About two weeks later, the warship pulled into the docks at Shells Town.
Looking around at the familiar, peaceful place, Roya felt a wave of memories wash over him. This is where my journey began.
"I'll go alone," he announced.
"Yes, sir!" came the reply.
Leaving his crew behind, Roya headed towards the 153rd Branch, eager to surprise Colonel Rhodes.
He hadn't gone far when a desperate shout pierced the air.
"Help! A wolf is attacking!"
"A wolf?" Roya raised an eyebrow, puzzled. How could there be a wolf here? There were wild wolves on the island, yes, but they usually stayed away from the town. Wolves were generally afraid of people.
"Shave! "
Roya became a blur, leaping across the rooftops. In a matter of moments, he reached the source of the commotion.
There, in the middle of the street, stood a beautiful white wolf, pacing back and forth. It snapped its jaws at anyone who came near, looking ready to pounce.
It's actually quite pretty, Roya thought.
He landed on the ground, studying the wolf.
The snow wolf, so fierce just moments before, froze when it saw Roya. It whined softly and lowered itself to the ground, wagging its tail like an eager puppy, trying to win him over.
Roya then noticed a collar around the wolf's neck. A pet wolf.
Just then, a boy with a bowl haircut, a sharp chin, and squinting eyes came into view, with a rather unusual appearance.
The boy swaggered over. Seeing the wolf cowering before Roya, he yelled, "Hey! Leave Zoro alone!"
"Zoro? Is that your pet?" Roya asked, pointing at the wolf.
"Yeah, he is." The boy's tone was arrogant. "Do you know who I am? I'm Helmeppo, son of Major Morgan, the big boss of this town! You better get down on your knees and apologize right now!"
"It's you." Roya remembered him now.
So this is Morgan's son, Koby's little friend. With the right guidance, he might have some potential.
"Supreme Commander?" Roya was surprised. "Is your father, Morgan, the Base Commander of the 153rd Branch now?"
"Hmph, of course! Are you scared yet?" Helmeppo puffed out his chest. Since his father had taken charge, everyone feared him.
But Roya wasn't interested in his boasting.
"Where's Colonel Rhodes?" he asked.
"Colonel Rhodes retired. My father took over. Ah! Why am I even telling you this!" Helmeppo realized his slip-up and glared at Roya.
"Get down and apologize, or I'll have my father arrest you!"
"Your father wouldn't do that," Roya said, shaking his head.
Morgan was strict, but he was a decent man. This kid, on the other hand... he's been neglecting his upbringing.
With a sigh, Roya grabbed Helmeppo by the collar and lifted him off the ground, marching towards the 153rd Branch.
"Put me down!"
Bang!
One punch, and the boy went silent.
"You're coming too," Roya told the wolf.
"Woof, woof..." Zoro trotted along behind them.
Soon, they arrived at the Branch.
The soldier on duty spotted Roya and his eyes widened in disbelief.
"Colonel Roya?!"
"Yo, it's Linus." Roya smiled and nodded.
He's been gone for a year, and this kid's still a grunt.
"Don't worry, I'm just here on vacation," Roya explained.
"Understood, sir!" Linus nodded eagerly. He had heard that Colonel Roya was now the Base Commander of Logue Town, a huge shot!
"Colonel, let me show you around."
"Thanks," Roya said with a smile. He didn't need a guide, but it was a nice gesture.
He strolled around the base, chatted with Morgan for a while, and before leaving, mentioned Helmeppo's behavior.
"It's my fault!" Morgan admitted. After becoming Base Commander, he had focused solely on the Branch, neglecting his family.
"Colonel Roya, I have a request. I hope you can grant it."
"No need to be so formal. If I can help, I will." Roya felt a strong connection to the 153rd Branch. As a fresh recruit, he had learned a lot from Morgan.
Morgan bowed slightly and pushed his son forward. "I want you to take my good-for-nothing son with you."
"This..." Roya looked at the stunned Helmeppo, thought for a moment, and nodded. "He does have some potential."
"No problem, I'll straighten him out."
"I'm eternally grateful!" Morgan's eyes filled with relief. Having his son become Roya's subordinate was far better than him staying in Shells Town.
"Colonel Roya, I'll take you to Colonel Rhodes's house."
"Alright."
Colonel Rhodes had retired about six months ago and was now living a quiet life in Shells Town with his family.
Roya found him fishing by the river, looking older, with wrinkles around his eyes, but still full of life.
Without the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, he was finally able to relax.
Roya sat down next to him.
"Colonel."
"Eh, Roya?" Rhodes stared at him for a moment before smiling. "You finally decided to come back and see me, huh?"
"Of course!" Roya grinned and placed the gifts he had brought beside him - high-quality cigarettes, alcohol, and tea.
"Colonel..."
Roya recounted the events that had transpired since he left.
It hasn't been long, but so much has happened. It's been a legendary experience.
"Good, good, good!" Rhodes clapped his hands, beaming with pride.
"I knew you had it in you. You'll make a name for yourself!"
"It's all thanks to your guidance." Roya was uncharacteristically humble.
Rhodes laughed. "Hahaha! Let's go to my house later. My wife will cook a feast, and we'll have a proper celebration!"
"Sounds good!"
The next morning, the warship left Shells Town and headed for Syrup Village. As soon as Roya arrived, he heard shouting.
"The pirates are coming! Run, everyone!"
"Usopp, you're lying again!"
"Hahaha! You fell for it!"
Roya watched the scene unfold and sighed. Does he really have to wait for something bad to happen to learn?
At Kaya's mansion, in the garden, a slender girl rushed into Roya's arms.
"Big Brother Roya!"
"Kaya, you've grown taller." Roya patted her head. In just a year, she had grown, probably around 1.6 meters tall. In a year or two, she'll be a stunning woman.
The Syrup couple emerged from the house. They looked even frailer than before.
Roya's expression darkened slightly. They've been sick for years. It won't be easy to get better.
"Come in, Colonel Roya," Mr. Syrup said.
"Please, just call me Roya."
Roya entered the living room, sat on the sofa, and chatted over tea.
The Syrup couple knew their condition was worsening and might not have much time left. They hinted at entrusting Kaya to him, hoping he would take care of her.
Roya suggested, "There's Drum Kingdom on the Grand Line. Their doctors are renowned for their medical skills. They might be able to cure your illness."
"It's no use," Mr. Syrup said with a gentle smile. He had accepted his fate. He had hired famous doctors from all over the world, but nothing had worked. Quiet rest was the best he could do.
Now, their only concern was Kaya. Among the young men they knew, Roya was the best, and Kaya seemed to like him a lot.
"Roya, I'm entrusting Kaya to you."
"I will!" Roya solemnly promised.
He knew that there was no real cure for chronic illnesses like theirs, especially those that seemed to be hereditary.
Doctors have their limits.
But he didn't want Kaya to suffer either. He thought of her as his future wife, and she relied on him so much.
Devil Fruit!
Apart from a Devil Fruit, he couldn't think of any other way to help.
After staying in Syrup Village for three days, the warship set sail again. At the same time, an official letter arrived from Marine Headquarters.
"G-1 Branch?!"
Roya stared at the transfer location, speechless.
Why did it have to be the G-1 Branch!
*
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[T/N:
Latest Chapter translated on Patreon - Chapter Access up to Ch 257
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 272 PS
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Today's Chapter releases includes the +2 bonus chapter(s)!
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-> Naruto Paradise: An Evil Uchiha's Rise
-> One Piece: I'm Destined to Be the Son-in-Law King!
-> Young Master, Please Become Hokage!
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]