Creak...
As the door opened with a creak, Ace sauntered into the white building designed in the style of Angel Island.
"Mom?"
After calling out and finding no one home, he dropped onto the living room sofa and sprawled out, gazing up at the ceiling.
"One Piece?"
"Boring!!!"
After muttering that, he closed his eyes and fell asleep on the sofa.
He did not slowly open his eyes again until he heard the door being pushed open once more. Turning his head, he saw his mother, Portgas D. Rouge, walking in with a jar of some unknown substance in her arms, her face full of smiles.
Although twenty years had already passed, the years seemed to have left no trace on Rouge's face. Instead, she looked even gentler and kinder.
Seeing her exhausted-looking son lying on the sofa, Rouge walked over and asked in confusion,
"Why did you come back so early today? Have you finished everything at the shipyard?"
Ace thought for a moment before answering.
"No. There were guests at Conis's house, so I came back first. What's that?"
"This? It's cherry jam the Bia family just made. They gave me some, so we can have cherry pie today."
Ace showed little interest. He lay back down on the sofa and stared blankly at the ceiling.
Rouge walked over and asked curiously,
"What is it? You seem unhappy today. Did you and Conis have a fight?"
"Of course not. I... I'm just a little... bored, that's all. I'll be fine after resting for a while."
After saying that, Ace did not elaborate. He simply covered his face with his hat.
Rouge froze for a moment, then walked toward the kitchen.
"Well then, we're having cherry pie today!"
As Rouge busied herself in the kitchen, Ace, who had originally