New World · Landis Island
It was a highly comfortable Spring Island with an agreeable climate. Its hot springs were of exceptional quality and were famous throughout the New World, making it a premier choice for many vacationers.
The Roger Pirates had already been staying here for over two months.
In a hot spring pool reserved entirely by the Roger Pirates, Shanks and Buggy were splashing water at each other and playing around, while Bullet had been sitting alone in the dry sauna for over four hours.
If it weren't for the occasional movement, one might think he had already been steamed to death.
According to him, he was tempering his willpower.
Valthior lounged lazily in the hot spring. Honestly, the sense of weakness Devil Fruit users feel in water, combined with the hot spring, created an almost ultimate level of relaxation.
At that moment, Roger—who had seemed to be sleeping—suddenly pulled the towel off his face and slapped it into the water with a smack, saying irritably:
"It's been over two months! We've been waiting here for over two months! Forget Zunesha—we haven't even seen a shadow of it. Could that so-called Kozuki clan horn be a scam?"
Rayleigh, who had been swimming underwater in the hot spring, surfaced, ran a hand through his hair, and added:
"I'm starting to think we got tricked too. Blowing that thing once is supposed to summon Zunesha? Sure, it's loud, but can the sound really travel that far?"
"Blowing it every day with no results makes me feel like a clown," Gaban complained.
That's right—the reason the Roger Pirates had stayed here so long was because they were testing whether they could summon Zunesha.
Although they had already decided to head to Elbaf afterward, Roger and the others felt it would be best to first obtain the Road Poneglyph on Zunesha's back, just in case something went wrong later and made things more difficult.
After all, this was the last known Road Poneglyph.
As long as they secured it, even if they failed to find the remaining two, they could at least guarantee reaching the Final Island and completing their journey around the Grand Line.
But instead, more than two months had passed—and nothing.
"At this rate, I bet Shiki will find us before Zunesha shows up," Spencer joked, then added, "Why don't we just head to Elbaf? Maybe we'll run into Zunesha on the way?"
After some back-and-forth discussion, Roger turned to Valthior and said:
"Hey, Valthior—you're our executive vice captain. At a time like this, give us your opinion. Should we keep waiting?"
"I'm fine with anything," Valthior replied lazily.
Seeing Valthior's completely unhelpful attitude, Roger was just about to lecture him when suddenly, the Den Den Mushi placed by the pool rang.
"Quick! Is it your intelligence network with new info?" Roger asked excitedly.
Valthior rarely used his Den Den Mushi, but whenever he did, it usually brought explosive news.
Urged by the others, Valthior glanced at it and said, , "It's the CP..."
Then he picked it up and answered, "It's me."
"Long time no speak, young master. I trust you've been well," came Spandine's voice.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Valthior replied. Then, thinking of his nephew Doflamingo, he casually asked, "How's that matter I assigned you?"
"Following your instructions, I made many arrangements in the North Blue. Currently, Young Master Doflamingo's situation is very bad—one could say…" Spandine quickly began reporting on the situation of Doflamingo's family.
Valthior found it somewhat amusing as he listened—living in a doghouse, clashing with local beggars, competing for scraps on the streets… it was utterly miserable.
"We also tried to give some hints, but strangely, Lord Homing hasn't shown any intention of abandoning Doflamingo and returning to Mary Geoise. His attitude is very firm," Spandine added.
Valthior sighed slightly upon hearing this. "Homing… that guy may be a bit abnormal in the head, but he's surprisingly good at enduring hardship…"
"By the way, in recent days, some local underworld groups in the North Blue seem to want to make contact with Young Master Doflamingo. Should we eliminate this possibility?" Spandine asked again.
"Oh?" Valthior raised an eyebrow. "No need. Let it develop naturally. But there's one thing you must pay attention to—don't let Doflamingo eat a Devil Fruit."
Spandine didn't quite understand his young master's line of thinking, but he was smart enough not to ask unnecessary questions. He quickly agreed and said he would ensure the task was completed.
"If that guy Doflamingo really shows talent in the 'underworld,' then you can also provide some covert assistance. No need to keep making things difficult for him," Valthior added after thinking for a moment.
Before Spandine could respond, Valthior continued, "When appropriate, you can reveal that I'm the one supporting his 'career.'"
Spandine couldn't help but feel a bit amused. Doflamingo's family had originally lived a smooth and powerful life in the North Blue, but with a single whim from his young master, they had fallen into misery.
And now, he wanted to find an opportunity to "support" Doflamingo's "career"… it sounded absurd no matter how you looked at it.
After finishing the topic about Doflamingo, Valthior asked, "So, is there anything else you contacted me to report?"
On the other end, Spandine suddenly fell silent, as if unsure how to begin.
Valthior found this odd. His expression darkened slightly as he said, "I don't like repeating myself."
"My deepest apologies, Young Master. I just didn't know how to bring this up," Spandine hurriedly said.
"Is it something you need my help with? Given your diligence lately, I can allow you to make a request," Valthior said calmly.
Was Spandine looking for a promotion? Or trying to leverage the influence of the Jaygarcia family?
Supporting Spandine's rise would align with Valthior's own interests, so he didn't mind offering such help.
But Spandine shook that off and hesitated before saying, "Actually… it's an important matter concerning your personal life that I need to report."
"My personal life?" Valthior froze for a moment. What did his personal life have to do with Spandine?
No… wait—the scholars!
After quickly estimating the timeline, Valthior's face immediately darkened. "Is it about the scholars? Did Olvia find someone new—"
Given the timing, Valthior initially thought Olvia had "moved on." Although they didn't really have a deep emotional bond, it would still be a huge personal embarrassment—getting cheated on!
For a brief moment, Valthior even considered ordering Spandine to wipe out the entire scholar group.
But before his anger could fully rise, Spandine hurriedly said:
"Yes, it's about the scholars. Not long ago, Miss Olvia gave birth to a baby girl. According to repeated confirmation from my informants, it can be definitively established that this child carries the noble bloodline of the Jaygarcia family… she is your offspring, Young Master."
Valthior: ???
Time on the sea sometimes passes so quickly that people don't even realize it. After all, a single voyage often lasts for months.
Counting from when they left Wano, to Whole Cake Island, then the battle there, and finally arriving at Landis Island and staying here for over two months—
Good lord, nearly a year had passed!
Valthior had never even considered this possibility.
"My child?" Valthior said in shock.
Beside him, the members of the Roger Pirates who were eavesdropping were also stunned. Then, they all got excited. This was "Big News!"
This was the first next-generation child born to a true companion of their crew!
"That's correct. Miss Olvia has named her 'Nico Robin.' She did not use the noble 'Jaygarcia' surname, seemingly intending to conceal the matter. I did not dare make a decision on my own, so I must report it to you for judgment. Should we retrieve 'Lady Robin' and have her raised by you or in Mary Geoise?" Spandine asked softly.
...
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