After the great battle, Baterilla Island gradually returned to a state of peace. Some residents had already returned, and the rest followed after being informed by friends and family.
After all, for many, this was their hometown. If there was no more danger, no one would willingly leave the place they had grown up in.
On the island's central street, crowds bustled about. The laughter of children, the chatter of townsfolk, the cries of vendors, the sounds of street performers, and the rhythmic clangs of a blacksmith's hammer all filled the air.
"That Reid is now part of the Roger Pirates. The most likely places he'd show up are bars or other entertainment venues."
A small child wandered the street holding a toy in hand. Though he seemed to be aimlessly strolling, his eyes were alertly scanning his surroundings, constantly analyzing internally.
This child was Rob Lucci, one of the six who had previously landed on the island.
Although only six years old, his mind was shockingly mature. He spoke fluently and carried himself with an unnerving calmness.
The other five were stationed in various locations, all patrolling and observing. Rob Lucci caught sight of someone familiar nearby, Blueno.
Blueno glanced back at him briefly. The two simply exchanged a momentary look like ordinary strangers, then turned away as if they'd never met.
All six had been instructed to act as complete strangers from the moment they dispersed to avoid raising suspicion through contact.
Inside a bar, Roger's crew was drinking and chatting. Rouge sat nearby with a drink in front of her.
"Captain, time feels like it's moving so slowly. It's getting kind of boring lately."
Scopper Gaban muttered with his thick lips, raising his barrel-sized mug for a sip.
"Haha, old Scop, it's just been a few months. Aren't you enjoying this kind of peaceful life?"
Nozdon laughed heartily, his eyes for once filled with a sense of contentment and normalcy.
"Hahahaha, we should savor this kind of life while we can. We may not get another chance later."
CB Golan joined in, drinking as his face lit up with joy.
"Hahaha, it's true. We've been sailing for decades. This is a rare moment to enjoy the life of an ordinary person. Big battles are on the horizon."
Gulp gulp gulp
Roger downed his drink in one go, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
The atmosphere in the room stirred, everyone knew exactly what Roger was hinting at.
"Roger, will it be dangerous for you all in the future?"
Rouge asked with concern, especially now that she was pregnant. The maternal instinct made her more anxious than usual.
"Don't worry, ma'am. The captain is as tough as they come. The Roger Pirates don't lose."
Gabban smiled with crossed legs. Seeing Roger now with a wife and child, even the roughest of men couldn't help but feel a touch of tenderness.
The others, too, looked slightly flushed with awkward smiles. It had been years since they felt this kind of peaceful atmosphere. They were all hardened warriors—single men constantly on the move, and suddenly experiencing such warmth made them cherish it deeply.
"Hahaha, Rouge, don't worry. Once we rescue Oden from Wano, we Roger Pirates will sail the world!"
As Roger said this, the room filled with grins and cheerful expressions. But deep down, everyone knew this kind of life wouldn't last more than 20 years. A lot could happen in between, Roger was still healthy now, and with the announcement of the One Piece, the World Government definitely wouldn't stand by idly.
"Mm. Roger, lately I can really feel little Ace kicking inside me. He's definitely growing a lot."
"Oh? Hahaha! As expected of my son, he's strong already! He'll definitely become a great pirate!"
"Hehe, Captain, you'll have to teach Ace your Divine Avoidance move in the future! If Ace learns it, who could even be his match?"
Doringo cut in eagerly, clearly envious of that technique.
"Hahaha, everyone has their own style. It'll depend on whether Ace is suited for my path."
Roger chuckled.
"The captain has a point. Ace might even surpass you one day."
Pankuro leaned against the bar, smiling at Roger.
"Hahaha! That's very likely. The next generation should always surpass the last—that's how the world progresses."
Gabban adjusted his glasses and made a rather profound statement.
"Heh~ that's right. The next generation will be stronger."
Roger grinned, eyes blazing with confidence and vitality.
Everyone in the room laughed along, their eyes full of hope for the future.
"By the way, Captain," Elio, who was beside Rouge, asked, "once Rouge gives birth to Ace, where do you plan to settle her?"
This was something he had been very concerned about. He had asked Roger before, but never got a straight answer.
"I think this island is a great place, why not settle here?"
Everyone had been living comfortably and happily on the island for a while now.
"I agree. The environment is wonderful, and the air is fresh."
Rowen nodded with a grin.
"No, this place isn't suitable. We have to find somewhere with little to no Navy or pirate presence. Even if there are minor security issues, that can be handled. What's important is keeping it off the radar."
"Oh? So Captain, you already have a place in mind?"
Elio pressed on, even more curious now.
The others stopped chatting too. Everyone wanted to know where Roger planned to hide the mother and child.
"Hahaha! You'll find out soon enough. No need to rush."
Roger laughed loudly, rubbing the back of his head.
Smack!
Gabban whacked Roger on the head without mercy.
"Captain, stop being so mysterious! We've been dying to know, and you're still keeping it secret?"
Gabban shot Roger a glare, and the others joined in, completely ignoring his dignity as captain.
"Hahaha, alright, alright. I'll tell you when the time is right."
Roger took the decision of where to settle Rouge and Ace very seriously. He wouldn't rest easy until everything was confirmed.
"Speaking of which, I wonder how Reid, Shanks, and Buggy are doing with their Haki training with Rayleigh." Spencer the Swordsman suddenly changed the topic, smiling with curiosity.
"Rayleigh said they'd be gone a few days. Seems like he's taking this training very seriously."
Brumarin, hunched over with a drink in hand, commented.
"Hahaha, Rayleigh's known for being strict. Those three are probably suffering big time."
Petem laughed as he drank from his barrel-sized mug, sounding half gloating.
"Hehe, it's fine. No matter how much they suffer, it's no big deal. With Reid around, they can recover in no time." Commodore Mulian waved a hand casually and continued drinking.
"Haha! Having Reid around is just too amazing, no need to worry about injuries or exhaustion. He's basically a walking cheat code. Is he even from Earth? Maybe he's from the moon!"
Moen Isaac joked again, still in awe of Reid's god-tier medical skills.
"Yeah, it really is unbelievable. If it weren't for Reid, Captain Roger, you might not have made it."
Gabban said bluntly, completely ignoring Rouge's presence.
Rouge didn't mind. She knew Gabban was just stating facts, and there was no need for polite sugarcoating, after all, they were people doing big things.
"Hahaha! Maybe this is Joy Boy helping us. His wish will be realized. One Piece!"
Roger laughed boldly, confidence radiating from him as if everything was going exactly according to plan.
........
I now have a p@treon. It has a 30-advance chapter, p@treon.com/Revoltas