On the Oro Jackson, Roger heard Linlin's furious roar from the direction of Cake Island. He merely glanced in that direction before sharply turning back, his gaze intensely fixed on Rayleigh. Rayleigh slowly pulled open his collar, revealing his muscular chest, prompting Roger to gulp as Rayleigh took out a piece of parchment from his robe. Roger eagerly reached out to grab it.
The parchment was filled with white symbols, the ancient text recording the location of the road poneglyphs. Even with his ability to hear the Voice of All Things, Roger couldn't decipher these symbols. Only top historians and the Kouzuki Family could interpret them, which was why he had swallowed his pride to seek out Whitebeard's help.
Roger carefully held the parchment and headed straight for Oden's quarters. At this point, "Oden" might as well be renamed "Half-Oden," as he'd lost half his body. Due to his waist being severed, even fitting a prosthetic was impossible, so he spent most of his time bedridden with Toki at his side.
Overcome with excitement, Roger forgot to knock and pushed the door open. As soon as he entered, a bowl came flying at him. Roger instinctively dodged, watching the bowl shatter on the floor, its contents spilling everywhere. A bit more composed now, he frowned and looked over, seeing Oden standing on the bed, shouting at Toki by his side.
"Again with this?! Can't you bring me something else?"
Toki, visibly flustered, stood up with a pained expression. "I'm sorry, Oden. You used to love oden stew."
"That was before!" Oden snapped.
Tears welled up in Toki's eyes, and she turned away to wipe them, only to notice Roger standing at the doorway. Roger gave a small nod before walking over to Oden's bedside. Seeing Roger, Oden's anger softened a bit. He took a deep breath and said,
"Captain Roger, are things going smoothly?"
Roger nodded, handing Oden the parchment. Oden studied it for a moment before saying gravely,
"Yes, this shows the location of the final road poneglyph. With this, we can pinpoint the exact location of the 'end point'!"
Roger glanced at Toki, who looked on tearfully, and hesitated before saying, "Oden, maybe you should spend some time talking with Toki first..."
As he said this, Roger felt a wave of guilt. His words contradicted his own desire, he was more desperate than anyone to find the final road poneglyph.
Oden looked at Toki, guilt evident in his eyes. He knew his treatment of her lately had been unfair, but he couldn't control himself. After a moment's silence, Oden spoke,
"Toki, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have treated you that way."
Surprised, Toki's sadness finally erupted as she burst into tears, hugging Oden tightly.
"No need to apologize. I know you're hurting. I just want you to be happy."
The more Toki tried to comfort him, the more wretched Oden felt. He found himself at a loss for words, simply patting her back awkwardly as his way of expressing comfort.
Roger stood there like a third wheel, awkwardly witnessing the scene. Having been a bachelor all his life, surrounded by rowdy men, he wasn't accustomed to such displays. Thankfully, Oden remembered their urgent quest, and once Toki calmed down, he asked her to wait outside while he and Roger discussed the poneglyph.
Once she left, Oden quickly relayed the content of the parchment to Roger, focusing on the location of the final road poneglyph. Hearing this, Roger's blood boiled with excitement. His face turned red with anticipation.
However, the exhilaration didn't last long. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his chest.
"Argh!" With a groan, Roger spat out a mouthful of blood, splattering Oden's face. The intense smell of blood stunned Oden.
Roger's face turned pale as he swayed, almost falling into Oden's arms. Panicking, Oden shouted,
"Roger, are you alright? Crocus! Crocus—!"
Roger covered Oden's mouth weakly. "Don't call him… I'm just too excited, that's all..."
He glanced at the blood-stained bed sheets and forced a smile. "Sorry about the mess, Toki might have to clean this up later."
"Stop joking! You should rest now. The road poneglyphs are gathered, reaching the 'end point' is just a matter of time."
Roger smiled bitterly. "But my time is running out."
The room fell silent until Roger finally spoke, "Oden, once we reach the 'end point,' what do you plan to do?"
Hearing this, Oden clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with hatred.
"I'll turn this world upside down! I'll make sure that Black Dragon, along with the World Government he serves, is buried in the tides of the new era!"
For Carl, Oden held an unquenchable hatred. But he knew he wasn't strong enough to face him directly, even if he were whole, he would have no chance against Carl. So, he could only pin his hopes on the mysterious 'end point.'
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+170 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg