#107 - Chapter 107 Roger's Request
"I'll be blunt, I might not live much longer." Roger's voice was low, carrying through the stillness of the night with an undisguised gravity.
Jin An sensed his seriousness, turned around, and looked at Roger intently.
Roger's eyes held a deep tranquility, as if he had seen through all the glamour and restlessness, leaving only contemplation and concern for the future.
"I want to ask you a favor." Roger continued, his gaze locked on Jin An, as if to engrave it into the depths of his soul.
"After I die, my family… I worry they will be harmed, after all, the influence I leave behind won't be small. Can you take care of them a little?"
Roger spoke his inner worries, his ability to hear the voices of all things allowing him to easily discern the character of the person before him.
He knew that once he died, the ripples caused by that influence would not only cause the pirate团 to disintegrate, but also affect those closest to him.
At that time, the Navy would definitely focus its main force on the pirate团, and Rayleigh and the others would definitely be unable to handle themselves, and the South Sea would definitely not be able to take care of it.
"Ha, this is simply… absurd." Jin An murmured to himself, a hint of confusion and conflict showing in his eyes.
He was a Marine, and Roger was the future Pirate King, two identities that, if not completely opposed, should at least be strangers for life.
He had chased and fought pirates countless days and nights, upholding justice and order.
However, Roger's trust in him now made him feel somewhat unreal. He had known the other party for less than a day, was he serious about making such a request?
"Asking a Marine to take care of a pirate's family…" A complex emotion surged in Jin An's heart.
He knew what Roger was asking him to do.
To be honest, Ace gave him a good impression in the original story, a good brother full of vitality and caring for his brothers.
However, taking a pirate's bloodline under his protection was undoubtedly a controversial and risky thing.
He walked to the bow of the ship, grasped the railing tightly with both hands, and let the wind blow on his face, trying to dispel the fog in his heart with the fresh sea breeze.
"You want to protect your wife, right?" Jin An asked softly, making sure only Roger could hear him.
Roger frowned, a trace of surprise flashed across his originally calm face, and a tsunami-like shock surged in his heart.
His eyes stared at Jin An, trying to find the answer on the other's face.
Why would anyone know such a secret?
A secret he had never revealed to even his closest crew members.
A sense of urgency arose in his heart. Could it be that his whereabouts had already been grasped by the Navy?
No, impossible. If they knew, that sea area should have been blockaded by the Navy, and he wouldn't have been able to get here.
Roger's hand unconsciously moved to the weapon at his waist, a cold light flashing in his eyes.
But he didn't draw the knife at his waist, just quietly, with a puzzled look, scrutinizing the other party.
Jin An felt Roger's vigilance, but slowly raised his hands, indicating that he had no malice. His eyes were clear, without dodging, revealing frankness.
"I'm not an enemy, and I'm the only one who knows about this." Jin An said calmly, "In this vast sea, everyone has secrets, and I won't tell anyone about this."
Roger took a deep breath of cool air and slowly withdrew his hand from his weapon. He knew the other party wasn't lying.
He knew his secret and his character was impeccable.
In that case, the other party was indeed the best candidate.
He slowly relaxed and sat back down on the wooden deck chair.
Moonlight shone on the two of them.
Jin An took a deep breath, relaxing his tense muscles. He knew the other party's killing intent had disappeared.
He leaned against the ship's side, his gaze cast towards the deep and dark sea, the night wind blowing through his hair.
If he agreed, he would not only be taking on risks for Roger's request, but also placing himself in a complex situation, which was not in line with his usual style.
And Roger didn't seem to be offering any price for this.
"This deal is indeed a bit of a loss." Jin An muttered to himself, his voice tinged with bitterness.
Just then, Roger turned around, his gaze piercing through the night, looking directly at Jin An.
He seemed to have sensed something and said in a deep voice, "I know this is a difficult choice for you."
"Perhaps, in your opinion, I am unfairly taking advantage of you."
Jin An looked up, staring at Roger, waiting for what he would say next.
Roger continued, "But please believe that the reason I brought this request to you is not because I think you can easily bear it, but because I believe in your character and ability. I have nothing else to give you as compensation right now."
"The only thing I can promise is that I will be sent to the execution ground by you in the end."
Jin An was moved by Roger's words, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly nodded.
"Okay, I accept this condition." Jin An nodded in agreement, "However, I want to fight you head-on at that time. I want to know how much difference there is between me and the strongest people on the sea."
A smile appeared on Roger's face, a lightness of releasing a heavy burden, and he reached out his hand:
"Give me one of your Den Den Mushi, and I'll contact you then."
The handshake between the two not only represented the completion of a transaction, but also marked the establishment of a relationship between two people who were both enemies and friends.
"......"
Jin An leaned against the door frame of the cabin, his eyes following Roger's back.
In the slightly hazy light, Roger's figure gradually disappeared on the other side of the deck.
It's already Sea Calendar 1496, and next year, Roger will reach the final island
Until a tall figure abruptly cut through the tranquility, his appearance interrupting Jin An's thoughts.
The person who came was Kozuki Oden.
His muscles were as hard as sculptures, and even in the dim light, his awe-inspiring aura was clearly visible.
His steps were steady and powerful, and each step seemed to leave a mark on the deck.
In the dim light, Oden glanced in the direction where Captain Roger had left, then he turned his head, his eyes flashing with wild and excited flames, raised his eyebrows at Jin An, and a warlike smile appeared on his lips.
"I feel that the power contained in your body has become much stronger again, shall we spar?" His voice was low and full of teasing, it was a warrior's intuition.
Jin An withdrew his gaze from the air, he looked directly at Oden, his eyes were neither fearful nor interested, just calm.
In this world, strength is the eternal language between sailors, no need for too many flowery words, direct body language is the most sincere communication.
"Big brother, I just finished eating not long ago, okay..."
He was too lazy to move after eating.
Moreover, what if Oden, this fighting maniac, went crazy during the fight.
...
