"What a peaceful and serene little island~"
"Yes, it's such a relaxing place. Makes you want to just sit down and breathe."
The moment they set foot on the island, the calm atmosphere immediately washed over everyone, making them want to stop walking and just take it all in.
Stretching lazily, Leno yawned. "What a perfect place to retire~"
His words instantly earned a round of eye-rolls. Retire? At his age?
"Lord Leno, if it pleases you, I can stay here with you…"
Hancock hugged his arm, eyes full of longing. She imagined having a grand wedding on this island—it would be a dream come true.
As Leno's group entered the nearby town, the once-quiet streets quickly grew lively. Curious gazes followed them, drawn in by the sight.
Hancock's charm goes without saying, but Nami and Robin were also exceptionally beautiful and youthful women. This concentration of beauty immediately caused a sensation in the small town.
But the crew was used to it by now. If Hancock hadn't deliberately restrained her charm, they'd probably already be surrounded by adoring townsfolk.
As they passed the town's only tavern, Leno's eyes flickered. Without warning, he turned and stepped inside.
Robin and the others exchanged puzzled looks before following him in.
Behind the bar stood an older man with a thick, greying beard, wiping down glasses. When Leno walked through the door, a brief flash of surprise crossed the man's eyes.
After everyone sat down, the old man spoke. "What would you all like to order?"
"Some local dishes—and maybe a few… drinks," Leno said casually, but his gaze never left the man behind the counter.
Feeling that burning stare, the old man frowned. "Young man, why are you looking at this old man like that? We don't seem to know each other."
"Oh, nothing. Just curious. You old guys who retire—do you all like hiding out in taverns? Rayleigh's like that… and so are you."
The old man chuckled. "Hahaha… is that so? That old man Rayleigh, huh? Haven't seen him in ages."
"...!!!"
Hearing their conversation, Hancock and Robin froze in shock. This man… knew Rayleigh?
"Lord Leno, who is he?" Hancock asked hesitantly. The old man's aura didn't feel weak, but she had no recollection of him at all.
"Him? He's MAX—the head chef aboard Gol D. Roger's ship."
"What?!"
"The Pirate King's…!"
"Head chef?!"
"Why would someone like that be here?!"
Nami and Chopper shot to their feet, eyes wide in shock—or maybe disbelief—as they stared at the old man.
"I knew it," Robin murmured, trembling slightly with excitement.
Noticing the stares from other patrons after the commotion Nami caused, Leno quickly gestured for everyone to calm down.
"Hey, idiot," Nami hissed. "How are we supposed to react? He's one of Roger's crew! A living legend! Do you realize how rare this is?"
"Exactly!" Carmen chimed in, equally indignant.
Leno could only sigh. It wasn't like he had known MAX was here before walking in.
"Hey now, there's no 'Roger's crew' here," MAX said hurriedly. "I'm just an old tavern keeper these days."
Seeing the girls' excitement growing, he quickly cut them off. The last thing he wanted was to lose his peace and quiet.
Then Kuina, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke. "After Gol D. Roger was executed, weren't all his crew supposed to be put to death as well? How are you still alive and well here?"
Her words brought an instant hush over the room. Everyone turned to stare at the old man, waiting for his answer.
After a long silence, MAX's lips curved into a faint smile.
"We weren't captured. Captain Roger… turned himself in."
"What?!"
"The Pirate King surrendered?"
Yamato slammed a hand on the table. "That's not what the papers said! They wrote that Marine Hero Garp caught him!"
"The World Government wanted to flaunt its strength," MAX said. "That's why they printed that story. But in truth, Captain Roger surrendered himself."
"Why?" Chopper asked, eyes wide with confusion. "Why would he do that?"
"Because… he saw the end of our journey."
Maybe he just wanted to talk. Maybe he wanted someone to carry on his captain's will.
MAX began to recount Roger's tale—how the man was diagnosed with an incurable disease, yet still pressed on through the Grand Line, enduring pain and sickness until he reached the Final Island and became the Pirate King.
"Not long after that, Captain Roger disbanded the crew. I stayed behind here for my own reasons. As for the others… I have no idea where they are now."
"As for us crewmen," MAX added with a faint smile, "perhaps the captain made some deal with the World Government—one that ended our bounties."
Pride and warmth filled his eyes.
"Captain Roger truly lived a grand, magnificent life."
Even after MAX finished, everyone sat there in silence, unable to shake off the awe. Just listening to that journey made their blood race.
Nami finally exhaled. "That was… quite a story to hear today."
"Sugoi~ The Pirate King, huh?" Yamato grinned, her whole body trembling with excitement. "It's like the entire Great Pirate Era was something Roger himself set in motion! That's so cool!"
"Who knows?" MAX smiled faintly, not answering as he stood to leave. Seeing such young and strong faces today had loosened his tongue more than he expected.
"Mr. MAX, may I ask you something?"
Robin suddenly rose to her feet, voice trembling. "What exactly is the meaning of the Will of D?"
"I saw Roger's name carved in ancient script on the Poneglyphs in Skypiea. How could he write in the ancient language? Did you ever learn what happened during the Blank 100 Years?"
Though Leno had already told her to let go of such burdens, the chance was too rare. Robin couldn't help but ask.
MAX smiled faintly. "Ah… yes. We know. We know everything about the true history."
"!!!!"