Nick raised a bottle of wine, his tone uncharacteristically serious.
"Rogers, if you dare head out to sea, then first let me see you prove it with your fists! And don't let the Cannon Fist I taught you gather dust out there!"
Rogers straightened his back, voice filled with conviction.
"Of course, Uncle Nick! I'll make sure your family's Cannon Fist echoes across the seas!"
For a whole month, Rogers had been training under Nick, learning that unique striking method—muscle driving muscle, every punch launched like a cannonball.
"Tch. All you meatheads know is brawling. None of you understand the power of a gun." Tony muttered sourly, watching Rogers and Nick bond.
"At least Uncle Nick taught me something. And you?" Rogers shot back, grinning shamelessly as he fished for more gifts.
Tony rolled his eyes. "I've already shown something. Here, take this."
He pointed at the golden pistol he'd slapped onto the table earlier. "I tuned it myself—great accuracy, strong firepower, and looks damn stylish. Well?"
Without hesitation, Rogers snatched up the pistol, eyes sparkling as he turned it over in his hands. Then, with a grin, he yanked out his old, battered handgun and tossed it back at Tony.
"Here. A gift in return. Fair trade!"
Tony's face darkened instantly.
"Brat! Get lost already! Aiqi's been waiting upstairs for ages!"
Rogers just laughed, stuffed the pistol into his belt, and scarfed down the last of the bread in a few bites. After grabbing his small bundle of clothes, he gave the two men a casual farewell and headed up the stairs.
"Gone, huh? Well, I'll get back to drinking." Nick muttered, already uncorking another bottle.
"Drink, drink, drink—that's all you do." Tony snapped, but he still carried Rogers's old pistol back to his room.
On deck, Rogers found Aiqi perched on the railings, a purple dress swaying around her as her pale feet kicked idly in the air. Beside her sat a massive, round pack—easily two meters across.
"Oi, Aiqi! I'm ready. Let's go!" Rogers called, backpack slung over his shoulder, excitement all over his face.
"Mm, Rogers-nii!" she replied cheerfully, hopping lightly down onto the deck.
"I'll go talk to Old Man John about getting us a ship."
"No need! Grandpa John already gave us a boat." Aiqi pointed to a small vessel moored beside the passenger ship.
It was about three meters wide, ten meters long, with a cramped little cabin.
"…This thing?" Rogers grimaced.
"That's right. Do you have money for anything better?" Aiqi gave him a look. "Grandpa John was kind enough to give us even this."
Rogers winced. She was right. After last night's spending spree, he only had a few tens of thousands of Berries left—barely enough to buy some planks.
"Melor-auntie told us to head to Bro Island to build a proper ship."
"…But I don't have money…" Rogers muttered in shame.
"I do." Aiqi patted the giant pack proudly.
Rogers's eyes lit up. A hidden rich girl?
"Then it's settled! You'll cover it!"
"Nope. This is a loan!" she corrected immediately, shaking her mushroom-cut head with exaggerated seriousness. "You're the captain. The ship's expenses are your responsibility. You'll pay me back."
Rogers nearly keeled over. "Come on, don't split hairs like this—we're partners, aren't we?"
"No means no!" Aiqi huffed. "Melor-sis said money must always be in a woman's hands. Give it to a man, and he'll just turn bad. So we have to keep it clear!"
Rogers's eye twitched. What kind of things had Melor been teaching this girl? Husband-control lessons? Then he remembered John's henpecked face… and shivered.
"…Fine. I'll just head into town, see if I can find some crew. A doctor, a shipwright, maybe a cook…" he grumbled.
"Shipwrights? Melor-sis said Bro Island's the best for that. You should just go. But don't be too long—sailing at night's dangerous."
"Got it. I'll be quick." Rogers nodded and started toward the gangplank.
"Wait!" Aiqi called out as he left. "What kind of man doesn't help a lady with her luggage? Take this down to the boat first!"
Rogers sighed and went to haul the massive pack. The moment the straps hit his shoulders, he nearly staggered—
"Damn, this thing's heavy! Aiqi, is this… all Berries?!" His eyes shone hopefully.
"Of course not! Just the shipbuilding funds. And remember—it's a loan! The rest is clothes, cosmetics, books, and… other essentials." Aiqi emphasized sternly.
Rogers glanced down at his own pathetic little bundle. The contrast stung. Clearly, he had underestimated how much baggage a girl carried.
He dropped the pack into the little boat, which dipped noticeably lower in the water.
"Wait, Rogers-nii—take this too." Aiqi handed him a map. "It's a chart of Chronus Island. Some places are off-limits for pirates. Be careful."
Rogers nearly choked.
"There was a map this whole time?! If I'd had this yesterday, I wouldn't have walked straight into a bounty hunter den!"
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T/N:
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