After dinner, Rhett leaned against the doorframe, watching Rouge clear the dishes. He felt a bit awkward. He cleared his throat and spoke up. "Um... Big Sister, there's something I wanted to talk to you about."
Rouge didn't look up. She kept wiping the plates and turned her face away.
Rhett clicked his tongue. Yep, she was still mad at him. They had promised to be back in one week, but he had dragged it out to a month.
Rhett pitifully poked Rouge's arm. "Big Sister, I was wrong. I admit I was a little late. I promise I won't do it again."
Then he poked her again.
"What is it? If you want to take the children out to run wild again, I won't agree. You were gone a whole month this time. I couldn't sleep from worrying."
Rhett rubbed his nose and gave an awkward smile. "This time is different. I wanted to ask... do you want to come with us?"
Rouge paused in her movements. She turned her head and looked at him suspiciously. "Travel?"
"That's right!" Rhett's eyes lit up. This had potential. He knew that his big sister had never been one to sit still. Don't let her usual gentleness fool you.
If you think about it carefully, if Rouge were the type to play it safe, how could she have fallen in love with a terminally ill man like Roger? She knew Roger didn't have long to live. She knew that after Roger died, she would face all kinds of danger. But she still chose love.
And besides, when Rhett went to pick her up, why would she ask to watch a fight? Based on all of the above, how could a woman who was drawn to Roger be content to stay cooped up in a small village forever?
That was why Rhett had made his previous invitations. Rhett's strength was at a level where, as long as he didn't go to Mary Geoise and publicly slaughter all the Celestial Dragons before sending out hundreds of thousands of newspapers to announce it to the world, he could do whatever he wanted on the entire ocean. That's why Rhett used the word "travel" instead of "adventure." Because there was no "danger."
"The three kids are training pretty well now. I plan to take them out to see a bit more of the world and work on their swordsmanship fundamentals. Our first stop is going to be Isshin Dojo in Shimotsuki Village, to study under Koushirou. He can help the kids build a solid foundation in fine sword techniques. You've always wanted to see more of the world, haven't you? This time, we can go together. All of us, traveling and living abroad together."
Rhett: That's right. A sword like Ace is already considered a fine blade. Rhett thought Koushirou's level was impressive enough to train someone like Zoro. Don't forget Rhett's ability to learn. After watching for a while, he could fully master a system of training himself.
It wasn't like Shanks didn't use a similar weapon. Shanks had Roger and Rayleigh for swordsmanship. Rhett was just an assistant. Besides, Divine Departure wasn't a universal skill. Learning from multiple masters couldn't hurt.
Rouge's eyes flickered. Something seemed to stir in her memory. She set down the plate and said softly, "Koushirou?"
"Oh, right. Big Sister, bring the pure gold with you. I never said anything before when you didn't want to wear it, but now you have to. You don't want to be an old woman when these kids grow up, do you?"
"And when you see Captain Roger again someday, you don't want wrinkles on your face either."
"Exactly!" Rhett snapped his fingers. "He's got real skill. His swordsmanship is very impressive. Ace and Sabo should be able to build a solid foundation with him."
Rouge was quiet for a moment. Her gaze drifted to the three little ones playing in the living room. Ace and Sabo were reenacting the day's fight with gestures. Ann sat quietly off to the side, wiping down her heavy sword. Rouge's eyes softened, but then she shook her head. "I want to go, but..."
"But what?" Rhett pressed.
Rouge sighed and lowered her voice. "I'm worried about Ace... if someone recognizes him..."
Rhett smiled. Mother and son really were alike. Even though Ace seemed carefree now, he was also very sharp about the big things.
Rhett said with a laugh, "You don't need to worry about that at all. And don't worry about putting old Garp in a tough position either. Your little brother's strength and influence are where they are now. My relationship with the World Government and the Five Elders is excellent. They'll speak up for us."
Rouge looked up at Rhett. Conflict and hesitation flickered in her eyes.
Rhett continued, "And don't you want to see their growth with your own eyes? They're going to sail out to sea eventually. Shimotsuki Village is beautiful too. I know you'll love it. And after Shimotsuki Village, there are many more islands."
Just then, Ace suddenly came running in from the living room and hugged Rouge's leg. "Mom! Come with us! Uncle Rhett says there's a huge training ground there and lots of strong people!"
Sabo followed close behind, his eyes shining. "I heard Koushirou's swordsmanship is amazing! I want to learn from him!"
Ann didn't say anything. She didn't really care one way or the other. She believed that when it came to using a heavy sword, no one could beat her uncle.
Rouge looked at the children. She finally couldn't keep up her serious expression. She burst out laughing. "Oh, you three... I can't say no to you, can I?"
She ruffled Ace's hair and looked up at Rhett. "Alright. I'll come with all of you. But —" She held up one finger. "No more disappearing this time. You have to check in with me every single day!"
Rhett grinned and gave her an exaggerated salute. "Yes, ma'am, Captain Rouge!"
The three little ones cheered. Ace jumped onto the sofa in excitement. "Yes! Mom is coming on an adventure too!"
Sabo clenched his fist, his eyes full of fighting spirit. "I'm going to make Koushirou recognize my swordsmanship!"
Ann gently tugged on Rouge's sleeve and said softly, "I'll protect Mom."
Rouge's heart swelled with warmth. She crouched down and pulled the three children into her arms. "Alright. Then we'll set out together!"
Rhett stood to the side, watching the scene unfold. The smile on his lips deepened. He looked out the window at the night sky and murmured, "Captain Roger, can you see this? Our family... is doing well now."
"Hmph. When I see you someday, I'm going to beat you up, you irresponsible excuse for a captain. Hmph."
---
During the days of sailing, the three little ones didn't stay idle. Rhett used the time to continue their basic training.
On the deck, Ace and Sabo practiced their sword swings, sweat pouring off them. Ann worked on her breathing off to the side, secretly trying to channel Conqueror's Haki into her sword strikes.
"Bonk."
Rhett cleared her vision with a knock on the head.
"Little Ann, until your body is ready, trying to mix Conqueror's Haki into your strikes is just self-harm. Trying to skip steps? No, no, no. Not allowed."
Ann looked at Rhett with pitiful, pleading eyes.
Rhett: "My god. What is this? It's so bright."
"I'll teach you Conqueror's Haki coating when your body is ready. But not now. Your body is still developing. I was sixteen when I learned it, and I'm considered a super genius."
Rouge sat at the bow, watching the children work hard. She said softly to Rhett, "They're improving quickly."
Rhett turned his head and smiled. "Talent is one thing, but even more important is their character. Having peers to learn with makes them more motivated. And since we have the means, we should give the kids the best."
Rouge nodded. "You always think of everything."