This ti, Rayleigh didn't waste words on unnecessary topics. After confirming the identities of the three Hancock sisters, he imdiately used a Den Den Mushi to contact Gloriosa.
At first, Gloriosa, who was preparing to settle in for the night, grumbled at being disturbed so late. But the mont she heard the news about the Hancock sisters, her attitude changed completely. She beca energized, and the two old acquaintances quickly settled the matter.
Gloriosa promised to set out imdiately and head to the Sabaody Archipelago as quickly as possible to secretly bring the three sisters back to Amazon Lily.
The Hancock sisters were ecstatic. For the first ti in years, they saw hope of returning ho. However, Hancock herself couldn't help but glance at Claudius, who was casually sipping from his wine glass. A complicated emotion flickered in her heart.
"Even though he's a Celestial Dragon… unexpectedly, he's a good person," Hancock thought to herself.
She wanted to thank him, or perhaps say a few words, but Claudius was engrossed in conversation with Rayleigh. Not wanting to interrupt, she swallowed her thoughts and stood quietly with her sisters.
---
Satisfied with how things had turned out, Claudius nodded and smiled. "They say you, Rayleigh, are chivalrous and righteous. Turns out that's true. Thank you for this. Don't worry, I'll give you my word—stay out of trouble, and you can live on Sabaody Archipelago without anyone bothering you. Consider it a token of my gratitude."
Standing up, he added, "Alright, it's getting late. Thanks again for your help. I won't disturb your evening any longer. I'll be on my way."
With that, Claudius moved toward the door. But Rayleigh wasn't about to let him leave just yet. There was still sothing that had been bothering him.
"Hey, hey, it's late. Why don't you stay the night? No rush to leave. I see we get along well, let's have another drink before you go," Rayleigh said, stepping forward to block his path.
Claudius raised an eyebrow. "Get along? We've known each other for years now, haven't we? Funny how you weren't this enthusiastic earlier."
Outwardly, however, he waved his hands dismissively. "No need. You've got a business to run tomorrow, and we're a big group, it'd be too much trouble. Maybe next ti."
Rayleigh squinted at him. That "next ti" had a distinctly mocking tone, but he let it slide. "Co on, it's just a drink. We've still got plenty to talk about."
"Talk about what? I'm a Celestial Dragon, you're a retired pirate. What's there to discuss? Besides, if I stick around too long, I might overhear sothing interesting. Next thing you know, I'll be dragging you back in chains," Claudius teased, his tone light but his grin sharp.
Rayleigh waved him off. "Nonsense. My lips are sealed tighter than a vault. Besides, conversation doesn't need a pretext. It starts wherever it starts. Let's talk about sothing simple, how about this Rouge and Ace business? What's the deal there?" he asked, his wrinkled face twisting into a sly grin.
Claudius smirked. "Ace is my godson. Why so curious? And don't act so familiar, her na is Portgas D. Rouge, not just 'Rouge.'"
Rayleigh leaned back slightly, unfazed. "Fine, fine. I'm just trying to make conversation, show a little interest in your family. No need to be so uptight."
"No need for your interest. Thanks, but no thanks. Goodbye!" Claudius said, shutting down the topic with exaggerated finality.
Rayleigh, growing more impatient, slapped the table. "Claudius!"
Startled, Claudius paused. "What's with the shouting? I'm not deaf, old man."
Rayleigh softened his tone and leaned forward. "Alright, enough jokes. Let's get serious. What's the deal with Ace? And what about you and Rouge? What's really going on here?"
Claudius smiled but didn't answer imdiately. He took a sip from his glass, savoring the tension in the room. "You're awfully curious for soone who claid not to know anything a mont ago."
"Call it a test," Rayleigh replied smoothly, returning the grin.
"Exactly what you think it is," Claudius finally said, his voice calm.
Rayleigh's eyes widened slightly. Then, as if struck by a sudden realization, he blurted out, "You… you bastard! You put a hat on Roger?!"
Claudius, mid-sip, choked on his drink. He coughed violently, barely managing to avoid spraying Rayleigh in the face. Slamming his glass down, he glared at the older man. "Are you insane?! What kind of lunatic are you to think of sothing so ridiculous?!"
Rayleigh, undeterred, pressed on. "Answer straight—Ace is really Rouge's child, isn't he?"
"Of course he is!" Claudius snapped. "Why would I lie about that?"
Rayleigh leaned back, his expression darkening as he processed the implications. After a mont, he muttered, "You really did it. Roger, you bastard, what have you done?"
"I said you're mistaken!" Claudius barked, but Rayleigh wasn't listening anymore.
Rayleigh was now spiraling into a series of increasingly absurd conclusions. He recalled Rouge's beauty and temperant, then combined that with Ace's rumored origins. The tiline didn't match for Roger to be Ace's father, so what other explanation was there?
In his mind, a twisted narrative began to form: After Roger's death, Claudius, ever the opportunistic Celestial Dragon must have taken advantage of Rouge, forcing himself on her. Rouge, carrying Roger's child, had endured the humiliation to protect her unborn baby, only to succumb to despair after Ace was born.
The more he thought about it, the angrier Rayleigh beca. His breathing grew heavier, and his face darkened. Finally, unable to hold it in any longer, he roared, "Claudius, you beast! I'll kill you!"
Rayleigh grabbed the sword resting by the sofa and lunged at Claudius with unexpected speed.
Caught off guard, Claudius barely had ti to react. His instincts kicked in, and he drew Shinsō from his waist just in ti to block Rayleigh's blade. The two weapons clashed, a burst of Armant Haki sparking at the impact.
"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Claudius shouted, bracing against Rayleigh's strength.
"You monster! You betrayed Roger, forced yourself on Rouge, and then drove her to death! I'll avenge her!" Rayleigh roared, his eyes blazing with fury.
Claudius's patience snapped. "Show so respect, you senile old fool! Insult all you want, but don't you dare slander my character! If I don't put you in your place today, you'll think you can get away with anything!"
With a surge of strength, Claudius pushed Rayleigh's blade back, forcing the older man to stumble. Both n locked eyes, their Haki flaring in the room.
"Are you out of your mind?!" Claudius yelled again, readying himself for whatever ca next.
Rayleigh, however, showed no signs of stopping. "You crossed the line, Claudius! Today, you pay!"
"Fine," Claudius muttered under his breath, his grip tightening on his blade. "If you want a fight, I'll give you one. But don't cry when you lose, old man!"
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