Upon hearing Rowan's words, Rayleigh froze.
If he had been merely uncertain before, Rowan's direct confirmation settled it completely. Letting out a soft sigh, a trace of kindness appeared on Rayleigh's weathered face. "Little fellow, would you let me take a look at that straw hat of yours?"
The Captain's straw hat... it's been over ten years since I last saw it. Long time no see; I've missed it dearly.
Luffy's expression immediately became guarded. "No way! This hat is my most precious treasure. I'm not giving it to anyone!"
"Haha, your most precious treasure?" Rayleigh chuckled softly. "Then tell me, why is it so important to you?"
"Because this is what Shanks entrusted to me! I promised him that I would become the freest man on the sea, conquer the Grand Line, and become the Pirate King!" When Luffy said this, his face was radiant with absolute confidence.
Watching Luffy's unwavering conviction, Rayleigh dazed again. But he quickly recovered and couldn't help but marvel, "He really is exactly like the Captain back then..."
"Ah hahahaha! The food and wine are here!"
Suddenly, a booming voice rang out from the kitchen. Luffy's eyes lit up instantly, his energy returning in full force. Following the sound, they saw eight well-built waiters in suits, each carrying a dish that wafted a mouth-watering aroma, walking toward them at a brisk pace. Behind them were six pretty girls dressed in maid outfits, each holding a bottle of fine liquor.
"Mr. Rowan, these were all prepared personally by the Boss. Please, enjoy."
After setting the table, the waiters gave a respectful bow and retreated. Looking at the table full of delicacies, Luffy was the first to lose control. He unceremoniously snatched up a chicken leg and began devouring it at a gluttonous speed.
"Don't just sit there, everyone—dig in! If you don't eat now, Luffy's going to clear the table!" Rowan shouted. With a speed that didn't lose to his great-grandson, he grabbed a roasted ox leg. His eating manner wasn't much better than Luffy's; there wasn't a hint of the dignified elder left in him.
Rowan knew Luffy's dining style all too well. If you were even a second too late, you'd be left with an empty stomach waiting for the next round. Therefore, eating at the same table as Luffy meant one thing: competition.
Grace? Can grace fill a stomach?
Watching the old and the young fighting over food and gorging themselves, Rayleigh sat there stunned. I mean, the food here is good, but is there really a need to scrap for it like this?
Old man, aren't you close with the owner? He cooked for you personally; even if you eat a lot, he'd probably keep the dishes coming until you're satisfied. So what's with this behavior? Have you not eaten in three years?
But what shocked Rayleigh even more was Luffy's sheer efficiency. Rayleigh didn't understand Rowan's nostalgia for the flavors of this tavern, and he certainly didn't understand Luffy's innate talent for eating. But very quickly, he realized why Master Rowan had abandoned all decorum to compete with his great-grandson.
Is this kid's stomach a bottomless pit? These plates of food didn't even seem enough to fill the gaps between Luffy's teeth. If Rayleigh stayed "polite," three rounds of food would pass, and he might not get a single bite.
Of course, while Rowan and Luffy were uninhibited, Momousagi and Ain were much more reserved. Though their hand speed was quick, they simply took a few choice morsels into their own bowls and savored them in small bites. Zoro, having snatched half a roast duck, began eating at his own pace, though his eyes were fixed on the fine wine brought by the maids, wondering when he could sneak a few sips.
The commotion caused by Rowan and Luffy was simply too loud to ignore. The patrons of this tavern were generally people of status—even the "ordinary" customers in the hall were prominent figures from both the underworld and the legitimate world.
For instance, at a small table nearby sat a handsome young man dressed in noble attire. He had blonde hair falling over his shoulders and a fringe covering one eye, elegantly slicing a steak. A single rose petal rested on his table. His stunning looks and graceful movements attracted the eyes of several young noblewomen.
This was the Supernova who had recently arrived at Sabaody with a massive bounty of 280 million Berries: the Captain of the Beautiful Pirates, "White Horse" Cavendish. He also held titles like "Pirate Prince" and "The Kamaitachi of Rommel."
However, Cavendish's face was currently clouded with resentment. He had no heart to enjoy his steak; his focus was almost entirely on Rowan's table nearby. The screeching of his knife against the porcelain plate made it sound as if he were trying to carve Rowan himself.
"Is that old man really the 'Marine Godfather' Rowan who took over the front page a few days ago? What an annoying fellow! It's bad enough he stole my spotlight on the sea, but now he's making life difficult in this tavern too!" Cavendish grumbled under his breath, teeth gritted.
Ever since Rowan entered and was greeted so warmly by the owner, his group had become the most eye-catching in the building. Normally, that wouldn't matter—most of the ladies' eyes would still be on Cavendish. But once the food arrived, the sight of the old and young devouring it like animals drew everyone's gaze. Even if they were looks of disgust, it meant his spotlight had been completely hijacked.
How could Cavendish not be angry? Yet, despite his annoyance, he wasn't stupid enough to start trouble. He knew the consequences of causing a scene here. Furthermore, while he wasn't sure about the old man's strength, he knew exactly how powerful the woman eating quietly beside him was.
Momousagi might look like a peaceful girl next to Rowan, but she was a Marine Admiral Candidate. She was not someone he could afford to provoke. And the man sitting opposite the old man was the legendary Dark King Rayleigh. So, Cavendish could only sit there, drawing imaginary circles to curse Rowan in his mind.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, Cavendish sensed something and stopped his knife. He turned his gaze toward the tavern entrance. Most of the patrons did the same.
At the door stood a group of men dressed as Marines. They were picking their teeth and arrogantly berating the security guards.
"Damn it, do you know who I am?" one shouted. "My Master is the current top-tier Great Swordsman, the legendary Marine Godfather! My seniors are Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Marine Hero Garp, Admiral Zephyr, and Great Staff Officer Tsuru! And you actually have the nerve to try and charge me money?!"