At the banquet, glasses clinked and laughter rippled through the hall. Roger's face flushed bright red as he clinked cups with Laboon. It looked like Laboon wanted to challenge Roger to a drinking contest using his own juice. Today's game was simple: either you get drunk, or I dash to the bathroom.
Reed leaned back against a soft cushion. His blood mist had taken the form of a tiny, chibi-style blood dragon, serving juice to the little ones. After all, apart from Laboon and half-transformed Perona, the others weren't allowed unlimited drinks they were still teething and needed to maintain their dental hygiene.
Yet, it was worth noting little Perona. She was the queen of the children. As the elder sister, she had to lead by example. Though she wanted to drink, with Hiyori and Hiyori-chan staring at her without blinking, how could she indulge in such "suffering" alone? Like Lord Reed, she had to be the first to charge into the fray.
However, amidst this lively atmosphere, Oden seemed somewhat distracted. He held his cup, but his gaze kept drifting toward Roger, his brow furrowed. Reed noticed the subtle change in his expression. Silently, the blood mist crept to Oden's side, forming a tiny hand that gently tapped his cheek.
"Hey, Oden," Reed said lazily, "you look like someone just shoved a mouthful of rotten fish and shrimp into your face. What, are Kozuki Stone's dishes not to your taste?"
Oden snapped back to reality, forcing a smile. "No, the food is delicious… it's just…" He hesitated, finally setting down his cup.
Reed raised an eyebrow, teasing. "Hey, Oden, what's with that expression? You're hosting the party, don't ruin the mood."
At these words, Oden took a deep breath and suddenly stood. He strode toward Roger, and under the confused gazes of everyone present
Bang!
He sank to his knees, forehead pressed to the wooden floor.
"Captain Roger… I'm sorry!" Oden's voice was hoarse and heavy. "I've brought shame upon the Roger Pirates!"
The banquet fell silent. Even Roger's smile faded slightly.
Roger froze, his cup slipping to the floor with a clatter. He quickly reached out to steady Oden. "Hey, hey, what are you doing? Stand up!"
But Oden remained stubbornly kneeling. "I've brought shame upon the Roger Pirates… I've let you all down, and betrayed the trust of my comrades!"
His fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. "I was foolish enough to believe the enemy's lies, acting like a coward, dragging Wano into despair… I… I truly don't deserve this…"
Roger didn't wait for him to finish. He grabbed Oden's collar, pulling him up and giving his shoulders a firm shake. "Oden, stand up! The kids are watching! What are you talking about? Dancing or drinking? Let's go, drink!"
Oden continued, "I've tainted the name of the Roger Pirates!"
His voice came out through gritted teeth. "I… I am no longer worthy to call myself one of your crew!"
The air seemed to freeze for a moment.
Roger stared at Oden, then suddenly
"Kuhahaha!" He laughed heartily.
"Oden, you idiot!" Roger grabbed him by the collar, forcing him to meet his gaze. There was no hint of blame in his eyes, only burning courage. "A son of the sea, how could he be bound by the past?!"
Oden was stunned.
Roger released him, patting his shoulders. "What's wrong with making mistakes? I've been chased around by Garp before! The important thing is " He grinned widely, showing his signature wild smile. "You're standing now, aren't you?"
Oden lifted his head, surprise flashing in his eyes.
Roger continued, "Mistakes aren't scary. What's scary is letting them defeat you. Look at you now you're no longer the Oden Kozuki I knew, the one brave enough to drink with Rayleigh and duel Jabura!"
Leaning against the doorframe, Reed smiled slightly and interjected, "Exactly. One foolish mistake is enough. If you keep screwing up, I might just have to give the captain a proper lesson myself."
Oden's pupils flickered, as though Roger's words had struck a chord deep within him. He opened his mouth but didn't know what to say.
Reed snorted, and the blood mist formed a tiny fist that gently tapped Oden's head. "Did you hear that? Even I, this old rascal, said it. What are you still worrying about?"
Roger turned toward Reed, glaring. "You little brat, who are you calling an old rogue?"
Reed rolled his eyes. "Take your pick."
Their playful argument reignited the party's atmosphere.
Oden looked at Roger and Reed. The shadow over his eyes gradually lifted. He drew a deep breath, straightened his back, and said loudly, "Captain Roger, Reed! I understand! I will never let anyone disrespect the Roger Pirates again!"
"That's more like it! Now, cheers!" Roger nodded with satisfaction, lifting his freshly filled cup. "But remember, the Roger Pirates ended when I disbanded them. Now, it's a new era…"
Roger's gaze swept over Hiyori, Hiyoko, Perona, and even little Latty.
"This era belongs to these young ones! Let's toast to this new age!"
"Cheers!" everyone responded in unison, the sound of clinking cups crisp and pleasant.
Reed comforted Oden, "That's right. The new era belongs to us youngsters."
"Huh?" Roger looked puzzled.
"You idiot! That ridiculous banana hammer of yours!" Reed roared, baring his shark-like teeth.
The next morning, on the blood mist-covered coast, Reed was "repairing" Roger's face.
"Don't move, old rascal." Reed's fingertips manipulated the blood mist like a living entity, subtly reshaping Roger's facial features. "If Sister Rouge recognizes you at a glance, all my efforts will be wasted."
Roger made a face. "Firestarter! Your mist is too cold!"
Oden watched from the side in awe. "Reed, your ability is incredibly convenient."
Little Tsukihi held Hiyori and Hiyoko's hands, smiling gently. "Now, Mr. Roger can visit his wife without worry."
Reed stepped back, examining his work. Roger's previously conspicuous nose hairs were now hidden by the mist. His iconic straw hat was gone, replaced with a plain one. Even his perpetually grinning expression had been made wilder and more chaotic.
"Perfect." Reed snapped his fingers. "Now you're just an ordinary retired Marine, 'Ross,' understand?"
Roger touched his unfamiliar face, then suddenly grinned mischievously. "Hahaha! So… should I pretend to be Garp's old comrade?"
"You wouldn't dare!" Reed grabbed him by the collar. "Sister Rouge would kill me!"
Oden laughed and chimed in, "Alright, alright. The ship's ready, let's go."
Reed: ? ? ? ? ?