One Piece: sign-in to Ryujin Jakka

Roman looked at Arlong with a faint smile curling at the corner of his lips.

That expression only fueled Arlong's fury even more.

To be looked down upon by a human—that was something he could never tolerate!

Landing heavily on the ground, eyes bloodshot with rage, Arlong charged at Roman with a furious roar.

"Shark On Tooth!"

He intended to use his most fearsome weapon—his teeth—to rip Roman apart!

Roman shook his head slightly and said quietly, "Playtime's over."

As his words fell, Roman thrust his drawing pen forward with lightning speed.

In that instant, the air spiraled violently at the pen's tip, unleashing a slicing wave of energy that roared straight for Arlong's heart!

At this moment, the sword intent of a Peak master Swordsman exploded from Roman like a tidal wave.

But Arlong had already lost all sense of fear.

In his eyes, there was only Roman.

He didn't even attempt to dodge.

It was as if he were determined to drag Roman to hell with him.

But the slashing strike pierced cleanly through Arlong's heart.

"Squelch!"

It happened too fast.

Arlong only felt the strength drain from his body as darkness swallowed his vision.

"Fivefold Phantom Illusions."

Roman muttered as five illusory clones appeared around him, quickly tidying up the battlefield.

At last, Cocoyasi Village returned to peace.

Just then, the real Genzo arrived, leading the villagers over.

They'd heard the commotion from the market and rushed over, only to find the scene before them.

They froze in shock—then erupted into cheers.

It was the joy of seeing the mountain that had weighed on their hearts, shattered to dust.

To them, Arlong and Nezumi were overwhelmingly powerful tyrants.

While they were weaklings on the Grand Line, in the East Blue, they were virtually unstoppable.

Against such monstrous power, the villagers had felt completely helpless.

But Roman's appearance had rescued them from hell.

Genzo stepped forward, bowed deeply, and said, "Thank you, truly, sir. Without you, I can't imagine what kind of future we'd be living in."

But Roman gently nudged Nami and Nojiko forward and said, "Don't thank me—thank them."

Genzo understood immediately.

They, as adults, did not have the courage these two girls had shown.

If it weren't for them speaking up and telling Admiral White Dove the truth, they might have remained trapped in despair indefinitely.

Nami folded her arms, her cute face full of pride.

At that moment, Kalifa returned to Cocoyasi Village, carrying bundles of Berries.

"Everyone! These are the bribes and funds I found in Nezumi's office. If you were ever forced to pay money, come get your compensation here!"

While Kalifa was distributing the funds, Nami and Nojiko pulled Roman into a small courtyard behind the house.

It was full of orange trees.

Suddenly, the system's voice echoed in Roman's mind.

[Ding! Congratulations, host, for checking in at the Orange Grove. Reward: Nautical Encyclopedia.]

Roman glanced at Nami beside him.

To him, the reward was trivial—but to a girl who longed for the sea, it was a priceless treasure.

Nami and Nojiko carefully picked the plumpest oranges, placing them in a handwoven basket and handing it to Roman.

"Roman, this is just a little gift from us. Hope you don't mind," Nami said, winking.

Nojiko tugged at Nami's arm and added, "Sir Roman, we don't have anything fancy to offer—only these oranges we poured our hearts into growing. Please accept them."

Roman smiled. "Mind? Of course not—I love it!"

Then, as if by magic, he pulled a book from under his cloak—the Nautical Encyclopedia—and handed it to the sisters.

"I didn't bring much on this journey. Just this. I hope you like it."

Nami's eyes sparkled as she flipped to the sea charts in the book.

"Like it? I love it!"

"That's good to hear," Roman said. "It's getting late—we will be setting sail soon."

He looked at Nami and Nojiko and said softly, "Remember what I told you—if you want to live freely on the sea, you must become stronger."

After leaving the orange grove, Kalifa had finished handling the village's affairs.

The two rejoined and boarded their warship, setting sail from Cocoyasi.

At the port, Nami and Nojiko stood watching them leave.

Nami clutched the book tightly and made a vow in her heart: One day, I'll become Roman's personal navigator!

Out on the sea, Roman and Kalifa basked under the warm sun on the deck.

A News Coo flew by, and Kalifa handed over 100 Berries for the current paper.

"Roman, you're in the news again."

"Oh? What do they say this time?"

"What else? That you're amazing, smart, and incredibly handsome~"

Kalifa shot him a flirty wink.

But Roman didn't respond—instead, he closed his eyes and enjoyed the sunlight.

Suddenly, his Admiral exclusive Den Den Mushi rang.

With a flicker of light, the snail appeared in Roman's hand.

The moment he answered, frantic voices poured out.

"This is the Marine fleet from G-53 near Syrup Village—we need immediate backup!"

"Captain Kuro is slaughtering our men—any combat-capable forces, please assist!"

Roman's expression shifted.

Captain Kuro, Kuro of a Hundred Plans. 

Genius, in a way. But also, always chasing a quiet and peaceful life.

"Kalifa," Roman said, standing up. "Let's hurry. We're heading to Syrup Village!"

—

Meanwhile, near Syrup Village...

Kuro stood over a sea of corpses, a twisted smile playing on his lips.

He turned to Jango. "Is the hypnosis done yet?"

"Monka's willpower is stronger than I expected. Give me five more minutes—I need to go even deeper."

"Make it fast. The Marines' backup is definitely on the way."

With that, Kuro drove his ten-blade cat claw into the chest of a marine who tried to ambush him...