"What was that?" Roger rose with a bewildered look, staring at the light scattering in the distance. Within it, vague figures seemed to be taking shape.
"Rock!" Roger cried out when he saw the first figure appear. Shanks turned around, his eyes widening in an instant.
Rock had died on that island by his hand. He remembered it clearly.
"It's not just Rock. Sana, Cairo, Mog..." Rayleigh turned as well. As he watched one illusory figure after another appear, his vision gradually blurred.
The crew members all rose to their feet, shouting loudly at the phantom figures of the companions who had been beside them only moments ago.
But there was no response.
"The dimension of souls does not lie on the same plane as this world. You cannot speak to one another," Shin's voice came from nearby.
Roger took a deep breath and suddenly shouted at everyone, "Hey, can you all hear me? I'm sorry. Back on the island, I never really wanted to abandon you all. I just... I just..."
His voice choked up, and in the end, he did not know what else to say. He could only burst into loud tears.
"Captain, look!" a pirate suddenly called out. "Rock and the others are smiling?"
Roger looked up. The phantom figures in the distance had their arms around one another's shoulders, seemingly laughing without restraint. When they saw Roger raise his head, their smiles became even more pronounced.
As the first figure raised an arm, every fallen crew member raised theirs as well. Though their forms were hazy, the pirate marks on their arms remained clearly visible.
At a time like this, there was no need for more words. Tears spilled beyond control as Roger lowered his head and smiled. "Is that so... You still recognize me