Time passed minute by minute. Some of the residents of Baterilla Island had already left by boat, while the majority remained stranded due to a lack of vessels.
"What are we supposed to do now? The Navy is coming, and we'll all be blown to bits by their cannons!"
"The entire island will be flattened—run for your lives!"
"Damn that Roger! Why did he have to come here? We were living just fine before!"
The islanders scattered in panic, their faces twisted with terror, their eyes wide with fear as they trembled uncontrollably.
"Tch. These people… If it weren't for the Roger Pirates showing them mercy, who else would? Try relying on another crew and see how that goes."
Elio shook his head, then couldn't help but laugh.
"Hahaha… But that's just how we are—chasing freedom. Ah~ That's Captain Roger's dream, after all."
Every direction was filled with fleeing people, kicking up dust across the island. The streets quickly descended into chaos.
Elio picked up a Den Den Mushi and dialed.
"Pururu pururu, pururu pururu—"
"Who is it?! I'm trying to escape for my life here, no time for chit-chat!"
"It's me, Elio. Gridon, you've got influence on the island. Gather everyone who's still here and tell them to stop running around. The Roger Pirates will protect the island from the Navy's attack."
"Elio… Are you joking? That's the Navy we're talking about! And this time, they've issued a Buster Call—this island will be wiped out in an instant. Elio, you'd better find a way to escape too. Wait… What did you say? You're with the Roger Pirates?"
"Haha, that's right. We've shared drinks more than a few times—I respect you guys. Enough talk. Spread the word and calm the islanders down. There are no boats left. Fleeing blindly to the sea is just another death sentence—either drowning or getting eaten by sea kings."
On the other end, Gridon hesitated but eventually agreed.
"Alright, Elio. I'll take your word for it. But I can't guarantee others will listen."
"Hahaha, just get the message out. Whether they live or die is up to fate."
After hanging up, Elio contacted a few more of his drinking buddies before returning to Roger's side.
"How did it go, Elio?" Rogue asked anxiously. Having lived on Baterilla for so long, she couldn't bear to see its people slaughtered.
"I did what I could. Some have already left by ship. As for the rest, I've warned them."
"Hahahaha! Here we are, a bunch of pirates, worrying about ordinary folks."
Roger threw his head back and laughed. Perhaps it was the weight of having a wife and an unborn child that had softened him slightly.
"Even pirates have principles. What we chase is freedom. Honestly, none of us wanted things to turn out like this. If the Navy's so-called 'justice' means using a Buster Call to indiscriminately wipe out an island, then I'd say they're worse than pirates."
Reid suddenly spoke up, his tone firm. He'd always believed the Buster Call was an abomination, and now that he was facing its threat, the terror only fueled his anger.
"Hah! Well said, Reid. It's all about labels. The World Government, controlled by the Celestial Dragons—they're the real enemies of freedom."
Roger planted one foot on a large rock, hands on his hips, grinning as he gazed into the distance.
"Roger… Can you really handle the Navy?" Rogue's voice was laced with worry. Having stayed on the island, she wasn't fully aware of Roger's strength.
"Hmph. Guess I'll have to get serious this time. Seastone artillery won't work on my crew. Once Rayleigh, Gabban, and the others get here, it won't be a problem."
"So it's true. The rumors were right—the Roger Pirates barely have any Devil Fruit users. The only known one is Bullet."
Reid nodded to himself. Hearing it straight from Roger cleared up his long-standing doubts.
"Of course! Captain Roger is unstoppable." Elio smirked, taking a drag from his cigarette before his expression turned serious. "But Captain… What about your illness—?"
"Hah! Don't worry. I feel better now than I did in my prime—all thanks to Reid here."
"Just a small trick, hehe."
Reid scratched his head humbly, grinning. The others shot him exasperated looks.
Buggy pouted.
"Reid's such a show-off. Stealing my spotlight…"
Shanks walked up to Reid, eyes shining with excitement.
"Reid, your medical skills are incredible! Can you teach me?"
"It's an innate ability. Can't be taught, sorry."
"Oh… I was hoping I could learn. It'd be so useful."
Shanks deflated. During their three-day battle with the Whitebeard Pirates, many had been injured. Mastering advanced medical skills would've been a game-changer.
Roger strode over and ruffled Shanks' hair, grinning.
"Don't sweat it, Red-Hair. Reid's one of us now. That's good enough."
Shanks nodded.
"Yeah. With your illness cured and Reid joining us… That ending—we can definitely change it."
"Hahahaha! Damn right. If I'd known Reid was coming, I wouldn't have surrendered back then."
Roger grinned, brimming with unprecedented confidence to fulfill his dreams.
"Guess it's a blessing in disguise. If you hadn't turned yourself in, Captain, we might never have met Brother Reid."
Elio chuckled, genuinely happy for Roger—at least he no longer had to suffer from his illness.
"Hahahaha! You're right, Elio. Even the heavens are on Roger's side!"
"Heh."
Rogue smiled softly. Before Roger left Baterilla, he had told her about reaching the final island.
Reid's mind raced as he listened, flashes of realization striking him.
"Just as I thought… Before Roger left the crew, he must have told Shanks something crucial. My guess? It's about Imu. The three Ancient Weapons have the power to destroy the pirate world. Roger said they were 'too early'—that must mean Princess Shirahoshi hadn't been born yet, and the other 'king' hadn't appeared either. He even told Rayleigh they'd leave it for Ace to finish… but Ace died."
The more Reid pieced it together, the more excited he became. He felt like he was on the verge of uncovering a monumental secret.