Linlin's aura was menacing as ever. She was only 43 years old, but her figure had already begun to show signs of the constant strain of childbearing. When the husband learned of Linlin's agitation, he hurried to have food prepared, understanding all too well the disastrous consequences of letting her go hungry.
After the husband left, Linlin's fierce demeanor softened into a twisted grin as she towered over Roger, her mocking voice filling the air.
"Mamama... Roger, I heard that you and Newgate were thoroughly beaten by the Navy. Could it be that you're here to pledge allegiance to me?"
Her words cut deep, revealing the wounds of Roger's crew. Shanks bristled, unable to hold back his indignation.
"Hey! What nonsense are you spouting? The Roger Pirates would never bow to you! Do you think you're stronger than the Golden Lion?"
Rayleigh, standing beside Shanks, watched in silence, letting Shanks voice his defiance. Linlin's massive eyes flashed with an unsettling gleam as she sized up the fiery redhead. There was something disturbingly familiar about him—a resemblance to a young warrior she'd encountered years ago at the Valley of Gods.
"Roger, where'd you pick up this little brat?" she sneered, keeping her gaze fixed on Shanks, who looked right back, unwavering.
Roger tensed. He knew Linlin's temper and had fully expected her to lash out at Shanks. Yet, to his surprise, she remained oddly calm, sparking a glimmer of hope. After all, Roger was intent on avoiding a confrontation with the Big Mom Pirates unless absolutely necessary.
"He's an orphan. I picked him up," Roger replied, attempting to diffuse the situation.
Linlin shifted her focus to Shanks. Her tone was low and disquieting.
"Kid, what's your name?"
Shanks, undeterred, raised his head proudly. "My name's Shanks!"
In that instant, Linlin activated her Soul-Soul Fruit ability, casting a probing spell. She intended to sap his soul if she sensed any fear. However, Shanks stood his ground, displaying no trace of hesitation.
Seeing her ploy fail, Linlin narrowed her eyes, prepared to press further, but Roger interjected.
"That's enough, Linlin. There's no need to make a fuss over a kid, right?"
She scoffed, her gaze darting back to Roger. "Roger, control your little brat. Next time, I won't be so kind."
"Understood. I'll keep him in line," Roger replied with a light laugh, casting a stern glance at Shanks to signal him to back down.
Shanks grudgingly retreated, muttering under his breath as Buggy pulled him aside, while Rayleigh kept a close watch.
Roger turned to Linlin with a smile. "Linlin, I'm your guest, aren't I? Surely, you're not planning to keep me standing here?"
Linlin shrugged, unimpressed. "I don't remember inviting you."
Unperturbed, Roger pressed on. "Don't be like that. We fought side by side once—surely that means something?"
"Mamama... Fighting side by side? Save that for Rocks."
"Ha! Newgate told me you were tired of being on Rocks' crew. If he hadn't met his end, leaving wouldn't have been so easy for you, would it?"
Linlin spat dismissively, nearly hitting Roger. He dodged quickly, narrowly avoiding the massive gob of spit.
"That blabbermouth Newgate should mind his own business. Speaking of which, he rejected me! Does he think I'm worse than that tramp? If he'd joined forces with me, imagine how powerful our children would be!"
Roger wiped his brow, fully aware of the "tramp" Linlin referred to—Miss Buckin. While Newgate didn't care much for either woman, it seemed that Buckin's ambitions and Linlin's madness had left equally distasteful impressions on him.
Lost in thought, Roger considered his own legacy. With his time running out, he, too, wondered if he should have a child.
Before he could delve deeper into the idea, Linlin's voice broke through his reverie.
"Mamama… Roger, how about you and I have a child together?"
The proposal left Roger and his crew in shock. He took an instinctive step back, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he felt Linlin's hungry gaze on him.
"Uh… thanks, but I think we're not a good match…"
Linlin leaned in close, her massive face inches from his.
"What's not to match? You're strong—I'm sure you'd satisfy me."
Roger screamed internally, barely restraining himself from punching the enormous face looming over him. He quickly retreated to Rayleigh's side, much to Rayleigh's relief.
Finally, Roger steadied himself and addressed Linlin with a serious expression.
"Linlin, let's set this aside. I came here for a reason."
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+170 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg