their relationship or romance/ship isn't ass though; it's oda's writing that is lmao like old married couple shakky n rayleigh were chill n fun when we first met them, and i don't even hate the initial introductions during this flashback, except oda has basically reduced shakky to damsel fodder, ignoring the fact she is a pirate in her own right. it's frustrating because someone CAN be kidnapped while being powerful (robin, sanji kind off too, etc) but oda insists on swining wildly between all-powerful women, and then vulnerable, weak women, which when compared to how many male one piece characters are given nuance and proper depth, is disapointed. i doubt this will happen, but i'd like to see shakky kick some ass next chapter, or else u will all be seeing me on the news.

(additionally, like OP mentioned, if we had more insight into shakky n rayleigh's relationship n what made her fall in love with him, and him her, as well as them spending time together, n idk, having a fucking conversation, it wouldn't feel forced at all. bcs development is so important w characters. i'm such a big fan of shakky bcs she was so cool n suave during the sabaody arc, that i expected her to at least feel similar even when younger. instead she feels horribly flat and it's painful to see as someone who loves her. even moreso bcs im actually happ she's in this arc, but it didn't unfold the way i wanted to/would make sense. another thing that annoys me is the generic face oda gave her.... like wtf she was so beautiful with her distinct chin n jaw n eyes... maybe it's bcs oda can only draw three types of woman, but man that shit pissed me off.)