Makino froze for a moment, then quickly grasped her hand. "The paper didn't mention any injuries, but look Captain Ritter won! He's now officially recognized as one of the Sea Emperors!"
Rouge stayed silent, her gaze drifting toward the window where Ace was running circles around the yard, his wooden stick swinging through the air as he shouted imaginary attack names. In the corner, Anne sat quietly, hugging her sunflower doll.
"Ace, come here," Rouge called softly.
The boy dropped his stick and ran over, sweat glistening on his forehead. "What's up, Mom?"
Rouge handed him the newspaper. "Take a look at this."
Ace's eyes lit up the moment he saw the front page. "It's Uncle Ritter!" he exclaimed, pointing at the image. "He beat two big pirates! That's amazing!"
Rouge smiled faintly, gently ruffling his messy black hair. "Yes, he's incredible. But remember, fighting is dangerous and being a pirate is even more dangerous."
Ace pouted, puffing his cheeks in defiance. "But Uncle said that a real man has to face challenges head-on! So when can I meet him for real?"
Rouge sighed helplessly, her eyes drifting to the quiet figure in the corner. "Anne, come look too."
Anne slowly lifted her head, golden hair shimmering like soft silk as it swayed with her movement. She gave a quiet "mm," hugging her sunflower doll as she walked over in her unhurried, expressionless way.
Her gaze landed on the newspaper. After a few seconds, she reached out a small hand and gently touched Ritter's image.
If Ace was the fiery storm of youth, Anne was the calm before it a pure, quiet child with eyes that seemed to see more than she said.
Now, let's take a look at the letters Ritter received not long ago.
Time flows backward
Ritter sat at his desk aboard the Blumarine Jackson, two letters spread before him, their paper telling very different stories.
The first was wrinkled, with smudges of what looked suspiciously like sauce and oil stains. The handwriting leaned in every possible direction, the enthusiasm nearly tearing through the paper.
"Stupid Uncle!
I beat three older kids today! Awesome, right?! I didn't embarrass you!
I'm telling you, I was surrounded by hundreds of enemies
and then I punched them all into the sky!!!
When I set sail, I'm gonna beat you and become the new Pirate King!
From the Future Pirate King, Ace
P.S. Grandpa Garp's punches hurt! When will you come teach me some real moves? I'll knock him out next time! Hahaha!"
Ritter twitched an eyebrow, suppressing a laugh. "Future Pirate King, huh? You've got guts, kid."
He shook his head and picked up the second letter. This one was neat and carefully folded, the handwriting graceful and precise. He didn't even need to check the name this had to be his niece's.
"Dear Uncle Ritter,
Have you been happy lately? (^_^)
Did you remember to eat properly? (＾▽＾) Anne's writing to you again!
The sky apples you sent were so delicious! I shared one with Ace, even though he said it was 'just okay' but he secretly licked the core clean!
Mom says the weather in the New World changes all the time, so... ta-da! I made you a scarf!
Mom always knits scarves for Ace and me in winter they make us feel warm and safe. So I wanted you to have one too. I didn't know how to finish it properly, so Aunt Makino helped.
She said it'll keep you nice and warm!
Mom said you've been winning lots of battles again. You're super strong, but I still worry a little. Please be careful, okay? And drink warm milk it helps when you get hurt!
Mom said milk helps you grow taller too, but Ace thought she only told him that, so he pulled me aside and shared the 'secret' like he was the world's smartest big brother.
Uncle, please eat well and rest when you can.
We all miss you at home.
Love, Anne
P.S. I love 'Little Sunflower' so much! I'll treasure it forever."
A small drawing of a sunflower adorned the corner of the letter.
Ritter couldn't help smiling. "Sorry, Ace, but your sister's miles ahead of you," he muttered.
Time resumed its flow
"Anne, you miss your uncle too, don't you?" Rouge asked softly.
Anne didn't answer. She simply hugged her doll tighter, her tiny fingers gripping the fabric like it was a lifeline.
Rouge sighed gently and gathered both children into her arms. "When Uncle Ritter comes home, I'll have a serious talk with him. He keeps doing these dangerous things..."
Ace wriggled in her embrace. "When he comes back, I'll challenge him to a fight!"
Anne remained silent, her gaze fixed on the folded newspaper, her blue eyes reflecting the faint glimmer of longing. To her, that image of Ritter wasn't just her uncle it was hope, courage, and the warmth of a distant home.
Rouge often told stories of her younger brother, the man who once defied the world's strongest powers to save his family, the man who fought the Celestial Dragons without hesitation. And while Garp taught the children discipline and strength, Ritter was their symbol of freedom a hero who never bowed to anyone.
Ace didn't carry the same burden he once did in another lifetime. He had love. He had family. He knew that his father loved him and how he died. That knowledge gave both siblings a natural distrust of the Navy, but also a fierce pride in who they were.
Makino smiled at the sight of the siblings. "If Captain Ritter knew how much you all worry about him, he'd be touched."
Rouge chuckled softly, shaking her head. "He's never been one to stay out of trouble."
Outside, the sea breeze drifted through the open window, carrying the faint scent of salt and freedom.
Rouge gazed toward the distant horizon, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please... come back safely."
Ace slipped from her arms, raising his fist toward the setting sun. "When Uncle comes home, I'll beat him in a duel!"
Anne quietly folded the newspaper and placed it inside her little drawer. It was already filled with every article ever written about Ritter. Rouge knew that was why she always let Ace read first because Anne would immediately store the paper away, ignoring her brother's dramatic protests.
Meanwhile, high above the clouds, the Blumarine Jackson floated serenely in the sky. Its golden hull shimmered under the morning light like a slumbering giant.
Ritter stood at the bow, hands resting on the railing, the wind brushing against his face.
"Captain Ritter!" a clear young voice called out behind him, pulling him back from his thoughts back from the warmth of family, to the endless horizon that awaited him once more.
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