Satoru approached the humble wooden cabin at the edge of the village, his footsteps light but purposeful. As he neared the door, the sound of loud, rhythmic snoring reached his ears. He sighed.
"Sound asleep with no sense of danger... Must be nice to live so freely," he thought, shaking his head slightly.
Knowing that politeness might not rouse someone of Siris' stature, Satoru raised his hand, releasing a controlled wave of Conqueror's Haki. The invisible pressure shot through the air, targeting only the room's occupant.
Inside, Siris awoke with a sharp intake of breath. His years of combat instinct flared as he immediately recognized the immense presence outside. Rising from his bed, he cautiously opened the door, his keen eyes landing on Satoru.
"You're a bold one, showing up uninvited," Siris said, his tone calm yet edged with curiosity. His gaze lingered, assessing the man before him. "Admiral White Dragon, visiting this old man in his retirement? What brings you here?"
"You know who I am?" Satoru asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course," Siris replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Your promotion's been the talk of the seas. Even a hermit like me couldn't avoid the news. So, what does the Navy want with me? You here to arrest me?"
Satoru didn't answer immediately. Instead, he crossed his arms, his expression neutral. "What do you think, Siris? Why would a Navy admiral personally visit an old pirate in hiding?"
The former pirate captain's demeanor shifted slightly. A faint but palpable aura emanated from him, sending shivers through the air. The weight of his Conqueror's Haki pressed against Satoru, though the admiral stood unaffected.
"Are you really here to capture me?" Siris asked, his tone firm.
"Not my choice," Satoru said, shrugging. "I was sent here on orders. Seems our dear Fleet Admiral Sengoku holds a grudge against you. Something about... a Thousand Years of Death?"
At this, Siris let out a hearty laugh, the tension breaking momentarily. "That old wound? Sengoku's still bitter over that prank? Figures."
Satoru adjusted his sunglasses, hiding his twitching expression. "Prank or not, you've left quite an impression on him."
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of light, hurried footsteps. A small voice called out from a distance.
"Grandpa Riel! Why are you awake so early today?"
Siris's demeanor softened instantly. The imposing aura dissipated, replaced by a warm smile. A young boy ran up to him, leaping into his arms.
"You little rascal," Siris said, ruffling the boy's hair. "Didn't I tell you to walk, not run? You'll hurt yourself one of these days."
The boy giggled, wrapping his arms around Siris's neck. "You'd catch me if I fell, Grandpa Riel!"
Satoru stood back, observing the interaction. It was a jarring contrast. The man in front of him—the same man who once stood as a feared pirate in the Rocks era—now played the role of a kind, doting grandfather.
"Mind giving me some time?" Siris asked, turning to Satoru.
Satoru nodded. "Take all the time you need. I'll be waiting on the other side of the island."
Without another word, Satoru disappeared, leaving the pair alone.
---
As Satoru walked away, he couldn't help but overhear the boy's next question.
"Grandpa Riel, who was that man?"
Siris chuckled. "Oh, just someone calling himself my grandson."
Satoru stumbled, nearly losing his balance. His head whipped back toward the house, a look of disbelief crossing his face.
"Grandson? Do I look like someone's grandson?" he muttered, shaking his head. "Well... I *am* pretty handsome. Maybe that's why they want to claim me."
---
Back at the house, the boy looked up at Siris with tear-filled eyes.
"Grandpa Riel, are you leaving us?"
Siris sighed, his expression turning somber. "Yes, little one. There's something I have to take care of. I can't stay here any longer."
The boy began to cry, his sobs loud enough to draw the attention of nearby villagers. Soon, a small crowd had gathered, their faces filled with concern.
"Uncle Riel, what's going on? Why is Xiaobao crying?" a woman asked.
Before Siris could respond, the boy wiped his eyes and answered for him. "Grandpa Riel says he's leaving!"
The crowd fell silent.
"You're leaving, Uncle Riel?" another villager asked, his voice tinged with sadness.
"I'm afraid so," Siris said, his tone apologetic. "There's something I can't avoid any longer. It's time for me to go."
A heavy silence hung over the group. Many of them had grown up under Siris's watchful eye. To them, he wasn't a pirate but a protector, a pillar of their small community.
---
From a distance, Satoru watched the scene unfold. His sharp eyes took in the villagers' tearful faces and their reluctance to let Siris go.
"It's almost touching," Satoru muttered. "But I wonder... if they knew who he really was, would they still mourn his departure?"
Adjusting his sunglasses, he turned away. "Guess I'll find out soon enough."