"Oh? They're here?"
Roger's expression turned solemn as he gazed into the distance. Normally fearless, he couldn't afford to be careless now—not with Rouge heavily pregnant.
"Let's wreck these bastards! If the Marines dare show up, I, Shanks, will cut down every last one of them!" Shanks drew a sword from his waist, seething with anger as he waited for the Marines to arrive.
Buggy also unsheathed his blade, his eyes sharp and fierce.
"Captain, don't worry. I'll protect Rouge."
"Ah~ Thanks, hahahaha."
"Roger, wait for me a moment."
Without waiting for a response, Rouge turned and hurried off.
"Rouge, I'll go with you. Be careful."
Elio quickly followed, steadying his hat as he ran.
A moment later, Rouge returned holding a sword.
Reid's eyes widened. There was no doubt—this blade was undoubtedly one of the Supreme Grade Swords, [Ace].
"Roger, your sword. I know how important it is to you. You need it now."
Roger took the sword and gently caressed it.
"Old friend, it's been a while."
Seeing the sword back in Roger's hands, everyone smiled.
Roger grinned and turned to Reid. "Brother Reid, I'm counting on you to protect Rouge."
"Don't worry, Brother Roger. As long as I'm alive, nothing will happen to Rouge."
Reid's voice brimmed with heroic determination. The feeling of responsibility was exhilarating.
"Hahahaha, good! With your word, I'm at ease."
Roger turned toward the horizon, his tone brimming with confidence. "Cannonballs? Hmph, not even worth mentioning. Not a single one will land on this island."
He flexed his toned eight-pack abs, radiating sheer power.
"Now that's what I call domineering!"
Reid felt his confidence surge, inspired by Roger's words. He stepped beside Rouge. "Sister Rouge, don't worry. I'll protect you. Just hold onto my arm, and you'll be safe."
Rouge immediately looped her arm through his, smiling warmly. "Hehe, then I'll be in your care."
"Uh, heh... no problem."
Reid scratched his head sheepishly with his free hand.
"Me too! I, Shanks, will also protect you!"
"And me! Buggy, future King of the Pirates!"
Buggy scurried over.
"Hehe~ Thank you, both of you."
Rouge's radiant smile etched itself deeply into Shanks and Buggy's hearts.
Roger glanced at Reid and Rouge, his lips curling into a grin. He knew full well just how formidable Reid's healing abilities were.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Sengoku's fleet had anchored just off the coast of Baterilla Island—close enough for their cannons to strike any part of the island.
Garp stood with his arms crossed, his usual nose-picking demeanor replaced with uncharacteristic seriousness.
A soldier handed Sengoku a megaphone.
Clearing his throat, Sengoku steadied himself before speaking.
"Ahem... Roger, I know you're on that island. Surrender now, and we won't initiate a Buster Call."
The megaphone, made of special materials, carried his voice clearly across the entire island.
"Oh no, the Marines are here! What do we do? If they launch a Buster Call, we're doomed!"
"Mom, I'm scared!"
"Don't be afraid, sweetheart. Mommy's here."
A woman hugged her daughter tightly, covering the little girl's eyes. Though she tried to soothe her child, her own gaze was filled with terror.
"I've only ever read about the horrors of a Buster Call in the papers. Now it's coming here... How unlucky."
"Someone, please save us!"
The island's remaining residents hid in fear, many crouching in corners with their heads in their hands.
"Roger..."
Rouge called his name softly. Right now, only this man could save the island.
"Stay here. I'll go meet them."
"Captain Roger, I'm coming with you!"
Shanks tightened his grip on his sword and stepped forward.
"And me! Buggy doesn't fear the Marines!"
"Hahahaha, didn't you two just promise to protect Rouge? Stay by her side—this is your mission now. Protect the captain's wife. It's all up to you."
Roger grinned at Shanks and Buggy.
"Understood, Captain Roger! I won't fail!"
"Shanks, don't drag me down."
"Tch, Buggy, you're the one who'd slow me down."
With a final glance at his crew, Roger turned and strode alone toward the Marines. His smile faded—he knew facing Garp alone was impossible, especially with Sengoku by his side.
Before long, Roger stood before the Marine forces.
"So this is Gol D. Roger..."
"He came alone... and doesn't look the least bit afraid."
Some soldiers murmured in awe.
Sengoku frowned. "Roger, what's the meaning of this?"
Garp listened intently, equally curious about Roger's intentions.
"What's this grand spectacle for? Buddha Sengoku, Hero Garp, and Black Arm Zephyr. Tsk tsk tsk... Seems my reputation is still impressive—three admirals and a Buster Call–scale operation just for me. Hahahaha!"
"Roger, you still haven't answered me. Why did you escape? Afraid to die?"
Sengoku's voice was icy, his expression stiff with displeasure. Being ignored by Roger rankled him—after all, he was a Marine Admiral.
"Hahahaha, that wasn't my intention. Let's just say the heavens aren't ready for me to die yet."
Roger's words made Sengoku and the others frown.
"Roger, then why did you say those things?"
Garp stared straight into Roger's eyes, trying to decipher the thoughts of the man the world acknowledged as the Pirate King.
Roger knew Garp was referring to his request in Impel Down—to look after Rouge and Ace.
"Garp, circumstances changed. So I left. Hahahaha!"
"Are you mocking me?!"
Garp roared, fists clenched in fury.
"Hahahaha, sorry, sorry! Don't be mad, Garp. I really didn't mean it like that."
From behind, Akainu stepped forward, his face dark.
"So you're Gol D. Roger?"
"And who might you be? Name yourself."
Roger studied him with amused interest.