Shanks adjusted his straw Straw Hat, turned, and leaped off the ship's railing.
He performed a few somersaults in the air, landing lightly on the island, and walked in the opposite direction from Long and the others.
Soon, his figure disappeared into the forest.
On the deck, only Buggy remained, gazing in the direction Shanks had left, his expression complex.
Roy walked up to him:
"What, regretting it?"
"No."
Buggy shook his head. "It's just... a little sad."
He turned around and looked at Roy:
" Captain Roy, thank you."
If it weren't for you, Shanks and I might still be entangled with the Marines in Loguetown.
It was nothing.
Roy asked, "What are your plans next?"
"I..."
Buggy hesitated for a moment, "Could you let me off onto the next island?"
I want to... go out and make my own way in the world.
Roy looked intently at Buggy.
This Red Nose boy now looks ordinary, even somewhat insecure.
But Roy knew that Buggy would become " Thousand Piece Clown," and would become Shichibukai.
He might even become Four Emperors.
Although his success is largely due to luck and his subordinates, his potential should not be underestimated.
" Buggy, are you really not considering joining my pirate crew?"
Roy asked seriously,
Don't feel inferior because of Shanks; your potential is no less than his.
Devil Fruit are not a curse, but a gift.
The Chop-Chop Fruit, if developed properly, could be an extremely powerful ability.
Buggy was stunned.
He never imagined that anyone would evaluate him like that.
He had always considered himself a good-for-nothing, a landlubber who ate Devil Fruit but couldn't even swim.
But Roy said... his potential is not bad?
" Captain Roy, you... you're not just trying to comfort me, are you?"
Buggy's voice trembled.
I never offer comfort to people casually.
Buggy, you just haven't discovered your talent yet.
The Chop-Chop Fruit's ability is very special; it grants you immunity to slashing attacks.
It can make you split your body and allow you to do many things that ordinary people cannot.
If you develop this skill properly, your future achievements will be no less than anyone else's.
A glint flashed in Buggy's eyes, but it quickly dimmed again.
"But... my dream is to find treasure."
I want to become the King of Treasure Hunts and find all the treasures in the world.
So what?
Roy laughed.
"On my ship, you too can pursue your dreams."
We often go to various places to explore different ruins; who knows, we might just find treasure!
Moreover, with the support of a team, your treasure hunt will be much more efficient.
Buggy was tempted.
But he ultimately shook his head:
"Thank you for your kindness, Captain Roy."
But I still want to... achieve my dreams through my own efforts.
He looked at Roy, his eyes resolute:
" Shanks chose to inherit Captain Roger's will, but I will go my own way."
This path may be difficult, and I may fail.
But at least... this was my own choice.
Roy looked at Buggy; it seemed that some members of Roger Pirates had regained their independence.
After a long pause, Roy nodded.
I respect your choice.
He patted Buggy on the shoulder.
"But remember, if you ever change your mind, or need help, feel free to come to me anytime."
The words of concern brought tears to Buggy's eyes, and he nodded vigorously.
"Thank you... thank you, Captain Roy."
The Ark Maxim continue their voyage.
Next destination – the South Blue, Baterilla Island.
Roger's widow, Portgas D. Rouge, was waiting there.
South Blue, Baterilla Island.
This is a remote island far from shipping routes, with a small population and simple, honest people.
On the northernmost tip of the island, there stands a solitary little house.
Inside the room, a beautiful woman with long, deep red hair sat by the window, holding a newspaper in her hand.
The front page of the newspaper featured a photo of Roger being executed.
Portgas D. Rouge.
She gently stroked her slightly protruding belly, her eyes filled with sadness.
" Roger..."
She muttered to herself.
"You're gone, but our child... I will protect him."
Just then, footsteps sounded outside.
Rouge immediately became alert and hid the newspaper under her pillow.
I walked to the door and looked out through the crack.
Two strangers stood outside the door.
One was a young man wearing a black cloak, and the other was a somewhat nervous boy with Red Nose.
"Excuse me, is Ms. Portgas D. Rouge home?"
The young man asked politely.
Rouge's heart tightened suddenly.
She knew her position was sensitive— Roger's wife, and pregnant with his child...
If discovered by the World Government, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Who are you?
She asked through the door, her voice wary.
"We are Roger's friends."
The young man said,
He asked us to come and see you.
Roger's friend?
Rouge hesitated.
Roger did say that he had some trustworthy friends, but they certainly didn't seem to be the two young men outside the door.
"Why should I believe you?" Rouge asked.
"Ah!"
Faced with this question, Roy scratched his head. Roger, that guy, didn't even give him a token.
"I really don't know that!"
"However, you can trust us; I'm here to help you!"
"You..."
Hearing Roy's sincere words, Rouge carefully opened the door a crack.
Seeing that the two people outside the door seemed to have no ill intentions, he then opened the door completely.
But she still held a small knife in her hand, remaining vigilant.
"Hello, Ms. Rouge."
Roy bowed slightly.
"I am Roy, a friend of the Roger Pirates."
This is Buggy, a former apprentice on Roger Pirates.
" Buggy... you're Buggy!"
Rouge clearly recognized Buggy, completely lowered her knife, and her eyes immediately reddened.
Meeting Roger's former crew members evoked a mix of warmth and bittersweetness in her.
Buggy finally snapped out of his shock and stammered,
"Lady Rouge!"
You... you really are the captain's... wife? And you have... a child?!
This news was a huge shock to him.
"Come in and let's talk." Rouge stepped aside, inviting the two into the house.
After entering the house, Roy briefly explained the situation.
This includes Roger's entrustment, the potential search by the World Government, and his offer of asylum.
"I have a solid base in the New World that can guarantee your and your child's absolute safety."
Roy said sincerely.
Rouge listened quietly, her fingers gently stroking her abdomen, her eyes filled with tenderness.
"Thank you for your kindness, Captain Roy."
"But Roger... he believes in Mr. Garp."
I think staying here might be safer than going to the chaotic New World.
I don't want my child to be born into that kind of environment either.
She paused, then continued,
"I will keep it carefully hidden until the baby is born safely. Mr. Garp said he would make the arrangements."
Roy saw the determination in Rouge's eyes and knew that her mind was made up.
This mother is prepared to face everything alone in order to protect her child.
Roy respected her choice, but he couldn't completely ignore it.