Their Dreams

Thud!

Rogge dropped onto the ground on his backside. The battle had not lasted long, but it had drained him badly. Enel's slap had nearly sent him to the next world. Luck had played a huge part in his survival; Rogge's potential had simply erupted too fiercely at the critical moment.

Rogge had not released his full-body Armament Haki state yet, but it was gradually fading. This thing was truly like stamina—it was difficult to maintain. Still, Rogge had gotten the feel for it. Using it again would not be a problem, nor would it be difficult.

"You're still alive, right?" Rogge struggled to pull a cigar from his pocket, only to find that it had already turned to ash in his hand. That lightning was no joke.

Jelly struggled into a sitting position and leaned against a massive tree root. Smiling at Rogge, he said, "Don't worry. Still alive."

"Now you understand how important strength is, right? That was the first time we nearly got wiped out." Rogge laughed.

"Too strong. Lightning isn't something our previous opponents could compare to. And you nearly got us all killed. You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Ham had also woken up. Lying facedown on the ground, he spoke as he pulled a box of ashes from his pocket.

"Good that you know. Fists are the only truth. Do you still remember the dreams we had when we came from West Blue?" Rogge asked as he sat on the ground.

"Dreams!"

Jelly and Ham both sank into their memories. A few months ago, when they had entered the Grand Line from West Blue, their ship had been about to ascend Reverse Mountain. Before entering its passage, Rogge had asked every one of them about their dreams.

At the time, there had only