Young People Should Be Arrogant
Vacations always feel too short.
It seemed like just yesterday they were celebrating the New Year, but Garp, pushed by constant calls from Sengoku, had to head back to Marine Headquarters. A chorus of disappointed cries from the local kids followed him as he left.
Glad we made it through that!
"Guess it's time for us to head back too," Roya said, bidding farewell to Ace at the docks.
Ace grinned, waving. "Roya, next spring, I'm setting sail! I'm gonna be a free pirate! I'll come find you, and we'll have another fight!"
Roya sighed, "Ace, I'm a Marine, remember?"
He facepalmed, adding, "If you become a pirate, don't expect any mercy. I'll be the one throwing you in jail."
Ace scoffed, "Like you could catch me!"
With sails billowing, their ship pulled away from the island.
Roya stood on deck, watching Windmill Village shrink into the distance.
Even though he hadn't learned the Six Styles techniques he'd hoped for from Garp, the visit was far from a waste. Mastering, the Iron Body technique, was a huge win.
Wait, it's Haki that really matters!
There was no need to rush the Six Styles. According to Garp, the training methods would become available when he was promoted to Branch Colonel.
Whether he could actually master the techniques, however, depended on his talent.
Even officers at Headquarters usually only mastered one or two. Those who could skillfully use all six were considered true geniuses.
----
The next day, at the 153rd Branch, Colonel Rhodes sat in his office, a look of reluctance on his face.
"You always manage to surprise me, kid," he sighed.
"Sorry, Colonel." Roya felt a twinge of guilt.
He had just submitted a request to be transferred to Logue Town!
He had cleared out all the pirates near the 153rd Branch, making the area safe for the foreseeable future. Staying here felt like early retirement.
Too easy. I'm young, and I want to make a name for myself!
Logue Town was the last stop before the Grand Line. While this meant great responsibility, it was also the most dangerous post in East Blue.
It was in Logue Town that the Pirate King, Roger, had been executed, giving the town a special significance for pirates.
It represented both the beginning and the end.
Many pirates from other seas would go out of their way to visit the Execution Platform on their way to the Grand Line.
Even seasoned pirates would often visit Logue Town to reminisce about their humble beginnings.
In short, any kind of big shot could show up in Logue Town.
The strong pirate presence made it much harder for the Marines stationed in Logue Town than for those at other branches.
Plus, Logue Town wasn't far from Cocoyasi Village!
Rhodes frowned. "I'll submit your application to the higher-ups, but I can't promise it'll be approved, you brat."
"Thank you, Colonel!"
"Alright, go on. No more missions for now."
"Yes, sir." Roya left, grateful.
Once the door closed, Rhodes' stern face softened into a smile, tinged with sadness.
He would be lying if he said he wasn't disappointed to lose such a promising young Marine he had personally trained.
But he was also proud.
Rhodes knew Roya was destined for bigger things. The 153rd Branch was just a stepping stone.
It was good to go out and make a name for himself early.
With Roya's exceptional performance, the higher-ups were likely to approve the transfer. Logue Town needed a strong Marine stationed there more than the 153rd Branch did.
It's time for me to retire too!
Rhodes touched his empty left arm. His physical condition made it difficult for him to fight pirates, and he was getting old. It was time to make way for a new generation.
He would apply for retirement after Roya left, handing the 153rd Branch over to Morgan.
----
Later, at the local tavern, Roya told Fullbody and the others about his transfer. As a Major, he wouldn't have much trouble bringing a few trusted subordinates with him.
"You guys coming with me?"
"Of course!" Fullbody and Jango nodded instantly.
Of course, they would go with him! What future did they have if they stayed at the 153rd Branch? Besides, they had no ties there.
Roya chuckled and looked at Zoro.
"What about you, Zoro?"
"There should be a lot of strong guys there, right?"
"Absolutely!"
"Then I'm in!" Zoro's eyes burned with ambition.
After going to Windmill Village with Roya, he had truly understood what real strength was during Garp's intense training, even though he hadn't fought any strong swordsmen.
He could still see Garp laughing, blocking his three swords with a single finger.
Before that, he had never imagined such a huge gap in strength. In front of Garp, he felt as weak and helpless as an ant.
If Roya had taken him out of his small world and described the outside world with great enthusiasm, Garp had shown him the vast ocean and the greatness of the world.
The "World's Greatest Swordsman" must have power as terrifying as Garp's. How else could he hold that title?
He needed to become even stronger!
"Good!" Roya raised his glass, smiling.
"Let's make some noise!"
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!" ×3
"Ah, Zoro, you're not an adult yet, you can't drink alcohol! Juice for you!"
"Juice is for kids!"
----
Late that night, the bed shook for a long time before finally coming to a stop.
Shirtless, Roya went to the window and lit a cigarette. "I'm leaving. I don't know when I'll be back."
"I know." Ririka put on a nightgown and walked to the shelf on the wall, taking down a bottle of Sherry. She came to Roya's side, resting her arms on the windowsill, not caring who saw them.
Everyone already knew about their affair.
She wasn't going to hide it.
Ririka took a sip of wine, her face flushed.
"That's how you men are," she said, looking at him.
"Don't try to comfort me. This was our choice. No one owes anyone anything. Besides, you've been very good to me."
"Judging by your face, you don't want to take responsibility for me, do you?"
"Heh, don't be silly. I can't marry you."
She still had her daughter to take care of. She wasn't that fragile, and she didn't need a man's pity.
Roya almost choked.
Is this woman too capable?
"Hey, Ririka," he said, feeling like he needed to be more of a man. He reached out, grabbing her shoulders and looking down at her.
"Actually, I wanted to say I've saved a lot of money. If you're willing, I'd like to take you to Logue Town and open a tavern there."
"Ah." Ririka was stunned, clearly not expecting that.
A look of joy spread across her face.
"Really?"
"Of course! It's true!"
Roya had his own reasons.
He had captured a lot of pirates. The bounties alone added up to millions of Berries, and half of the extra spoils went into his pocket, while the other half went to his subordinates.
His wallet was very full.
Besides, there weren't many places to spend money.
The Branch paid for his food and drinks, and also regularly provided cigarettes and coffee. It was more than enough for him.
Money was only useful when it was spent.
Even if he didn't take Ririka with him, he planned to buy a shop or a residence in Logue Town to relax, rest, or discuss battle plans.
The Marines in Logue Town were a large branch, with over 1,000 permanent members. It wouldn't be easy to establish himself when he first arrived.
He needed a safe place, and he needed someone he could trust to manage it. Ririka was perfect for the job.
Roya paused, adding, "Ririka, Logue Town is a prosperous place. If Little Ririka can go to school there, it would be good for her future too--"
"Stop talking!" Ririka hugged Roya's neck, tears welling up in her eyes.
"It's almost 12 o'clock. Let's not waste time."
"Mmm~ mmmph~"
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[T/N: Final chapter drop for One Piece: I'm Destined to Be the Son-in-Law King! today! What did you think? We're at 6/50 Power Stones this week! Help us reach 50 PS for 2 bonus chapters tomorrow! 🙏 PS boosts weekly rank📈/visibility (or drop a review!). Weekly Goal: Every +50 Power Stones this week = 2 bonus chaps next day!🚀 Also translating: Naruto Paradise: An Evil Uchiha's Rise & Young Master, Please Become Hokage!. Enjoy! ✨
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