One Piece

Inside the little house.

The air still seemed to hold that shocked "Huh?!" from moments ago.

Roger stood frozen, eyes wide, as though he had never imagined things would take this turn.

Rock had already picked up his glass again, looking perfectly composed.

"I'm under no obligation to help you, Pirate King Roger," he said calmly.

Rock raised his eyes to meet his. "Don't forget—"

"We're enemies."

Roger arched an eyebrow, clearly unfazed.

He waved a hand.

"Don't be so cold!"

"We've shared a drink, haven't we?"

Luo picked up the bottle again and slowly poured for them both. The bottle tipped low, and the liquor trickled into the glasses with a faint gurgle.

"Come to think of it..."

"Why not leave it to Rayleigh and the others?"

He lifted his glass and looked at Roger.

"You're closer to them, aren't you?"

At the question, Roger's smile gradually faded. His gaze drifted into the distance, as though he were looking back through the years.

"Them..."

Roger leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling, his eyes growing hazy.

"They each have things they need to do."

"Rayleigh."

"Gaban."

"And all the others..."

Roger smiled, his gaze softening. "Everyone has their own path."

He sighed quietly.

"I can't drag them into my personal affairs."

But then he paused, as if something had suddenly occurred to him.

A sly look crossed his face, and his smile took on a hint of mischief.

"Then again—"

He turned to Rock with a grin, a tempting gleam in his eyes.

"Rock."

"Want to know what's on Laugh Tale..."

He leaned a little closer, deliberately lowering his voice.

"What's really there?"

The air seemed to freeze. Rock paused.

Laugh Tale.

That unknown island carried the dreams and hopes of countless people.

Rock was