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After Jason took Trens to the town hospital, Rojen's group also began the process of moving. In truth, there wasn't much to move. Within three hours, they had purchased a new house with a courtyard in town.
It covered over 400 square meters, including a main hall, guest rooms, a master bedroom, a secondary bedroom, six rooms in total, perfectly suiting their needs.
"Captain, Trens' injuries will take at least three months to recover. His left lung was damaged." Jason reported.
"Rouge also needs a period of rest. After childbirth, she must not be jostled around."
Crocodile added quietly.
Rojen narrowed his eyes. He understood both of their concerns clearly, yet still couldn't stop himself from clenching his fists.
"In reality, the power of the Celestial Dragons is overwhelming. Compared to them, we're still not strong enough. We could spend some time training and only then go after Lordling…" Jason suggested, seeing the look in Rojen's eyes.
Just then, Rouge walked out holding the baby. The three men immediately went silent.
"Sister-in-law, how's Ace?" Rojen asked with a smile.
"Don't ask me about Ace. He's doing great. But you, if there's something you want to do, go do it," Rouge replied, staring into Rojen's eyes seriously.
"It's nothing," Rojen said casually.
"What about Lordling? You haven't gotten her back yet, have you?" Rouge pressed.
"You just focus on resting. Leave everything to us, we'll take care of it," Rojen replied with a gentle smile.
"Rojen, listen to me. Go. I can wait for you all, but Lordling can't. And neither can you. Don't hide it from me. Your expression, your face, it's covered in anxiety." Rouge's voice struck deep in Rojen's heart, and the smile on his face could no longer hold.
"I understand." Silently unclenching his fists, Rojen's face turned solemn.
"Thank you, sister-in-law. I'll stay with you for two more days. Once you've recovered a bit, I'll go bring Lordling back."
Only then did Rouge finally smile.
"Alright."
Once Rouge left, Rojen turned his gaze to Crocodile and Jason, who sat nearby.
"Get ready. In two days… we set off!"
At those words, a sharp glint flashed in both of their eyes. Neither of them spoke, but the battle spirit inside them was already burning fiercely. They spent the next day outside, ensuring the town's safety.
In fact, when they had chosen the house near the rapeseed flower fields earlier, it was precisely because the area was remote and uninhabited. This town was similar, sparsely populated. If someone were hidden inside, they'd be nearly impossible to find.
Besides, this was Alabasta, not a place the Marines could easily infiltrate. Even if they did, thoroughly searching an entire country would be nearly impossible.
After all, the sovereignty of each nation wasn't something that could be violated lightly. The Marines might offer support when a country was in crisis, but in times of peace, they had no right to interfere arbitrarily.
…
Two days later, at dawn, "Ace, grow up strong, alright? Your future… it's going to be amazing."
Sitting by the bed, Rojen gently squeezed Ace's chubby little hand, his eyes filled with warmth. Behind him, Rouge stood quietly, watching with a soft smile.
"Captain." Four minutes later, Jason's voice called from outside the door.
"It's time for me to go."
Rojen gave Ace's hand one last squeeze and slowly stood up.
"Take care, Rojen," Rouge said seriously.
"Don't worry," He nodded, and then turned to leave.
When he reached the doorway, he saw Jason standing outside. Trens was slumped weakly on Jason's shoulder, and Crocodile stood nearby, puffing on a lit cigar, smoke curling around him.
"What's with him?" Rojen asked, nodding toward Trens.
"Captain, I'm coming too! The pain they gave me, I want to return it with my own hands!" Trens said through clenched teeth.
"This kid begged me the whole night last night. I couldn't do anything about it," Jason said helplessly.
Rojen chuckled, walked over and patted Trens on the shoulder, causing the latter to cough violently, then turned and strode away.
"Alright then, come along. Just don't die out there!"
Trens's eyes lit up. Despite still coughing, he responded with a loud and energetic "Yes!"
The four of them slowly left the town, their figures soon disappearing along a narrow path.
After arriving in Alabasta, Crocodile called for a camel-drawn carriage.
Once the four were aboard, Rojen sat cross-legged and began circulating hid energy for internal training.
…
Two days later, the carriage arrived at Nanohana Port City. This time, their travel speed had been much faster than before. They quickened their pace toward the harbor, where Rojen immediately spotted [The Logan], the ship that had been docked along the coastline for quite some time.
"Jason, Crocodile, go buy some food," Rojen instructed. "Also, pick up an Log Pose."
After giving orders to the two men behind him, Rojen headed toward [The Logan].
Because it had been left unattended for a long time, the ship had gathered a thick layer of dust. From a distance, it even looked a bit rundown. The sails were tattered in several places, likely the result of local children roughhousing.
Supporting Trens up onto the ship, Rojen fetched a bucket, broom, and mop and began cleaning.
His Internal Energy was abundant and his stamina vigorous, so he worked quickly. By the time Crocodile and Jason returned, each carrying massive bundles, the entire ship had already been restored to a clean, fresh state.
"Captain, I bought food and daily supplies," Jason said as he approached. "Crocodile bought sails, some orange saplings, and a bunch of other things."
Jason's voice reached them even before his figure did.
Rojen shook his head with a smile.
"Hurry and load it up. It's time to set sail."
One hour later, [The Logan] had fully returned to its former glory. Though it had looked shabby earlier, its keel was intact, and the ship's overall structure was solid, no major issues at all.
"Let's set off!" Jason shouted from the bow of the ship, laughing heartily.
Crocodile stood beside him, his gaze fixed on the vast sea ahead. His expression was deep, contemplative, with white smoke curling at his lips. It seemed even he felt a bit emotional, finally setting out on a new journey once more.
"Trens, how is it? Your first time at sea!" Jason called out loudly to Trens, who was slumped over at the edge of the ship, trying to breathe.
"I feel stifled," Trens panted, his vision a bit hazy.
"Kid, your lung's injured. Go rest properly," Jason scolded.
"No! I want to stand right here, I want to remember this moment of my first voyage for the rest of my life!" Trens took a deep breath and declared loudly.
Then, despite the pain in his lungs, he shouted toward the sea with all his might:
"From this day forward, I, Trens, am a man of the sea! Hahahahahahaha!"
"Cough! Cough! Cough!"
After the shout came a fit of violent coughing from Trens.
"Let's go," Rojen said as he walked over, nodding at Jason.
Jason strode forward in big steps, raised the anchor, and took the helm.
"Setting sail!"
With that shout, [The Logan] shuddered and began to move.
(End Of This Chapter)