[On Whitebeard's Ship]
After hearing Reno's explanation, Roger reflected on the boy's extraordinary talent. In mere days, Reno had significantly developed his abilities. Thinking back, everything about Reno had been unusual since they first met. If Reno behaved like a regular person, Roger would have found that more surprising.
"Your abilities are impressive, but your innate talent is even more enviable. You're truly blessed, kid," Roger said with a sigh, staring at Reno with admiration.
Reno gave Roger a puzzled look and asked bluntly, "Roger-uncle, have you gone stupid?"
Roger's face immediately darkened as if he had been dipped in soot. Before he could retort, his sharp gaze flickered, locking onto something in the distant sea below.
Curious, Reno followed Roger's gaze and asked, "What is it, Roger-uncle? Is there something down there?"
Before Roger could respond, Reno noticed an anomaly a small black dot on the horizon steadily approaching them.
Roger answered without turning back, "Our target, Whitebeard, is coming toward us. They must have spotted us already."
Reno nodded thoughtfully. No wonder Roger brought us to this specific area. Encountering the Whitebeard Pirates here makes sense, he thought. Since Roger was only here to drink and chat, it was likely he wouldn't stay long. Reno, however, needed to stay for his half-month task, so he began formulating a plan to stick around.
Onboard the Whitebeard Pirates' ship, the crew had already noticed the small boat flying overhead. Even Whitebeard himself squinted up at the airborne craft with interest.
"Could that be Golden Lion Shiki?" Marco speculated aloud, watching the boat draw closer.
Whitebeard laughed heartily and corrected, "Gurararara… That's not Shiki. It's that scoundrel Roger!"
Whitebeard's observation immediately put the crew on alert. Marco frowned, readying himself. "Roger? He's both friend and foe. We should prepare for a fight."
Whitebeard waved a hand dismissively. "No need. Roger wouldn't have come alone if he wanted trouble. He must have business with me."
"Understood, Pops," Marco said, though he remained cautious. After all, better safe than sorry.
Reno soon guided their small boat to hover beside the enormous whale-shaped ship of the Whitebeard Pirates. Floating alongside Roger, he stared up at the massive vessel. "Roger-uncle, are we heading straight up?"
Above, the Whitebeard Pirates' crew leaned over the railing, their expressions fierce and imposing as they peered down at the two newcomers.
Without answering, Roger shot straight up like a rocket and landed gracefully on the deck. With a hearty laugh, he bellowed,
"Hahaha! Newgate, you old geezer! Still alive, I see!"
Whitebeard scowled and immediately fired back, "If a pest like you hasn't kicked the bucket yet, how could I possibly go first?"
"Gurararara!"
"Hahaha! Hiccup!"
The two men traded insults, locked eyes in silence for a moment, and then burst into boisterous laughter.
Reno, who had just floated up onto the ship, observed the exchange in confusion. Are these legendary pirates all mentally unhinged? They were cursing each other just seconds ago and now they're acting like old friends. What kind of logic is that?
"Hey, kid! What's your relationship to Roger?" a voice interrupted Reno's thoughts.
Turning, Reno saw Marco standing nearby. Without missing a beat, Reno retorted, "It's not about what I am to him it's about what he is to me. Get your phrasing right, Pineapple-Head."
The remark instantly drew laughter from the surrounding crew.
"Pineapple-Head?!"
"He's not wrong. With that hair, Marco does look like a pineapple."
"Careful, or the Captain will knock you flat!"
"Hah, I'd like to see him try!"
Marco's face twitched at Reno's bold nickname. Around him, the crew roared with laughter, poking fun at Marco's spiky hair as they doubled over with amusement.
----------
Patreon Advance 30 Chapters: patreon .com/FicVibe