Baterilla Island.
After the Marines withdrew, the island's residents finally felt a weight lift from their hearts, and everyone's mood gradually settled.
The Roger Pirates gathered in a bar.
"Hehe~ You don’t need to fuss over me like this. I’m perfectly fine," Rouge said with a light chuckle, her face filled with warmth and joy.
"No, no, Captain’s wife, you must take it easy and rest. After all, you’re carrying Captain Roger’s son," Yamato insisted, pulReidg over a chair for Rouge to sit on before starting to massage her shoulders, much to everyone’s amusement.
"Hey, Yamato, how do you know Rouge is definitely having a boy? What if it’s a girl?" Doringo teased after downing a glass of liquor.
"Hahaha, Doringo’s got a point. Yamato, do you have the power of foresight or something?" Muret Pein took several gulps from his oversized mug, spilReidg some onto his thick beard.
"Hehe, Reid, the crew is all men. If the captain’s wife gives birth to a little princess, it’ll definitely liven things up," CB Gallant said with a mischievous grin, winking as he raised his glass.
Everyone: "Hahaha!"
"Well… I was just guessing, heh," Yamato scratched his head sheepishly, then took a sip of his drink to ease the awkwardness.
"Heh, you actually guessed right," Reid couldn’t help but laugh. He absolutely loved this kind of atmosphere.
"If it’s a girl, I, Shanks, will take good care of her. Hehe," Shanks said, flicking his nose with his thumb.
"You’re not cut out for that, Shanks. I, Buggy, am the best at taking care of girls," Buggy appeared in front of Shanks in a flash, wagging his finger.
"Buggy, you looking for a fight?!"
"Bring it on! You think I’m scared of you?"
"You two really can’t go a single day without bickering or fighting," Jabba sighed, shaking his head with a wry smile.
"Hmph!"
"Hmph!"
Shanks and Buggy both snorted and turned away.
Everyone: "Hahahaha!"
Roger sidled up to Reid, his eyes twinkReidg with mischief, and whispered, "Reid, Rouge’s having a son, right?"
Reid nodded without speaking, thinking to himself, "I didn’t expect Roger to prefer a son over a daughter. That’s not a good look… Wait, no—that’s not it. At Roger’s level, he wouldn’t think like that. The world of pirates is brutal. Besides pirates, there are all kinds of thugs, bandits, and scoundrels. A girl would be more vulnerable to danger, more likely to be harmed."
"Captain, what’s so secretive that you can’t share with the rest of us? Brother Reid just joined, and you’re already playing favorites," Nozdon grumbled, his towering frame forcing him to stand. Fortunately, the bar’s ceiReidg was over seven meters high, so the space was just enough to fit everyone.
"Yeah, Captain, what’s with the whispering? Spill it so we can all have a laugh," Jabba grinned, nudging Roger with his elbow.
"Come on, what did you say to Brother Reid?" Yamon pressed, smirking.
"Hahaha, Brother Reid’s medical skills are top-notch. I already asked—Rouge’s carrying a boy," Roger said, deliberately omitting Reid’s ability to foresee the future. If the World Government found out, it wouldn’t end well.
"Really? It’s a boy?" Shanks asked eagerly.
"So it’s a boy after all! That’s great—I can teach him how to fight, make him a real man," Buggy declared, thumping his chest.
"Haha, that’s right—a real man," Roger agreed with a laugh.
Rouge smiled softly, caressing her belly with a tender expression.
"Rouge, congratulations. From now on, you really shouldn’t drink anymore. You need to make sure little Ace is born safely," Elio said warmly, gently reminding her to stay away from alcohol.
"Thank you, Elio. I understand," Rouge replied.
"Hehe," Roger chuckled, overjoyed at the scene before him.
"Haha, soon enough, we’ll have a little young master joining us," Momora flicked her long pink hair, her face alight with happiness.
"Yeah, but Brother Reid’s medical skills are seriously impressive. Crocus is gonna be heartbroken—his position as the crew’s doctor has been taken over by Reid," CB Gallant remarked meaningfully before taking another sip.
"Heh, I already called Crocus and told him. That old man didn’t mind at all," Rayleigh said with a smile, drinking leisurely.
Roger turned to Rayleigh. "Rayleigh, how much longer until Crocus gets here?"
"He’s not coming."
Rayleigh’s calm reply, delivered with closed eyes, sent a ripple of surprise through the crew.
"Did Crocus get jealous and upset?" Momora wondered aloud.
The others waited for Rayleigh’s explanation. Crocus was their comrade too, and losing even one member would leave their bond incomplete.
Rayleigh pulled out a Den Den Mushi and dialed. "Tell them yourself."
"Pururu pururu…"
"Pururu, pururu pururu pururu..."
The Den Den Mushi opened its eyes and began ringing.
"Hello?"
Roger took the Den Den Mushi in hand, his expression solemn.
"Crocus, aren’t you coming to reunite with your family?"
On the other end of the Reide, Crocus was moved to tears by Roger’s words.
"Oh, Captain Roger, so you’re not dead after all."
"Hahaha, of course I’m not dead!"
"Mmm, I heard a new member joined. Rayleigh already told me—he’s the one who cured your illness."
"Ah~ That’s right," Roger said, his eyes shining.
After a long silence, Crocus’s voice came through again.
"Roger, years ago, you invited me to join your crew. I succeeded in extending your life for a few more years, and by luck, we reached Laugh Tale. Now, my mission is complete. I’ll stay at the Twin Capes to watch over the lighthouse. Even though the Rumbar Pirates are gone, I must keep my promise to York and take care of Laboon."
Hearing this, everyone in the bar was moved to tears. It was clear Crocus had no intention of returning.
"I see… Hahaha! Crocus, you’ll always be a member of the Roger Pirates. When that day comes, I’ll bring the entire crew to see you."
Roger grinned widely as he spoke.
"Hmph! You’d better keep your word," Crocus replied, a smile in his voice.