#106 - Chapter 106 Night Talk
Roger, holding the heavy scroll containing the rubbing of the historical text, left a message beside it.
‘I came to this place to guide this text to the final destination.’
Rayleigh, watching the high-spirited Roger, exclaimed:
“The day of collecting all the historical texts is getting closer and closer.”
“The day you achieve your wish is not far away either, but unfortunately, the information here is not helpful for reaching the final island...”
“Hahahaha, think about it from another perspective, we only need one more Road Poneglyph! Just thinking about it is exciting!” Roger didn't care. He wouldn't fall before reaching the final island.
A satisfied smile returned to his face, very pleased with this successful exploration.
“Skypiea is beautiful...” Roger looked at the distant scenery, “Don’t you think so, hahahaha.”
Rayleigh and the others were also satisfied with this exploration. Even they hadn't seen many such fantastical islands.
“Thank you for your help. If we hadn't met you, we would have needed to spend more time.” Roger dusted off his clothes and said with a smile to Jin An and the others.
“This thing will always be placed here in the future, so, as a thank you, don't spread the news about this thing.” Enel reminded.
He also knew the attraction of the historical text to pirates and didn't want Skypiea to be exposed to the blue sea people, especially pirates.
Roger and the others directly nodded in agreement:
“No problem.”
......
When Roger and the others returned near the pirate ship, his companions were already busily setting up a grand banquet on the deck.
The pirates' enthusiasm for holding a banquet erupted at this moment; barrels of rum were brought out, and the tables were filled with fresh seafood and fruits, just waiting for the captain to return and start the banquet.
“Wow!!”
“The captain is back!”
“Start the music!”
“Quick, bring out the meat! I've been smelling it for so long, I'm starving!”
“......”
Subsequently, under Roger's call, even some of the residents of Skypiea were invited to join this noisy and joyful ocean.
The birds in the sky seemed to add color to this scene, circling the sailboat and making cheerful calls, as if they could also feel the fun.
Jin An and Enel were also invited by Roger to attend the banquet.
Enel liked this lively scene and agreed directly.
Jin An originally didn't want to join in the fun, but he couldn't resist Roger and the others' enthusiasm, so he finally participated as an observer, integrating into the occasion.
He sat quietly near the mast, enjoying the pirates' singing and clamor while exchanging adventure experiences with his Skypiean friends.
Amidst laughter, the pirates showed off their skills one after another. Some were performing difficult moves with swords, while others were grilling fish and cooking lush seafood soup.
The specialty foods brought by the Skypiea residents also added to the banquet's basket, and enthusiastic exchanges brought the distance between them closer.
Music and laughter intertwined in the sea breeze, and the afterglow of the sunset draped a layer of warm gold over this vibrant scene.
Night had enveloped the entire sea, and starlight dotted the boundless darkness, adding a bit of mystery and tranquility to this area.
Roger stood at the bow of the ship, his gaze distant and deep.
Rayleigh, Kozuki Oden, Scopper Gaban, Seagull, Crocus, Buggy the Clown – all the big names who would become famous in later generations were gathered together, happily drinking and chatting.
A pirate crew of dozens of people was able to make a great name for themselves, which was enough to show the extraordinary nature of these people.
While Jin An was daydreaming, Roger walked up to him with a wine glass.
“Jin An, you're a marine who actually guided me, I have to toast you for that.”
Jin An waved his hand, refusing Roger's kindness, and raised the vegetable juice in his hand, shaking it in front of Roger:
“Sorry, I don't drink alcohol, so I'll use this in my hand to drink with you.”
Roger was stunned, not expecting that there would be a marine who didn't drink alcohol. He shook his head and smiled, raising his glass and clinking it against the other's.
After drinking the contents of the glass, Jin An smacked his lips, “You've already come here, and I have no way to stop you, so I might as well take you directly to the historical text, saving you from causing any more trouble.”
“Hahahaha, no wonder you can become a vice admiral.” Roger agreed with this kid he met for the first time.
“Actually, if it weren't for being forced by life, probably half of the people on this ship wouldn't have chosen to go to sea as pirates.” Roger shook his wine glass, the wine reflecting his cynical face.
“Who can say for sure about such things? What has already happened is just inevitable.”
Jin An remained noncommittal. Everyone has encountered difficulties, but the path they ultimately take is everyone's own choice.
“Hahaha, that's true...”
“This starry sky is really beautiful.” Roger broke the silence, his voice low and magnetic, as if it could directly touch people's hearts.
He was touched by this unexpected tranquility and friendliness, “Yes, such a night can make people temporarily forget the disputes.”
The two sat there, not immediately delving into the topic, but choosing to enjoy each other's company in this moment of peace.
The wind blew gently, and the cloud sea lapped against the ship's side, making a series of sounds.
Roger and Jin An were still sitting there, their figures drawing long shadows in the soft moonlight.
Roger turned around, looked at the protagonist, and his tone became firm and full of determination.
“In the time that follows, I plan to use all my strength to find those historical texts scattered throughout the world.”
Jin An quietly looked at Roger. He knew that Roger's body had reached its limit, and time was more precious to him than to anyone else.
“Why are you telling me this?” Jin An asked.
“I know this might be my last adventure.” Roger smiled, and there was no regret in that smile.
His gaze was deep, as if he could see through the secrets behind this sea.
“After getting the answer, I will choose to surrender to the Navy.”
“......”
Rayleigh had been paying attention to Roger's side. Hearing what the other party said, his heart was filled with sadness.
His friend, with whom he had traveled for most of his life, ultimately chose this way to die, which made him feel uncomfortable.
But Roger had a terminal illness, and even if they hired the best doctors in the world, they couldn't save his withering life.
Jin An put the cup on the ground and said plainly: “You should go and tell these things to Garp. I think he would be happy to send you off on your final journey.”
“Don't I know Garp's personality?”
“I estimate he wouldn't even care if his grandson was born.”
Roger also drank the wine in his hand in one gulp.
...
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