The Love Story of Bartilra Island
For the next two months or so, the various plans of the World Government against the Roger Pirates had no effect whatsoever.
Since the Roger Pirates disbanded, no one has been looking for them. They haven't found a single trace, so what's the point of catching them?
Regarding the scholar's mission in Ortolan's hands, there has been little progress on the side of the Thousand Faces Department. As for the Intelligence Department, Gion provided some information that was both true and false, but after verification, it was not of much significance.
Under these circumstances, Ortolan finally decided to set sail for the South Blue to conduct an on-site investigation and search for traces of the scholars.
Of course, as mentioned before, he doesn't intend to achieve much in the Ohara matter. This trip to the South Blue is merely a pretext to finally take down Roger's mantle.
The route to the South Blue was relatively convenient. The warships of Ortolan first departed from the Marines Headquarters, then arrived at the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, and used a traction winch to climb onto the Red Line, and finally descended into the waters of the South Blue.
As the warship slowly descended into the South Blue Sea, Gion looked up at the Red Line behind her and suddenly asked, "Speaking of which, you've passed through Mary Geoise several times, haven't you ever gone up for a visit?"
"No, Mr. Garp told me that it's a terrible place up there and that I shouldn't go there unless necessary, to avoid causing any unpleasantness." Ortolan sat on the edge of the warship's deck, put down his small bucket, and immediately cast his fishing rod.
Gion pondered these words for a moment, then nodded and said, "That's something Garp would say, but Mary Geoise is indeed quite a headache."
"So apart from the fact that the Commander-in-Chief occasionally goes to Mary Geoise to report on his work, I think the higher-ups in our Marines are quite wary of that place," Ortolan said with a smile.
"Yeah, but it's just self-deception. Our Marines carries the banner of justice, but as long as we have too much contact with Mary Geoise, we'll always encounter unpleasant things. Unfortunately, whether it's our position or our status, we're helpless and can only turn a blind eye for the sake of the 'big picture'," Gion complained.
The older generation of Marines leaders, including Garp, never complained to Ortolan about these things; they simply advised Ortolan to avoid contact with Mary Geoise.
It's probably only the new generation of Marines like Gion who, while upholding justice, haven't yet gotten used to this occasional darkness, and would dare to criticize Mary Geoise and the so-called justice.
"You mean the absurd and unruly things the Celestial Dragons do, right?" Ortolan shook his head, then smiled and said, "But I think that sooner or later, we will solve this problem."
"As expected, you haven't experienced that kind of helplessness yet, which is why you can say such things. I was just like you back then, thinking that one day I would be able to solve these problems. Well... hehe." Gion smiled and didn't say anything more.
Ortolan fished in silence, without saying a word, and the warship quietly sailed away from the area, heading into the depths of the South Blue.
Meanwhile, at the port of Baterilla in the South Blue, after more than two months, a figure stepped off an ordinary small merchant ship.
The figure looked quite ordinary, with a stubble beard, a weathered and dusty face, and a half-empty wine bottle in his hand, with a drunkard's smile on his face.
"Aren't you going any further, Rod? I quite like you. Don't you really want to continue being my sailor?" The captain of the merchant ship looked at the figure with some reluctance and called out.
The man named Rod waved his hand and said casually, "I already said, this is my hometown. I'm getting married back home. If you're still interested in passing through Baterilla in a few years, maybe I'll board the ship again~"
"That's a real shame, but it's a deal. If I happen to pass by here again in two years, you have to come aboard and be my sailor. But you'd better get rid of your drinking problem. Quit now, or who would want to marry a drunkard like you?" the captain said with a smile.
"Hahahaha, quitting drinking is impossible, I'll never quit drinking in this lifetime~" Rod laughed a couple of times, slightly drunk, and then staggered away from the port.
Watching his retreating figure, the captain shook his head helplessly. This Rod was good in every way. In the past two months, the crew had demonstrated excellent sailor qualities, and had safely navigated several large waves.
The only downside was that he was a bit slovenly. He hadn't showered for over two months, and he was always drunk, reeking of alcohol. His beard was so thick that you could hardly see his face. Because of this, the other sailors on the ship were not very willing to associate with him.
Soon, the merchant ship picked up a few more passengers and set sail again, leaving Baterilla.
The man named Rod, upon entering the town of Batleyra, instantly lost all traces of his previous drunkenness.
Although his disheveled hair and thick beard made it difficult to see his face clearly, there was no doubt that this man was none other than Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King whom the World Government had been searching for for more than two months without any progress!
"It really hasn't changed at all, Bartilla..." Roger stood in the shadows of a town alley, looking at the town, which was not prosperous and even a bit poor, and clicked his tongue softly.
From his vantage point, he could clearly see the main road leading from the town to the port.
Roger stood there motionless, as if waiting, expecting someone.
When the sun was high in the sky, about two hours later, a figure gracefully approached. She had a very beautiful face, long wavy hair with a light pinkish-gold hue, a slender figure, and a gentle smile on her face. She seemed to know many people on the street, and would greet them warmly and gently upon meeting them.
She was carrying a vegetable basket, and it looked as if she was going to the port's commercial street to buy some fresh vegetables and fruits. By all accounts, she looked like a pretty but ordinary town girl named Portgas D. Rouge.
As the girl passed by the dark alleyway, Roger, who was waiting there, was startled. He took two steps forward with some excitement, but a hint of fear seemed to appear in his eyes.
It was as if he was afraid, afraid that he would disturb the girl in front of him.
It's quite surprising that such a fearful look would appear in the eyes of the Pirate King.
Roger knew where Rouge lived, but he didn't have the courage to go and see for himself. He was worried that when he went there, he would find that Rouge was already married, had children, and was living a quiet life.
At that moment, he didn't know how he would feel. Perhaps he would offer his blessings? But then he thought he was a petty man and would definitely be jealous.
So he didn't dare go, and he just waited quietly here, hoping for such a meeting.
Rouge seemed not to notice the figure in the shadows of the alley. She walked past in a few steps, but just as she was about to disappear from sight, she suddenly seemed to realize something, and stopped in her tracks. Then, she slowly turned her head and looked at the shadows of the alley beside her.
The Marines's Intelligence Department and the World Government intelligence agency, CP, had not been able to recognize Roger's extremely disheveled figure during this period of time.
But at this moment, the light was not enough, the view was somewhat obstructed, and the distance was not very close. And the moment their eyes met.
The vegetable basket in Rouge's hand fell to the ground, and a complex expression of surprise and worry appeared on her face.
The next moment, it was as if everything had meaning, as if the dark alley was filled with the gentle midday sunlight. Rouge could no longer care about any thoughts. She lifted her long skirt and, with an unladylike and unrestrained manner, rushed into the alley.
Even if the person in front of you looks dirty and smells awful, the longing you feel can always make you ignore all of that.
The two figures embraced each other tightly in that dark corner, passionately holding hands.
"You're back!" Rouge said, her voice choked with emotion.
Roger patted Rouge on the back and said softly, "Sorry to keep you waiting..."