Chapter 60: A Parent's Heart
East Blue - Dawn Island Village
The sunset painted the sky in shades of gold and red. Smoke curled from the chimneys of the small village at the foot of the mountain, mixing with the distant sounds of laughter.
A tall figure in a white "Justice" coat stepped onto the village path, his form striking in the twilight.
"Yo! It's Roy! He's back!!!"
A shout from the fields caused a small commotion. Several farmers, hoes over their shoulders, stood up straight, their faces breaking into wide, happy grins.
"The village's big-shot is back!"
"I wonder what he brought us this time?"
"Candy? Is it meat jerky?"
Roy chuckled, pulling several bags of colorful sweets from his coat and tossing them to the children who were now running toward him. "Don't fight, don't fight! There's enough for everyone!"
"Whoa!" The kids cheered, diving for the candy.
The adults watched, their faces full of pride.
Just then, an old man in a worn vest, known in the village as "Old Man Braggart," walked over. He had to crane his neck to look up at Roy's ten-foot frame, trying to pat his shoulder but only managing his arm. "Brat! Hahaha! I was just joking all those years ago, but you really did it! You paved the entire village road into a Royal-grade highway!"
Roy scratched his head, smiling. "Of course I remember what you said. It's much easier to get to the market in town now, right?"
"You bet!" the old man said proudly. "Everyone from the next three villages over comes here to trade now! They all say we're 'walking on the Road of Justice,' bwahahaha!"
The laughter echoed through the village, mixing with the warm, welcoming glow of the sunset.
Roy's Home - Dinnertime
A charcoal fire was crackling, and the kitchen was filled with an irresistible aroma. The table was piled high with hot, home-cooked food: potato and Sea King stew, fresh fish soup, soy-glazed sea vegetables...
"Time to eat!" Grandma Erin called out, carrying one last platter of fried meatballs.
Luffy and Ace were already at the table, practically vibrating.
"I want that meatball!"
"Ace, don't steal my bowl!!"
"Eat slower!" Grandpa Rook scolded, his face stern. "You two are the only ones making that much noise! The food's not even all on the table yet!"
Roy sat at the head of the table, watching the chaos with a soft smile. When the flurry of eating had calmed down, he put down his chopsticks and looked at his parents.
"Dad, Mom... are you sure you don't want to move to Marineford? I have a house all arranged for you. It's safer at Headquarters, and I'd worry less."
Rook and Erin exchanged a look. Erin gently put down her spoon. "Silly boy. We've lived here our whole lives. Our friends, our neighbors, our home... it's all here."
Rook snorted, though his voice was uncharacteristically gentle. "Don't treat us like old folks, brat. We can take care of ourselves if trouble comes."
Erin patted Roy's hand. "Just knowing that you're all safe and growing up healthy... that's all we need."
After a moment of silence, Roy nodded, his expression serious. "Then promise me this. If anything happens, you'll use the Den Den Mushi to call me. I don't care where I am, I'll be back immediately."
"We know, we know. You nag just like your mother," Rook grumbled, taking a sip of his sake.
"I heard that, old man!" Erin laughed, then put more rice in the boys' bowls. "Eat, eat. Stop talking and build up your strength."
The night breeze was cool and smelled of flowers. A bright moon hung in the sky.
Roy stood alone in the small yard, looking up at the stars. Behind him, the warm light from the house spilled out, carrying the sounds of laughter. His eyes reflected the starlight, but his mind was far away.
"Pure Gold from the Grand Line... a treasure that can grant eternal youth..."
"If that thing really exists..."
He looked back inside, at the familiar, aging figures of Erin and Rook at the table.
Memories of his first life—his life as an orphan, always struggling to survive—surfaced, and a string in his heart was gently plucked.
"With my current abilities... if there's even a single clue, I can find it."
He clenched his fist, his gaze firm.
"I swear... I will make sure you two live long, healthy, and happy lives. Forever."
The next morning.
The kitchen was already filled with the smell of cooking. Grandma Erin, apron on, was bustling about, packing up jerky and honey biscuits.
"Luffy, open your mouth! It's not even cool yet!" she fussed. "You can't be hungry all the time! Especially you, Luffy! You get so excited about meat, you forget your own name! You'll choke!"
"Mmph! Mmph!" Luffy's cheeks were already stuffed, his face covered in crumbs. "Grandma's food is the best!"
Ace stood nearby, his arms crossed, shaking his head. "Can't you just say goodbye like a normal person? At least after you swallow..."
"Shishishi! 'S part of my charm!" Luffy grinned, nearly choking on a biscuit.
"See?!" Ace sighed, patting him on the back. "You're such a handful."
At the doorway, Grandpa Rook stood with his hands behind his back, looking small in his old, gray coat. He was pretending to look at the sky, but his eyes never left the boys.
"Training is training," he said, his voice gruff. "Don't slack off. And I expect a letter every month, you hear me!"
"Grandpa, I'm not a little kid," Ace rolled his eyes, but he was smiling. "Don't worry. We'll work harder than anyone!"
Roy walked up to his father. "Dad. We're leaving."
Rook just grunted. "Hmph. I know, I know. Get going, don't be late. And... come back when you have time."
"We will," Roy smiled.
Before they left, Ace and Luffy ran to Erin and gave her a massive hug.
"Grandma, next time we come back, you have to make that stew again!" Luffy said, his eyes shining. "Lots of it! With the big chunks of meat!"
Erin laughed, ruffling his hair as she fixed the food bags on their backs. "Okay, okay. Next time, I'll make beef brisket and your favorite rice cakes."
Ace's voice was serious. "Grandma, I'm going to work hard and get strong. When I come back... I want to make you proud."
Erin's eyes welled up, but she held back her tears, fixing his collar. "Silly boy. You've always been our pride."
Roy stood behind them. "Mom, we're going."
"Go on."
Roy raised his hand, and the air around the three of them began to shimmer.
"Be safe on the road!" Erin waved. "And remember to call!"
Rook snorted, turning his head away. "...Don't let anyone look down on a Marine from the East Blue!"
But his eyes were still locked on the spot where the three of them had stood, a faint glistening in them.
The yard was empty.
Erin walked over to Rook. "You grumpy old man," she teased. "You're the one who's going to miss them the most, and you still have to act so tough."
"Hmph... Who, me?" Rook coughed. "Those brats need to be toughened up! It's good for them to get out there!"
"Heh heh~" Erin just smiled, pulling his coat tighter around him. "It's getting cold. Don't stand out here too long."
"Hmph." Rook nodded, but he didn't move. He just kept staring at the empty space, his eyes fixed on the memory of his three boys, his greatest pride.
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