One Piece: Starting in God Valley as a Slave

On the Grand Line, Roger was looking at a newspaper in his hand with a frown on his face.

Not far from him, Shanks was sitting on the deck, looking at Roger with a serious expression. He turned to Buggy beside him and said,

"Buggy, Captain Roger has been sitting there for a long time. It seems like something big has happened."

Buggy replied casually while lying on the deck with his hands behind his head, squinting his eyes.

"You don't know yet? The Navy's Garp, who's been chasing us, has committed a crime and has been demoted to Impel Down. Looks like we won't be seeing him around much anymore~."

Shanks was shocked. "What? So sudden?"

Buggy glanced at him and said, annoyed,

"I've known this for a while. You've been busy training with Rayleigh, so you probably haven't had time to read the newspaper."

Shanks nodded, realizing that Roger must have read the news more than once. He also knew why Roger seemed so disturbed—Roger often mentioned Garp's name with admiration, saying if they weren't in opposing camps, they'd probably be good friends.

Just as Shanks was lost in thought, Buggy suddenly sat up, startled.

"By the way, Garp was defeated by the Black Dragon and taken to Marine Headquarters! Do you remember Black Dragon? He's the one who saved you last time!"

Shanks was stunned. "Him? He actually defeated Garp? Doesn't that mean his strength is comparable to Captain Roger's?"

Shanks remembered the Black Dragon, who had saved his life. The man was about the same age as Bullet, yet his power was monstrous. Shanks thought Bullet, who could spar with Vice-Captain Rayleigh, was a prodigy, but Black Dragon defeating Garp was a whole other level.

Buggy patted Shanks on the shoulder and said earnestly, "So if we ever meet the Black Dragon again, I'm sticking close to you!"

Shanks blinked in confusion. "What do you mean? You don't think I can defeat the Black Dragon?"

Buggy gave Shanks an exasperated look. "You idiot! Haven't you noticed? The Black Dragon has a special interest in you!"

"Special? You mean because he saved me once?"

"Is saving your life nothing to you? You owe him a huge debt! But you, with your little bounty, wouldn't even fill the gap between his teeth!"

Shanks rolled his eyes. "I know! I'll repay him if I ever get the chance."

Buggy shook his head. "No chance. You're too weak to repay him. Black Dragon has never been kind to pirates, yet he saved you. Don't you think that's strange?"

Shanks frowned. "That's true… So, why do you think he did it?"

Buggy studied Shanks' face. "Maybe… it's because you look alike!"

"Huh?" Shanks was both amused and confused. "Just because of that?"

Buggy nodded earnestly, but Shanks waved him off. Roger, who had been quietly listening, couldn't help but chuckle at their banter.

The two kept bickering until their voices reached Roger, who closed his newspaper. "Hey, Shanks, Buggy, don't you two get tired of arguing all day long?"

Roger got up to walk over to them but suddenly clutched his chest, his face paling. Both Shanks and Buggy rushed over, Shanks supporting him while Buggy ran to call Krocus, the ship's doctor.

Sweat dripped from Roger's brow as he forced a smile. "I'm fine… just felt a little down reading about an old friend."

Roger patted Shanks on the head. "Shanks, I overheard your conversation just now. You and I… we both chase the same thing—freedom."

Shanks, still worried, helped Roger sit more comfortably, while Krocus quickly arrived with the crew. Ignoring Roger's playful attitude, Crocus checked him over.

"It's just a minor episode," Crocus sighed in relief, "but you need to be more careful, Roger."

Roger grinned widely, brushing off the concern. "What are you all so worried about? Let's not waste time moping. We've got a party to throw!"

The crew looked at each other, uncertain, but Rayleigh nodded. "All right, false alarm! Everyone, grab the wine. Let's celebrate!"

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+115 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg