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Chapter 21 - Dimon & Roger’s Pact

Shakky helped explain what the Immortality Brew actually was.

Roger was floored. "There's… wine like that in this world!?"

"No need to act shocked. The Ope Ope no Mi's 'eternal youth surgery' can achieve something similar," Dimon said, swirling the liquor in his glass—clearly hinting at deeper history.

"Ageless and undying, huh? Shame I don't have a Devil Fruit on me, or I'd try a glass right now."

Roger was a born drinker; resisting great alcohol wasn't in his nature—especially when it came bundled with a miracle. Age and death are the inescapable end for everyone. The strong dominate for a few decades, then all return to dust. If there's a way to punch through the lifespan ceiling, who wouldn't want it? He wasn't desperate yet—he was still young—but the desire was there.

"When you find a fruit, come by any time," Dimon smiled. Then he pivoted: "I also heard the Roger Pirates are hunting the end of the Grand Line."

"You mean Mercury Fairy Island?"

Roger nodded. He really was after the "end."

Dimon shook his head. "If it has a name, it means someone reached it once and named it. Legends don't spread from nowhere."

Dimon knew the story: Mercury Fairy Island wasn't the true end. Roger would indeed find it on the way to becoming Pirate King, but the log pose would go haywire there because of the special magnetic field—meaning there was another island beyond. That was the real last stop—Laugh Tale (so named by Roger himself).

"Based on years of digging," Dimon went on, "you need a special method to reach the real final island."

"Years…?"

Roger's thoughts raced. This kid…

No—Dimon had immortality. He might look twenty-something, but who knew his true age? Someone who could brew Immortality Brew—what if he'd survived since the ancient era?

Roger's expression turned complicated. They'd just sparred… and he'd even held back a little for the 'rookie.' But if this was an ancient monster in a young shell… maybe Dimon had held back way more.

"Ahem. So, Dimon… what's the method?" Roger coughed, masking his awkwardness.

Dimon couldn't guess Roger's brain-spiral. He lifted a finger. "Condition first. I want to see the last island too. When you head there, take me along."

"No problem—we're friends now!" Roger agreed without hesitation.

Shakky hid a laugh. Men's friendships were bizarre: punch each other half to death and—boom—best friends.

"The Poneglyphs," Dimon explained. "Square stone monoliths—nearly indestructible. There are over thirty scattered across the world."

Roger nodded, surprised. "I think I've seen what you're talking about—but I can't read the script."

"Don't rush. Here's the key," Dimon continued. "Among them are four red stones—the Road Poneglyphs. Only by finding all four and following the coordinates inscribed on them can you reach the true final island."

Shakky blinked. "Something like that doesn't occur naturally. Someone arranged it. If it points to the final island… what's the purpose?"

"No idea." Dimon left it there.

Roger shot to his feet, fired up. If this intel was real, the unknown island was practically within reach. "All this is true, Dimon?"

"Go verify it at Mercury Fairy Island. You'll see—that's not the end."

Roger nodded, clapped Dimon on the shoulder, and laughed. "Once I find those stones, I'll come get you. See you then, friend! Shakky, I'm off!"

He hustled his crew out the door.

Dimon admired the man's speed of action. He considered reminding Roger about deciphering the ancient text… then decided to leave it. Roger would figure something out.

"Why not tell Rocks this?" Stussy asked, tilting her head. "Aren't you letting the Roger Pirates pull ahead?"

Dimon shot her a look. "Rocks is aiming bigger—toppling the Celestial Dragons and becoming king of the world."

Why else go court Harald, the Giant King of Elbaf?

He finished his drink, set down 100,000 Berries, and rose. "I've got things to do. Thanks for the pour, Shakky."

He left—he hadn't forgotten his goal: find targets to devour.

Once he was gone, Gloriosa finally jumped in. "Why not go meet Rayleigh at the harbor?"

"No need anymore. My lovesickness is cured," Shakky said with a small smile.

Gloriosa blinked. Shakky's lovesickness… cured?

Stussy sighed in awe. "The Immortality Brew cured even that."

Gloriosa murmured, "So that's why I suddenly felt nothing for Roger…"

All roads led back to Immortality Brew. Ageless, deathless—and seemingly disease-free.

Charlotte Linlin snorted, laying it on thick.

"Your Amazon Lily 'love sickness' really is a weird disease!

While you're sick, you're madly in love—can't see him, you 'die.' You never shut up about 'romance,' it's laughable.

Then when it's cured—you just forget the guy. Cold-blooded!"

Gloriosa had no comeback.

Shakky tapped her cheek thoughtfully. So it was all just a… virus?

[You devoured 1 Devil Fruit: +100 Demon Points]

Demon Points: 200

Leaving Shakky's, Dimon casually swallowed today's haul.

Only +100—a junk fruit, probably a basic Zoan.

"Target scouting first. Time to level up my Haki."

After fighting Roger, Dimon had a clearer read on his strength.

In human form, he was no match for a King-tier—instant delete.

In Demon Form, he could trade a few blows. With flight and immortality, it wasn't easy for a King-tier to finish him, and Dimon could always disengage.

But beating Roger? No chance—not enough offensive power.

So over the next few days, Dimon digested the Sea King boosts and scouted over-100-million bounty pirates with both Observation and Armament Haki. On Hive Island, there was no shortage.

Before he could move, though, Rocks and the others returned—along with a message Shiki brought back:

Rocks vs. Harald on Elbaf—an earth-shaking duel.

The result: a draw… and their friendship shattered.

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