Ace joined the Whitebeard Pirates and became one of their crewmate.
Roy traveled all over the world with Whitey Bay.
Along the way, they also visited the East Blue and South Blue.
As long as they passed through the Calm Belt, it was fine.
They saw many different things on their journey, and also encountered many strange islands.
"We've been out for several years now; it's time to head back," Whitey Bay said to Roy as they once again crossed Reverse Mountain.
It had been four years. They'd traveled to three of the seas. Other than the North Blue, they had been to the East, South, and West Blues, plus the first half of the Grand Line. They'd gone through those regions twice already, and this was the third time.
"Yeah, let's go back."
Roy remembered that the time was almost up, so they decided to return.
This time, they planned to head straight to the New World. On the way, they made a brief stop at Water 7.
"Time really flies. Mr. Tom has been gone for many years now," Whitey Bay said, thinking of Tom. Back then, Roy was still very active and fought alongside them, but was seriously injured.
She still remembered how furious Whitebeard was and how Roy had wanted to leave the ship.
At that time, Roy was too weak, and Whitebeard didn't want to let him go ashore.
They pushed and challenged each other, and Roy gradually started keeping a low profile.
Thinking back, it had already been thirty years.
"Yeah, it really flew by," Roy said as he looked at Water 7.
"Kokoro should still be around, right?" Whitey Bay said.
"We'll find out soon enough," Roy said as he inquired around about Kokoro's whereabouts and learned that she was currently at the station and would return soon.
Just as they were getting ready to go find her, Roy saw a familiar drunken figure stepping off the Sea Train.
"Sis Kokoro!"
Roy called out.
"'Sis? Who's calling me?" Kokoro looked up, trying to find the voice.
"Granny, it's that person," a little girl with braided pigtails pointed excitedly.
"Let me see...My old eyes aren't what they used to be." Kokoro put down her bottle, squinting as her eyes slowly focused.
"You two are...?"
"Sis Kokoro, long time no see," Whitey Bay stepped forward and said.
"You look familiar, girl. But that guy next to you, I think I remember. It's you, right? That little guy who used to follow Whitebeard," Kokoro's face lit up with joy.
"Hahaha! Long time no see, Sis Kokoro," Roy laughed.
"It really is you, brat! I hadn't heard anything about you in years, I thought something bad had happened!" Kokoro said emotionally. It had been thirty years since they last saw each other.
Back then, she had drifted to Water 7 in trouble, met humans, and had a child with one. She worked for Tom as his secretary. Her half-human son later had a daughter with a human girl, Chimney, the girl with the pigtails beside her.
"Hahaha, I've been doing great. Sis Kokoro, you remember her, right? Whitey Bay. We're married now," Roy said.
"Congratulations to you both. I always knew it back then, the little girl liked you. And you, sneaking her extra money, I knew you liked her too!" Kokoro said happily.
Whitey Bay blushed.
Those embarrassing memories from thirty years ago… She had always known Roy looked out for her, giving her more money than anyone else.
So after they became adults, they got together, and eventually left the Whitebeard Pirates and had a child.
"Yeah, I've always liked her," Roy smiled.
"That's wonderful. Let me treat you both to a drink—come on!"
Kokoro was already seventy years old, but with her good attitude, you couldn't really tell.
That night, they had a meal at Kokoro's place. It was a happy reunion, and old friends gathered together. Who knew when the next time would be or if there would even be a next time?
When they arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago, Roy took Whitey Bay to the bar "Shakky's Rip-Off Bar."
"Welcome! Oh my, we've got some distinguished guests," Shakky said as she saw Roy. She didn't recognize him, but when she saw Whitey Bay, her eyes widened in surprise.
"What are we doing here?" Whitey Bay asked.
"You must be the Ice Witch Whitey Bay, one of Whitebeard's subordinate captains. Quite the celebrity!" Shakky said.
"You know me? Who are you?" Whitey Bay sensed something unusual about this woman.
Shakky raised an eyebrow. "Of course, I know you. And your husband, though he's not famous, my man has always kept tabs on him. We've talked about you several times."
"Dear, who is she?" Whitey Bay turned to Roy and asked.
"Former captain of the Kuja Pirates, Shakky. And the man she's talking about… well, here he comes." Roy said with a smile.
Ding-a-ling-ling!
The bell above the door rang. A man with long white hair, wearing straw sandals and a cloak, walked in.
"Your Haki's gotten stronger. I sensed you the moment you set foot on the island. Were you looking for me?" the man said with a smile.
"You're… Silvers Rayleigh?! You're actually in Sabaody?!" Whitey Bay stared, stunned.
"Long time no see, little girl. It's been more than twenty years, hasn't it?" Rayleigh raised his hand in greeting.
"I can't believe you're still alive. You've been hiding out in Sabaody all this time?"
"Hah! 'Hiding'? I live here. The Marines know it. And so does Roy."
"Rayleigh, let me introduce my wife, Whitey Bay," Roy said with a smile.
"Oh, you two ended up together? Congratulations! Hahaha!" Rayleigh laughed in surprise.
"Our kid is already in his teen years, can't say the same to you," Roy laughed.
"Haha, so what brings you here?"
"I need you to coat my ship."
"You're heading back to the New World?"
"Yeah, time to go back, it's been almost four years."
"Time flies… The brat I remember is now a middle-aged man. Seeing you feels like a lifetime ago. How's Newgate holding up?"
"He's fine. Still drinking like a fish. He's been fighting for decades, and it's taken a toll on his body. Not like you, lounging around here in retirement."
"Hahaha! He could've done the same if he wanted. I know you could pull it off, too. You want me to coat your ship? No problem, but don't skimp on the money. I know you're rich. By the way, did you bring me any booze?"
"Right here."
Roy had brought a big bottle of liquor. Rayleigh's eyes lit up.
"Ah! I've heard about your white liquor business in the New World. Shakky, this guy's the owner of Overlord Brew!" Rayleigh said, opening the bottle.
"Overlord Brew? So you're the tycoon behind it!" Shakky chuckled.
"Mmm, smells amazing. This must've aged for a few years."
"Sixteen years. I saved it. Shared a bottle with Crocos at Twin Cape a while back." Roy smiled.
"Crocus, huh? Still at Twin Cape. Come on, drink with me," Rayleigh said, grinning.
"Sure."
...
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu