"So, this so-called 'letter' was actually a dream?"
"To be precise, it was a remnant of Roger consciousness" Michael explained to Rayleigh and Garp while using Holy Light to replenish the life force Rouge had lost.
"That's truly incredible... Is this part of your Devil Fruit ability?" Rayleigh asked, astonished.
"Just a minor additional attribute." Michael didn't deny it.
For a Seraph to be capable of interacting with souls—wasn't that perfectly normal?
How else would they guide a kind souls to heaven?
Even someone as thick-skinned as Garp couldn't help but marvel inwardly at Michael words.
And this kid had the nerve to claim his Devil Fruit was the "Human-Human Fruit, Ancient Zoan: Winged Human Form"!
First, there was the white flame he displayed on the smuggling ship and during the battle against Shiki.
Then the Holy Light he'd just shown them.
And now this soul-related power...
Since when did Ancient Zoan fruits offer all-round development in offense, healing and soul manipulation? Did he think i was some country bumpkin who didn't know better?
Looking at it this way, Michael was undoubtedly destined to become the Marine next pillar! The only question was whether he possessed the "qualities of a king" like Sengoku.
Naturally, Michael noticed the way Rayleigh and Garp were staring at him as if he were some kind of monster.
He couldn't help but sigh.
He hadn't meant to show off like this.
He could deal damage, heal, and thanks to his infinite stamina, even tank hits... And let's not forget he could grow wings too!
Holy shit! Now that i think about it wasn't this basically make me a freaking Druid!?
Under the nurturing warmth of Michael Holy Light, Rouge, who had just been lost in her dream, slowly awoke.
Though the time it took was rather long.
They had arrived at Baterilla Island at noon and now it was already evening.
Michael had gained a new understanding of why salvation was far more difficult than destruction and slaughter.
Holy Flame could reduce a person to ashes in seconds.
But replenishing the depleted body of a pregnant woman with Holy Light took nearly half a day.
Rouge complexion had visibly improved compared to before.
"How is Rouge... condition?" Rayleigh asked cautiously after glancing at her.
"She was on the verge of collapse before, but now... don't worry, I'd say she's healthier than you are." Michael wasn't exaggerating.
He'd even removed the thin calluses on Rouge hands.
"Isnt that really that amazing? Got time to try it on me? My old back hasn't been feeling too great these years..." Garp strode forward and slung an arm around Michael, ruffling his platinum-blond hair with a large hand.
"Your healing skills are way more reliable than any doctor's."
Michael rolled his eyes.
What nonsense.
While Holy Light did have healing properties, it was more suited for treating old injuries—essentially fixing those problems that reduced one maximum health.
For fresh wounds and illnesses, seeing a proper doctor was still the safest bet.
From the earlier process, Michael also realized the shortcomings of the Holy Light... It took too much time.
But then again... His Devil Fruit development wasn't particularly advanced yet.
Perhaps studying the Holy Light and Holy Flame was a promising path to developing his abilities?
"Old man Garp, stay away from me. What kind of grown man goes around slinging his arm over another dudes shoulders?"
"What nonsense are you talking about? We're good friends arent we you rude brat!."
"Hmph!" Michael ignored the old man and wriggled out of his embrace, walking over to Rouge bedside.
"I know you've already resigned yourself to death—that once Ace is born, you'll fully embrace the end. But... your child has already lost his father. Now, you want me to stand by and watch him lose his mother too? I truly can't do that." Before Rouge could respond, Michael rushed through his speech.
But after his long monologue, he noticed Rouge smoothing her pale pink hair, smiling gently at him.
"Uh, did I say something wrong?"
"Every word you said was reasonable, except..." Rouge radiated the warmth of an expectant mother.
"I never said I intended to give up on life."
"...Ahahaha, is that so? Well, that's great then." Michael forced a laugh and quickly took two steps back.
Damn it all! How embarrassing! I'd delivered such an emotional speech, only to realize she'd never even considered that path!
Noticing his discomfort, Rouge shook her head and explained.
"At first, I did think exactly as you said. But after experiencing that final dream you brought me... I realized I must take up my responsibility as a parent. Including Roger share as well. Whether our child is a boy or a girl, I will raise them to become the greatest person on this world!"
Portgas D. Rouge suddenly sat up straight, all traces of her previous sickly appearance gone!
Instead, she brimmed with the energy of a healthy woman! Truly befitting a woman who bore the initial "D" in her name!
But...
"Holy crap, lady! Take it easy! Sitting up so suddenly—aren't you worried about hurting the baby!?"
Michael hurriedly helped the suddenly energetic pregnant woman lie back down.
Damn! She really was one of the "D" clan! The same recklessness and thick-headedness—how identical! No wonder she'd been the wife of the Pirate King Roger—She's no ordinary woman at all! Birds of a feather really do flock together!
Still, amid his amazement, Michael felt a small sense of pride.
Rouge previous poor health hadn't just stemmed from the toll of pregnancy. It was also the suffering of her troubled thoughts, which had festered into illness.
The Holy Light had replenished her physical depletion. And delivering that final dream had cured the sickness in her heart.
Healing the body! Mending the soul! Not even the greatest physician could have done better!
"Since you're well now, Rouge, it's time to put my plan into action."
The moment Michael spoke, Garp cheerful expression vanished, his entire face morphing into a giant "WTF."
Instead, a mischievous grin spread across Michael face.
"Plan?" Rouge looked puzzled. "Isn't the next step just waiting for the due date—"
"Rouge, you've been in the bedroom all this time, so you don't know" Rayleigh shook his head. "The Marines and CP agent have already landed on Baterilla Island today and begun searching for you."
"That's exactly why we need this plan." After speaking, Michael turned to Rouge and asked sincerely.
"So, uh, Sister Rouge."
"Would you mind changing your surname and uh, maybe gaining a new father?"