Seeing such a heartwarming scene, Reid was deeply moved.
At that moment, a card floated into Reid's vision, and the system's voice echoed in his mind.
[Portgas D. Rouge: Wife of Gol D. Roger, currently pregnant.]
"Rouge looks even more charming in person—she really suits Roger. Those must be freckles on her face, not pockmarks. And the person next to her…"
Reid then turned his gaze to the blue-haired man beside Rouge.
[Elio: Member of the Roger Pirates. Traits: Likes wearing floral shirts and a round hat.]
"Seems like he doesn't have any special abilities. And the doctor on Roger's crew—probably not strong either."
Shanks and Buggy watched from the side, both grinning, their hearts warmed by the scene.
"This is what family feels like. Hmm."
Shanks murmured softly. Hearing this, Buggy suddenly felt a pang of envy.
"I, Buggy, will have a family too someday—and lots of kids! Lots and lots!"
"Are you Captain Roger's wife, Rouge?" Shanks asked as he approached Rouge, his eyes filled with curiosity.
She chuckled softly. "Yes. And who might you be, little one?"
"I… I'm Shanks, a crew member of the Roger Pirates."
Shanks' face turned red—Rouge's voice was so gentle.
"Oh, how impressive."
Rouge smiled sweetly, her eyes brimming with kindness.
"You flatter me, Captain's wife."
Shanks scratched his head shyly. After years of living without women around, hearing such a tender voice felt unfamiliar.
Buggy also stepped forward awkwardly to greet her.
"Hello, Rouge. I'm Buggy."
"Oh, little Buggy, are you also part of Roger's crew?"
"Yeah."
Buggy nodded, his face reddening.
Rouge reached out, patting both Shanks and Buggy on the head.
"You're both wonderful. We're family."
Shanks grinned.
Buggy rubbed his red nose, pleased by her words.
Rouge smiled before turning a loving gaze toward Roger.
"Roger… I thought you'd never come back."
She wiped the corner of her eye, overwhelmed with joy.
"Hahaha! See? I'm back in one piece."
"But… didn't you say your body was failing?"
"Well, I'm fine now. We'll talk more later. Right now, the Marines are closing in—we need to leave quickly."
Roger's expression turned serious. No matter what, Rouge and Ace's safety came first.
"Captain Roger, I'll contact Rayleigh and the others now."
"Ah, Elio, good job."
"Just following orders, Captain. That's what Elio does best."
Roger clapped Elio on the shoulder.
"Call Rayleigh and have him bring the Oro Jackson here. Once we're at sea, we're free."
Elio nodded and pulled out a Den Den Mushi.
"So that's a Den Den Mushi? It looks so realistic, like a living creature. I wonder how it feels to hold one."
Reid watched curiously—the world of pirates was full of strange and fascinating things.
"Hahaha! Perfect. Hurry and call Rayleigh."
"Yes, Captain."
Elio dialed Rayleigh's number.
"Pururu pururu, pururu pururu…"
"Rayleigh speaking."
The Den Den Mushi's face morphed into a tired, sluggish expression.
"Rayleigh, it's Elio. Captain Roger is fine now."
"Ah… I know. I'm tracking him via his Vivre Card. Where are you, Elio?"
"Baterilla Island in the South Blue. The captain and his wife are here. Bring the Oro Jackson and rally the crew as fast as possible."
"Oh, so Roger's with you? Wait… did you say his wife? Roger has a wife?!"
On the other end, Rayleigh's glasses nearly fell off in shock.
"Heh, yeah. I was surprised too. Her name's Rouge—a real beauty, kind and gentle."
"Oh, Elio, stop exaggerating."
Rouge blushed and turned away.
"HAHAHAHA!" Roger snatched the Den Den Mushi from Elio and boasted, "Rayleigh, remember when you said I'd never get a wife? Well, look at me now! HAHAHA!"
"Tch… Roger, you bastard."
Rayleigh smirked on the other end, his eyes filled with amusement and warmth.
"Not just that—Rouge's due in a few months!"
"WHAT?! Roger, when did you—"
"Heh, right after I first left the ship. Came to Baterilla and met Rouge."
Rouge rolled her eyes. "Roger, focus. We don't have time for this."
"Right, right…"
"Ha ha ha, sorry."
After hearing Rouge's words, Rayleigh's expression turned serious again.
"Roger, if the Navy has launched a Buster Call, they must know you're currently on Baterilla Island."
"Ah~ Yeah, Rayleigh, how soon can you get here? If it's too late, I'll have to take Rouge and leave first."
"Not sure. All I know is that the Oro Jackson is moving really fast."
Roger was stunned for a moment, then grinned mischievously. "Heh, could it be Sea Kings?"
"Yeah. Alright, enough talk. You be careful."
"Wait, remember to contact the others and get them here too."
"Don't worry, I'm not like you—I already notified them."
"Ha ha ha ha, that's why I can always count on you, Rayleigh."
After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Roger said, "Since the Navy has mobilized a Buster Call, they're probably monitoring the whole world. We might as well wait here for the rest of the crew to arrive. When they do, we'll be counting on Reid."
Reid was taken aback and quickly waved his hands in embarrassment.
"Uh... Brother Roger, don't joke around. I don't know how to do anything."
"Ha ha ha ha, Brother Reid, you're too modest. This time, you have to lend a hand. We're all in this together."
"Roger, are you talking about my medical skills?"
Reid began to understand. His combat abilities were just average, but if Roger was referring to...