Dare to Refuse, I'll Annihilate Your Nation (Smiling Face)

About an hour later, A large and a small figure emerged from the small house.

Rouge looked back at the cottage that once held her memories with Roger, a flicker of nostalgia in her eyes.

They had truly spent some wonderful times together here.

Hoisting the massive bundle onto his shoulder, Austin, watching nearby, didn't urge her on.

"Let's go, Austin-san."

After a moment, Rouge turned around and smiled gently.

Perhaps Ace's future gentle and shy personality came from his mother, Austin thought, smiling back and nodding.

To be fair, Rouge had packed a lot—anyone with less strength wouldn't have been able to carry it.

She'd brought almost everything connected to Captain Roger.

Bowls they'd eaten from together, pants Roger had washed but never got to wear, his Captain's Hat...

Right, If Rouge weren't so love-struck, a middle-aged guy like Captain Roger wouldn't have won her heart.

Though the cottage was built by the sea, it wasn't near the nearest dock. Along the way, Austin saw many residents living nearby.

"The Marines will come searching soon. It's too easy to be exposed."

If they passed through openly, many people would notice the two of them.

Not for any other reason—tall and big as Austin was, carrying luggage nearly his own size, it was hard not to notice.

If someone with an eye for detail investigated, they'd easily identify him.

He wasn't afraid of trouble, but he didn't want anyone causing trouble for Rouge.

Perhaps noticing Austin's slightly narrowed eyes, Rouge startled, her gaze filled with shock and suspicion:

"Could it be... Mr. Austin, you're planning to..."

Eliminate all traces by killing everyone?

She didn't finish the sentence.

The thought unconsciously crossed her mind, and even she was startled by it.

"...That's not necessary."

Austin smiled. Was he really that brutal?

Whoosh—

With a controlled burst of Conqueror's Haki, figures far away—some working, some eating—one by one lost consciousness, rolling their eyes and collapsing to the ground.

Thus, unimpeded all the way, the two of them reached the dock.

If they traveled in a straight line, it should take about two days, Austin roughly estimated.

Stepping onto the dock, many ships were moored there, mostly merchant vessels.

A few noble yachts were also present, likely belonging to some kingdom's aristocrats, drawn by the scenery of Baterilla Island.

"Mr. Austin, which ship is here to take us away?" Rouge asked as she saw Austin stop at the dock.

"Hmm... how about this one?"

"Huh?"

Rouge was dumbfounded. Was Austin asking her?

Hadn't he arranged things before coming?

Why did it seem like he was picking one on the spot now...

"Well... since you're pregnant, let's go with the most luxurious one."

With the still-dazed Rouge in tow, Austin carried the luggage and headed toward the largest, most lavish ship on the dock, casually stepping onto the gangplank.

But soon, guards spotted them.

"Hey! Who are you two? This is His Majesty the King of the Kingdom of Solen's flagship. You plebeians..."

Whoosh—

Thud.

The guard, about to spew more insults, was immediately put to sleep by Austin.

Boarding the ship, Austin naturally drew the attention of the onboard guards.

Led by the Guard Captain, they quickly surrounded the two uninvited guests.

A figure in armor stepped forward, raising a spear and demanding, "Who are you?!"

Rouge was a bit nervous, but Austin, surrounded on all sides, remained as steady as an old dog. He wasn't afraid of the guns either—he was confident he could take everyone out before anyone fired a shot.

The only problem was, then there'd be no one to steer the ship.

He thought for a moment, then smiled and pulled out a folded piece of paper, handing it over. "This is my ID."

Huh?

Hearing that, the Guard Captain, who'd been about to pull the trigger, froze for a second.

ID?

His first thought was that this man might be a high-ranking official from the World Government, looking to hitch a ride out of here.

After all, the Kingdom of Solen was one of the World Government's member nations.

If that were the case, it wouldn't be impossible to take him along—just that they'd have to wait for His Majesty the King to return from his outing...

Thinking this, the Guard Captain took the paper Austin offered and slowly unfolded it.

There, written on it, were three big words:

Wanted Poster.

???

Staring at the poster that looked exactly like the man in front of him, the Guard Captain's brain short-circuited for a moment.

And when he saw the ten-digit bounty, an astronomical sum, he nearly exploded.

Wasn't this the guy who'd been making headlines in the papers lately, the one who'd risen to fame...

Blood vessels rapidly spread and crawled around his pupils.

Cold sweat poured down uncontrollably.

"Y-you... you... you..."

"What do you think? Can we set off now?" Austin smiled warmly, like a traveler paying a casual visit.

He slowly leaned in, bringing his mouth close to the Guard Captain's ear—the man's pupils trembling with terror—and whispered like a demon.

"If you dare refuse, I'll slaughter your entire kingdom."

Hearing this, the Guard Captain's face turned green.

He didn't doubt the truth of those words for a second.

After all, this was the Great Pirate who had destroyed the legendary Marine Headquarters and still roamed free!!!

"Notify all crew members! Set sail immediately!"

"But His Majesty the King hasn't returned yet."

"Shut up!"

The Guard Captain was so scared snot dripped from his nose. He kicked the objecting crew member to the ground, then pressed a gun to the captain's head, ordering him to depart at once!

As for the king, stranded on the island with no ship to go home?

For the sake of the entire nation, you'll just have to tough it out, Your Majesty.

Seeing this, Austin nodded with satisfaction.

To some people, a Wanted Poster was a threat to their life, but Austin didn't see it that way.

It worked perfectly as an ID card, and sometimes even as a pass.

Convenient as hell.

The luxury cruise ship was soon underway. The Guard Captain, acting out of fear, even prepared the most comfortable royal suite for Rouge, which left her a bit embarrassed.

After all, she now knew

that the ship they were riding in had been hijacked.

Well, I guess that's what you'd expect from a crew member of the King of Pirates.

Fortunately, Austin never planned to take this ship all the way to the Sabaody Archipelago. In the waters near it, he let the cruise go.

After all, he didn't trust the people on this ship to know his final destination.

Before leaving, he also helped himself to a few treasure chests full of riches.

He didn't need the money—it was just pocket change for Rouge's living expenses.

Watching the cruise slowly sail away, he finally pulled out a Den Den Mushi and made a call.

"Moshi moshi, is this Sammy?"

"I'm on Tamyara Island now. Send a ship to pick me up."