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Crescentmoon Island, at the harbor.
Layer upon layer, the place was tightly surrounded by kingdom soldiers and mages, packed so densely that not a single gap could be found. Every single person gazed at the ship gradually sailing away, silently praying in their hearts that their king would remain safe on his journey ahead.
"No need to worry about me. Just wait, my citizens. One day, you will hear my name resound across the world, and you will take pride in me!"
Standing aboard The Logan, Rojen shouted loudly.
At this moment, his thoughts surged like waves. These lovely people had truly accepted him as the ruler of this nation. The attachment, sorrow, and reluctance in their eyes were all genuine.
Perhaps it was because he had saved this country from the rule of a tyrant. Perhaps it was because his series of national policies had benefited so many people, earning their gratitude. But none of that really mattered. What mattered was that these people truly respected him.
The Logan sailed farther and farther away, soon disappearing into the mist.
Salo and the others withdrew their gazes, their expressions turning serious.
"Prepare to hold a grand mage competition. Select the thirty-six strongest in the kingdom to accompany me to the World Council three months from now."
"It's time to let the world know the strength of our Barut Kingdom!"
His voice was deep, his tone completely sharp and resolute.
The other four wizards all nodded.
The Barut Kingdom had been out of the world's sight for far too long. It was time to let others see their power! Only by displaying greater strength could Rojen be safer in the wider world. Even if others wished to act against him, they would hesitate.
Having a powerful kingdom behind you and being alone were two entirely different things.
On The Logan, Nalene stood at the bow, looking at the vast, boundless sea ahead. There was wonder in her eyes, though her expression remained calm.
"Well? Never seen the sea before?" Rojen asked with a smile.
"Your Majesty," Nalene nodded slightly.
"It's been three months since the founding of the nation. Many citizens couldn't resist going out to see the world. Didn't you go?" Rojen asked curiously.
"No. I've spent these three months studying potion-making. My master said that only if I become more outstanding will I have a chance to marry you."
Nalene said this calmly.
Beside them, Lordling, who had been drinking juice, suddenly spat it out with a "pfft," while Robin burst into laughter.
Rojen became awkward again.
"That old woman still hasn't given up, huh?"
He muttered to himself before quietly slipping away.
During this period, Torons had seized every opportunity to promote her female apprentice to him, praising her in every way, even secretly telling him about the various "positions" and secret techniques she had taught Nalene. It made Rojen roll his eyes, though at the same time it stirred a certain curiosity in him.
That old witch Torons was truly pulling out all the stops, trying to exploit any opening. Now that he had set sail, she had even pushed her apprentice onto his ship.
Watching Rojen leave, a faint smile appeared on Nalene's face.
"Is my charm really unable to captivate you, my king?"
She murmured softly, her feelings complicated.
A wise, powerful, gentle, and courteous king held immense attraction for a young girl. Though Nalene had a naturally calm disposition, she did indeed harbor some admiration, perhaps even affection, for Rojen. Yet she would not reveal her inner thoughts on her face.
The Logan sailed across the West Blue, maintaining its highest speed.
With both sails and steam power, its propulsion was exceptionally strong.
At the top of the mast, a black skull flag fluttered left and right, exuding a fierce and domineering aura.
From just two people after escaping prison, there were now four aboard the ship. Naturally, Rojen no longer felt lonely.
In the West Blue, pirates were naturally abundant.
Along the way, Rojen encountered five pirate crews who tried to provoke him. Yet before he could even understand their names, they were all wiped out by the Deva Path.
Gradually, The Logan had been sailing for about a week.
"Our next stop will be the terminal point in West Blue before entering the Grand Line," Rojen said to everyone.
"We're leaving West Blue?" Lordling asked excitedly.
"Yes."
"Where are we going next? And how are we supposed to find Jason and the others?" Lordling asked again.
"As for Crocodile, I might know where he is. But the others…" Rojen frowned. Lordling had given him a Vivre Card, so he could track that, but finding the rest would be truly difficult.
The world was simply too vast. If he wanted to find them, the first thing to do would be to let them know he had reappeared, so they could come find him instead.
But how could he spread the news of his return to his companions?
On the sea horizon, four or five black dots suddenly appeared, rapidly heading toward The Logan.
Rojen slightly raised his head. With the Rinnegan enhancing his vision, the distant black dots became clear in his eyes.
A faint smile curved on his lips.
"I've got an idea."
The speed of The Logan slowed slightly, as if waiting for those black dots to approach.
On the distant sea, the black dots quickly drew closer. At the front of one of the ships, a Marine commander holding a telescope slowly lowered it, his gaze growing serious.
"Pirate flag sighted. Prepare for battle!"
"Yes, sir!"
The Marines quickly acknowledged the order and hurried off to make preparations.
"Recently, the Marines have intensified their suppression of pirates across the Four Seas, but the situation is still quite severe," Amonga sighed.
Roger's final words had ignited the arrival of the Golden Age of Pirates. After that, Golden Lion forcing the relocation of Marine Headquarters, along with Rojen's assault on the Holy Land of the Celestial Dragons, had further fueled the world's fascination with becoming pirates.
Although both men had ultimately been imprisoned and suppressed by Marine power, the seed had already been planted.
Still, compared to the beginning, things had improved somewhat.
"Even so, the arrogance of pirates is being steadily crushed. One day, these scum and vermin will be completely eradicated!"
Amonga spoke again.
He raised his telescope once more and looked ahead.
Because of the distance, he could only vaguely see the pirate flag and silhouettes on the ship, unable to distinguish them clearly.
Soon, the distance between the two sides rapidly closed.
"They look young and unfamiliar. Seems like newcomers," Amonga concluded after scanning their faces one by one.
"Hm? That child… seems to be Nico Robin!"
When he spotted Robin, Amonga was shocked.
"Interesting. I didn't expect to encounter the 'Devil Child' here."
He waved his hand, calling over a Marine.
"When we attack, tell them to be careful, don't hurt that child. She's an important wanted criminal. She must be captured alive!"
"Understood!"
The soldier responded loudly before going off to relay the order.
A few minutes later, the two sides were only a few hundred meters apart.
"Fire the cannons! Order them to stop, or show no mercy!"
Amonga gave the command coldly.
At the same time, aboard The Logan, Rojen looked at the warships forming an encirclement around him and smiled.
"It's time… to announce it to the world."
"I'm back!"
(End Of This Chapter)
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