About ten days later, Bullet and Gaban returned, one after the other. Bullet's approach was characteristically straightforward—he simply brought back the king of the Goa Kingdom, bound and captive.
Gaban and Crocus had opted for a more diplomatic approach, "inviting" the king of the neighboring kingdom back to the Mole Kingdom.
The three kings talked through the night. Shirakawa didn't know the details of their discussion, but the result was clear: both the Goa Kingdom and the neighboring kingdom surrendered to the Mole Kingdom.
There were still some pockets of resistance, but the Roger Pirates swiftly dealt with them, ensuring no one would challenge the new order after they left.
King Mole also learned the identity of the traitor within his kingdom from the captured Goa King. It was fortunate that the Roger Pirates had arrived when they did; otherwise, the traitor might have successfully usurped the throne.
The next day, King Mole ordered the execution of the traitor and his entire family. Despite the traitor's pleas and claims of past contributions to the kingdom, the king showed no mercy. Betraying the princess and endangering the kingdom were unforgivable crimes.
On the day of the unification, a grand banquet was held, and everyone on the island celebrated the end of the war.
"Thank you," King Mole said, bowing deeply to Roger.
Roger didn't refuse the gratitude. "I hope you'll rule your people with kindness. If I return and find they're suffering, there will be consequences."
King Mole felt a shiver run down his spine as Roger's demeanor shifted, a subtle pressure emanating from him. The easygoing pirate captain was momentarily replaced by a figure of immense power.
"Of course. I'll treat them like my own children," King Mole assured him, sweat beading on his forehead.
"Good." Roger patted his shoulder encouragingly.
The Roger Pirates were finally reunited after two months. Even within the formal setting of the palace, their boisterous energy was infectious.
"Thank you," Princess Catherine said to Shirakawa, raising her glass in a toast. She was dressed in a beautiful gown, the center of attention wherever she went.
"You're welcome," Shirakawa replied. He had heard those words from her many times now.
"That Shirakawa sure is lucky," one of the pirates grumbled to his companions, clearly jealous of Catherine's attention towards the young man.
"Haha, if you were half as handsome as him, you'd have no shortage of admirers either."
The others laughed.
"Like you're not jealous," the first pirate retorted.
The laughter died down. They couldn't deny a hint of envy. While pirates didn't need good looks, it certainly didn't hurt. Most pirates sought two things: wealth and women. And a handsome face made the latter much easier to attain, as Shirakawa was currently demonstrating.
But Shirakawa wasn't as happy as they thought. Catherine's words earlier had stung.
"Are you really not going to stay?" she asked him, her voice soft.
"I told you before. I don't belong here."
"Can't you reconsider, for me?" Catherine's feelings for Shirakawa had been growing stronger, and now that he was leaving, she couldn't hold them back any longer.
"I'm sorry, Catherine. We're not meant to be."
Shirakawa's rejection, though gentle, was firm. He couldn't give her false hope.
Catherine's heart ached, but she understood. She turned and ran away, tears streaming down her face.
Shirakawa wanted to go after her, to comfort her, but he stopped himself.
"Jerk," some of the pirates muttered, watching Catherine run away. They had already concocted a dramatic story in their minds: Shirakawa, the heartless playboy, had toyed with the princess's feelings and then abandoned her to pursue his dreams.
If Shirakawa knew what they were thinking, he would have been furious. The story was absurd.
King Mole, who had been watching his daughter, sighed. He wanted her to be happy, but it seemed impossible now. He couldn't help but admire Shirakawa's resolve.
The banquet continued late into the night, filled with laughter, music and celebration. The next morning, Shirakawa awoke feeling refreshed and ready for the next leg of his journey.
"It's time to go," Roger announced, gathering his crew. "The Log Pose has set. Our next adventure awaits!"
The crew cheered, eager to set sail once more. Shirakawa looked back at the Mole Kingdom one last time, a mix of emotions swirling within him. He had made new friends, faced challenges, and grown stronger. But it was time to move on. The Grand Line called to him, promising even greater adventures and dangers.
With a final farewell to King Mole and a silent apology to Catherine, Shirakawa boarded the Oro Jackson