Kasa Village, Kuri, Wano Country.
"Ace, Hancock, you're back."
O-Tama's face lit up with joy as she saw the group appear outside the tree-hole house. Her small figure rushed forward, her worries finally easing.
While Rolan and the others had been dealing with Kurozumi Orochi, Franky had already relocated O-Tama and those affected by the failed SMILE fruits to the Flower Capital. It was a precaution, meant to protect them from any hidden forces of Orochi or Kaido that might try to retaliate.
Now that Rolan and his group had returned, O-Tama felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had always hoped for Kaido and Orochi's downfall, for Wano to finally welcome a true spring.
Still, more than anything, she did not want Ace or the others to get hurt because of it.
Even if life remained difficult, that was fine, as long as they were safe.
"You're back."
At that moment, Koushirou stepped out of the house, his calm gaze landing on the group.
Luffy grinned and nodded. "Master Koushirou, we're back."
Koushirou's eyes shifted toward Rolan, and the meaning behind his look was clear.
Rolan gave a small nod in response.
Koushirou was inwardly shaken. He had not expected Rolan to truly defeat Kaido and Kurozumi Orochi. Even though Rolan was already recognized as the World's Strongest, Kaido had once been known as the strongest creature in the world.
The gap between them should not have been overwhelming.
And yet, the terrifying aura that had spread across Wano earlier, along with the disaster-like tsunami, told a completely different story.
That was not a battle between men.
That was something closer to the destruction of the world itself.
Slowly, Koushirou removed his mask, revealing his aged face. Then he bent his knees, preparing to kneel.
Rolan raised his hand slightly.
Koushirou froze mid-motion, his body refusing to obey him. His pupils shrank in shock. This was the first time he had experienced something like this, his body restrained by nothing more than an invisible force.
It was beyond comprehension.
Meanwhile, O-Tama looked around the group, her brows knitting together.
"Why don't I see Ace?"
Robin stepped forward gently and crouched beside her. "O-Tama, Ace and Yamato have something to take care of. They'll be here soon."
O-Tama tilted her head. "Yamato? Is that the beautiful older sister with horns?"
Robin smiled and nodded. "Yes, that's her."
"I used to see Ace and Yamato talking and laughing together," O-Tama said innocently, then looked up again. "Are they in love?"
Pfft!
Franky immediately sprayed out the cola he had just taken a sip of, accidentally hitting Koushirou.
"I'm sorry, Master Koushirou!"
Koushirou calmly wiped his face with a worn cloth and waved it off. "It's fine."
Even he had not expected to hear such a question from a child. It was… surprising, to say the least.
A faint chuckle escaped Rolan.
Hancock reached out and patted O-Tama's head. "Do you even know what being in love means?"
O-Tama nodded confidently. "Of course. It's like the relationship between Rolan and Hancock."
"Hehe." Robin let out a soft laugh.
Luffy, however, looked completely confused. "What's being in love? That kind of thing would just get in the way of becoming the Pirate King."
Rolan glanced at him briefly.
So it wasn't that Luffy didn't understand. It was just that, to him, nothing mattered more than becoming the Pirate King.
Rolan's thoughts drifted.
In the original course of events, Luffy's life had always seemed… guided. Almost as if everything had been arranged in advance.
His companions, his journey, even his enemies.
It all mirrored something from the distant past.
A swordsman like Ryuma had his parallel in Zoro. A mechanical being like Emit was reflected in Franky. Even the great elephant had its counterpart in Chopper.
Everything aligned too perfectly.
Even Shanks losing his arm to a weak Sea King, that had never made sense. A man of his caliber allowing such a thing to happen could only mean one thing.
It had been intentional.
A push.
A starting point.
Ace's death in the original timeline might have served the same purpose, accelerating Luffy's growth at the cost of everything.
If Ace had eaten the Nika fruit instead, perhaps the one who died would have been Luffy or Sabo.
Rolan's gaze darkened slightly.
Even Roger might not have been as simple as he appeared. Shanks inheriting his will did not necessarily mean inheriting his dream, but rather his role.
A guide.
Someone meant to lead the chosen one forward.
Luffy, in that sense, was nothing more than a piece on a board set eight hundred years ago.
If that were true, then Joy Boy was far more terrifying than anyone realized.
But this time… things were different.
Because Rolan existed.
The path had already begun to change.
Ace was alive. Some of Luffy's companions had joined Rolan instead. The future that had once been certain was now fractured.
He recalled Shanks' words clearly.
Rolan, you are a disruptor. And I'm willing to bet the future on you.
Rolan said nothing, but his eyes grew colder.
He had no interest in being part of anyone's plan.
…
Meanwhile, in the Flower Capital.
Ace and Yamato walked side by side along the lively streets.
"Ace," Yamato began, glancing at him, "if it weren't for Rolan, would you have come back to Wano?"
Ace shook his head lightly. "Even without him, I would've returned."
A hint of joy flashed across Yamato's face.
"Because I made a promise to O-Tama," Ace continued, looking up at the sky. "I said I'd make sure everyone in Wano could eat their fill."
Yamato's expression paused, her anticipation fading slightly.
"I've finally kept that promise."
She waited, hoping he would say more.
Something personal.
Something about her.
But Ace fell silent.
Yamato nodded faintly, then asked, "Now that it's over… will you leave again?"
"Yeah." Ace clenched his fist. "I still have to go out to sea. I want to help Pops become the Pirate King."
"Will you come back?"
Ace thought for a moment. "If I have time, I will."
Yamato's steps quickened as she walked ahead.
"Hey, Yamato, what's wrong?" Ace called out, confused. "Why are you walking so fast?"
"You should hurry and leave," Yamato replied without turning back. "Go help your Pops become the Pirate King."
Ace scratched his head, completely puzzled as he watched her back.
Why does she seem different today?