One Piece: Peace Shattered By Roger (Completed)

The fierce clash of Conqueror's Haki filled the room, its pressure surging like a tidal wave. Within moments, the bandit leader and Ai collapsed, unconscious from the overwhelming force.

"Uh-oh! I might've gone a bit overboard," Kaizen chuckled, scratching his head before turning to his companion with an apologetic look. "You alright?"

"I'm fine. Honestly, I'm more surprised to meet another with Conqueror's Haki on such a quiet island," the man replied, grinning widely.

Suddenly, Kaizen felt a familiar jolt of recognition. "You… you're Pirate King Gol D. Roger!"

"Yes, that's right." Roger chuckled, standing and brushing off his coat.

"So, I guess the rumors are true—you do live up to your reputation in drinking, but your Haki… well, it's nothing special," Kaizen teased, a playful glint in his eye.

"Oh, is that so? Well, I've still got a little time. Care to test that theory?" Roger's grin widened, an eager spark lighting up his eyes.

Kaizen, though, just waved his hand. "Nah, let's focus on fixing this wall. Besides, if we fought, we'd end up attracting unwanted attention."

Roger laughed heartily, nodding. "Good point, good point."

They both knew that when two wielders of Conqueror's Haki clashed, even nature itself seemed to tremble. Both the Marines and nearby pirates would sense it, and Kaizen's peaceful life would be shattered.

---

By morning, the two unlikely friends had taken on the role of carpenters, repairing the tavern wall piece by piece.

"I read in the papers that you completed the Grand Line and claimed the One Piece. They're calling you the Pirate King now," Kaizen remarked as he picked up a wooden plank.

"Oh, are they?" Roger replied, looking as if he were hearing it for the first time.

"Don't get too cocky, though," Kaizen replied, only half-serious.

Roger then pulled out a photo and handed it to Kaizen. "Take a look at this. Adorable, isn't he?"

The photo showed a young woman with a bright smile, holding a newborn in her arms. Her gentle expression gave the scene a warm, tranquil feel.

"He is adorable—is he your son?" Kaizen asked.

"Yes! And don't you think he has my smile?" Roger grinned even wider.

"Have you chosen a name for him?" Kaizen asked.

"Not yet," Roger replied, looking thoughtful. "A name is something he'll carry for life. Someday, if he's as famous as me, he'd better not have some boring name," Roger laughed, scratching his chin in fatherly contemplation.

"What about Ace?" Kaizen suggested casually.

"Ace… Ace…" Roger repeated, trying it out. Then, as if a light had gone on, he laughed loudly. "That's a good name! Arigatou, Kaizen-kun!"

"I'm sure he'll make you proud someday," Kaizen said, watching Roger's face soften.

"Just you wait!" Roger replied, his voice filled with pride.

That day, the sun seemed a little warmer, casting a peaceful glow over the village. Had they been at the shore, it would have been perfect weather for fishing. But instead, Kaizen and Roger were simply two friends, crouched in front of a small tavern, patching up its wall.

And for Kaizen, it was a pleasant memory in the making.

---

A few days later, Kaizen and Roger stood before the repaired tavern, admiring their work.

"Well, I've got to be off," Roger said, putting his hands on his hips.

"Are you sure? You could stay a few more days, fish with me, enjoy the sun. It's good for the soul, y'know," Kaizen suggested, even though he knew it was futile.

Roger shook his head. "I have something important to do. I can't stay."

Kaizen nodded. "In that case, I wish you luck."

"It was an honor meeting you, Kaizen-kun," Roger said, smiling.

The two walked to the shore, where a small, weathered sailboat was waiting. Roger looked at it with a glint of pride.

"You sailed here on that?" Kaizen asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course! She's my old friend!" Roger replied, almost defensively.

Kaizen laughed. "Well, I wanted to wish you a safe journey, but seeing that boat, I'm not so sure…"

Roger just laughed, then pulled a small, compass-like device from his pocket and handed it to Kaizen. "Here. A little parting gift."

"What's this?" Kaizen asked, examining it.

"It's nothing really. Just an interesting trinket. But if you're ever curious, follow it and see where it leads. You might find something interesting," Roger said, his tone hinting at deeper meaning.

Kaizen tucked it away, sensing it was something special. "Thank you."

"Goodbye, Kaizen-kun. I'm glad I met you on my final journey," Roger called as he set off. His voice grew softer as the boat drifted away.

Kaizen didn't wave or shout after him; he just watched quietly as Roger's boat grew smaller on the horizon.

---

Three days later, news of Gol D. Roger's execution in Loguetown spread around the world, and the Great Pirate Era began. Kaizen lay in his room, clutching the newspaper, silent.

"Goodbye, Roger." Kaizen finally whispered, gazing at the familiar smile in the newspaper's black-and-white image.

Life continued as usual on the island. Though the Pirate King's death had shocked the world, it was merely a distant story here. But the era it ushered in—a time of adventure, dreams, and freedom—would eventually reach even this nameless island.