"So this so-called 'letter'... was just a dream?"
"To be precise, it was a fragment of Roger's remaining consciousness."
As Michael infused light into Rouge to replenish the life force she had lost, he explained to Rayleigh and Garp.
"Incredible… Is this part of your Devil Fruit ability?"
"You could say it's just a minor extra attribute."
Michael didn't deny it.
The Seraph fruit's ability to interact with the soul wasn't all that strange, right?
Otherwise, how else would you guide kind souls into heaven?
Even someone as carefree as Garp couldn't help but secretly marvel at Michael's words.
The white flames he'd shown back during the smuggling incident and the battle with the Golden Lion…
The radiant Holy Light he just displayed in front of them…
And the power to interact with souls…
What, did he think Garp was uneducated?
Looking at it now, Michael was definitely destined to become the next pillar of the Navy!
The only question was… would he, like Sengoku, possess the qualities of a "king"?
Michael naturally noticed the way Rayleigh and Garp were staring at him like he was some kind of monster.
He let out a helpless sigh.
It's not like he wanted to be this flashy either.
He could attack, he could heal, and thanks to his limitless stamina, he could even act as a tank...
And to top it off, he had wings!
Damn it!
Wasn't this just a damn Druid!?
But since when did Druids radiate holy light from head to toe?
...
Under the nourishing glow of Michael's Holy Light, Rouge, who had just been lost in a dream, slowly began to regain consciousness.
It had taken quite a while, though.
They had arrived at Baterilla Island around noon, and now it was already dusk.
Michael now deeply understood why people said saving others was far harder than destroying them.
It only takes seconds to burn someone to ash with Flame.
But restoring the depleted body of a pregnant woman with Holy Light?
That had taken nearly half a day.
Rouge's complexion had visibly improved compared to before.
"How's Rouge's condition?" Rayleigh looked over at her, then asked cautiously.
"She was on the brink of collapse before, but now… don't worry, I'd say she's probably healthier than you."
Michael wasn't exaggerating.
He had even healed the calluses on her hands.
"Is it really that magical? Can I give it a try too when there's time? My back's been acting up for years…" Garp strode up and pulled Michael into a hug, ruffling his platinum-gold hair with a huge grin.
"Your healing skills are way more reliable than any doctor's."
Michael rolled his eyes.
What a load of crap.
Sure, Holy Light could heal, but it was best suited for treating internal or long-term injuries. Basically, it could fix damage that reduced your health cap.
But if you just took a hit or caught some disease, going to an actual doctor was still your best bet.
From that whole healing session, Michael had also figured out one major drawback of Holy Light...
It took forever.
It's not like being a Holy Paladin where you just slap someone with a full-heal spell and call it a day!
But then again...
Michael hadn't even developed his fruit that far. Maybe studying and developing Holy Light and Flame "spells" could be a proper path for evolving his abilities?
"Old man, get off me. You're not young anymore, so what's with the arm-around-the-shoulder routine?"
"What are you talking about? We're good friends, Little Whitehead."
"Hmph!"
Michael stopped humoring the old man and slipped out of his grasp, walking over to Rouge's bedside.
"I know you've already resolved to die. You're just waiting for Ace to be born before fully embracing death."
"But… your child has already lost his father."
"And now, you want me to stand by and watch him lose his mother too?"
"I can't do it."
Before Rouge could respond, Michael went on a passionate rant.
But after he finally finished his emotional monologue, he noticed Rouge casually tucking her soft pink hair behind her ear, looking at him with a warm smile.
"Uh… did I say something wrong?"
"Every word made perfect sense. But..." Rouge's smile radiated the gentle strength of a mother-to-be. "I never said I was giving up on life."
"...Ahahaha, I see. That's great to hear."
Michael laughed awkwardly and took two steps back.
Dammit!
How embarrassing!
He'd poured his heart out like he was filming some tearjerker drama, only to realize she hadn't even been thinking about dying!
Seeing his embarrassment, Rouge shook her head and explained:
"At first, I did feel the way you said."
"But after experiencing that final dream you gave me… I realized that I have to step up and take responsibility as a parent."
"For both myself and for Roger's sake."
"Whether our child is a boy or a girl, I'll raise them to be the most outstanding person to ever sail these seas!"
Portgas D. Rouge sat up straight in bed, her once frail demeanor now gone!
In its place was the fierce spirit of a true warrior woman!
As expected of someone with a "D" in her name!
But…
"Holy crap! Take it easy! Sitting up that fast—you trying to risk the baby's life or what!?"
Michael hurried to help the now-energized pregnant woman lie back down.
Damn!
She really was one of the D clan!
That same reckless confidence and thick-headed energy—totally on-brand!
No wonder she ended up with the Pirate King Roger. She was far from ordinary!
No two people come out of the same bed alike, huh?
Even as he admired her spirit, Michael felt a bit proud of himself.
Rouge's weak condition wasn't just from the toll of pregnancy.
There was mental strain too—long-term emotional burden turning into illness.
The Holy Light had replenished her body.
That final dream? It had cured her heart.
Physically healed.
Mentally soothed.
"Since you're doing fine now, Rouge, it's time to carry out my plan."
As soon as Michael said this, Garp's smile vanished, and his whole face turned into a giant "囧."
Meanwhile, Michael's own face lit up with a sunny, mischievous grin.
Sure enough, smiles never disappear—they just transfer.
"Plan?" Rouge looked confused. "Isn't the next step just to wait for my due date…?"
"Rouge, you've been in bed this whole time, so you wouldn't know." Rayleigh shook his head.
"Today, the Navy and CP agents landed on Baterilla. They've already started searching for you."
"Exactly why my plan is necessary."
Michael turned to Rouge, looking at her sincerely.
"So uh… Rouge."
"Would you mind… changing your surname, and maybe picking up a new dad while you're at it?"
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