A/N: ✨ This is the Extra Bonus Chapter unlocked thanks to your 100 Power Stones!
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"So… where are we going?"
The moment Rouge heard Rain mention her child's safety, she immediately compromised.
If it was for the baby in her belly, she wouldn't hesitate.
Moving homes was nothing even her own life, she felt, could be given up if it meant protecting her child.
"To East Blue. Fusha Village," Rain said firmly.
"East… Blue?" Rouge's eyes widened in surprise.
"That far?"
For Rouge, who had never even left the South Blue until now, the idea of traveling across an entire sea was staggering.
"It's the safest sea in the world," Rain explained.
"And Fusha Village is the hometown of the Navy's hero, Garp. Even Cipher Pol agents won't put too much focus there."
"You can give birth safely and raise your child without being disturbed."
"…I see. Then I'll trust you."
Rouge nodded without hesitation. Hearing that it was Garp's hometown reassured her even the World Government wouldn't dare cause too much chaos there.
Once the decision was made, she quickly packed her belongings. Carrying her simple luggage, Rouge followed Rain and Mira to the boat.
Under the cover of night, the three of them slipped away from Baterilla Island.
Rain's judgment proved right. Within days of their departure, Navy forces and CP agents arrived on the island, scouring it for Rouge.
But by then, she was already gone, safely escorted across the Calm Belt.
A month later
East Blue — Fusha Village
As their ship docked at the port, Rain, Mira, and Rouge stepped onto the humble soil of Fusha Village.
"So this is Hero Garp's hometown?" Mira looked around at the simple wooden houses, the small fields, and the quiet Fusha turning with the breeze.
"It doesn't look any different from an ordinary village…"
She had half-expected some kind of hidden stronghold, full of powerful people lying in wait. Instead, all she saw were ordinary villagers going about their daily lives.
"That's exactly why it's safe," Rain said with a smile. Turning to Rouge, he added gently,
"Miss Rouge, we won't go further in. Here... take this money. It's more than enough to buy a house and settle here."
"The villagers are good people, and if you ever run into trouble, the old village chief will help you."
"Thank you… truly, thank you."
Rouge bowed deeply, gratitude shining in her eyes. Throughout the journey, she had felt their genuine care, and now she was being given a chance to start anew.
"But as for money… you don't have to give me so much." Rouge tried to hand the pouch back.
"I still have savings. It's enough to raise my child. Once I recover, I'll find work. I can manage."
She knew that along the way, Rain and Mira had hunted down pirates and collected over thirty million berries in bounties yet all of it, they were handing to her. That thought weighed heavily on her heart.
"Come on, Rouge-san, don't be so serious!"
Mira quickly stopped her, hugging her arm with a grin.
"You've seen how strong we are. If we need money, we just go catch a few pirates and boom problem solved. So don't be polite!"
"She's right," Rain agreed. "Raising a child alone isn't easy. Having money nearby will make things smoother. Besides..." his lips curled faintly,
"Think of it as a red envelope for the baby's birth."
"…Then I'll accept."
Seeing their insistence, Rouge finally relented with a soft nod.
"Ah, wait."
As if suddenly remembering something, Rouge rummaged through her luggage. From within, she pulled out a long wooden box and held it out.
"Rain, this is for you."
Rain blinked in surprise, then slowly opened the box. Inside lay a magnificent sword its golden hilt gleaming, its guard shining faintly in the light.
"This is…" Rain's breath caught.
"This was Roger's saber," Rouge explained softly.
"Its name is Ace. I thought… it would suit you best. You don't seem to have a proper blade."
Rain's eyes darkened with conflict. "Isn't this… too much? This blade belonged to Roger himself. It should be passed down to his son…"
He couldn't deny the greed in his heart this was one of the greatest swords in the world.
But the thought of taking what should belong to Roger's heir felt wrong.
Rouge smiled faintly, resting her hand on her stomach. "The child may not even be a boy. And even if he is… I don't want him to live as a warrior."
"I'd rather he become a scholar, or a kind teacher."
Her eyes softened as she looked at Rain. "This is my will. I believe Roger would be glad to see it entrusted to you."
Rain hesitated only a moment longer, then bowed his head. "…Then I'll accept it."
Carefully, he gripped the hilt of Ace for the first time.
Soon after, Rouge stood on the shore, watching Rain and Mira sail away until their silhouettes disappeared over the horizon.
Only then did she gather her luggage and walk toward Fusha Village, her new home.
South Blue — Baterilla Island
"What the hell? Didn't that bastard Roger say Rouge was on this island? How could she have vanished?!"
Vice Admiral Garp scowled, fists clenched. He had come with the excuse of a mission, intending to take Rouge under his protection.
But the locals told him she had been gone for more than a month.
"Damn it…"
He turned to the CP agents beside him. "No leads at all?"
The Cipher Pol operatives lowered their heads.
"We can confirm the missing person was Roger's wife… but beyond that, her whereabouts are unknown."
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