On the dock, crew members—including Gol D. Roger, Silvers Rayleigh, Jabura, and others—watched the scene unfold, smiling at the spectacle.
"What the heck!?"
Though Buggy had no idea where this sudden brat had learned his name, he couldn't stop himself from expressing his displeasure at the overly familiar behavior.
"Do I even know you? You just come up and say, 'Long time no see~'?"
Flushed with anger, Buggy mimicked Oss's cheerful expression. His imitation was so vivid and comical that Shanks beside him burst into laughter.
Nearby crew members couldn't help but put their arms around each other and laugh heartily as well.
"Don't say that, Buggy!"
Oss, however, was unflappable. Facing a ship full of New World top-tier experts, there wasn't a trace of stage fright on his face. His smile remained, confident: "My Observation Haki doesn't lie. We're definitely going to be good friends."
Oss had long black hair cascading past his waist. Though his face was still a little childish, it carried hints of handsomeness, and his smile was infectiously warm.
His upper body was bare, revealing faint scars and toned muscles. He wore simple military-style pants and boots, carrying nothing but the bundle tied to a stick slung over his shoulder.
Rayleigh, the First Mate, narrowed his eyes in surprise.
"Awakened Observation Haki at such a young age? And it seems… very unusual."
"Like Redfield?" Roger asked, intrigued, leaning on the railing with both hands, observing the long-haired brat on the dock with amusement.
"What brings you here, brat?"
"Of course, I'm here to join you!" Oss said confidently, fully aware of the personalities of these top-tier powerhouses.
"And what should I call you?" he added with a grin. "Please call me: Oss, the Succubus of the Sea!"
Roger, the Pirate King who had hidden the One Piece at the end of the sea, asked with a smile, "Brat, why do you want to come aboard my ship?"
Oss had the perfect answer prepared:
"Hahahaha… of course, to turn this world upside down!"
Hearing this from a child with such a serious face, Roger and Rayleigh were momentarily stunned. Then they exchanged glances and burst out laughing.
They remembered the scene when they themselves first met—the very reason the Roger Pirates were formed. In Oss, they saw echoes of their younger selves.
"Hahaha! If you're not afraid of death, boldly come aboard!" Roger said casually, waving a hand to approve Oss's request.
Rayleigh, unusually, didn't question it and let the captain's whimsical decision stand.
Jabba and the others, however, were confused.
"Hey, Captain… our ship's almost turning into a daycare for kids," one muttered.
"With a willful Captain like this, what can we do~" another shrugged, accepting the absurdity with resigned amusement.
On the Roger Pirates, all crew members knew one thing: they could joke, drink, and roughhouse—but once the Captain made a decision, they obeyed without question. This was part of Roger's charm.
Watching this, Oss thought to himself: no wonder Golden Lion was completely captivated by him—Roger's personal charm was undeniable.
And just like that, Oss became an apprentice aboard the Pirate King's ship.
Back on Dura Mos, Old Gick—once a subordinate under Rocks, now serving as Town Chief after being defeated by Roger—had just returned home.
He had dreamed of training monsters like Whitebeard or the Captains under Golden Lion to achieve greatness someday.
But seeing his home seemingly ransacked and a farewell note left behind, he fell silent… before erupting:
"Roger, you motherf*****!"
---
Oss watched the coastline fade into the distance. On the shore, a small figure jumped up and down faintly.
Though his innate Observation Haki couldn't reach that far, his sharp eyesight allowed him to make out that it was likely the Old Town Chief.
"Oi! Goodbye! I'll take care of myself!"
Seeing the old man waving frantically, Oss waved back vigorously, tears welling in his eyes. After all, they had spent nine years together; even raising a dog could create such bonds.
"You were usually so strict… but are you finally being gentle just as I leave? Old man…"
Oss's display caught the attention of Shanks and Buggy. Seeing Oss's bittersweet expression, the two apprentices came over and patted him on the shoulder.
"Don't be sad. From now on, we're your family and brothers!" Shanks said sincerely.
"A man of the sea shouldn't cry so easily, you…" Buggy's words were harsh, but his heart softened, offering comfort in his own way.
Rayleigh, who was sipping a drink nearby, twitched the corner of his mouth, observing this "Old Era Version of the Three Little Ones" with curiosity.
He could sense, thanks to his Observation Haki capable of spanning the Calm Belt, what the Old Town Chief was shouting:
"Damn Roger! Killing someone's spirit doesn't mean you have to chase them to the ends of the earth… and you ##…"
Apparently, it involved someone's mother.
But since it was a new crew member's family, Rayleigh didn't interfere and pretended not to hear.
"Roger, you #@**#! Damn it… Oss, remember to wear a shirt from now on, don't catch a cold!"
Old Gick gritted his teeth, shouting loudly while wiping away tears, watching the Oro Jackson disappear into the sunset.
---
The sun and moon cycled, and a gentle sea breeze blew.
In no time, several days passed.
Even with mental preparation, life at sea was more monotonous than Oss had imagined.
The endless expanse of blue, Sea Kings occasionally surfacing but lulled asleep by the Supreme King Haki aboard the ship, ceaseless banquets, and nonstop cleaning—it was all a lot.
If it weren't for having two friends to chat and joke with, Oss doubted he could endure it.
"Hey, Oss! Why are you slacking off again?! And lying on my bed!"
The cabin door burst open.
Buggy, having just finished cleaning the deck, rushed in, grabbed Oss by the collar, and barked angrily, his sharp teeth bared.
"Don't be so serious, Buggy. I'll give you some compensation for your hard work, okay?"
Oss, being shaken by the collar, didn't care at all. He pulled a few Berries from his pocket and stuffed them into Buggy's, smiling.
Seeing the money, Buggy's eyes lit up. Oss adjusted his collar and thought: perhaps only Buggy on this ship was a proper pirate—greedy, cunning, and loyal.
A little money each time was enough to keep Buggy happy, and Oss could nap in peace.
Just then, a young voice shouted from outside:
"Oss, Buggy! Come out and train!"