One Piece: Peace Shattered By Roger (Completed)

"Oh! It's the little chubby Teach!" Shanks teased, wiping away his tears and pushing his sadness aside.

"My name is Teach, not 'little chubby'!" Teach retorted seriously.

At hearing this, Kaizen's eyes flickered. So this is the young Blackbeard, Teach? It was hard to connect this innocent-looking kid with the ruthless Blackbeard of the future.

"What are you looking at?" Teach noticed Kaizen's curious stare.

"Oh, we just couldn't sleep," Kaizen replied. "We came here to enjoy the breeze without disturbing anyone."

"I haven't slept well for years," Teach replied, settling down beside Kaizen without invitation.

The three sat in silence, letting the moonlit breeze wash over them.

"The Captain seems to like you both, but I don't think either of you plans to stay with us," Teach noted, a glint of confidence in his eyes.

Shanks, surprised, questioned Teach. "Why would you say that?"

"It's in your eyes; you have no attachment here," Teach said simply.

Kaizen watched Teach, intrigued by his quiet self-assurance. It's strange how the same self-confidence will grow into his arrogance, he mused.

"Are you leaving too, Kaizen? Aren't you going to stay on the ship?" Shanks asked.

"Yes, I'll be leaving after we settle the island residents," Kaizen nodded, a sense of calm acceptance in his voice. He had no particular desire for a pirate's life, nor to bring further trouble upon others. As the World Government's most wanted man, life on the run was his only option.

"In that case, what will you do next?" Shanks asked earnestly.

Kaizen shrugged. "I'll go where the sea takes me. It's not like I have much choice."

"Then join my crew!" Shanks said suddenly, smiling. "I'm planning to start my own pirate crew and would love for you to be my first mate."

Kaizen smiled back, shaking his head with a kind yet firm refusal. Shanks sighed, recognizing the resolve in Kaizen's eyes.

"Don't worry," Kaizen reassured him, "You'll find great comrades and make a name for yourself out there."

Teach grinned. "You're strong, Red-Haired Shanks. I expect to fight you one day."

Shanks smirked. "Thanks, Teach, but the next time we meet, I'll knock you flat!"

"Is that a challenge, Red Hair?" Teach snapped, pounding the deck with his fist.

Shanks responded playfully, "You bet it is, 'Little Chubby' Teach!"

Kaizen chuckled, feeling oddly sentimental. If only things stayed simple like this, he thought.

As dawn approached, Shanks lay beside him fast asleep. Kaizen covered him with his coat, protecting him from the morning chill.

Teach stayed awake alongside Kaizen in silence until dawn. What exactly is this guy thinking? Kaizen wondered.

When the first rays of sunlight appeared, their destination came into view—a lush island on the Grand Line under Whitebeard's protection.

"Ah, the air here is so sweet!"

"Look at those flowers! They're beautiful!"

The villagers admired their surroundings with bright eyes, feeling safe at last.

Whitebeard, grinning widely, proclaimed, "This island is under my protection. No one—Marine or pirate—will disturb you here."

Marco muttered, "The Captain originally kept this island for his retirement."

"Oi, Marco, don't talk about the Captain like that!" a crew member said, laughing.

Whitebeard roared with laughter. "We're having a welcome party! Drink, feast, and be merry!"