The Ark Maxim are moored at the lighthouse.
Crocus's territory became a temporary stronghold.
The old man said it was "troublesome," but after rummaging through drawers and cabinets, he found a bunch of giant squid rolls, saying they were "treasured for many years."
"Giant squid stew?" Jesus Burgess' eyes lit up. "Is it edible?"
"Nonsense."
Crocus placed the plate on the table.
"Back when I was on Roger's ship, this is what I survived on."
Jesus Burgess grabbed a piece, stuffed it into his mouth, chewed it a couple of times, and his eyes widened. "Delicious!"
Then he started stuffing food into his mouth like crazy, one piece after another, his cheeks bulging out like a hamster's.
Yamato couldn't stand it anymore. "Are you an idiot?"
"Hahahaha!"
Jesus Burgess laughed indistinctly.
Being able to eat is a blessing!
Savi joined in the scramble for food, the two of them taking turns, and the squid rolls on the plate dwindled at a visible rate.
Charon silently reached out with his chopsticks, picked up the last piece, stuffed it into his mouth, and chewed it expressionlessly.
" Charon!" Jesus Burgess screamed, "You attacked me from behind!"
All's fair in war.
Everyone burst into laughter.
Roy helped Crocus install several improved devices in the Hachinosu —medical testing instruments, blood analyzers, and small sterile operating tables, all products of Dr. Gracia's hard work.
Crocus circled the equipment several times, muttering, "What a hassle... they really know how to make a fuss..."
But Roy noticed that the old man had a smile in his eyes when he was adjusting the equipment.
"Mr. Crocus."
Roy leaned against the door frame.
"Do you still have Roger's old logbook?"
Crocus paused for a moment.
"You want it?"
"Let me take a look."
Crocus was silent for a moment, then walked to the bookshelf and pulled out a thick notebook from the innermost shelf. The cover was yellowed and the edges were worn, but it was well preserved.
"I can't give you the original manuscript." He handed the notebook to Roy. "This is what Roger left for me."
Roy took the notebook and turned to the first page.
Roger's handwriting was surprisingly neat—every word was written clearly, and there were also simple nautical charts and annotations next to it.
The records are a mixed bag, including weather changes, island features, pirate crews encountered, and some inexplicable exclamations.
"I fought Garp again today. That old guy is getting stronger and stronger."
"I ran into a bunch of arrogant brats and taught them a lesson. Rayleigh said I was taking it too seriously, but I wasn't."
What does the end of the Grand Line look like?
Roy flipped through the pages, and by the time he reached the last few pages, the handwriting had become noticeably messy.
Time is running out.
Some things can't be written here. But one day, someone will find the answer.
"Not us. They're people from the next generation."
The last page contained only one sentence.
"I only realized how ridiculous the world is after I came here."
Roy closed his notebook and remained silent for a long time.
"Thanks." He handed the notebook back to Crocus.
Crocus took the notebook and carefully placed it back on the bookshelf.
Roger remained calm until the very end, when he disbanded his pirate crew.
The old man sat back down in his chair, gazing at the sea outside the window.
He said his life had been worthwhile. His only regret was not seeing that 'future'.
He turned his head and looked at Roy.
"I don't know what he means by 'future.' But I think you're closer to that answer than he is."
Roy didn't say anything.
He had hoped Roger's logbook might contain some information about the Laugh Tale. Little did he know that Roger, in the end, was also a riddle-maker...
The Twin Cape have been bustling like a festival these past two days.
Yamato discovered a new way for Laboon play—she climbed onto the whale's back, used the smooth whale skin as a slide, slid down from its head to its tail, ran back, and slid down again. She was having a blast.
" Yamato! I want to play too!"
Pea stood on Laboon's back and carefully slid down, screaming halfway down.
"Too fast! Too fast!"
She fell into the sea with a splash, and when Charon pulled her out, seaweed was still clinging to her hair.
"One more time!" Pea wiped her face and climbed back up.
Enel put on a "fireworks show" above Laboon's head. Thundercloud were released from his palm, exploding into golden sparks of electricity in mid-air, illuminating the entire sea.
Laboon tilted its head back, watching intently, its tail gently slapping the surface of the sea as if applauding.
"Hahaha! My art is unparalleled!"
"Cut."
Tesoro, unconvinced, also floated into the air, activating the power of his Rumble-Rumble Fruit, instantly illuminating the entire sky.
"That's what art is!"
The two started arguing again, and the argument escalated.
Kazami sat alone on the rocks beneath the lighthouse, a long sword across his lap, his eyes closed.
He slightly rotated his wrist, mimicking the trajectory of a sword swing.
Bar did squats on the beach, carrying a boulder bigger than himself, counting. "Nine hundred and ninety-seven... nine hundred and ninety-eight... nine hundred and ninety-nine... one thousand!"
He threw the rock down, collapsed on the beach, and gasped for breath.
" Bar, how many sets do you do a day?" Savi walked over.
"One hundred sets."
Are you crazy?
"Boss Bullet said, 'No food until you've done your job.'"
Savi's lips twitched. Bullet, as always, was a master at training people.
evening.
The setting sun dyed the sea surface orange-red, Laboon floated on the sea like a small black island.
Luo sat alone on the rocks beneath the lighthouse, gazing into the distance in a daze.
Roy came over and sat down next to him.
What are you thinking about?
Luo didn't speak.
Roy didn't ask any further questions. He took a piece of candy out of his pocket, unwrapped it, and popped it into his mouth.
A large hand covered Luo's spotted hat.
" Corazon wouldn't want you to become like that."
Upon hearing Corazon's name again, Luo's hands clenched tightly.
" Corazon risked his life to give you the fruit. Not because he wanted you to avenge him, but because he felt—you deserved to live."
Luo lowered his head, his shoulders trembling slightly.
So, don't let him down.
There was a long silence.
Luo gave a low "hmm".
The Log Pose was full. In two days, Crocus made a number of pills to inhibit Amber Lead Disease. Finally, he even made a copy of his medical notes and gave it to Roy.
According to him, Crocus did not want his medical skills to be lost.
Having bid farewell to Crocus, the Ark Maxim ascended into the sky, its golden hull shimmering in the morning light.
Laboon surfaced, tilted its head back, and let out a long, drawn-out whale moo.
The voice was no longer sorrowful, but full of anticipation.
Crocus stood at the lighthouse entrance and waved to the spaceship.
"Come again next time! This old man will treat you to something even better!"
Yamato lay on the ship's railing, waving frantically. "I'll definitely come!"
Pea waved back, "Take care, Mr. Crocus!"
Luo stood at the stern, gazing at the Twin Cape that were gradually shrinking.
The sea breeze tousled his hair and also his voice.
"Thanks."
Roy leaned against the mast, a faint smile playing on his lips.
The Ark Maxim broke through the clouds and flew towards its next destination.