Silvers Rayleigh, renowned as the "Dark King," is a legendary figure from the era of Gol D. Roger, having served as the trusted first mate and right-hand man of the Roger Pirates. This pivotal role earned him the title "Right Hand of the Pirate King."

Rayleigh first met Roger when Roger stole a ship, a meeting Roger declared fated. Though initially refusing Roger's invitation, Rayleigh ultimately became his indispensable partner and first mate, overseeing crew operations and disciplining young apprentices like Buggy and Shanks. He fought in key events, including the battle against the Golden Lion Pirates during the Edd War. Following the crew's disbandment due to Roger's illness, Rayleigh avoided the execution, instead toasting his captain's legacy with tears and laughter.

Retiring to Sabaody Archipelago, Rayleigh became a coating mechanic specializing in Yarukiman Resin application for ships traveling to Fishman Island. He married Shakuyaku and befriended the octopus fish-man Hatchan after Hatchan saved him from a shipwreck. Rayleigh maintained a low profile for over two decades, eluding World Government capture while occasionally exploiting the slave trade by getting captured to rob his captors.

His path crossed the Straw Hat Pirates when he saved Camie from traffickers and offered to coat their ship, the Thousand Sunny. He later shielded them from Admiral Kizaru during the Sabaody incident. After the Summit War of Marineford and Ace's death, Rayleigh reunited with Luffy, agreeing to train him in Haki over two years on Rusukaina Island. He taught Luffy the fundamentals and advanced applications of all three Haki types, forging a mentor-student bond during this intensive training.

Rayleigh shares significant connections. He aided Boa Hancock and her sisters after their escape from slavery and remains one of the few men permitted on Amazon Lily. When the Seven Warlords system ended and Blackbeard invaded Amazon Lily, Rayleigh intervened. He intimidated Blackbeard into retreating, admitting he relied on his formidable reputation rather than current combat strength due to age. He also maintains ties with former allies like Crocus and Jinbe, assisting Jinbe in stealing a Marine ship post-Marineford.

Physically, Rayleigh is a tall, muscular elderly man with tan skin, white hair, and a distinctive beard. He wears round glasses, bears a scar over his right eye, and dresses simply in T-shirts, shorts, sandals, and a signature silver hooded cloak. Despite his age, he possesses immense strength, evidenced by swimming through the Calm Belt and battling Sea Kings to reach Amazon Lily.

Rayleigh is a master of all three Haki types. His Haoshoku Haki can knock out individuals or crowds and is infused into attacks. His Busoshoku Haki allows internal destruction, and his Kenbunshoku Haki grants future sight. He is also a formidable swordsman, having fought Admiral Kizaru evenly and drawn blood using Haki-enhanced strikes.

Personality-wise, Rayleigh is laid-back yet observant, enjoying spontaneity while planning carefully. He reflects on aging but remains calm under pressure. Though nostalgic, he avoids darker topics like the Void Century unless pressed. Valuing freedom and legacy, he openly expresses hope to witness Luffy becoming the next Pirate King.