He still vividly remembers the battle on Raijin Island two years ago.
Being severely injured by a group of young men and forced to flee in a sorry state was a disgrace for Golden Lion Shiki.
And now, that young man who was leading the group has actually appeared here?
"Da da da..."
The sound of footsteps echoed in the vast, Infinite Hell.
It was very light, but exceptionally clear in the quiet environment.
Roy's figure slowly emerged from the darkness. He withdrew his mental invisibility, revealing his true appearance.
When the prisoners realized that the newcomer was just a young man who looked to be in his early twenties...
At first, they were stunned, then various sounds erupted.
"Hey kid! Let me out!"
"Take me away from here! I can give you anything you want! Treasure! Power! Women!"
"I'm a notorious pirate with a bounty of 500 million! If you release me, I swear allegiance to you!"
"You brat! Did you hear me?! Let me out!"
The prisoners pounded on the cell bars, making sounds of threats, inducements, and even pleas.
They were imprisoned in this dark and Infinite Hell for years or even decades.
Any glimmer of hope of leaving would drive them mad.
Roy stopped and glanced around at the surrounding cells.
His eyes were calm and expressionless, as if he were looking at a group of ants.
Then, he slightly raised his head.
Buzz--!
The terrifying Conqueror's Haki erupted like a tsunami, instantly sweeping across the entire Infinite Hell!
The black and red Inazuma crackled and popped on the walls and ground, kicking up plumes of dust.
Dark red arcs of electricity appeared in the air, and fine cracks began to appear on the walls and floor.
The cell bars groaned under the weight of the weight.
The prisoners who were still shouting froze instantly, as if an invisible hand had gripped their throats.
Some of the weaker ones simply rolled their eyes and fainted.
Even those notorious pirates who once had bounties of hundreds of millions were now pale-faced, trembling all over, and unable to even stand steadily.
They stared at the young man in horror, their eyes filled with disbelief.
How could such a level of Conqueror's Haki... come from such a young brat?!
"Quiet."
Roy uttered two words softly, his voice not loud, but they rang clearly in everyone's ears.
Then he withdrew his Conqueror's Haki and continued deeper into the area.
This time, no one dared to utter a sound.
The prisoners could only watch helplessly as the terrifying black-haired young man walked by, their hearts filled with endless fear and... a sliver of hope.
Roy arrived at the deepest part of the Infinite Hell.
There are only three cells here.
On the left was the Golden Lion, in the middle was Roger, and on the right... was an empty cell.
Roy's gaze first fell on Roger.
The former Pirate King looks somewhat haggard now.
But his eyes remained bright, and his signature smile lingered on his lips.
"Hey, Roy kid."
Roger greeted him with a smile, as if the two had merely bumped into each other at the tavern.
I never expected to see you here.
Roy sat cross-legged in front of Roger's cell, took the flask from his waist, and casually tossed it over.
"Try this, it's wine from your hometown."
Roger caught the flask, uncorked it, smelled it, and a hint of nostalgia flashed in his eyes.
"Oh? This aroma... was it bought in Loguetown? I haven't had it in a long time."
He tilted his head back and took a big gulp, exhaling a satisfied breath. "Good wine!"
The Golden Lion stared intently at Roy from the cell next door, his eyes so fierce it seemed he wanted to devour him alive.
"You brat... how dare you show your face in front of me..."
Roy glanced at him, his tone indifferent.
"What, haven't you had enough of being beaten at Marine Headquarters yet?"
Do you need me to help you recall what Garp's punch felt like?
"You—!" The Golden Lion roared in fury, the chains binding him rattling loudly.
He wanted to rush over, but the Seastone shackles on his feet restricted his movements and suppressed his Devil Fruit ability.
"Alright, Shiki."
Roger advised, "Now is not the time to argue."
Roy came to see me!
The Golden Lion snorted coldly, but then fell silent.
Roy then turned his gaze back to Roger and got straight to the point.
" Roger, I saw Rayleigh in Sabaody Archipelago."
Roger's eyes flickered slightly. "Really... How's that guy?"
"I'm having a great time, eating and drinking at a bar without paying."
Roy paused, looking directly into Roger's eyes.
"I asked him what he saw in Laugh Tale, but he wouldn't tell me, so he told me to ask you."
Roger was silent for a few seconds, then laughed.
" Rayleigh is still so inflexible."
"So what?"
Roy pressed on,
What did you discover on the Laugh Tale?
You promised me you'd share that secret with me once you found Laugh Tale.
Roger's expression suddenly became somewhat strange.
He touched his chin, his eyes began to wander, and the corners of his mouth twisted unnaturally.
"Ah... that... Laugh Tale is actually... nothing special."
It's just an ordinary island, with some ancient ruins and some...
His voice grew softer and softer, and his expression became increasingly unnatural.
Roy couldn't help but laugh at his expression.
"Hey, Roger."
Roy interrupted him.
Do you know how obvious your expression is when you lie?
Anyone can tell you're lying.
Roger froze, then awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
"Really... Haha... You saw right through me."
He dropped his joking expression and became serious.
" Roy, Laugh Tale does indeed hold the most important secret in the world."
But that secret... I can't tell you.
"Why?" Roy frowned.
"Because some things can only be truly understood by seeing them with your own eyes."
Roger's eyes deepened.
"Moreover... that secret is too heavy; those who know it are destined to bear a certain responsibility."
I choose to bear it in my own way, while you... should have your own path to choose.
Roy stared at Roger for a long time before finally nodding.
"I see."
He didn't press the matter, because he knew Roger was telling the truth.
Some secrets truly require personal exploration to fully understand their meaning.
Roy stood up and dusted himself off.
Before leaving, he remembered something.
" Roger, is there anything else I can help you with?"
Roger paused for a moment, then a complex light flashed in his eyes.
He hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke.
"I have a wife on the Baterilla Island in the South Blue... her name is Portgas D. Rouge."
Roy's eyes narrowed slightly—just as in the original story.
"I've already Garp to take care of her, but..."
Roger smiled wryly.
"You know Garp's personality, he's careless."
If you have time, and if possible... could you look after her for me, and... our child too?
Roy was silent for a few seconds, then nodded solemnly:
"I see."
"Thank you." Roger gave a genuine smile.