To commemorate the tremendous contribution of the Roger Pirates to the island, the island's residents spontaneously organized an event: they planned to erect a statue of Roger, placing it right in the capital city of the Morley Kingdom.
At this point, Roger's status among the island's people was even higher than that of King Kaiser.
After staying for more than ten days longer, and once the island had fully stabilized, the Roger Pirates finally requested to depart.
"You're leaving now?"
King Kaiser felt conflicted; on one hand, he wanted Roger to stay and help secure the country.
On the other hand, he worried that Roger might one day threaten his own rule.
"Yes. After staying here for over two months, it's time for us to go."
"Then I wish you safe travels. The Morley Kingdom will always welcome your return."
"Thank you."
At this farewell gathering, Katherine didn't appear; perhaps she didn't want to feel the pain of parting from Baichuan again.
"Roger, come fight me one-on-one."
Just as Roger was about to board the ship, Bullet suddenly challenged him.
The crowd instantly fell silent, and even King Kaiser stood frozen in place, as if he'd just heard something unbelievable.
Roger paused for a moment, then slowly said, "All right."
"Your Majesty, I need a favor. Is there an uninhabited island somewhere around this area?"
"There is, but it's not exactly nearby. Do you want me to send someone to guide you?"
"No need. Just tell me the direction."
"South. The uninhabited island lies to the south; no one lives there."
"Good. Follow me, Bullet."
As soon as he finished speaking, Roger leapt into the air using a technique similar to Moonwalk (Geppo) and flew toward the south.
Even though he didn't know the exact location, his Observation Haki would lead him there.
Barrett followed close behind. Even from a distance, Baichuan could feel the fiery intensity radiating from Bullet.
"This is gonna be good, let's follow them!"
Since the captain was absent, First Mate Rayleigh was now in charge.
They boarded the ship and set sail toward the battle, knowing this was likely their last time in this place.
"Mr. Rayleigh, do you need an escort?"
King Kaiser asked as he watched Rayleigh preparing the ship.
"No, there's no need. You've brought us far enough. What's about to happen will be too dangerous for any of you."
As soon as he finished speaking, those with sharp senses felt a terrifying pressure erupt from the south.
"Oh? It's already started. Bullet is impatient."
"What is this… it feels terrifying…"
Though King Kaiser was a ruler with natural presence, under the collision of Conqueror's Haki from Roger and Bullet, he felt like a worm facing a dragon.
"Go back now. This place is no longer safe for you."
Rayleigh's voice carried a trace of Conqueror's Haki, snapping Kaiser out of his daze.
"Thank you, Mr. Rayleigh," the king said gratefully, his eyes filled with deep awe.
He hadn't expected the two men he'd been interacting with so casually to be this overwhelmingly powerful.
Looking south, toward the island, his heart filled with dread.
"All right, First Mate, let's hurry before the fight ends!"
Baichuan couldn't wait.
He was thrilled, after all, battles like this were rare.
"Don't worry. Those two won't finish anytime soon."
The ship sailed steadily toward the island where Roger and Bullet were fighting.
Baichuan was practically buzzing with excitement.
And he wasn't the only one; Shanks felt the same.
Shanks pressed down on his straw hat, unable to suppress a wide grin of anticipation.
"You two…" Rayleigh said with a sigh, noticing their enthusiasm.
He could already tell that these two would never live quietly.
If their strength grew enough, they'd roam the seas endlessly and create legends of their own.
After sailing for over an hour, they finally reached the island where Roger and Bullet were fighting.
The sounds of explosions and shockwaves echoed endlessly in the air.
Baichuan was about to fly up for a closer look, but Rayleigh stopped him immediately.
"What are you doing, Rayleigh?" Baichuan asked, frustrated that his curiosity was being blocked.
"You're not ready to watch this fight up close. It's still too early for you."
Rayleigh shook his head.
"Damn it…"
Baichuan slammed his fist against the deck.
It stung to realize he wasn't even strong enough to watch such a battle.
It wasn't the Conqueror's Haki that worried Rayleigh; Baichuan could handle that.
What he meant was that one stray blow in that battle could instantly kill him.
Rayleigh patted him on the shoulder.
"I believe you'll become stronger very soon."
"Of course."
Baichuan was confident.
He had incredible stamina and regeneration; as long as there was food, he could go without sleep forever.
He had already resolved to train relentlessly.
Though no one could see the fight from this distance, Baichuan never took his eyes off the island.
He wasn't the only one. Many others watched with fixed gazes, captivated.
As for those skilled in Observation Haki, they simply closed their eyes, sensing the battle through its ripples.
Before long, night fell, but there was still no sign that the fight was ending.
"Mr. Rayleigh, what's the situation?"
Shanks asked anxiously.
He, too, regretted not being able to witness the clash firsthand.
"Be patient. It's still not over."
A whole night passed before the sounds of battle finally began to die down.
"Mr. Rayleigh, is it over? Who won?"
"It's over. Of course, Roger won."
Bullet was strong, but he was still not quite Roger's match.
Soon, Roger's figure emerged from the island, and the epic one-day, one-night duel finally came to a close.
"Set sail."
Once aboard, Roger gave the order to depart.
"But Captain… Bullet isn't on board yet," a crew member asked cautiously.
After all, Roger looked a little battered from the fight.
"He's no longer part of the Roger Pirates."
"What?!"
Over half the crew gasped in shock.
"Damn it…"
Bullet lay exhausted in the center of the island, his eyes filled with frustration and unwillingness.
Tears streamed down his face.
"Roger… one day, I will surpass you.
Don't you dare die before then."
The island around him was filled with deep craters and sword marks.
Some of the sword scars still emitted raging sword energy.
At this point, an ordinary person couldn't even step foot on the island; they'd be torn apart by the residual force alone.