One Piece: Start by Saving Roger, I Was Invited to Join the Crew

"Come on, let's drink, Brother Reid! You have to celebrate your victory over Marco with a few more rounds!"

Nozton grinned widely, raising his hand in a cheerful gesture toward Reid.

"Hey! Nozton! Are you trying to get yourself killed? Marco held back to help Reid awaken his Conqueror's Haki, and you still have the nerve to joke about it?"

Jozo stormed over and threw a punch, but Nozton blocked it with a laugh.

"Hahaha! Lighten up, Jozo! If I don't say anything, will you ever stop?"

"Hmmmp!"

Jozo halted, glared at Nozton clearly annoyed.

Reid could only sigh. Nozton had already said it once—if he kept pushing, Reid wouldn't entertain it. After all, they were rival crews who usually clashed whenever they met.

Meanwhile, Marco slipped on his sandals, crossed his arms, and looked a bit frustrated.

"I didn't go all out, but I gave it my all. Yet Reid was just that strong—his Golden Buddha defense was impenetrable, and he even awakened the Conqueror's Haki mid-battle."

He studied Reid's face, feeling like the man before him was shrouded in mystery.

Reid turned to Marco.

"Brother Ma, why not join us for a drink? I owe you thanks for helping me unlock my Conqueror's Haki."

"Ah… Oh, sure."

Marco snapped out of his thoughts—he'd been too focused on Reid earlier.

"Hahaha! Jozo, you up for another drinking contest? Think you can take me?"

"As if I'd lose to you, Nozton! Bring it on!"

Rayleigh watched Reid's retreating figure, a pleased smile tugging at his lips.

"Rayleigh, is it really that easy to awaken Conqueror's Haki? That was just a spar—no life-or-death struggle. How did Reid manage it?" Jabba asked, eyeing Reid with curiosity.

"Who knows? Maybe something in the fight triggered him. Marco's pressure must've played a part—at some point, something must've clicked in his mind."

Rayleigh smirked.

"Maybe so."

Jabba responded flatly, still watching Reid.

The four of them sat down, with Nozton looking even more excited than Reid, occasionally shooting glances at Jozo.

Reid opted for a wine bowl instead of a barrel-sized cup. He poured one for Marco, then himself.

"Brother Ma, I appreciate your help earlier. Let me toast you."

"No need for formalities, Reid. I didn't plan on helping you awaken it—that was all you."

Despite his words, Marco grinned and clinked his bowl against Reid's before downing the drink.

"Reid, you should be careful. The World Government and some pirates already have their eyes on you."

Marcos's tone turned serious, his gaze sharp.

"Hah! Marco don't worry. Brother Reid's strong—who on our crew would dare mess with him?" Nozton scoffed, gulping his wine without a care.

"Nozton, you're missing the point. Marco's right—you're as dense as a block of wood. I'm way sharper than you." Jozo seized the chance to mock him.

The World Government ruled the seas—underestimating them was foolish.

"Hmph. If they come, I'll crush them."

"Brother Ma, who holds the highest authority in the World Government right now?"

Reid probed, curious if Marco would mention Im.

"The Five Elders? Those old men stay holed up in Mariejois, never showing themselves." Marco replied, resting a hand on his thigh.

"Oh? What do you know about them? Their names?"

Since arriving in this world, Reid hadn't learned much about the Five Elders.

"No idea. Never seen them. Just heard my father mention they're Celestial Dragons who love slapping 'Holy' on everything."

"Holy Mary Geoise."

Reid muttered.

"Right. Marie Geoise, but they call it 'Holy' to flaunt their so-called divinity."

"They're just scum—ordinary people who built a hierarchy to rule. Selfish, cruel bastards." Jozo spat angrily.

"Hah! Those dragons won't last much longer." Nozton sneered, having been to Laugh Tale with Roger.

"Brother Ma, do you know the Five Elders' names?"

Marco had grown used to Reid's "Brother Ma."

"No clue. Those old men only give orders to the Marines—never show their faces."

"I see."

Reid nodded, slightly disappointed. He only knew one name from earlier records—Saint Jaygarcia Saturn.

Meanwhile, Whitebeard and Roger settled at their usual drinking spot.

Whitebeard poured himself a bowl and drank deeply.

"Roger, what's on your mind?"

Roger sat across from him, expression serious.

"Whitebeard, I trust your judgment. Your crew's loyalty is unmatched. But I'm curious—why did you take Teach in?"

Whitebeard exhaled. Roger's implication was clear—he'd noticed something off about Teach.

"Teach…"

He paused.

"He was only twelve back then, but something about him felt… insincere. I worried he'd cause trouble if left alone, so I kept him close."

"Is that all?"

Roger took a sip.

"You sensed something was off before, didn't you?"

"No, not then. I used Observation Haki constantly but saw nothing unusual. At the time, I thought it was just his personality."

Roger smirked—even the Pirate King had been fooled by a kid.

Whitebeard frowned in surprise.

"You didn't notice anything back then?"

"Nope. Kid was just thinking about food."

Whitebeard nodded slowly.

"His composure was unnerving for a child. Brave, but… calculated."

He drank again, weighing whether taking Teach in had been the right call.

"Has Teach done anything questionable over the years?" Roger asked.

Whitebeard's crew was his family—he wouldn't tolerate betrayal.

"No. Always smiling, acting normal."

"Really?"

Roger pondered.

"A normal kid wouldn't have that level of control. He's what, sixteen now? What's his goal?"

"Roger, if you didn't notice anything before, why bring this up now?"

Whitebeard was puzzled—what had changed?

"During Reid and Marco's fight, I saw it—Teach's eyes when he looked at Reid. Pure greed, hunger."

Whitebeard's grip tightened. Teach was his son now—he wouldn't act unless forced.

"Greed? Not envy?"

He wanted to believe it was mere admiration.

"No mistake. His expression was different from the others. If he's hiding something, he's playing the long game on your ship."

Whitebeard fell silent. Even at the start, something about Teach had unsettled him.

"Regardless, Teach is my son now. If he betrays this family, I'll handle it."

"Whitebeard, I expected that answer. But…"

Roger's grin turned sharp.

"If that kid ever targets Reid, I'll kill him myself."

Whitebeard's fist clenched, his glare meeting Roger's.

"Hmph. If my son strays, I'll deal with him. No need for you."

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