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A year had passed since Robert joined the Roger Pirates. After their adventure on Sky Island alongside the Whitebeard Pirates, both crews spent a week together before parting ways, leaving Skypiea with a light-hearted promise to return someday.
Upon descending to the Blue Sea, the Whitebeard Pirates branched off, charting their own course. But before they left, Whitebeard cast Robert a challenging gaze, the corner of his mouth curling upward. "Next time we meet, I'll be stronger—and I'll make sure you draw that sword," he said. Robert merely smirked, replying with cool confidence, "I'll be waiting."
With their farewells said, the Roger Pirates continued sailing the waters of Paradise for a few more days before making their scheduled monthly visit to the village of Ra.
They were greeted with cheers and celebration. The villagers, once victims of pirates and the brutal hand of the World Government, had shed their past fears. Now, they looked at the Roger Pirates not as threats, but as protectors—better than any pirate crew or even the so-called righteous government itself.
Their week in Ra was filled with laughter, celebration, and shared meals. Amidst the festivities, Robert took time to oversee the growth of Kuma, Ginny, Ivankov, and Shamrock. He offered them guidance and handed over a handbook on Haki—one he had written and simplified so that even a child could grasp its core concepts. Kuma, thanks to his early years with Robert and his Buccaneer heritage, already had a solid foundation. He was ready to begin his Haki training in earnest.
Ginny and Ivankov, however, needed two to three more years before they could handle the rigors of Haki. Shamrock, still a young boy, had a different path—he needed to build his base first. Robert began teaching him how to refine his body without hindering his natural growth and introduced him to the fundamentals of swordsmanship.
All was well. So much so that Robert found himself genuinely surprised—Rose, of all people, was finally giving Gaban some attention. He didn't quite know what to say, but if she was happy, who was he to interfere? As long as Gaban could keep her smiling, Robert had no objections. But if anything displeased him... well, the 'Missionary of Love' had already caught Robert's look, gulped nervously, and gave a shaky nod.
As for Robert himself, his bounty had skyrocketed within a single year—from 600 million berries to a jaw-dropping 1.2 billion. With Roger's bounty at 2.8 billion, Rayleigh's at 2.2 billion, and Gaban's at 1.8 billion, the Roger Pirates were now indisputably one of the most powerful crews on the Grand Line. Alongside Whitebeard's 2.4 billion, these two pirate factions had taken the seas by storm.
No Marine or pirate dared to challenge them—and those foolish enough to try? Nothing remained of them. Only two dared face such monsters: Garp and Sengoku. These two legendary Marines had carved out their own place in history, standing tall as the only ones who could go blow-for-blow with Roger and Whitebeard.
Present Time —
The Roger Pirates were docked at Baterilla—a peaceful island nestled in the South Blue. But what were they doing so far from the Grand Line? The answer lay in Roger's whimsical yet resolute idea.
After so many years of adventure, Roger decided it was time to retrace their journey from the very beginning. From East Blue, they would journey through every sea, island by island, before finally re-entering the Grand Line—determined to become the first crew to sail it in its entirety.
Now, after crossing East, North, and West Blue, they found themselves in the South Blue, rapidly approaching the final leg of their journey.
"Well guys, this is our last stop before we re-enter the Grand Line," Gaban announced as he marked their location on the map.
"We could've restocked using Bob's powers," Rayleigh remarked as he stepped off the ship beside Robert. "But Roger said we're doing this the old-fashioned way."
"Where is he, anyway?" asked Spencer, a man of average height with light skin and light-coloured hair tied in a ponytail. Two strands framed his face, and he wore a dark shirt beneath a light jacket adorned with stylish patches on the sleeve, along with light pants and matching shoes.
Gaban raised a brow. "You're asking us? You're supposed to be our intelligence officer! Why don't you go find him—" he added, motioning Spencer away with a wave.
Spencer just laughed mockingly. "Hahaha… very funny."
Rayleigh sighed, watching the two banter like children, and turned to Robert. "Bob, can you check where he is?"
Robert nodded and extended his Super Advanced Observation Haki across the entire island.
(Note: Because of his Sentry powers, the capability of his Haki is enhanced.)
"He's on the northern side—with Shanks—" Robert blinked, "—and he's happily talking with a woman."
The crew froze mid-task.
"WHAT!?"
They all shouted in unison, rushing to gather around him.
"Oi oi… are you serious?"
"Maybe he's talking to an old lady?"
"Nah, he's definitely getting scammed."
"No way..."
Wild speculation ensued until Rayleigh spoke up.
"Show us."
Robert raised his palm, and a holographic screen appeared above it—clear and bright like magic. On it, Roger was seen chatting with a stunning woman with wavy pink-blonde hair, rendered in ultra-high-definition. One by one, jaws hit the floor.
Even their goofy, carefree captain appeared... normal. Charming, even.
Gaban collapsed in shock, his soul seemingly escaping through his mouth. The absurdity was too much to handle. But no one paid him the slightest attention.
With Roger and the Woman —
"Fufufu~~ you really are a funny man, Roger~~" giggled the woman, covering her mouth with a delicate hand.
Roger grinned as if he'd won a million berries. "You're quite the charmer yourself, Rouge. I'd love to meet you again sometime."
Rouge flushed at his words, glancing away. "Well~~ you could visit anytime. I enjoyed your company."
Shanks, seated nearby and enjoying a hearty meal prepared by Rouge, blinked in confusion.
"But Captain, aren't we sailing the whole Grand Line? How will you come back here once we reenter?"
Roger's smile froze. A storm cloud formed above his head.
"Yeah… you're right," he muttered in a depressed tone.
Seeing his gloomy face, Rouge giggled again. "If you'd like, I can give you my Den Den Mushi number. We could talk whenever you're free."
Roger lit up instantly. "Yosh! You're so smart, Rouge!"
But Shanks wasn't done. "But Big Bro said the Marines might tap our Den Den Mushi. Are you sure it's safe?"
Once again, Roger's mood plummeted. Even Rouge's smile faltered.
Meanwhile, back at the ship —
Laughter erupted.
They were on the ground, tears streaming from their eyes. Some pitied Roger. Others were living for the comedy of it all.
"Hahahahaha! I don't know if I should be laughing or pitying the guy. This is gold!" Rayleigh wheezed, wiping his eyes. "Oi, Bob—save this footage. I want to see his face when we show him."
Robert chuckled and nodded. As he watched Roger and Rouge's frustrated yet oddly cute expressions, he sighed.
"Well, might as well help them out of this mess."
He vanished from the spot.
A moment later, he appeared outside a small cottage and knocked. Rouge opened the door, greeting him with a gentle smile.
"Ah, you must be Bob. Please, come in."
Robert smiled politely. "Thank you."
He stepped into the warm, welcoming interior and glanced around. "Nice place you've got here."
"It's nothing much, but thank you," she replied.
She guided him to the common area where Roger and Shanks were seated. Roger perked up immediately.
"Bobby! Just in time—we need your help—"
"I know," Robert cut him off, raising a hand. "And I've already got the solution."
He retrieved a familiar golden token—the same one he'd given the Roger Pirates—and handed it to Rouge.
"Here. This will solve your problem."
Rouge examined it with curiosity, but Roger burst into laughter.
"Wahahahaha! Bobby, you genius!" He turned to Rouge. "That thing's one of Bobby's creations. As long as you've got it, we can teleport to your location anytime. And if you're ever in danger, just hold it and think of us—we'll be there."
Rouge's eyes sparkled. "Wow… that's amazing!"
"Right!? Big Bro's the coolest!" Shanks chimed in enthusiastically.
Rouge looked at Robert and gave him a playful smile, pinching his cheek. "You're such a miracle boy."
Roger grinned at the exchange, then stood up with a sigh. "Well then, Rouge, it's time we set sail."
Her smile dimmed slightly. "Oh…"
Roger gently took her hand and pressed a soft kiss to the back of it. Rouge blushed but didn't stop him.
Robert cleared his throat while Shanks made a face.
"Big Bro, why'd Captain do that!?"
Robert chuckled and ruffled Shanks's hair. "When you grow up, you'll understand."
With that, they bid Rouge farewell and returned to the ship. She stood outside, waving them off as they readied the sails.
Everything was in place.
"Unfurl the sails—let's continue our journey!"