Roger's Departure

Inside the small cabin.

The atmosphere slowly quieted down.

Rouge gently wiped away the remaining tears at the corners of her eyes.

She took a deep breath, her chest heaving slightly, and her emotions gradually calmed down.

Perhaps it was because she had heard Rock's words just now.

The kind of suffocating sorrow from a moment ago slowly dissipated like a receding tide.

--The child will be looked after.

--The child still has a chance to live on.

For a mother.

As long as the child could be born, as long as the child could grow up healthy and safe.

That was already the greatest hope.

Rouge gently leaned against Roger's embrace and stopped crying.

Her hand still rested gently on her belly, as if soothing the life that had yet to arrive.

Roger looked down at her, his gaze unusually gentle.

That kind of look was completely different from when he faced formidable enemies on the vast seas.

If Rayleigh and the others were to see this scene, they would probably be dumbfounded.

The wind blew in through the crack in the window, carrying the scent of sea salt.

At that moment, Rock suddenly spoke in a calm tone.

"However--"

He picked up his wine glass and gently swirled it, sending ripples spreading through the amber liquid.

"If you really entrust the child to Garp."

Rock raised his eyes, his gaze landing on Roger.

"Since I already know."

"Then I won't let him become a pirate."

His tone was very flat, yet carried no hint of a joke.

"After all--"

Rock gently set down the wine glass.

The base of the cup collided with the wooden table, emitting a soft clink.

"We are Marines, after all."

"Can you accept something like this?"

Silence filled the room, and Roger froze