma's touch, followed by Sanji and then Usopp.

Desperation filled Luffy's heart as he entered Gear 2, throwing himself at Kuma. But Kuma effortlessly deflected him, tossing him aside like a ragdoll. Franky and Nami tried to intervene, but Kuma dispatched Franky and then Nami, each touch causing another friend to vanish.

Luffy's horror only deepened as Kuma reached Robin and Monster Chopper, making them disappear as well. One by one, the entire crew vanished before his eyes, leaving Luffy alone, spiraling into despair.

"Why… Why couldn't I save any of them?" he whispered, his voice broken. Kuma reappeared, towering over him, and told Luffy they would never meet again. With one final touch, he sent Luffy into the unknown.

A caption appeared, a somber reminder of the events: On this day in Grove 12 of the Sabaody Archipelago, the Straw Hat Pirates were completely and utterly defeated.

From atop a nearby building, a figure cloaked in shadow watched as the final Straw Hat vanished. The man nodded in silent acknowledgment to Kuma, who briefly glanced up before disappearing himself.

The shadowy figure—Raja—surveyed the scene one last time. He dissolved into shadows, reappearing moments later in Shakky's Rip-Off Bar.

The dimly lit ambiance of Shakky's Rip-Off Bar remained as calm as ever, but the tension surged the moment a dark figure, cloaked and hooded, entered through the door. Shakky looked up from behind the bar, momentarily stunned as the figure quietly took a seat.

"Can I get a juice?" the shadowed figure asked, his voice casual, yet carrying a weight that set her on edge.

Shakky, wary but intrigued, poured the drink. "You're quite the mysterious one," she said, placing the glass in front of him. "What brings you to this place, especially in times like these?"

The figure smirked, lifting the drink to his lips. "Patience, Shakky. I'm waiting for an old friend to join us."

Almost on cue, the door creaked open again, and Rayleigh stepped in, his sword still sheathed but his gaze sharp. His eyes went from Shakky to the cloaked figure in an instant, narrowing in confusion and recognition.

"Who might you be, young man?" Rayleigh asked, his tone both curious and cautious.

The figure stood, slowly pulling back his hood to reveal a familiar face. "Allow me to properly introduce myself," he said, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark. "I am Rudra D. Raja, the Chief Strategist of the Revolutionary Army. People call me 'Shadow.'"

The old couple exchanged a stunned look, Shakky nearly dropping the glass in her hand. Rayleigh's brows raised in surprise, and he let out a low whistle.

"Well, I'll be damned," Shakky muttered. "The one who's been stealing the Heavenly Tributes, freeing slaves, and creating chaos for the World Government. They're tearing the world apart looking for you, and here you are… playing pirate?"

Raja chuckled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Everyone needs a little adventure, I need a Favour from you Rayleigh".

Rayleigh shook his head, a half-smile forming. "And the Great Shadow of the Revolutionary Army needs something from an old pirate? This is getting interesting." He sat across from Raja, looking at him intently. "What favor could a man like you need from me?"

Raja's smile turned serious. "I need you to train my captain in the ways of Haki. All of it. He'll need it if he's going to survive in the New World."

Rayleigh leaned back, folding his arms. "Train your captain? Even if I wanted to, how would I find him? Not to mention, I'm a busy man. There are a thousand things I could be doing instead."

Raja didn't respond right away. Instead, he reached into his cloak and waved his hand. In an instant, a mound of gold appeared on the bar—a solid ton, glinting in the dim light.

Shakky's eyes widened, and she let out a small gasp. Rayleigh, although impressed, held his composure.

"That's for your time," Raja said smoothly. "I'll make it easy. You train him, and I won't take 'no' for an answer."

Rayleigh chuckled, eyeing the gold, then looking at Shakky, who was visibly delighted. "Looks like I have no choice," he said with a sigh, "or Shakky might throw me out of the bar."

But he paused, brows furrowing in concern. "Where is your captain right now?"

Raja's response was calm, but it held the weight of something ominous. "Amazon Lily."

Rayleigh and Shakky shared a look of shock, with Shakky muttering, "No refunds if he's already dead, Raja."

Raja laughed. "He's tougher than he looks," he assured her. Then, turning back to Rayleigh, he added, "Meet him on Ruskaina Island after the Whitebeard Fall. Train him in everything he'll need to become the Pirate King."

Rayleigh's eyes narrowed. "And how are you so certain that Whitebeard will fall?"

Raja "Because Whitebeard has more than his crew to protect in that battle. He's fighting for his rival's bloodline—Portgas D. Ace, the son of his Rival."

Rayleigh went still, the gravity of Raja's words sinking in. "Interesting," he murmured. "Then… Ace is the son of…?"

"Gol D. Ace," Raja said, voice low but firm, "Roger's only son."

The room grew heavy as Rayleigh's Haki flared, a monstrous wave that would have sent most men to their knees. "Don't joke about my captain like that, boy. If Roger had a son, I would have known."

Raja didn't flinch, meeting Rayleigh's Haki with a powerful wave of his own, matching the older man's intensity with ease. It surprised Rayleigh, who gave a short nod of respect as he calmed himself.

"Relax, old man," Raja said gently. "Let me explain."

Rayleigh took a breath, settling himself as he listened. "Go on, then."

"Before his death, Roger made a final request to Garp. He asked him to find his unborn child and protect him," Raja explained. "Ace's mother, Portgas D. Rouge, was carrying him at the time. To keep Roger's bloodline safe, she hid away and carried the child for twenty months, pushing her own body beyond its limits. She died after giving birth, and Garp took Ace under his wing."

Rayleigh's expression softened, sorrow and anger warring in his eyes. "Roger never told me," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "All these years…"

Raja placed a steadying hand on Rayleigh's shoulder. "I understand your feelings, but now you see why Whitebeard will fight with everything he has to save Ace. It's not just loyalty to a crewmate—it's a promise to a man he respected as his greatest rival."

Rayleigh's eyes closed briefly as he processed this new truth. He opened them, filled with renewed resolve. "Then there's nothing left for me to do but ensure Ace's survival. If you're willing to trust me, then I'll will save him."

Raja nodded, relief evident in his gaze. "Thank you, Rayleigh. But let Luffy and revolution army take care of this matter."

Rayleigh chuckled softly, but his smile was one of respect. "You're an unusual man, Raja. Carrying both the Revolutionary Army's vision and your captain's future on your shoulders."

"Someone has to watch out for him," Raja said with a faint smile. "It's not just about him becoming Pirate King. It's about keeping him free, so he can find his own path."

Standing, Raja held out his hand to Rayleigh. "Then we have a deal?"

Rayleigh took it, their handshake sealing the promise. "Aye," he said. "I'll see him trained and ready. But tell me one last thing—what's your role in all of this?"

Raja's eyes gleamed with determination. "I'll be the strategist, the shadow who ensures the balance between the Pirate King and the Revolution. I'll keep the path clear and guard his back."