After this emotional release, Rhett felt lighter. Rouge's gentle warmth had washed away the gloom in his heart, despite her own profound sorrow.
These two really are something...
Rhett gathered Moria, Perona, and Laboon around him.
"Alright, listen up," Rhett said, scratching his head. "You'll have to wait for me in Water 7. I need to—"
Moriah cut in, "Captain, you're overthinking it. Going together would draw too much attention. That'd just put Rouge in danger."
"Yeah, yeah, we totally get it~" Perona floated around Rhett playfully.
"Rhett... go—" Laboon patted Rhett's hand with his tiny flipper, his small eyes filled with determination.
"Alright, then use this time to train hard. I'll leave you my notes on Armament and Observation Haki. Make sure you put in the effort!"
I found a place to rest with Rouge in Windmill Village. It was just as I remembered, Makino running the tavern, always so warm and kind.
Wonder if that red-haired brat really got snagged by her... Heh heh heh.
Shaking off the gossipy thoughts, Rhett rented a two-story house in the village under the mayor's guidance.
He remembered that Garp had entrusted Ace to mountain bandits in the original timeline. Though those bandits were decent and kind-hearted people...
That wasn't an option now.
Roger and Rouge had genuinely treated Rhett as their younger brother. Naturally, he wanted to provide Rouge with a peaceful and stable life.
Mountain bandits? Absolutely not.
Three days later, a dog-headed Marine warship docked at Windmill Village's port.
Rhett was already waiting at the pier, his true appearance revealed.
"Hahaha! Rhett, brat! Long time no see!"
Rhett scowled. "Let's go. We'll talk at my place."
Back at the house, Rouge served them tea and snacks.
From Rhett, she had learned that despite being a Marine, Garp was Roger's close friend—and that they would need his help moving forward.
Rhett fixed his gaze on Garp. "So, what's your plan?"
Garp clapped his fist into his palm, a lightbulb practically appearing over his head.
Rhett bared his shark-like teeth. "You're only thinking about this NOW, you bastard?!"
Garp burst into laughter. "Easy! I'll just say Rouge is my adopted daughter. Problem solved!"
Rhett eyed Garp's smug expression. "Garp, I'm touched you'd sacrifice your reputation, but let me ask you something."
Garp, still pleased with his "genius" idea, waved a hand. "Go ahead."
"Might sound harsh, but... given the World Government's shamelessness, are you really that confident?"
Garp's grin faded.
As a Marine Vice Admiral, he couldn't stay in Windmill Village indefinitely. A sudden "daughter" would undoubtedly draw CP0's attention. Could his reputation truly protect them?
With Rhett here, Rouge wouldn't resort to taking delay-inducing drugs to evade capture either.
This was the thing, the real problem for both of us.
Garp silently crushed his teacup, hot liquid dripping between his fingers. His eyes brimmed with guilt.
Rouge gently set down the teapot and patted his shoulder. "Garp-san, please don't blame yourself."
Rhett's gaze sharpened. "I have a plan."
Garp took a deep breath and slowly looked up. "...What is it?"
Rhett pulled out a nautical chart and spread it across the table. "The World Government's intelligence network is strongest in the Grand Line and Marine bases. The East Blue—your home turf—is actually the safest."
He pointed to an isolated island near Windmill Village. "Fooshia Mountain. Close enough to the village, but remote enough to stay hidden."
Garp frowned. "You want Rouge living in the mountains?"
"No." Rhett shook his head. "I'll build a cabin there as a decoy. Meanwhile, Rouge will live in Windmill Village as 'Makino's distant cousin.'"
Rouge's eyes widened slightly. "But—"
"The most dangerous place is the safest." Rhett smirked. "Even if CP0 investigates, they'll only find the false trail on Fooshia Mountain. A tavern owner's relative in a peaceful village? Never suspect a thing."
Garp would need to "discover" Fooshia Mountain himself.
They'd plant evidence of Rouge's "presence" there, then have Garp—as the Marine Hero—personally destroy half the island.
He'd claim to have "executed the Pirate King's widow," presenting photos as proof. The obliterated terrain would make verification impossible.
Why did I do it? The slaughter... it sickened me. I just lost it.
They only cared about appearances. Garp's life… it wouldn't matter to them either way.
So long as they believed Rouge was dead, who'd question it?
Rhett studied Garp. "Old man, can your men be trusted?"
Garp stroked his chin, then suddenly grinned. "Brat, you've got a sharp mind!"
Rhett rolled his eyes. "Still better than your half-baked 'adopted daughter' scheme."
That night, Makino was invited to Rhett's home.
After hearing the plan, she agreed without hesitation. "Rouge can stay in the tavern's back room. It's quiet and private."
Rouge clasped her hands gratefully. "Thank you, Makino."
Makino smiled warmly. "You're such a kind person, Rouge. I couldn't possibly turn you away."
Rhett exhaled inwardly. With Makino—beloved by the villagers—providing cover, Rouge's disguise would hold.
Three days later, Garp's warship returned.
He made a show of "searching for suspicious individuals" with a squad of Marines, then dramatically scoured Fooshia Mountain before departing—mission "accomplished."
Under Garp's assault, half of Fooshia Mountain sank into the sea.
Right. I'm Maria now, Makino's cousin. Been here a year, just like that.
Before leaving, Garp gripped Rhett's shoulder firmly. "Kid, I'm heading out. Leave Rouge and the child to me."
For once, Rhett didn't retort. He simply nodded. "Yeah. I trust you."
Days passed.
As "Maria," Rouge blended into village life, helping Makino at the tavern until she became a familiar, gentle presence.
One evening, Rouge gazed at the sunset in silence.
Leaning against the doorframe, Rhett handed her a cup of warm milk. "What's on your mind?"
Rouge smiled. "Just wondering... if this child will love the sea as much as his father did."
Rhett thought of Ace's original fate. With Rouge alive, would he still end up calling Whitebeard "Pops"?
Better drill it into him. If he dares call someone else 'Dad' and mess up my seniority, he's dead.
Not wanting to dwell on heavy thoughts, Rhett shrugged. "The Captain's kid? Bound to be talented."
Rouge giggled. "Then Garp will definitely fight to be his teacher."
They shared a quiet laugh.
"Rhett... it's time for you to go."
Rhett frowned. "Rouge, now's not the time for this."
He intended to stay until after Rouge gave birth. Moriah and the others would need time to master Haki anyway.
Rouge shook her head, resting a hand on her slightly rounded abdomen. "I'll protect this child. But your place... isn't here."
Rhett fell silent.
She suddenly flashed a mischievous smile and pulled out a small golden pocket watch from her bosom, handing it to Rhett.
"This is...?"
"Roger's pocket watch left for you. I made some slight modifications—the bronze casing was too old and hideous. Besides, my husband was always so careful with the photo inside but so careless with the exterior."
Rouge blinked playfully. "There's a 'Vivre Card' hidden inside—mine."
Her smile was tender yet resolute: "So no matter where you are, if you ever want to return, you'll always be able to find your big sister."
Night deepened as Rhett stood by the shore, gazing at the calm sea.
Now, Rouge had given him the same answer.
She refused to become his shackles, just as Roger had refused to become the world's chains.
"Heh..." Rhett chuckled lowly, tightening his grip around the watch.
"Honestly... you're all so damn willful, every last one of you."