Silver Rayleigh had officially joined the New Neo Navy and found himself subconsciously lost in thought.
He had initially traveled to Dressrosa just for Roger's sake, hoping to reconnect with his old captain. But to his surprise, Roger had actually joined Liu Feng's "pirate ship" and taken up the position of admiral in the new navy.
However, it must be said that Liu Feng's invitation at this moment was compelling, both in terms of its conditions and the honor it offered.
Blackbeard's Devil Fruit abilities were extremely rare, and the position of admiral of the headquarters held great prestige—it was an offer that gave him significant face.
Yet, after the disbandment of Roger's pirate crew, Rayleigh had secluded himself in the Sabaody Archipelago for many years, distancing himself from worldly affairs and becoming a carefree coating craftsman.
Accepting Liu Feng's invitation now would mean taking on a new responsibility.
"What are you still thinking about, Rayleigh? Roger has already joined!"
Golden Lion saw Rayleigh hesitating and suddenly clapped him heavily on the shoulder with his massive hand, laughing.
"Don't you want to achieve the dream you once had? Don't you want to make up for Roger's regrets?"
Rayleigh looked at Golden Lion, the familiar face causing a helpless expression to cross his own. His mouth twitched slightly.
This bastard… back when they fought, he relentlessly hunted their pirate crew across the seas with a fleet of tens of thousands. Now, he's trying to get close to him.
But Rayleigh couldn't deny that Golden Lion had a point.
He had been to the Island of the End, Raftel, so he naturally knew the secrets hidden on the final island.
It was because of that secret that Roger had to surrender to the Navy Headquarters and opened the Great Pirate Era in a public execution.
At that moment, Liu Feng smiled and said, "It's fine. If you don't want to join, we understand. There's no need to feel any pressure."
"But, I hope you'll reconsider."
"This world is on the brink of change."
"The rise of the new navy and the rise of justice are unstoppable."
"We need your strength. Joining us, we can create even more miracles."
Then, Liu Feng winked at Rayleigh mischievously and, with a playful tone, added, "And most importantly…"
"Without you, who will look after Roger?"
Rayleigh was stunned for a moment, then a bitter smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
Indeed, no one understood Roger's character like he did—the bastard had cheated him countless times over the years. Now, Rayleigh didn't even know where Roger had gone, and he wasn't around to take care of him.
Roger, that troublesome captain, Rayleigh thought. Who knows what kind of problems he would cause now?
He smiled and shook his head, then raised his gaze to meet Liu Feng's.
"Well, in that case, I'll help you."
"As for this Devil Fruit..."
Rayleigh half-squinted his eyes and looked at Blackbeard, his tone wavering.
The others, listening to his tone, had already guessed his thoughts. It seemed he, like Koshiro, wasn't particularly interested in Blackbeard's Devil Fruit abilities.
But then, Rayleigh's next words stunned everyone.
"—I want the Dark-Dark Fruit."
What?!
Rayleigh actually chose the Dark-Dark Fruit!
This completely shocked everyone, surpassing all expectations. Even Liu Feng was taken aback.
Only Whitebeard and Golden Lion reacted with slight changes in their expressions, and a strange light flickered in their eyes.
"Are you sure?"
Liu Feng looked at Rayleigh intently and asked in a low voice.
Rayleigh nodded and smiled. "Yes, if possible, I'd like the Dark-Dark Fruit. This way, even if Roger doesn't listen, I can still control him. Ha-ha." He ended the sentence with a joking tone.
But Liu Feng detected something odd in Rayleigh's voice.
Rayleigh's bond with Roger was undeniable. They had faced countless life-and-death situations together, and there was no question of betrayal. This made Liu Feng realize that the real reason behind Rayleigh's desire for the Dark-Dark Fruit likely held a deeper meaning.
After a moment of thought, Liu Feng made a quick decision.
"Alright!"
Then, to Blackbeard's horror, thick black smoke once again poured out of his body, rushing like a river of darkness. It engulfed both Blackbeard and Rayleigh.
Blackbeard's shrill curses and demonic roars filled the air, sending chills down everyone's spines.
The oppressive dark aura spread throughout the prison, sweeping over every corner.
After a time, the darkness lifted, revealing Rayleigh standing before everyone once again.
A smile played on his lips, and the lingering darkness around him gave him an air of deep, mysterious power.
Liu Feng laughed, his voice full of admiration. "This is for you—"
"—Dark Silver Rayleigh!"