East Blue, Shimotsuki Village, Isshin Dojo
Koushirou held a newspaper in his hand, the tatami mat beside him displaying a brand-new wanted poster of Zoro.
He walked out while reading, observing the children training in the yard, memories flooding his mind.
That day, a boy with green hair arrived at Isshin Dojo, immediately challenging anyone present.
Zoro had shouted, "Is anyone here? I'm here to challenge the dojo. Let the strong ones come out!"
Koushirou had chuckled, "A dojo challenge? That's rare these days. I accept."
Zoro's reply was bold: "If I win, I'll take your signboard."
"And if you lose?" Koushirou asked.
"If I lose… I'll join your school," Zoro said confidently.
"Hahaha, then it's a deal," Koushirou had laughed.
"Teacher, give me that sword! I will become stronger for her too!"
The children's cries pulled Koushirou back to the present.
He sighed softly, surprised by the passage of time.
Zoro had transformed from a lost child into a Pirate famed throughout the world.
Whether Zoro became Pirate or Marine, Koushirou knew he would always support him if he stayed true to himself.
---
East Blue, Windmill Village
"Let's toast to Rolan!"
"We from the East Blue have produced an extraordinary person!"
"Who now dares say our East Blue is the weakest sea area?"
"Exactly, our East Blue has produced someone remarkable."
"Stop talking, the Village Chief is here."
Everyone turned toward the old man entering the room.
Surprisingly, he didn't scold anyone.
He quietly took a seat, sipped wine from the table, and remained silent.
Confusion spread.
Has the old man changed?
---
East Blue, Coco Yashi Village
"Genzo, the oranges have been delivered," a blue-haired woman said, placing a bag on the steps.
She knocked gently, then opened the door.
Genzo turned, sighing in helplessness.
"Why again? Nojiko, didn't I say I'd buy them myself?"
Nojiko wiped sweat from her brow, smiling.
"Just take them. Genzo has always been like a father to Nami and me."
"Stop talking nonsense."
"What's this?" Nojiko asked, curious.
Genzo handed her a newspaper.
She read it carefully, a smile growing at the corners of her lips.
"You must admire Rolan, right? Why didn't you go to sea with him before?"
Nojiko laughed brightly.
"What nonsense! That's my sister's husband."
Genzo remembered how Nojiko always guided Nami with care, letting her flourish as the younger sister.
---
Lush Green Alabasta
"Lord Rolan… have you truly reached this point? When can we meet again?" Princess Vivi murmured, holding a newspaper by the window, lost in thought.
The pattering rain outside answered her in silence.
Thump, thump, thump.
A crisp knock sounded.
"Igaram, come in."
The door creaked, revealing Igaram.
"Princess Vivi, Koza is here again."
Vivi's brows furrowed, the thrill of Rolan's news fading instantly.
"Didn't you tell him I was busy?" Her voice remained calm.
Igaram rubbed his forehead helplessly.
"I… think it would be better if you told him yourself."
Vivi nodded and walked outside.
On the steps stood Koza, soaked by the rain, scar over his left eye, red-brown trench coat swaying.
"Vivi, let's go to that restaurant we used to visit as kids," he said eagerly.
Vivi sighed.
"Koza, go back. You'll catch a cold."
"I'm strong, I won't easily catch cold. You must be hungry too, let's go—it's my treat."
"I just ate. You go."
"Then dessert on camels, remember our childhood ride?"
Vivi shook her head.
"Koza, why are you doing this?"
"I… I just—"
Vivi looked up.
"I know your feelings. I just see you as an older brother."
She turned and walked back inside.
Koza stood frozen, murmuring, "Just an older brother? Damn clown."
---
Fish-Man Island
Shirahoshi sat on her pink bed, holding Rolan's wanted poster.
"I wonder what my husband-to-be is doing now… I hope he's thinking of me."
She caressed the poster gently.
Chomp chomp chomp!
Megalodon burst through the door.
"Megalodon, what is it?" Shirahoshi asked.
The shark pointed to the poster frantically.
"News about husband-to-be?"
Megalodon nodded, leading Shirahoshi to the Royal Palace Hall.
"Jimbe… Jimbe Boss!" she exclaimed.
Jimbe turned.
"Princess Shirahoshi… you've grown. Time flies."
"And who is this husband-to-be?"
"My husband-to-be is… Lord Rolan."
Jimbe's jaw dropped.
She's thinking about marriage already, to Rolan… at her age?
---
News of Rolan and the Ion Tempest becoming a new Emperor spread like wildfire.
For the common people, it was merely a change in the top Pirate.
For the Marines and the World Government, it was catastrophic.
Unlike Charlotte Linlin, Rolan was unpredictable, hostile to authority, and uncontrollable.
The Ion Tempest had fully risen to Four Emperors strength, earning recognition across the Pirate World.
---