Rolan observed the white haired old man before him, quietly noting the calm yet overwhelming pressure radiating from him. It was subtle, but ancient, the kind of depth that only came from a man who had lived through eras of chaos.
He nodded to himself.
As expected of the Pirate King's first mate, even age did nothing to dull the strength hidden behind those relaxed eyes. Rayleigh truly was a living relic of power.
While Rolan examined him, Rayleigh was equally focused on Rolan, though he hid it beneath a casual demeanor.
The more he looked, the more disbelief he felt.
This young man's presence was far beyond what he had anticipated. His power was not something that could be measured with a simple number of berries. It reminded him faintly of Roger in his prime, a similarity so sharp that Rayleigh could not easily dismiss it.
Someone this young should not possess such terrifying potential. If it continued to grow, the future ahead of him would be nothing short of monstrous.
Rolan finally spoke, his voice calm and flat.
"I happened to be passing through and decided it was only proper to pay my respects to the Pirate King's right hand."
Rayleigh shook his head lightly. "This old man is just a retiree now. There's nothing impressive left to see."
It was no surprise that Rolan knew who he was. With people like Crocodile, Robin, Nami, and Lina by Rolan's side, information seldom escaped his reach.
Even then, Rayleigh had no idea why Rolan was seeking him out. It clearly wasn't a casual greeting, yet it didn't feel hostile either.
Rolan sensed the unspoken question and didn't bother dragging the conversation out.
"I didn't come here for something trivial. There is a matter I wish to discuss."
Rayleigh's brows tightened. "Oh? And what might that be?"
Rolan answered without hesitation.
"In a little over a year, there may be a major event. When that time comes, I hope you can step in."
He didn't know whether the Marineford War would occur as it originally had. Things were already different. He had given Ace the Gold-Gold Fruit and trained him in Haki.
Ace was far stronger now. Strong enough that the outcome against Blackbeard was uncertain. Even so, Rolan wasn't naïve.
Blackbeard had scarred Shanks, a man Ace was not yet stronger than.
The possibility of Ace's defeat still existed, and Rolan refused to gamble on Ace's life.
Ace was his disciple, after all. There was no scenario where he allowed Ace to die.
And when the time came for him to declare war on the World Government, Rayleigh's involvement would be inevitable. Better to speak now than later.
Rayleigh stared at him, utterly confused. Was this young man a seer? Or was the "major event" something Rolan himself intended to trigger?
"Oh? And what kind of major event would require me? These old bones cannot take unnecessary trouble. I may not be able to help you much."
The meaning behind his words was obvious.
He didn't want to step back into the world's conflicts.
Rolan's mouth twitched slightly. This old man was cautious, perhaps too cautious.
But he kept his expression steady. His voice remained calm.
"I won't force you into anything. I won't ask you to do something you don't wish to do. Nothing that would harm you or violate your will."
Rayleigh nearly sighed aloud.
Just say what you want outright. How was he supposed to agree when he didn't even know the details?
Rolan continued.
"Whether the event actually happens is still uncertain. But if it does occur, I will come to you and explain everything. I believe you will not refuse when the time comes."
Rayleigh gave a noncommittal response. "Then we will speak again when it happens."
Rolan nodded.
"That's enough for now. I won't stay long. If someone with the wrong intentions spots me here, it might cause trouble for your bar."
He stood and headed toward the door.
He already achieved what he wanted. He didn't need Rayleigh's agreement right away.
The seed was planted. Rayleigh would be ready when the time came.
As Rolan's figure disappeared outside, Rayleigh and Shakky exchanged looks.
"What do you think he meant, Rayleigh?" Shakky asked, snuffing out her cigarette before lighting another.
Rayleigh gave a helpless shake of his head.
"I'm not sure. But I don't sense any malice from him. At least, not toward us."
Shakky leaned on the counter, frowning.
"If he's asking you to help him personally, the matter won't be small. I hope you won't have to draw your sword again. You deserve a quiet old age."
Rayleigh chuckled softly. "I don't know. But based on his tone, whatever it is, once he explains it, I probably won't be able to refuse."
…
Outside, Rolan stretched casually, checking the positions of Nami, Robin, Lina, and Hancock with his Observation Haki. He began walking toward them lazily.
A voice called out from the shadows.
"Five Emperors Rolan. A moment, if you will."
Rolan turned his head and saw a figure cloaked in dark green standing near the street corner.
The attire alone was enough to narrow down the possibilities, and his expression sharpened with mild annoyance.
"Oh? What could we possibly have to discuss, Monkey D. Dragon?"
The cloaked figure froze at being identified so casually.
"It isn't convenient to speak here. Follow me to a café."
Rolan smirked faintly. So it really was Dragon. This could only mean he wanted to propose cooperation or try to draw Rolan into the Revolutionary Army.
Either way, Rolan was mildly curious. He followed.
They arrived at a café. Dragon spoke quietly to the waiter, who then guided them toward the back kitchen. At the doorway, the waiter lifted the curtain.
The moment Rolan stepped inside, the scenery changed entirely.
The back room resembled a hidden operations center, reminiscent of intelligence bases he once knew on Earth.
Inside sat a young blond man in black, a top hat on his head, a pipe in his hand. Rolan recognized him instantly.
Sabo.
Luffy and Ace's sworn brother.
Beside him stood a girl with orange hair and bright eyes. Koala.
Sabo straightened.
"Dragon-san, you've arrived."
Then he turned to Rolan.
"And this must be Rolan."
Rolan responded with a brief nod, expression unreadable.
Dragon removed his cloak, revealing the tattoo on his left cheek.
"Rolan sama, please have a seat."
Rolan sat. Koala placed four cups of coffee on the table.
He took one and sipped, his tone calm and empty of emotion.
"Then let's hear it. What does the leader of the Revolutionary Army want from me?"