Shiki's Gratitude! Traveling with Roger!

"Oh? Are we going back so soon?"

On a stretch of sea somewhere in the Aitwal Sea, a few snails and a few boats floated silently.

Roa stood on the head of a snail, looking with some regret at Charlotte Linlin and Kaido standing on the two ships in front of him.

"It was just an opening banquet, after all. Who knows when we'll see each other again?"

"I'm already so angry I'm full, why would I want to hold a banquet!"

Charlotte Linlin, hands on her increasingly muscular waist, snorted coldly, "Just looking at your face, you little brat, I can't stomach it!"

Roa sighed silently, his brows furrowing with sadness.

Time, oh, what a terrible thing!

Aunt Linlin was so affectionate towards me back then; every time we met, she would want to hug and kiss me.

Now they call him a brat all the time!

Has the rebellious phase begun?

"Aren't you going back yet, kid?"

Kaido looked at Roa with some surprise, "Have you already made arrangements for all the countries you conquered?"

"I need to get Uncle Shiki back to his territory first."

Roa said, "He's so badly injured, and his men have been almost all wiped out. How can I let him go back alone?"

Kaido.

Although the Golden Lion was seriously injured, once he recovers slightly, how many people in this sea area could threaten him?

What is this brat up to now?

As for those countries,

Roa, on the contrary, said in surprise, "Of course it was planned long ago. Haven't you guys finished it yet?"

"That fast?"

Kaido raised an eyebrow.

Managing a single country is already a busy affair, let alone managing dozens of countries across an entire sea area.

"I've always said this, haven't I? I'm not interested in ruling."

Roa smiled and said, "So, let them do whatever they want. As long as they pay their taxes on time and buy my weapons on time, it doesn't matter what they do."

"Um?"

Kaido was taken aback.

Would Roa really be that kind?

"So, you mean you won't care about anything—war, pirates, bandits, or gangs—right?"

Charlotte Linlin, as expected of a queen who has ruled a country for a long time, immediately grasped the key point.

"Hahaha!"

Roa scratched the back of his head somewhat embarrassedly, "This, is this freedom?"

Charlotte Linlin gave a slight twitch of her lips.

Madman!

If they had focused on governance, there would have been far greater benefits, but this kid just wanted chaos!

I'm afraid the taxes he's going to collect will be an exceptionally heavy burden for those countries!

What will those who possess weapons do in order to pay taxes on time and to purchase weapons on time?

That's so hard to guess.

"Hehehe!"

But at this moment, Kaido suddenly burst into laughter.

"Sounds great! A truly free environment where class and status don't matter, only power is the sole criterion!"

Hahaha! I knew it!

Roa laughed heartily, "Big Brother Kaido, you definitely understand me!"

What does "a true friend" mean? A true friend!

"Hehehe!"

"Snort."

Charlotte Linlin glanced disapprovingly at the two laughing men, then turned and walked onto the deck.

What's the point of talking to these two idiots?

The large ship then set sail, returning to the Whole Cake Island Sea.

Goodbye, Roa!

On the deck of the large ship, Katakuri waved goodbye to Roa.

"Make good use of this gift I gave you."

Roa responded with a smile.

"Certainly!"

Katakuri raised his trident and waved it at Roa, saying happily,

"Just you wait, Roa!"

"Then don't keep me waiting too long."

Roa nodded slightly.

Katakuri, at eighteen years old, is already quite strong.

Regarding Armament Haki, after receiving guidance from Roa, he has gradually mastered the technique of releasing it in a flowing manner.

His Observation Haki needs no introduction; it's his forte.

He had already Awakening his Conqueror's Haki long ago, and now he was extremely proficient at it.

Overall, their strength is now absolutely close to the level of a disaster.

Once he gets his hands on the gift he gave himself, he'll have firmly stepped into the threshold of disaster.

Well, since Enma has already been divided into three parts, dividing her into another part won't weaken her much.

In short, the Charlotte Family's large ship slowly sailed away.

"I'm leaving too."

Kaido transformed into a giant blue dragon, unleashing a cloud of flames that lifted his ship into the sky.

"Roa, I'm really looking forward to seeing what your territory will become!"

"That should satisfy you."

Roa laughed and said, "Oh, and remember to urge Hanafusa again; I urgently need the Ancient Zoan Devil Fruit."

He had previously said he would help Judge find an Ancient Zoan Devil Fruit, but when Roa asked Hanafusa about it this time, the answer he received was that Hanafza didn't have one either.

That's true. Hanafusa is now a full-fledged high-ranking officer of the Beasts Pirates, so the Ancient Zoan Devil Fruit he possessed has long since been consumed internally.

Fortunately, Hanafusa patted his chest and said he had connections and would keep an eye out for Roa.

You should prepare what you'll use for the exchange first.

Kaido snorted and took his ship into the sky, gradually disappearing into the distance.

Roa watched his departing figure silently, a smile gradually spreading across his face.

So, a new era is about to begin.

According to Fisher Tiger's report, Crocus is already on Roger's ship, which means that Roger is indeed suffering from a terminal illness.

Therefore, he can now go to the Laugh Tale!

Let the Great Pirate Era begin!

But before that.

Roa went to a ward on the snail's back.

"Have they already left?"

The Golden Lion lay quietly on the hospital bed. The man, who had always been the most domineering in the world, now had an oddly pale face, making him look weak and sickly.

"Um,"

Roa walked to the bedside, pulled up a chair, and sat down. "I'll take you home next."

"I don't need your gifts."

The Golden Lion slowly sat up, the blanket slipping off his body to reveal his muscular chest and abdomen wrapped in thick bandages.

"It's just a minor injury. Did you really think it would render me unable to move?"

"Wow! That's amazing, Uncle Shiki!"

Roa exclaimed in astonishment, "If those words had been said to Roger back then, it would have been even more shocking."

Golden Lion's face stiffened instantly, then he glared fiercely at Roa.

"But Uncle Shiki, what are your plans next?"

Roa asked with great interest, "Are most of your subordinates dead?"

"You're really direct with your questions, kid."

The Golden Lion sneered.

However, that cold laugh quickly turned into a soft chuckle.

Roa's attitude showed no sympathy or pity whatsoever, as if he were having a casual conversation.

This attitude made Golden Lion very satisfied.

He needs no pity or sympathy; he is the Golden Lion!

How to do it?

The lion raised his right hand, his five fingers suddenly clenching into a fist. "I'm still alive, Flying Pirates are unharmed! As for subordinates, we can find as many as we want!"

"It won't end like this! That bastard Roger!"

His eyes gleamed with intense light, "One day I'll make him taste this bitterness too!"

"Seeing that you're still so energetic, Uncle Shiki, puts my mind at ease."

Roa nodded in satisfaction.

That's right, let's focus more on Roger.

From now on, just focus on developing your business and stop trying to compete with me.

The mere thought of someone wanting to be my enemy makes me unconsciously want to retaliate, even though I haven't suffered any losses yet.

The Golden Lion suddenly gave Roa a deep look.

That brat.

Whatever the reason, this time it truly saved his life.

If it weren't for him, it's hard to say whether that wretched woman Linlin would have shown mercy.

If Shiki and Roa switched places, and Roa was the one lying there while he was standing to the side, would he choose to save Roa?

It's hard to say.

Could it be that beneath Roa's seemingly eccentric exterior lies a heart truly grateful for kindness?

Are you kidding me!

But in any case -

"I will remember this favor."

Golden Lion said bluntly, "Roa, if there's anything you need in the future, just ask. As long as it's within my power, I won't refuse."

"Oh dear! How could I possibly accept this!"

Roa waved his hands repeatedly, then sighed and said, "But since you've said that, Uncle Shiki, I'm sorry, but I'll definitely ask you for help the first thing in the future if I encounter any problems!"

The Golden Lion's lips twitched again.

That brat, his face changes in the blink of an eye.

However, lately we've been paying far too much attention to the threat from Roa!

I almost forgot, Roger was my first and strongest enemy!!

The Golden Lion rested with Roa for a day, and the next day, after regaining some of its mobility, it flew away on its own.

He doesn't allow his vulnerable side to be exposed to outsiders.

Even though it's already been exposed, don't keep it exposed for too long.

"Gana! Uncle Shiki!"

Like all good children, Roa waved goodbye to the Golden Lion.

This uncle is really too polite.

I told them to just ask if they needed anything, and I unexpectedly received this reward.

Only after the Golden Lion's figure disappeared into the clouds did Roa stretch.

"Then, it's time to go find Roger."

The Snail Fleet began its return journey.

On the shore of a deserted island in this sea, Roger Pirates's pirate ship was quietly moored.

On the coast, the Roger Pirates were holding a banquet.

Roger, holding his daughter in one arm and a wine glass in the other, looked at the red-skinned Fish-Man sitting opposite him. "So, when exactly is Roa arriving?"

"They're already on their way."

Fisher Tiger succinctly stated, "You've asked nine times already, can you please stop?"

"Hahaha! So this has happened so many times already?"

Roger laughed heartily, seemingly unconcerned, and even leaned closer to Fisher Tiger. "So, really, can't we give him a little push?"

Fisher Tiger rolled his eyes and simply didn't bother to answer.

"Wow!"

It was at this moment that his daughter, whom he was holding in his arms, suddenly burst into tears.

"Roger, didn't you say you were here to breastfeed Robin?"

Nearby, Olvia, who was uninterested in the men's party and was busy reviewing her knowledge of Ancient Script, suddenly frowned. The delicate woman revealed a powerful aura at this moment.

"I'm so sorry, Olvia!"

A bead of cold sweat trickled down Roger's forehead, and his voice stammered.

Olvia is usually a very gentle and intellectual woman, so once she gets angry, she is very difficult to appease.

I'll feed him right away!

"Then hurry up!"

"Yes!"

Fisher Tiger watched Roger frantically feeding his daughter and couldn't help but feel a little dazed.

This legendary pirate, Gold Roger, actually had this side to him?

Well, compared to that guy Roa, he's much more human.

However, it was at this moment...

"Um?"

Roger, who was breastfeeding his daughter, suddenly looked up.

On the distant sea, giant snails rapidly emerged from beneath the surface.

"Has it finally arrived?"

Rayleigh tilted his head back, downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, then turned his head. "Roger?"

"Olvia, I'm sorry, it seems I can't breastfeed Robin."

Roger stood up and carefully handed his daughter to his wife. "Take her to the back."

"Careful."

Olvia took her daughter and whispered a word of advice as she turned to walk away.

"Um."

Roger smiled and nodded.

"So, Captain,"

Buggy asked, trembling slightly, "Do we have to fight Roa next?"

A year ago on Fish-Man Island, Roa scared him half to death, almost causing them all to perish at sea.

"There shouldn't be any fighting."

Roger simply gazed into the distance, watching the shadow streak across the sky. "But it never hurts to be prepared."

"Then we still have to fight, right?"

Buggy had a long face.

"Hahaha! Buggy! Get your act together!"

Gaban laughed heartily, "Look how calm Shanks is!"

Upon hearing this, Buggy turned his head and saw his good friend, wearing Straw Hat, giving him a bright smile.

Shanks is indeed different from me.

Buggy couldn't help but think that way.

At that very moment, a dark shadow shot through the sky, then abruptly changed direction, tracing a right angle in the air before plummeting straight down.

The moment the horse hit the ground, a gust of wind spread out, and the person landed lightly.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Roger."

Roa said with a smile, "We need to send Uncle Shiki back first. Come to think of it, you guys went too far."

Then you shouldn't scheme against him.

Roger's eye twitched.

Before he could speak, Roa asked directly, "Speaking of which, Roger, you do indeed have an incurable disease, right?"

"What?"

Upon hearing this, everyone in Roger Pirates was stunned. Gaban was so shocked that his sunglasses fell to the ground.

How did he know!

This news should only be known to the members of Roger Pirates!

The black and white colors flickered in Roa's eyes, and he nodded slightly.

Hmm, it seems to be true.

That's true, since Crocus is already on board, he must have a terminal illness.

"That's true, but Roa, how did you know?"

Roger looked at Roa with great curiosity.

How did this kid know?

Surely there can't be a spy from Roa among their seemingly united group, can there?

"Since you're already out of time, what are you waiting for?"

Roa offered no explanation, simply beckoning to Roger, "Let's go, brother, we're going to the Laugh Tale!"

What does it mean to be brothers?

Gaban's mouth twitched.

That kid really knows how to get close to people!

What does "we" mean?

Rayleigh's eyelids twitched as well.

Do you intend to join us?

Roger's mouth gaped open, his features contorted, "What do you mean by 'Laugh Tale'! Roa! What do you mean?"

"Huh? Didn't I make myself clear?"

Roa tilted his head. "I know where the remaining two stones are."

"Roa!!"

Roger practically jumped up in cheers, "You bastard! Are you an angel?"

No more searching like a needle in a haystack; will we be able to head directly to the Laugh Tale soon?

After a brief moment of shock, everyone in Roger Pirates was overjoyed.

"Very good!!"

Buggy laughed so hard he jumped for joy, "Captain! Your dream is finally about to come true!"

Behind them, Olvia, who was holding her daughter, couldn't help but have tears welling up in her eyes.

Has this moment finally arrived?

Has Ohara's long-cherished dream finally reached its moment of fulfillment?

"As a form of compensation,"

Roa raised the corners of his mouth. "It wouldn't be too much to ask to take me to the Laugh Tale too, would it?"

I really need to go to the Laugh Tale myself, otherwise what if I find out later that Roger lied to me?

Right?

As for how to ensure my safety on Roger's ship—haha, I'm already on Roger's ship, so I'm not the one who should be worried about safety.

"Of course! Let's go now, my good brother!"

Fisher Tiger blinked, looking somewhat bewildered.

Did he hear something he shouldn't have?

In any case, the Roger Pirates had no intention of holding a banquet at the moment and set sail immediately.

"So Roa, where do we get the third stone?"

"Elephant Island, Zou. Quite coincidentally, that elephant is currently active in these waters. Hmm, this is Uncle Shiki's territory. I'll go ask him about the elephant's exact whereabouts."

"Hahaha! You bastard! Anyway, let's set sail! My men! The Laugh Tale is just one step away!"

"Yes!"

Therefore, Roa temporarily traveled with Roger Pirates.