Bringing Change, Meeting Aokiji Again

"Hehehe, this Sea Train is really nice."

Franky couldn't come because he needed to repair the ship, and Law volunteered to stay and watch it. —Mainly because he was afraid that spending too much time with the Straw Hat crew would completely shatter his aloof persona, and that no one would recognize him the next time they encountered his own crew.

The others rode in these trains that could speed across the sea towards the neighboring islands. The journey was calm and peaceful, the sea and sky blending seamlessly—this leisurely time hardly seemed like something in the Grand Line. Actually:

"That's because we went there, and that's where the storm was."

Roman couldn't help but complain.

"If ordinary people fought like us, with minor skirmishes every three days and major battles every five days, with hurricanes, huge waves, and hordes of Sea Beast, the world would have been doomed long ago!"

"Hmm, this feeling of leisurely waiting to reach the destination without needing guidance..."

Both adventure and escapism have their own merits, but both are equally captivating.

Nami, nestled in Roman, closed her eyes and enjoyed the tranquility of her mind being blank. Chopper leaned against the window, gazing at the shimmering sea outside. Even Luffy, who was usually restless, and Zoro, who was always eager to fight, sat quietly, which was a rare occurrence for them.

Although Luffy cherishes the Straw Hat Shanks gave him, he wouldn't be in such a hurry to drag his crew around aimlessly.

"Wow, look over there!"

A range of mountains rises above the sea; they are a group of extinct volcanoes. Although they will no longer erupt, the underground heat has created many mineral-rich hot springs, making it an excellent place for relaxation and tourism.

Under a clear blue sky, on a pristine and fine sandy beach, a gentle sea breeze caresses the land, and lush green coconut palms sway in the wind. The clear blue sea is rippling with waves as the wind blows across it.

White specks of light drifted slowly across the sea; those were triangular sailboats, each capable of carrying only a few people. The Sea Train passed through the long breakwater and slowly came to a stop at the station located by the sea.

"Amazing!"

As the Straw Hat crew stepped off the Sea Train, they looked up to see layers upon layers of buildings—pastry shops, hotels, and clothing stores of various colors and styles—stretching all the way to the mountainside. Then came the chimneys and hot springs that absorbed geothermal heat. Unlike the culture and environment of other countries, here:

"People are all so relaxed!"

Luffy's Luffy made Zoro, who was standing next to him, purse his lips in disapproval.

"Look closely, most of the people here are not carrying weapons."

No, it should be said that everyone was wearing all sorts of floral shirts, beach shorts, and swimsuits, carrying bags and strolling leisurely hand in hand, but there was no armor or weapons!

It was so peaceful it seemed like a place that shouldn't exist in the New World.

"Hey, look over here! Look over here!"

Luffy dashed to a statue over ten meters tall in front of the station dock and pointed at it, shouting to the others.

"Isn't this a statue of Roman and Nami?!"

?!

"It really is a statue of Mr. Roman and Nami."

"Heh, looks like Roman, you've been doing quite well in the navy these past two years~"

"Could this be something Roman made himself?"

Faced with Usopp's doubtful words, Roman was wearing a half-mask, rolled his eyes as he picked up Nami and put her on his shoulder.

"How bored would I have to be to do something like this?"

Erecting a statue of oneself is either foolish or narcissistic. However:

The several-story-high statues in front of the harbor are indeed Roman and Nami, clad in navy coats! Roman stands proudly, sword in hand, while Nami sits behind him, books spread out. One exudes authority without anger, the other is dashing and heroic. They complement each other perfectly, but for Roman himself:

"Laugh all you want."

Taking a group of friends to visit their own 'statue' is just ridiculous.

"Gentlemen, are these your first time here?"

Below the statue, an old man who had been sitting in a chair stood up. Judging from his faded military uniform, he was a veteran navy officer.

"Now that you've entered New World, you don't not even recognize the statue behind me, do you?"

The old marine's calm eyes were fixed on Luffy, showing no fear whatsoever in the face of a 600 million Great Pirates.

"These are our Navy's candidate Admiral 'White Dove' and Rear Admiral 'Weather Queen' Major General An. They were the two who saved this island from pirates and spearheaded the construction of the Sea Train connecting this area, which led to this prosperous town. Therefore:"

"Watch your words! Young man, your friend is not worthy to be compared to these two adults!"

·······

"Hehehe, old man. I don't agree with what you're saying!"

Luffy pointed his thumb behind him, right at Roman was sitting on Nami's shoulder.

"My companions are just as great as the two people in this statue!"

·······

Please stop talking!

Nami and Roman both covered their faces with their hands, it felt like Luffy was roasting them over a fire, what kind of humiliating play is this?!

"... I don't expect you to be as great as the two lords, but at least behave like proper human beings." The old marine, stunned by Luffy's arrogant words for a few seconds, slowly sat down, pointed to his eyes, and said, "I'm watching you, pirates!"

?!

"Oh, old man."

Zoro stepped forward, and even his smile was full of Haki and overflowing with killing intent.

"Since you know we're pirates, aren't you afraid of us—"

Should I chop you up?

"Hmph, I have no regrets in dying for being able to expose your true colors with my old life!"

The old marine calmly waved his hand as he spoke.

"Since you don't want to cause trouble, then abide by the law. It's better for everyone that way."

"Hehe, let's go eat first!"

As Luffy greeted everyone, he didn't forget to wave to the old Marine.

Goodbye, sir!

·······

"No wonder there are so many pigeons in this town, it's all because of you, Roman."

The port, the square we passed, and the fountain in the street were all filled with white pigeons, making a 'coo coo coo' sound all the way.

There was originally no symbol of peace like the 'dove of peace' on this high seas, but as Roman has been clearing out those notorious pirates at a 'crazy' pace over the past two years, the prototype of his power creation, the 'white dove,' has become a pet kept on many islands.

Whether it can deter pirates is hard to say, but at least it seems to have a peaceful feel to it.

"When poor, one should cultivate one's own virtue; when successful, one should benefit all under heaven."

Roman's casual reply.

"I was just helping an ordinary person within my own power, it's nothing. You don't find it strange, do you?"

"How could this be!"

Chopper was the first to jump up in protest.

"Mr. Roman, why is it strange to do the right thing?"

"Yes, someone has already erected a statue for you."

Usopp touched his long nose.

"I'm so envious."

Luffy also looked on with longing.

"So envious! +1"

"... You two have similar statues in Dressrosa, except:..."

Luffy's helmet is that of the old man disguised as the gladiator 'Lucy', Usopp's is a bare-faced look with his eyes rolled back after being hit by Sugar... It must have been difficult for the craftsmen of Dressrosa to be able to recreate them exactly.

"Becoming a 'hero' that people admire is by no means something to be ashamed of."

Sanji took a drag of his cigarette, and Zoro nodded, a rare occurrence for him.

"Although we are not hero material, we still have respect for 'heroes'."

"No need,"

Roman looked disgusted.

"It's like you've already died and been placed on a monument. If you keep praising me like this, I'll get goosebumps."

"Roman, come with me to buy clothes," Nami said. Although Roman was used to wandering around in clothes created by his abilities, it was clear that Nami didn't. Even though she knew the clothes wouldn't suddenly 'disappear,' she still felt a strange sense of unease.

"The rest of you can go soak in the famous hot springs here first. As for gathering information..."

"Leave it to me,"

Robin, unusually, volunteered, saying, "Let me, Usopp, Chopper go. We're not exactly 'eye-catching'."

Robin is skilled at disguise, Usopp is the most clever, Chopper... his bounty is pitifully low. Since Roman is going to accompany Nami shopping for clothes, only the three of them are truly capable of 'gathering information'. However:

"I'll also release white doves to scout around, after all, buying clothes is quite—"

"Um?!"

"... Interesting."

After Nami distributed the activity funds to the others, Luffy and the rest of the crew immediately disappeared in a flash. Roman rolled his eyes in exasperation.

Hopefully, after Nami shrinks, she'll have more time to choose her clothes...

Three hours later:

How about this one?

"Good,"

"And what about this one?"

"Good,"

"This·····"

"Good,"

I was so stupid to expect women to be able to choose clothes neatly and efficiently—even if they've 'regressed' to the level of little girls.

Just as Roman was silently gazing at the sky, focusing most of his energy on scouting the white doves:

Accompanied by the vibrant piano music, Robin's fingertips traced mesmerizing arcs, her twirling movements a graceful dance. Her hair and skirt fluttered in the tavern's lights, as if the whole world was drawn into her rhythm, causing the mesmerized patrons to unconsciously raise their glasses and gulp down one drink after another.

At this point, even if the wine in their glasses was just water mixed with alcohol, they would still drink it with relish, let alone water mixed with alcohol.

"How is it, boss?"

"Excellent, the guests are all stunned!"

After changing into his agent's clothes and wearing a flashy wide-brimmed hat, Usopp, looking like a 'suspicious human trafficker,' chatted and boasted with the tavern owner, quickly finding out everything about the owner's family history.

As the dance ended, facing a large group of fawning patrons, Robin, now 18 again, casually uttered a few words that immediately made the alcohol-fueled group reveal even the color of their underwear.

As for Chopper, he's being treated like a pet by a group of older girls, and he's about to cry...

Yes, everyone seemed to have a lot of fun.

Whether we can get any information or not, it seems like relaxing is no problem. —Let's go check on Luffy then; Nami will probably be choosing for a while longer anyway.

When Roman transferred his 'spirit' to the Luffy's side, what he saw was:

Pork bones simmered into broth, rubber boiled in water...

"Ah... I can't muster the energy."

"Oh my gosh, my bones are melting!"

"Seriously, all ability users have weaknesses."

Sanji looked at the two guys slumped in the pool with disdain. "Fine, rather than letting you run around, you might as well just soak here. Leave the intelligence gathering to someone else."

"Damn it, it's just a mere hot spring!"

Luffy suddenly stood up, his face resolute.

"I also want to beat that guy named Zephyr up and get my hat back—"

"If you're looking for Professor Zephyr..."

?!

A familiar voice startled the "hot spring" team, who suddenly turned around. A figure with a large scar on his right shoulder, who was lying in the hot spring, slowly raised his head.

"Hey, long time no see."

·······

"Aokiji!!!"