"What? You..."
Rayleigh's expression changed, an inexplicable chill rising in his heart.
He didn't understand what Caesar meant by saying this now.
"Borororo, Roger—a domineering yet utterly charismatic man. Even as an opponent, I admired him. Back then, Shiki, Newgate and I would fight him every few days. That bastard Shiki ended up developing mutual respect with Roger through their battles. As for Newgate, they straight up forged a friendship."
Rayleigh's eyes filled with shock and confusion, "You... you knew all along that Newgate and Roger were close? And yet you still sent Newgate to recruit Roger? You..."
The more Rayleigh thought about it, the more something felt off.
Suddenly, a horrifying realization struck him.
His face paled as he pointed at Caesar, "You betrayed Rocks too?"
Caesar's lips curled into an exaggerated grin, baring his fangs in a terrifying display.
"Betrayal? Borororo, don't forget—at the critical moment, I was the one fighting side by side with Xebec. Meanwhile, Newgate turned his blade against his former brothers. That unlucky bastard John was the first casualty in that battle and all the treasures he spent his life collecting vanished without a trace. Besides... did Xebec really die?"
Rayleigh trembled violently, blurting out, "Rocks is alive?"
Caesar shrugged, smiling faintly.
"Who knows? Xebec's defeat wasn't unjust. He had too many good things in his hands—how else could he have attracted so many monster to join him? Shiki's Devil Fruit, Newgate's Devil Fruit, mine... No matter how strong a man is, he can't protect so many treasures alone. Heh, Roger initially came for my fruit. Said he had an illness and needed a fruit that could grant him endless vitality—maybe mine, maybe the Ope Ope no Mi. When he found out I'd already eaten it, he fought me relentlessly."
Rayleigh's eyes flickered.
He truly hadn't known these secrets.
When Roger first set sail and asked him to be his crewmate, he'd once offhandedly mentioned having a hidden illness.
But Roger believed his fate was his own to control—somewhere on the endless seas, he'd surely find a way.
'No wonder Roger never sought another way to heal himself until his death... The one he wanted had already been eaten by Caesar.'
The reminiscence faded from Caesar's face as he said gravely, "Enough, Rayleigh. Small talk's over. What did you want to say?"
Rayleigh hesitated, then pointed at Hancock. "Could you... let this girl go?"
"Let her go? Borororo, Rayleigh, I still don't even know what the two of you are doing in my territory. Honestly, I'm completely in the dark. All I know is that old bastard Zephyr and that Aokiji was it? Just those two Former Admirals coming to avenge the dead Sengoku. As far as I'm concerned, I've got no grudge against you, Rayleigh."
Caesar found standing like this far too exhausting—he was too tall and Rayleigh too short. So he simply plopped down onto the ice.
"Sigh, there truly is no enmity between us." Rayleigh sighed, then continued.
"The Straw Hat Luffy, whom you defeated and left severely injured on the brink of death, is my disciple and also... the beloved of this young lady. We came here specifically for you, seeking justice for Luffy."
Caesar couldn't hold back and burst into laughter, his massive fists pounding the ice, causing the entire glacier to tremble.
Pointing at Rayleigh, he roared with laughter, "Rayleigh, oh Rayleigh! So this is a case of a child getting beaten and the parents coming to settle the score? Borororo, how amusing! Never thought you'd still be so soft-hearted at your age, standing up for the younger generation."
But as his laughter faded, Caesar's expression suddenly darkened, his finger almost jabbing into Rayleigh's face.
"Too bad you're all so useless. Not only did you fail to avenge him, but you've also trapped yourselves here. What? Are you begging for mercy now? Asking me to let her go? ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR DAMN MIND?"
Caesar's words were harsh, practically an outright insult.
Rayleigh's face showed both shame and helplessness.
He sighed deeply, knowing he had no grounds to persuade Caesar.
Indeed, their original plan had been to infiltrate Whole Cake Island, seize Katakuri or another high-ranking figure and bring them back.
But now, not only had they failed to capture anyone, they were struggling to ensure their own survival.
Whole Cake Island was truly a dragon's den and a tiger's lair.
Even three or four Admirals would find it difficult to gain any advantage here, especially against this monstrous man whose strength was on par with Roger's.
Just moments ago, when Caesar unleashed his full power, his Conqueror's Haki shook the world and his unparalleled might sent Aokiji flying miles away with a single strike.
Even while battling Kaido in the tower, Rayleigh had deeply felt the overwhelming force contained within that attack.
It reminded him of the strange phenomenon he and Hancock had witnessed the previous day at the outskirts of Totto Land's waters.
Now it was clear—that must have been Caesar in battle.
"I know I have no grounds to persuade you," Rayleigh said. "So here's my offer: I'll stay. Release the girl and I'll willingly become your prisoner. Do with me as you please—kill me or cut me to pieces."
Having made his decision, Rayleigh planted his sword in the ground and extended his hands.
Caesar raised an eyebrow, studying Rayleigh up and down before stroking his chin.
"Dark King Rayleigh... If you're willing to join my Beast God Pirates, I can make the decision to release this... woman. After all, even though you're old, you're still a top-tier fighter."
"I won't join you. I will always remain a member of the Roger Pirates. You can take my life, as long as you let her go."
Rayleigh's expression remained firm, his tone solemn.
Caesar frowned. "Is this woman really that important? The mighty Dark King, willing to die here for a woman?"
"She is... my disciple woman. Moreover, I was entrusted with her care and failed. I'm old. If my life can buy a younger one's survival, I have no hesitation."
Linlin suddenly giggled.
"Rayleigh, you old fool, what nonsense are you spouting? Your disciple's woman? The Pirate Empress is now our prize! She'll become Caesar's concubine. Mamamama~ Seems like that Straw Hat brat won't be enjoying such good fortune after all!"
"What did you say?!" Rayleigh's expression darkened instantly as he drew his longsword and pointed it at Caesar, roaring in fury.
"Caesar! Why must you bully a defenseless woman? I challenge you to a duel! Do you dare accept?"
Caesar sneered coldly, "Defenseless woman? Borororo, Rayleigh, are you joking? Didn't you hear my Linlin say this is the Pirate Empress—a woman strong enough to wield Conqueror's Haki and serve as a Warlord? Can you even find one or two others like her on these seas? A duel with me? Unnecessary. Your opponent is behind you."
BOOM!
As Caesar's words faded, Kaido erupted with overwhelming bloodlust, his spiked club wreathed in pitch-black Conqueror's Lightning.
With a single devastating strike, he smashed Zephyr deep into the earth of Whole Cake Island, making the very ground tremble and wail!
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