One Piece: sign-in to Ryujin Jakka

As Zephyr's words fell, Ain took a step forward.

She came to stand directly in front of Roman, gave him a sharp, practiced salute, and said with crisp determination:

"Admiral White Dove, please allow me to study by your side. I humbly request your guidance!"

With that, she bowed deeply before him.

Zephyr followed up right on cue.

"White Dove, Ain has exceptional talent. Her Devil Fruit ability is powerful, and she has a deep understanding of swordsmanship as well. She's already reached the peak of the Swordmaster level, and soon she'll break into the realm of Great Swordmasters. She's more than capable of dealing with small fry!"

Roman finally understood.

So this was why Zephyr came—he was here to recommend his prized student.

However, due to his earlier actions, the Marines had not invited Edward Weevil to become a Warlord of the Sea. After all, in the eyes of Sengoku and the others, Edward Weevil was already "dead."

As a result, Zephyr had not gone on to create the Neo Marines. Instead, he quietly retired and laid down his arms.

"Well, since Teacher Zephyr says so, I can't exactly refuse. But let me make this clear from the start…"

Roman's voice turned firm as he looked at Ain.

"I won't accept someone who acts on their own whims. As long as you follow orders and listen well, I'll teach you everything I know."

Half of that was directed at Zephyr. The other half, at Ain.

Ain, clearly prepared for this, nodded without hesitation.

"In that case, get ready to depart—we're leaving immediately!"

After giving the order, Roman turned to Zephyr and respectfully said,

"Teacher Zephyr, duty calls. I'll take my leave now."

"Go on, go on."

As Roman disappeared from sight, Zephyr sighed inwardly.

"White Dove... If only you could become Fleet Admiral… perhaps the seas would finally know peace."

Shaking his head at the thought, Zephyr turned and walked away.

After making the necessary preparations, Roman and Ain boarded a warship fit for an Admiral and set sail toward Fishman Island.

Their first stop: Sabaody Archipelago, to get the ship coated.

However, the coating process was notoriously troublesome and time-consuming.

They only had three days—Roman had to make every second count.

"Hundred-Fold Phantom Illusion!"

On deck, Roman created a hundred phantom illusion clones, each one operating with perfect synchronization under his control, navigating the warship at full speed toward Sabaody.

It was Ain's first time traveling with Roman. The moment she saw the hundred clones moving in unison, she was utterly stunned.

"Admiral White Dove…"

"No need for titles in private. Just call me Roman. I'm actually pretty easy to get along with."

Roman's gentle smile made Ain nod quickly, her heart thumping.

"R-Roman… then, what should I be doing now?"

"Nothing for now. Just stay close. When I need something from you, I'll let you know. As for the things I'll teach you—how much you learn depends on your talent."

"Yes, sir!"

Upon the vast ocean, the warship cut through the waves.

Before long, they arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago.

After all, Marineford wasn't too far from here.

This was Roman's first visit to Sabaody, and he had heard that the archipelago had many intriguing sights and curiosities.

He made a mental note—once there was time, he'd definitely come back to explore and enjoy it fully.

"Hey, look over there!"

"Wow! That woman is gorgeous!"

"She's stunning…"

"You idiot, I meant the man beside her!"

"What's so special about a guy?"

"Wait a second… that's Admiral White Dove!"

"It's the real thing—it's him! The Marines' Admiral White Dove!"

"What's he doing here?!"

The pirates who had been lying low on Sabaody Archipelago, hiding their identities, panicked the moment they caught sight of him.

Without hesitation, they fled from his line of sight.

White Dove's name was legendary among them.

Especially now, with word (quietly spread under the Marines' control) that White Dove had slain Edward Weevil—his fame had soared, reinforcing the Marines' might and compensating for Akainu's recently failed mission.

As they walked the streets of Sabaody, Roman's eye twitched.

"Ain, do I really look that terrifying? Why are they all running away when they see me?"

After all, anyone who could operate in Sabaody had some strength. Were they really so easily spooked?

Ain glanced at Roman's sharply defined, chiseled face. Her own cheeks flushed slightly.

"You're… not scary at all."

In her heart, she added, 'You are actually really handsome…'

"Sigh, maybe they're just jealous of my good looks."

Roman chuckled and waved her off.

"Ain, go take a look around. I'm off to find a coating craftsman."

"I should go with y—"

Before she could finish, Roman's figure had already vanished.

Leaving Ain to swallow her words.

Moving like a blur, Roman asked around and finally arrived at a small bar known as Shakky's Rip-off Bar.

Inside, Shakky was puffing on a cigarette when she noticed someone walk through the door.

Her brows furrowed slightly, and her heart skipped a beat.

White Dove?! What's he doing here?!

Despite her shock, Shakky kept her cool and didn't let anything show.

Roman smiled and asked,

"Is Rayleigh here?"

Just as his words landed, a sudden clatter rang out inside the bar.

A glass cup had fallen to the floor, shattering into pieces.

The already tense atmosphere suddenly grew heavier.

Shakky recovered quickly, laughing dryly.

"Ah, getting old really is a pain. Don't let my looks fool you—I'm already in my sixties. Now, what were you saying again?"

Roman smiled again, unfazed.

"I'm looking for Rayleigh. You know, the Dark King, former first mate of the Pirate King's crew."

Shakky's heart skipped another beat.

'This isn't a friendly visit… He's here with a purpose.'

Roman's smile felt like a venomous serpent, lying in wait for its prey in the dark.

Still, Shakky was no amateur. There was no way she'd admit Rayleigh was living here.

"Dark King Rayleigh, the Pirate King's right-hand man? Oh, you mean that Rayleigh? I've heard the name, sure, but I've never met him. I don't even know where he is now. Admiral, maybe you've got the wrong place?"

Just as she finished speaking, a boisterous voice echoed from outside the bar.

"Well, now, looks like we've got a visitor! Welcome, welcome!"