The battle had ended, leaving the battlefield littered with broken ships, shattered weapons, and battered bodies. But despite the visible exhaustion and injuries, the Roger Pirates celebrated, laughter echoed through the ruins of the battlefield, and the battered members cheered with every ounce of energy they had left. Some members, barely clinging to consciousness, still raised their fists in triumph. The sweet taste of victory was a burst of adrenaline to their fatigue, giving them the strength to cheer despite their wounds.
Days passed, filled with rest, feasting, and celebration aboard the Oro Jackson. Music and rum flowed freely, and friendships ran deep. They knew battles like these were fleeting, and every moment of peace had to be cherished. But soon, it was time to move on, the sea called to them, after all, they were pirates.
On the upper deck, Draco stood silently, gazing down at the mysterious red egg nestled securely on the Oro Jackson. He pondered of its origin. 'What could Roger be hiding with that, is it a dragon?' The question gnawed at him, but he said to himself that he'll ask roger later.
While Draco lingered in thought, Bullet's voice came from below, catching his attention. Standing face to face with Roger, Bullet spoke with a firm resolve.
"I'm leaving, Roger. I need to make a name for myself. I can't live in anyone's shadow—not even yours."
Bullet's words were heavy with conviction, though there was a hint of struggle in his voice. Even he seemed reluctant to part ways. Roger, despite the slight sadness in his eyes, gave him a knowing smile.
"Go on, Bullet," Roger said warmly. "You were never someone who could be commanded by anyone. You were born to carve your own path."
Roger clapped him on the shoulder and gave his blessing, knowing deep down that Bullet's strength and ego would never allow him to remain under another man's flag for long. Bullet, in bandages and not fully recovered from his difficult fights with Garp and Popo, boarded a small ship stocked beneath the Oro Jackson.
Draco watched silently from the upper deck as Bullet's ship set sail, the smaller vessel disappearing over the horizon. Bullet, casted arm resting on the helm, stole one last look at the Oro Jackson. His eyes met Draco's, stern, unyielding. There was a silent exchange between them.
'One day', Bullet's gaze seemed to say, 'I'll fight you too.'
Draco gave him a slight nod of acknowledgment. Bullet's ship vanished into the distance, leaving only the sound of waves in its wake.
As the Roger Pirates prepared to sail once again, Draco, Roger, and Rayleigh stood together at the ship's stern, watching as the new allied group departed as well. Among them was Saint Homer, leading his battered but determined men.
[Flash Back]
Draco's mind drifted to a conversation they'd shared after the battle. He remembered sitting with Homer, a drink in hand, as the question of what came next hung in the air.
"What will you do now?" Draco had asked.
Homer, confused and uncertain, replied, "We'll sail. We'll recruit more men, fight the government... What else is there?"
Draco took a slow swig from his flask, a glint of cunning in his eyes. "You need more than a pirate crew, Homer. What you need is an organization, something bigger. A base of operations, people trained and ready to strike when the world falls into chaos."
Homer's eyes lit up with realization, but he hesitated. "And what would I even call such a thing?"
Draco grinned. "Call it the Revolutionary Army. It won't just be a group of pirates—it'll be the force that tears down the world's injustices."
Homer burst out laughing, but he clapped Draco on the back, clearly impressed. "The Revolutionary Army, huh? I like the sound of that."
[Flash Back End]
The flashback ended as Homer and his crew sailed away, waving goodbye. Roger, standing next to Draco, chuckled as he looked at the newspaper in his hands. His eyes lit up with excitement.
"Look at this! Whitebeard took in a samurai from Wano—Kozuki Oden!" Roger, wearing a cast from the battle with Garp, stood upright with sudden energy. His grin stretched wide as he raised the paper into the air.
"I want to fight a samurai!" he declared, brimming with adrenaline.
Rayleigh and Draco burst into laughter at his enthusiasm, knowing Crocus, Roger's doctor, would have none of it.
Sure enough, Crocus stormed up the stairs, glaring at Roger with exasperation. "You idiot! You're injured! Stop jumping around before you tear that cast off!"
Roger only laughed louder, thoroughly enjoying himself. Draco, amused by the chaos, took another swig from his flask. 'This is where I belong,' he thought. Sailing with Roger, free on the open seas, chasing dreams and adventures.
[A Few Weeks Later]
The Oro Jackson dropped anchor at the shore of an uncharted island. It was supposed to be a quiet day—just another pit stop on their endless journey. But peace didn't last long.
A Marine ship appeared on the horizon, and soon after, the clash of battle shook the island. The Roger Pirates fought fiercely, overwhelming the Marines with ease. The wildlife on the island scattered in fear as the sound of battle echoed through the trees.
Draco and Buggy sat on a small hill overlooking the battlefield, keeping watch for any unexpected threats. They had grown closer during their time together, despite Buggy's initial fear of Draco.
At first, Buggy had been terrified of him—how could anyone not be, when the man was capable of matching Roger blow for blow? But over time, their friendship grew, and Buggy found himself oddly comfortable in Draco's presence.
After an encounter with Marines on Yukiryu Island, Buggy had even approached Draco with an unusual request.
"Train me," Buggy had asked, struggling to keep his voice steady. "If I don't get stronger, I'm not going to survive out here."
Amused, Draco agreed to train him, wondering whether he can change Buggy from what we know of Buggy in the One Piece on earth. But the training was brutal, just like Draco's past life as a Special Force, he had trained men for war. He instilled in Buggy with lessons about discipline, morality, and being on your toes. "No innocent killings. Always show respect. And always keep your guard up, whether you're showering or sleeping."
Buggy complained every step of the way, cursing himself for asking Draco to train him. But even Buggy had to admit—the results were undeniable. Every time he pushed himself to the brink of death, he woke up fully healed and even stronger. And today, Buggy had proven himself, fighting alongside the crew to subdue the Marines.
Breathless but proud, Buggy sat next to Draco on the hill.
"What do you see?" Buggy asked, looking out toward the sea.
Draco smiled and pointed to a distant ship. "The Whitebeard Pirates."
Buggy's eyes widened in shock. "W-Whitebeard!?" he screamed. Scrambling to his feet, Buggy yelled down to Roger. "Captain! It's Whitebeard!"
Roger's eyes sparkled with joy as he smiled warmly. "Ah… Whitebeard. My end is nearing, It might be our last meeting."
Buggy turned back toward the ship, scanning the horizon—and then he sensed something strange.
"Someone's coming," Buggy whispered, his voice trembling. "Fast."
From the forest below, a figure emerged, moving with the speed and precision of a warrior. It wasn't a pirate—this man had the stance and aura of a samurai.
Draco's eyes narrowed as the figure drew closer. "Well now," he muttered, a grin forming on his lips.
'Kazuki Oden... a man above men"