Day and night, night and day, they alternated endlessly, though no one could say when it all began. Yet, each night, the starry sky above would always present a different spectacle, sparking a strong desire to study it.
But for sailors who had no interest in the stars, the night represented danger, risk, and adventure.
At this moment.
The light from the lighthouse would serve as a crucial beacon to guide their way.
At the Reverse Mountain of the Red Line Continent, when ships from the four seas ascended via the Mountain Climbing Current and then plunged into the Grand Line with the torrent, they would always see two bright lights shining from below.
However, most people would not choose to pass through the dark waves near the Twin Capes of Reverse Mountain at night. In the midst of those pitch-black waters, a whale floated quietly on the surface, sound asleep.
Knock knock knock
A shadowy figure appeared in front of the small stone house beside the lighthouse and gently knocked on the door. When the person inside opened the door, the warm yellow light from within illuminated both of their faces.
"It's you?"
A middle-aged man wearing a pink shirt paired with blue shorts and a yellow-purple flower-shaped accessory on his head looked at the visitor outside the door in surprise.
"It's been over a year, Mr. Crocus."
"Gaban, you… what are you all doing here?" Crocus thought for a moment, then stepped aside and said, "Come in first."
"Thank you."
The burly man at the front seemed to hold great respect for the former. He expressed his gratitude before stepping inside, followed by the four people behind him.
These were former members of the Roger Pirates.
Among them, the leader, Gaban, was the third most important figure on the ship, second only to Rayleigh. It was rumored that his strength was on par with Rayleigh's.
But as for the truth, no one knew for sure.
"Taro, Doringo, Petermoo, Ganryu, how did you all end up together? I thought you had returned to your respective seas?"
After closing the door, Crocus turned around and looked at them with confusion.
His situation was a bit different from theirs. Although he had been on the Roger Pirates' ship for a while, strictly speaking, he wasn't an official crew member. He was only a temporary ship doctor, responsible for treating and managing Roger's terminal illness.
"Sir, you must have heard about Rayleigh's death in Mary Geoise, right?" Gaban asked with a heavy expression.
Crocus nodded and said, "Of course. I've done nothing but read the newspapers all day."
"Then you should know that Rayleigh wasn't the type of reckless fool. He must have sensed something important happening in Mary Geoise, which is why he risked sneaking in!"
"Indeed, I was also shocked by Rayleigh's actions when I saw the news. So, you're planning to…" Crocus hesitated as he looked at them, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart.
Gaban continued.
"I've been in contact with Shakuyaku. She said that Rayleigh believed the recent changes in the World Government and the source of the Great Pirate Era, which Captain Roger had orchestrated, might lie in a certain person or event in Mary Geoise. That's why he took the risk to investigate."
"That's very possible…" Crocus pondered, agreeing with the speculation.
"But in the end, Rayleigh didn't manage to relay the information he discovered. So, we want to complete this mission in his place!" Gaban declared with unwavering determination.
"It's too dangerous. If even Rayleigh couldn't succeed, you might…"
"I know Rayleigh is stronger than me, even stronger than all of us, but we still want to try while we're in our prime. Otherwise, when we get older, it'll truly be beyond our capabilities."
As he spoke, Gaban exchanged glances with the other four and continued, "Even if we die, we want to die with clarity, and before that, pass the truth on to our comrades!"
"Hmm, I think it's not just you, is it?" Crocus asked.
"Right. Those willing to join this mission also include Millet Pine, MAX Marks, and Rangram. However, they're not in the Four Seas, so we've agreed to meet on an island in the Grand Line."
Crocus asked curiously, "Just eight of you? Not even Spencer? Who's going to plan the operation for you?"
Spencer was essentially the brains of the Roger Pirates. Often, even Rayleigh had to follow his plans.
"He got married, so he doesn't want to take risks with us. But he's willing to receive the intel we gather and handle it based on the situation," Gaban sighed, scratching the back of his head helplessly.
"Sunbell also refused. He's worried that with Fish-Man Island and the World Government just establishing friendly relations, if something like Fish-men sneaking into Mary Geoise were to happen, it would bring disaster to all Fish-men. Others have their own difficulties too, so I can't force them."
Crocus nodded in understanding.
"That's true, but you don't even have a target now, just like Rayleigh before. You'd go to Mary Geoise without knowing what you're looking for, and they've definitely tightened security there."
"Honestly, I don't recommend you go. There's a high chance you'll sacrifice yourselves without finding anything!"
"But..."
"That's right, you're walking to your deaths, and it won't mean anything!"
Just as Gaban was about to say more, the door behind them was suddenly slammed open, startling everyone in the room. They immediately drew their weapons and turned to face the intruder.
Especially Gaban, who instantly pulled out the twin axes from his waist, his eyes glaring fiercely. But when he saw who it was, his killing intent and imposing aura instantly dissipated.
"Shakuyaku!!"
The person who entered was none other than Shakuyaku, a lady's cigarette dangling from her lips. Her demeanor seemed to have changed—no longer the gentle and calm bar owner of the Rip-off Bar, but now cold and commanding.
"Rayleigh's purpose in sneaking into Mary Geoise was to uncover the source of the World Government's changes, not to go looking for death or rush to meet Roger."
"..."
The five men fell silent, knowing Shakuyaku surely had more to say.
"I want to avenge that bastard Rayleigh and find out what he wanted to know, so I can tell him in the Land of the Dead."
"But I need manpower, I need skilled fighters. Are you in?"
After speaking, Shakuyaku took the cigarette from her lips and held it between her fingers, letting the smoke drift upward as she stared intently at them. Gaban and the others exchanged uncertain glances.
"Can you tell us what you plan to do?"
"I've studied the recent changes in the World Government. It's nothing more than abandoning their centuries-long high-pressure policies and shifting toward a more moderate, low-pressure approach."
"This indicates that they have noticed the people of various nations have reached a certain limit in tolerating tyranny, so they want to loosen the noose around their necks a bit, while also improving the World Government's external image."
"The liberation of slaves is the sweetener they've thrown out. According to the intelligence I have, the World Government has already started reforming the Celestial Tribute system, and it's highly likely to be a topic at the next Levely."
After listening to Shakuyaku's words, the more naive and impulsive Taro asked in confusion, "Why does it all sound like good news?"