"Hehe, alright. Brother Roger, I still have questions."
"Reid, why do you have so many questions?"
Roger leaned in, his face almost pressed against Reid's, his eyes glancing sideways with exasperation.
"Uh, I have to ask. There are still many people who want to know—just one last question."
"Reid, you mentioned earlier that many people want to know. Who are you referring to?"
Roger leaned back, completely baffled, having no idea who Reid was talking about.
"Shihihi, those people are ones I can't afford to offend. Brother Roger, is the so-called ONE PIECE actually not a massive treasure at all? Or perhaps the real treasure isn't gold or jewels but something else entirely?"
After speaking, Reid carefully observed Roger's expression. This was a popular theory among many.
"Hahaha, Brother Reid, how did you come up with that idea?"
Though Roger said this, he was inwardly shocked.
"Reid actually knows about this too! I only told Newgate that guy!"
"Oh, I'm just speculating based on the world's situation. The oppression by the Celestial Dragons is too brutal. I wonder if some powerful force is about to emerge that could counter the World Government controlled by the Celestial Dragons. Or perhaps... some kind of truth?"
"Reid, are you some kind of monster?!"
Roger flashed in front of Reid again, this time pressing his face firmly against Reid's.
"Uh, hehe... I'm the Chosen One. Isn't it normal for me to know some things in advance?"
"Brother Reid, I think you're being a bit shameless."
Roger blurted this out, leaving Reid both amused and speechless.
"Hahaha, I never thought I could leave the Pirate King himself at a loss for words."
"You brat, hahaha! The Roger Pirates have gained another brother who truly understands me."
After laughing heartily, Roger picked up a bottle of wine and drank deeply, then added: "I've told Newgate the route to ONE PIECE before. Reid, do you want to know too?"
"I... don't."
Reid had initially wanted to say yes, but for some reason, he changed his mind.
"Oh? You're not interested?"
Roger was surprised. Whether for Marines or pirates, this was an enormous temptation.
"Yeah, as long as I'm with the companions I care about, I'm happy. As for some so-called great treasure... heh, I couldn't care less."
Reid waved a finger dismissively, his face full of confidence.
"Hahahaha, interesting. All I can say is that relying on Log Poses isn't always a good thing."
"So that's how it is. I remember in the flashbacks, Roger threw the Log Pose into the sea."
Reid looked as if he'd had a sudden realization.
"Roger, where are we heading now? To find Rouge?"
"Hah, yeah. Rouge should be close to giving birth by now."
As he spoke, Roger pulled out a vivre card.
"Ah, is that a vivre card? It looks like ordinary paper?"
Reid stared dumbfounded at the small piece of paper in Roger's hand, finding it fascinating.
"Hehe, yeah. Reid, don't you have a vivre card?"
"I really don't. I don't have much use for this thing."
"Hahahaha, it's still somewhat useful. At least now my crew knows I'm not dead yet."
Roger grinned widely, not seeming tired at all.
"I suppose so. Roger, Sister Rouge must be several months pregnant by now. We need to find her quickly and take her somewhere safe to give birth to Ace."
"Reid, if I were to die, would Rouge really die too? Would she be captured by the Marines?"
Though he was the Pirate King, Roger felt a pang of fear at Reid's earlier words.
"Yes, that's exactly what would happen. To evade the Marines' purge of the Roger Pirates' remnants, Rouge resorted to extreme measures, keeping Ace in her womb for a full 20 months before giving birth."
Hearing this, Roger slammed the table in fury, shattering it instantly. His eyes even reddened slightly.
"Those damn lapdogs of the Celestial Dragons! They're completely fooled by them—a bunch of idiots!"
After venting his anger, Roger walked over to Reid.
"Brother Reid, thank you!"
Roger hugged Reid, tears glistening in his eyes.
"It's nothing. Maybe fate sent me here to help you, Roger."
Reid felt a sense of accomplishment and even a bit of empathy. He could understand Roger's feelings.
"Hahahaha, you're absolutely right. Come, let's go out to the deck."
"Alright."
The two stepped out of the cabin, and Buggy was the first to run over.
"Captain Roger, are we going to Wano Country?"
"Wano Country? That land of cherry blossoms... too bad it'll be ruined later by Orochi and Kaido."
Reid thought to himself.
"Not for now. Hey, Shanks, speed up! Gather everyone!"
"We're already at full speed. This ship is too small."
Shanks shouted back, his eyes still glancing at Reid.
"Too small? Hmm, it's definitely no match for the Oro Jackson."
"Captain, gather everyone. Are we going to fight Golden Lion?"
Whack
Roger smacked on the head.
"Fight my foot! I'm perfectly alive right now. Of course, we need to call everyone back and bring the Jackson over too."
"Oh, then where are we going now?"
Bucky rubbed his head, tears welling up in the corners of his eyes.
"To the usual spot. And we'll throw a party to welcome our new member, Reid."
"Party? Hahahaha, I love parties the most!"
Bucky touched his red nose and grinned widely.
"Haha, Bucky, if you can't hold your liquor, just don't drink."
"Shanks, don't talk nonsense! My drinking skills are unmatched in the world!"
Bucky jumped up, waving his fists, looking utterly furious.
"You two brats are always bickering. Acting like this won't make you captain material in the future."
"Captain Roger, you've got to believe me! I'm the future Pirate King, Bucky! Even if my body gets chopped into dozens of pieces, I'll be fine. I'm way stronger than that guy Shanks!"
"What did you say, Bucky? My defeated rival."
"Shanks! Come over here if you dare!"