Time flew by in the blink of an eye. The horizon lightened with the first hints of dawn, and night quietly descended.
The members of the Roger Pirates gathered in the open space outside the bar. Some were laughing with mouths wide open, others grinning broadly as they drank heartily, their clothes already soaked with alcohol.
"Hahaha! Today, the Roger Pirates are gathered here. Every one of you is my family, and now, with Brother Reid joining us, let's welcome our newest member!" Roger's voice boomed with enthusiasm as he raised his glass with a wide grin.
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Everyone raised their glasses in unison. Rouge held a cup too, though hers had been switched to a non-alcoholic drink.
"Heh, thank you, brothers. I will definitely uphold the spirit of freedom and joy!" Reid stood up, clasped his fists, and declared solemnly, his grin just as wide as the others'.
"Brother Reid, that was so well said! And that gesture of yours looks really cool!" Peterm, holding his drink in one hand, wiggled two fingers of his other hand excitedly.
"Hahaha! Brother Reid has such profound insights! Pirates live for freedom and joy—eat, drink, and don't overthink the troubles!" MAX Marks laughed loudly, his eyes fixed on Reid. The core philosophy of the Roger Pirates was freedom.
"And treasure! A pirate without treasure isn't a real pirate!" Buggy interjected, his mouth stretched wide with excitement. The mere mention of treasure always fired him up.
"Hey, Buggy, treasure is important, but that's just what ordinary pirates chase. We, the Roger Pirates, pursue something far greater!" Shanks jumped in to argue. After experiencing life-and-death battles and hearing Roger's words, Shanks had undergone a profound change.
"Idiot! Shanks, since when did you stop caring about treasure? Have you lost your mind? The whole point of being a pirate is to hunt for treasure! Otherwise, why would we sail to so many islands?!" Buggy roared, glaring at Shanks with bulging eyes. He was beyond irritated—every time he voiced his opinion, Shanks had to contradict him.
"Hahaha! Buggy isn't wrong either. Everyone has their own dreams." Roger grinned broadly, his eyes glinting gold in the firelight.
"Yahahaha! See, Shanks, you moron? Even the captain agrees! What kind of pirate doesn't love treasure?" Buggy gloated, shooting Shanks a smug look. For once, he felt like he'd come out on top—usually, Shanks was the one who had the upper hand.
"Hahahaha!"
The crew burst into laughter at Roger's words.
Weird… Roger should've sided with Shanks. Buggy's mindset clearly doesn't align with the Roger Pirates' ideals. We're aiming for the Final Island, Laugh Tale—freedom and joy are what this crew is about.
Reid was puzzled. Why was everyone laughing along?
"Why would Captain Roger say that? Was I wrong?" Shanks stared at Roger, who met his gaze with a knowing grin and a slight nod.
I get it now. Buggy has his own dreams and passions. I shouldn't interfere. Shanks smiled in realization.
By now, night had fully fallen, the quiet hum of insects filling the air.
Erio tossed more firewood onto the bonfire, and the flames roared higher, casting a warm glow.
Reid looked up at the sky—the moon was full, surrounded by a sea of twinkling stars. A sudden pang of homesickness hit him.
Will I ever make it back…? Well, no point worrying. Since I'm here, fate must have a plan. The system did say I'm the 'Child of Destiny,' so I'll make the most of it and leave my mark on this world.
"Brother Reid, what's your dream?"
Just as Reid was lost in thought, Momora's question snapped him back to reality. The others turned to him, curious to hear his answer.
"My dream? Right… What is my purpose in this world? With the system I have now and all these abilities, just living an ordinary life would be a waste. I'd never forgive myself for that."
The firelight warmed his face, stirring something deep inside him.
After a moment, Reid met their gaze.
"Since joining the Roger Pirates and standing here with all of you, my brothers, my path is clear—we'll sail together, united in our pursuit of freedom and joy as pirates. But more than that… I want the people of this world to live happily. So, I'll tear down this corrupt system and destroy every filthy lie!"
Reid poured out his heart, feeling an immense weight lift off his chest.
"Hm? 'Tear down'?" Rayleigh's eyes flickered with recognition, a memory resurfacing.
"Hey, Rayleigh, want to help me turn this world upside down?"
A faint smile tugged at Rayleigh's lips as he exchanged a glance with Roger. Their eyes met, and they burst into laughter. "Hahahaha!"
Reid… His words sound just like what Roger once said to me.
Rouge's heart stirred slightly as she watched. Roger—
Before leaving, Roger had said something similar to her:
"My love, I must overturn this world—whether I live or die doesn't matter. What matters is that my will shall endure. Take care of our child... he will accomplish great things one day."
Remembering Roger's words, Rouge's lips curved into a faint smile.
"It would be wonderful if Oden and Crocus were here too," Yamato suddenly remarked with a sigh.
Hearing this, the crew's expressions darkened with sorrow. Some silently raised their cups and drank.
"Captain Roger, when are we heading to Wano? Can Oden really hold on for a few more years?" Jackson Banner couldn't help but ask again. Earlier, when they had first arrived here, Roger had already explained Oden and Crocus's situation.
"Ah—yes. Rouge is due in a few months. After that."
"Roger, Wano was once known as the Land of Gold. That country is crucial to us. We must ensure Oden secures control there—it holds far too many rare..."