Chapter Twenty: Rayleigh and Hancock

Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

“What? Someone killed a Celestial Dragon on Sabaody Archipelago?” Sengoku roared into the receiver as soon as he heard the report. Fury welled up within him—he had never imagined such an unprecedented event could occur.

“Yes, sir. We’ve already surrounded the auction house, but the perpetrator remains inside,” came the incredulous reply.

“Alright, I’ll dispatch an admiral immediately to support you. Under no circumstances can you let them escape.” Sengoku steadied his breath and issued his command.

“Yes, Fleet Admiral.”

“Oi, Aokiji! Head over there at once. Capture the criminal at all costs. If they offer fierce resistance, eliminate them on the spot.” Sengoku addressed Aokiji, who was lounging on the balcony, basking in the sun.

“Well, well… Someone actually dared to kill a Celestial Dragon? They must have a death wish. I’ll be back soon—it shouldn’t take long.” Mounting his bicycle, Aokiji pedaled toward the harbor where the warships were moored.

“Who could be so bold? To provoke the World Government…” Sengoku muttered, seated in his office chair.

...

Camille’s gaze swept the room, radiating murderous intent. The Celestial Dragons’ guards trembled in terror before the purple-clad man, their legs quaking uncontrollably.

Rayleigh glanced at Camille, shook his head slightly, then casually removed the collar from his own neck. He strolled over to the Boa sisters and deftly unfastened the collars from their necks as well.

Camille said nothing, simply blinking as his aura burst forth. Everyone except Robin and the Boa sisters, shielded by Rayleigh, collapsed instantly.

Rayleigh felt the overwhelming power in that aura, his body trembling faintly. He hadn’t expected this boy from ten years ago to have grown so strong, so quickly.

“Well, if it isn’t Camille. What brings you here?” Rayleigh approached, the Boa sisters trailing behind him.

“Haha, Uncle Rayleigh, I came for these three,” Camille replied, embracing Rayleigh in a bear hug and clapping him on the shoulder.

Boa Hancock eyed the older boy before her, puzzled—came for us?

“These three? You know them?” Rayleigh asked, curious. Camille had vanished for eight years, but the pirates of the Grand Line still remembered the battle from back then. How could these three little girls be connected to Camille?

Camille shook his head, offering no explanation, and Rayleigh didn’t press further.

“Robin, come here. This is Uncle Rayleigh—he was quite famous back in the day!” Camille turned and pulled Robin forward to introduce her.

“Heh, Uncle Rayleigh, this is my wife. Isn’t she beautiful? Haha!” Camille grinned, holding Robin close.

...

“Hello, Uncle Rayleigh. My name is Nico Robin,” Robin ignored Camille’s antics and addressed Rayleigh politely.

“Heh, Uncle Rayleigh used to be the first mate on the Pirate King’s ship, you know!” Camille boasted, paying no mind to Robin’s glare. The Boa sisters stared at Rayleigh in astonishment.

Even on Amazon Lily, the Kuja Pirates had always been strong, and they knew of the famous figures beyond their shores. Despite having only women aboard, their wanted posters also included notorious male pirates like Rayleigh and Camille. The legendary Pirate King commanded respect, but who would have thought this gentle old man had once been his first mate?

Robin, equally surprised, regarded the old man with new respect. To have served as the Pirate King’s right hand, he must truly possess immense strength—even with age, he was not to be underestimated.

Robin, though surprised, joined the Boa sisters.

Boa Hancock gazed at Robin, whose gentle smile made her eyes well with tears. She and her sisters had spent the past days in captivity—now, seeing this kind, older sister, she felt a sudden warmth in her heart.

“My name is Nico Robin. What are your names?” Robin asked, drawing Hancock closer and addressing the three young girls.

“I’m Boa Hancock, and these are my sisters, Boa Sandersonia and Boa Marigold. Thank you, big sister, and thank you, big brother, for saving us. We were kidnapped and brought here—wuaaah…” Hancock’s words dissolved into sobs. They were still just children—not yet the Pirate Empress who would weather countless storms in the years to come.

“There, there, it’s over now.” Robin squeezed Hancock’s hand, glancing at Camille, who scratched his head awkwardly and offered a sheepish smile.

“Camille, the Navy has already surrounded the place. How are you planning to escape? Haha!” Rayleigh laughed heartily.

Camille waved a hand dismissively. “What else? I’ll fight my way out! Robin, you take care of the three of them and get ready to leave. Uncle Rayleigh, you should go first—I doubt you want to reveal yourself. Take Robin and the girls to your place. I’ll deal with the Navy and catch up with you later. Heh!” Camille’s nonchalance suggested he was wholly unconcerned about the dire situation.

Rayleigh shook his head. He knew Camille’s strength—even an admiral might not be able to stop him. In fact, who would be hunting whom was still uncertain.

“Be good, Robin. I’ll find you all soon. And you, Boa Hancock, stick close to this big sister,” Camille said, ruffling Hancock’s hair.

Hancock flushed crimson at his touch. Robin rolled her eyes, took Hancock’s hand, and led her and her sisters after Rayleigh toward the back exit.

Once Rayleigh and the others had left, Camille produced a pack of cigarettes, flicked one out, and lit it with a flash of purple light. Taking a deep drag, he hefted the Purple Emperor and strode outside.

“Hurry up and hold the perimeter! The admiral will be here any moment,” a Marine colonel barked orders to his subordinates.

“Someone’s coming out!” a Marine shouted, and all eyes turned toward the long doorway.

A shadowy figure appeared, growing clearer with each step—a man with a long blade slung over his shoulder, a cigarette dangling from his lips. He looked every bit the part—stylish and intimidating.

“Stop right there! Drop your weapon! You’re surrounded, and the admiral is on his way. Release the Celestial Dragons at once!” the Marine colonel stationed on Sabaody Archipelago shouted at the approaching figure.

...

Camille curled his lip, exhaled a few smoke rings, and looked over the mass of Marines before him—over a thousand strong. Mortars stood at the front, riflemen behind, and on either side, soldiers wielded swords and other weapons.

“Heh, what if I refuse to surrender? An admiral, huh? It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve fought one,” Camille replied with a cheeky grin, puffing on his cigarette.

“What did you say? State your name! You’ve fought an admiral? Are you trying to get yourself killed?” The colonel couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He rifled through his memory for any intelligence on this man—and suddenly, the image of a wanted poster, bounty: 400 million Berries, flashed through his mind.

“Haha, my name? I’ll tell you. I’m Elros D. Camille. Ring a bell?” Camille grinned, utterly fearless.

“Elros D. Camille… It’s him! The man who severely wounded Admiral Kizaru eight years ago, then vanished… Why is he here now?” The colonel was in despair—why did this terrifying man have to appear now?

Hands trembling, he snatched up the Den Den Mushi to report to headquarters.

“Buru… buru… buru…”

At Marineford, the den den mushi buzzed in Sengoku’s office.

A sense of unease twisted Sengoku’s gut as the den den mushi rang—he couldn't shake a terrible premonition.

“Hello, Sengoku speaking.” Despite his irritation, Sengoku picked up the receiver.

“Fleet Admiral! The one who killed the Celestial Dragon is the same man from eight years ago—Elros D. Camille! It’s him!” The terrified voice of the Marine colonel crackled through.

Sengoku froze, the words not immediately sinking in. After a few seconds, he slammed the receiver down and bellowed, “Fetch Kizaru and Akainu! Tell them to support Aokiji immediately! Hurry!” The runner outside, hearing Sengoku’s urgency, rushed off to summon the admirals.

“How can it be him? After eight years, why has he reappeared?” Sengoku slammed his desk in anger, startling the now-grown goat beside him.

...

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