My acquaintance with the Rayleigh the Dark King began two years ago.
This was also one year after Benedict had crossed over to this world.
On an island with relatively abundant resources, the same island where Benedict cultivated alone.
One day, Roger and Rayleigh the Dark King, who were traveling in disguise, arrived at his island after a long voyage at sea, and disembarked to rest.
In the sunset, drawn by the fireworks, they came to Benedict's residence.
Benedict was somewhat shocked upon seeing the two, and Roger and Rayleigh the Dark King, after learning that Benedict recognized them, did not hide their identities.
At that time, Benedict was still diligently cultivating.
In fact, Benedict even had an opportunity to spar with Rayleigh the Dark King.
The outcome was as one might expect; Benedict was thoroughly defeated.
That night, although there was no wine, feasting on grilled sea beast and fruit was nonetheless very joyous.
He heard many interesting stories from Rayleigh the Dark King and Roger, and they also discussed dreams.
At that time, Benedict did not yet know whether he would become a Marine or a pirate.
However, in response to Roger's question, Benedict pondered for a moment and then replied.
"I suppose I will become a Marine."
"After all, this world has become corrupt."
"If I want to change this world, becoming a Marine offers a better chance of gaining trust."
This was Benedict's answer back then.
Upon hearing this, Roger and Rayleigh the Dark King chuckled; this answer somewhat surprised them.
"Benedict, we are pirates," Roger said with a smile, looking at Benedict.
"Yes, you are pirates."
"Therefore, when I become a Marine, I will capture you."
"That is, if you are still alive by then."
"But for now, we can barely be considered friends."
"It's a shame I don't have any wine here, otherwise, we would have drunk to our hearts' content."
Benedict replied without hesitation, taking large bites of meat.
...
A night of conversation, and much was discussed.
Benedict wondered if he had caught Roger's eye at the time, otherwise, why would Rayleigh the Dark King be here.
Benedict looked at Rayleigh the Dark King, who had once again enveloped himself in a black robe, and said with a smile, "Uncle Rayleigh, tell me honestly, did Uncle Roger ask you to do this before he left."
Rayleigh the Dark King chuckled at this and said, "Although I couldn't help much, my task is considered complete."
"Hopefully, we will not meet again in the future."
Benedict nodded and replied, "Even if we don't meet, I can invite you for tea at Azkaban."
Rayleigh the Dark King chuckled upon hearing this and turned to leave.
At the same time, he couldn't help but mutter inwardly, "This kid is truly wicked, wanting to imprison me."
Rayleigh the Dark King departed without any hindrance.
Even though they were pirates and the others were Marines, at this moment, they had a sense of proportion and calculated well.
Furthermore, without Benedict's order, they would not dare to act.
The battle continued.
But the outcome was already decided.
Buggy the Clown, Yelyusji, Silver Axe, and Wang Zhi, among others, sped across the battlefield. The Flying Pirates scattered or died. As the early sun rose, the battle entered its final stages.
The Flying Pirates, led by the Golden Lion Shiki, had completely failed their attack on the Xuanwu Marines.
The Flying Pirates suffered heavy losses, and the Golden Lion, heavily wounded, fled.
A large portion of the Flying Pirates' high command were killed or injured. Those who managed to escape were individuals with considerable strength.
Among them were Sasaki Toshiyuki, who was fighting Sakata Gintoki, and Kurai Kotaro, who was fiercely battling Kenshiro.
On a dugout canoe.
Kenshiro carried Sakata Gintoki, who was covered in wounds and whose clothes were soaked with blood, back.
Kenshiro leaped onto the Xuanwu warship, and Benedict smiled, saying, "You're back!"
Kenshiro gave a military salute, then handed Sakata Gintoki to a nearby medic: "He's alive."
Benedict nodded and smiled, "Thank you for your hard work."
Kenshiro's fight with Kurai Kotaro was a match of equal strength.
If they were to fight to the death, it would take days and nights.
Therefore, they ended up destroying the island in their battle.
It wasn't until the Golden Lion Shiki appeared and called for a retreat that Kurai Kotaro also withdrew.
Kenshiro did not pursue but instead went to another island and saved Sakata Gintoki from Sasaki Toshiyuki's sword.
"How does it feel?" Benedict asked, looking at the triumphant warriors with a smile.
Kenshiro replied concisely, "They are very strong!"
"And then?" Benedict asked again.
"We must become even stronger!" Kenshiro said earnestly, clenching his fist.
This battle was indeed perilous for both Sakata Gintoki and Kenshiro.
The reason they were dispatched outside the Xuanwu Marine base, to their respective islands, was to first destroy some of the floating islands.
Among the high-ranking generals in the Xuanwu Marines capable of destroying floating islands were Sakata Gintoki, the foremost swordsman with the Swords-Swords Fruit in the Xuanwu Marines, Kenshiro, who possessed the Destruction Gauntlets, and Benedict, the Fleet Admiral.
With Benedict guarding the Xuanwu Marine base, this mission naturally fell to the two of them.
In fact, they worked diligently.
Concurrently, their combat strength successfully tied down two major forces of the Flying Pirates.
Had they not been held back like this, floating islands would have fallen onto the Xuanwu Marine base, or the Xuanwu Marine base would have been destroyed by fierce combat.
The process was perilous, but the result was the achievement of strategic objectives.
The only regrettable aspect was that Sakata Gintoki had once again faced a near-death experience.
As the sun hung high in the sky, the entire sea began to boil once more.
All sorts of newspapers, video broadcasts, sensational news, or exaggerated topics were being discussed all over the world.
Everyone was shocked by the strength displayed by the Xuanwu Marines.
They couldn't fathom how the veteran top-tier power, the Flying Pirates led by the Golden Lion Shiki, had been defeated.
This was a pirate crew that had fought the Roger Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates to a standstill without a definitive victor, yet they were now defeated by the Xuanwu Marines, founded only a few months prior.
This was an unbelievable feat.
Even more unbelievable was the strength and abilities displayed by Benedict, which filled them with dread.
How could a person who was supposed to be on the verge of death have come back to life?
How could he have recovered completely and returned to his peak state?
Was this even human?
Or was this the ability of some incredibly rare Devil Fruit?
He had fallen into the sea and fought amidst the sea's baptism, yet why did the Devil Fruit user not suffer the sea's curse?
Wano Country.
Kaido, who was drunk, watched the image of the Golden Lion Shiki fleeing in disgrace, his eyes filled with disdain as he laughed heartily.
"Is that all?"
"You're nothing more than a scurrying rat, tail between your legs."
After speaking, Kaido took a large gulp of wine and soon transformed into a blue dragon, flying away.
The pirates guarding the cave's entrance watched Kaido depart, some in panic dispatching people to find King, fearing their captain might cause more trouble.
Whole Cake Island.
"Wahahaha."
"That old ghost has his day too."
"However, these Xuanwu Marines are a nuisance."
"Katakuri, I want you to gather intelligence on Benedict's abilities, investigate thoroughly whether it's a Devil Fruit ability or his own innate talent."
Big Mom, who was constantly eating cake, although she was directed at the Golden Lion Shiki, still revealed her emphasis and apprehension towards Benedict.
Although the Golden Lion Shiki was not of the same ilk as them, his formidable strength was undeniable.
Benedict's ability to defeat the Golden Lion Shiki certainly meant he was not simple.
Five Elders Meeting Room.
"Should we issue a bounty on him?"
"What terrifying abilities he possesses."
"Can we find out what Devil Fruit user he is?"
"Such abilities cannot be left unchecked..."
"I believe it is imperative to report this matter to Lord Im..."