"Rayleigh-san, have you forgotten my ability?" Kyoma spoke up, though he kept his tone carefully measured.
Realization dawned on Rayleigh.
"Do you have other partners besides Kagura?"
He remembered the scene at the Human Auction House when Kyoma had summoned Kagura.
That magical ability still remained vivid and clear in his mind.
"Yes." Kyoma nodded in confirmation.
There was nothing to hide from Rayleigh, who had already witnessed him using his ability.
Besides, he trusted Rayleigh's character and knew the old pirate wouldn't reveal his secret.
"There will be no problem with the number of crew members. The only thing missing now is time." Kyoma spoke thoughtfully, though his mind had already drifted elsewhere.
He focused his attention on his character panel.
[Character: Kyoma]
[Age: 24]
[Race: Human (95%), Night Rabbit (5%)]
[Ability: Conqueror's Haki - Awakening (5.167%)]
[Time until next summon: 3 days (summoning condition: 30 million Berry)]
The summoning condition had changed from 10 million Berry to 30 million Berry.
The good news was that the cooldown time for the second summon was only three days.
However, judging from the increase in summoning requirements, the cooldown period would most likely extend further with each subsequent summon.
This meant he still needed a long period of stable development.
The Sabaody Archipelago might be the best choice at this stage.
It was close to the Marine Headquarters and home to a large Marine force.
The pirates were being cleansed by Admiral Kizaru, and the Celestial Dragons had been attacked by Luffy and the others.
He believed they wouldn't show up again for quite some time.
So on this island, with his and Kagura's strength combined, mainly Kagura's, they could almost walk around freely without fear.
'Alright, next I'll head to the shipyard and bring them a big order, then rent a villa. Preferably one by the sea, with sunshine and a beach. I can lie under a parasol with Kagura and drink iced beverages...'
'Wait. Had he missed something?'
[Conqueror's Haki]?
What? When had he obtained this ability?
Was this power really suitable for someone like him who had decided to enjoy a laid-back life?
Kyoma felt confused.
His expression shifted from shock to excitement, then back to confusion.
This change left Rayleigh somewhat puzzled.
He thought the young man was impatient and worried that the shipbuilding would take too long and affect their voyage.
"Kyoma, don't be too anxious. According to my past experience, it takes about a month to build a ship that can safely travel to Fish-Man Island. That includes designing the plans, purchasing materials, and completing the final coating and all other necessary steps."
"One month? That's fast. Is every shipyard this quick?" Hearing this snapped Kyoma out of his shocked thoughts.
He came back to his senses and asked hurriedly.
"Well, not necessarily. Each shipyard has its own methods and varying speeds. But if you're in a hurry, you can go to the shipyard on Island No. 53. I've worked with the shipbuilders there before, met some of them at the casino. They're all reliable people."
"Alright, thank you for your help, Rayleigh-san."
****
After saying that, Rayleigh rushed out.
He was going to complete the plan he'd just discussed with Luffy and the others.
To be honest, the island was crawling with Marines at this time. It was hard for Kyoma to imagine how Rayleigh could secretly move a pirate ship right under their noses and complete its coating.
'Perhaps this is the charm of the Right Hand of the Pirate King.'
With a slight sigh, Kyoma didn't intend to follow and watch.
He and Kagura had more important matters to attend to.
They needed to find a house.
"Kyoma, you're leaving... You don't want to stay here? Is it because you think I'm old?"
Before they could leave, Shakky stopped them.
She looked at Kyoma with a smile while smoking her cigarette.
"Uh..." Kyoma grew a little nervous.
Age was something that couldn't be mentioned casually in front of women, especially someone like Shakky, who had been beautiful in her youth and still retained her charm.
"Haha, how could I dislike you? The drink you mixed just now was simply the best I've ever had in my life. The taste still lingers." He quickly organized his words and spoke hurriedly.
"Oh? Then why are you in such a hurry to leave?" Shakky raised an eyebrow, asking with curiosity.
"It's because of the name of your bar." Kyoma silently pointed to the sign above the door.
Shakky's Rip-off Bar
"I'm afraid that when I wake up, I'll not only have to hand over all the money I have to pay for accommodation, but I'll also have to leave Kagura here as collateral," Kyoma said with exaggerated concern.
"What? You want to sell me?"
"If anyone has to be collateral, it should be you!"
Kagura rushed forward with flailing limbs, but Kyoma held her back with one hand pressed against her forehead, keeping her at arm's length so that her short arms and legs couldn't reach him.
"Hahaha." Shakky laughed, genuinely amused.
"Rayleigh is right. You two are indeed interesting youngsters. It seems that now I'm not only a fan of Luffy, but also of you two."
****
The sun set, the sky dimmed, and it gradually darkened.
Kyoma and Kagura arrived at Island No. 53 before nightfall.
Kagura yawned, glanced at Kyoma, who was walking ahead of her, then suddenly reached out her small hand to grab the corner of his clothes and stopped moving.
In addition to being able to eat huge amounts, the girl possessed ridiculous strength.
With just a casual pull, she nearly yanked Kyoma to the ground.
He recovered after a long moment of imbalance.
"Why did you stop suddenly?" Kyoma asked with mild annoyance.
"Kyo-chan, I'm so sleepy. I can't walk anymore..." Kagura said in a swaying voice, her tone so low it sounded like sleep-talking.
"So you want me to carry you, is that it?" Kyoma said with disbelief.
Kagura didn't reply verbally, but after hearing this, her eyes filled with joy she couldn't hide.
Her head nodded immediately, as if she'd been looking forward to this for a long time.
"You're too much. Don't think I don't know about the physical stamina of you Night Rabbits. Don't you all get more energetic as night approaches?" Kyoma said through gritted teeth.
Just as he was about to give this lazy girl a knock on the head, the door of a nearby residential house opened.
"Who are you?"
A middle-aged man with half-white hair walked out.
He was tall and muscular, looking nearly two meters in height.
He had abundant hair that he didn't seem to bother maintaining.
His messy, long hair and unkempt beard made him look somewhat like a vagrant.
At that moment, he held a wine glass in his hand, his face slightly flushed from drinking.
It seemed he'd been drinking alone at home and had come out to check after hearing the noise made by Kyoma and Kagura.
"Sorry to bother you. My name is Kyoma, and she is Kagura. We're travelers who just arrived on this island and are currently looking for a place to stay."
Kyoma spoke apologetically.