One Piece: King of the World

Chapter 190: Rayleigh: I’m a Pirate, Why Do I Need Dignity?

Hearing Claudius's request, Rayleigh smirked and leaned back casually. "This is really something. If I'm not mistaken, you're a Celestial Dragon, aren't you? Not just that, you're the leader of CP-X, someone capable of taking down the likes of Golden Lion and Redfield. You even managed to catch him. And now you're here asking me, a pirate who's been retired for years, to help you? You think I have that kind of ability?"

Claudius chuckled, clearly amused. "Forget about Golden Lion and Redfield. You of all people should know what the deal was with Roger. Do you really think anyone could 'catch' him?"

Rayleigh's expression shifted slightly at the mention of his captain, and for a moment, he seemed to be reminiscing. He let out a soft sigh. "So it's true, then?"

"Take it however you want," Claudius replied.

After a moment of silence, Rayleigh shook his head and said, "Even so, I don't have much of a relationship with you. Let's not forget, you're part of the World Government, and I was part of Roger's crew. We're enemies by nature. What makes you think I'd ever help you?"

Rayleigh's reasoning was sound. Even though he'd been retired for years, his disdain for the World Government hadn't diminished. A pirate's mindset doesn't simply fade with time; it stays with them until the end of their days.

Sure, he could sit here and have a drink with Claudius, but helping him? That was a different story.

Claudius, however, wasn't discouraged. "Really? You're that cold? After all, we do share some common interests," he said with a grin.

Rayleigh raised an eyebrow. "Common interests? What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb. Booze, for one thing. Or are you getting old and forgetful? Look at this." Claudius patted the hilt of Shindō at his side. "Surely this rings a bell?"

Rayleigh's gaze fell on the sword, and a flicker of recognition crossed his face. Then it dawned on him, Claudius was talking about that common interest. Rayleigh had once had his eye on that sword, only for it to end up in Claudius's hands.

"Of all things, you bring up that damn sword. Calling that a 'common interest' feels more like rubbing salt in the wound," Rayleigh muttered, shaking his head.

"Well, since you remember it, I'll take that as confirmation that we share a connection," Claudius said with a laugh. "But seriously, hear me out. It's not a big deal. If it bothers you so much, think of it as business. I'm willing to pay you."

Rayleigh hesitated at the mention of money, his expression briefly conflicted. However, he patted his pockets and seemed to remember he wasn't exactly broke at the moment. His pride won out, and he shook his head.

"No deal. Rayleigh is a pirate, and I won't compromise on that," he said firmly.

"Oh, it's nothing," Claudius said, shrugging. "I just figured I'd ask. I've been looking into family connections for my son, Ace. Thought she might've been someone important. Guess I was wrong."

Claudius turned back to the door, leaving Rayleigh frozen in place.

"Ace?" Rayleigh repeated quietly, the name ringing in his mind. He'd heard it before, rumors from Mariejois about Claudius's supposed illegitimate child. But something about the way Claudius spoke didn't add up. Could it be...?

Rayleigh's mind raced, piecing together fragments of information. If Claudius knew about Rouge, then...

"Damn it, Roger," Rayleigh cursed inwardly. "You told me there wouldn't be any kids! You said you'd be a free pirate till the end!"

He clenched his fist, a mix of frustration and disbelief washing over him. All these years, Rayleigh had taken Roger at his word. Now it seemed his old friend had been hiding something monumental.

Just as Claudius reached for the door, Rayleigh shot to his feet. "Wait!"

Claudius turned, raising an eyebrow. "What is it? Did you change your mind?"

Rayleigh sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I thought about it. Helping others is what good people do, right? You can't do good deeds every day without racking up some goodwill. I'll help you with this."

Claudius crossed his arms, pretending to be skeptical. "Are you sure? I wouldn't want you to compromise your pirate integrity."

Rayleigh growled, slamming his hand on the table. "Don't test me, Claudius. If I say I'll help, I'll help. Now sit down, and let's figure this out."

Claudius hid his grin as he returned to his seat, thinking to himself, Old man, you're too easy to read.

With an air of victory, Claudius sat back and prepared to explain his plan. Meanwhile, Rayleigh couldn't shake the nagging feeling that he'd just walked into a carefully laid trap.

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