Miggs had once sailed with Rosen's crew, not for treasure but because long ago, his daughter had been abducted by human traffickers. Based on rumors and bits of information he had gathered, he believed there was a chance of finding clues about her on the Sabaody Archipelago.
But now that he had collected actual intel, his hope thinned. Sabaody was simply too large.
And with his broadened understanding of the world, he now knew the chances of finding someone trafficked were extremely small. Even if his daughter had once been "special," that meant very little.
"I've heard about your situation. How old was your daughter? How old when she disappeared? What's her name? I'll have Robin check with the underground networks on Sabaody," Rosen said. He didn't bother saying how slim the chances were—Miges already knew.
Miges was different from Daz Bones and the others; Rosen didn't know him well. Robin had recommended him as the sailors' captain because of his capability. After taking the role, he contributed greatly to the Dawn, handling tasks meticulously. His strength had grown quickly too, and after eating the Giraffe Devil Fruit, he advanced another level. Maybe not MR.5's equal, but not far behind.
His first bounty had been 60 million berries. On the Dawn he wasn't remarkable, but on an ordinary pirate ship he could easily be a captain.
"She should be 23 now. She was only 11 when she was taken. Her name is Weiwei Ni Ronal," Miges answered, momentarily stunned—twelve years already. It still felt like yesterday.
"Alright. Once we reach Sabaody, I'll begin the investigation."
For a slave, this information wasn't nearly enough. But at least she had been eleven when taken—old enough to have basic awareness. That might leave a trace. Maybe.
But it wouldn't be easy. Slaves often changed names after being resold; that was normal.
"She had a trait. I wasn't sure before, but now I am—she must have eaten a Devil Fruit. When she was little, she could make anyone she touched become younger," Miges said. Every detail remained vividly in his mind.
"Wait, are you certain? Can she also make people older?" Rosen turned sharply. An ability like that was hard to miss.
"I'm sure. But I don't know if she can make someone older. She used her power on one person once. After that, I forbade her from showing it. I was afraid people would see her as a monster. But traffickers still targeted her." Miges grew hopeful at Rosen's reaction—did the captain know something?
"Someone who can make people younger… there are two known so far: the Supernova Jewelry Bonney, and Ain, former student of ex-Admiral Zephyr. I can't say it must be one of them, but they fit the ability and age range," Rosen thought aloud.
"Boss, did you think of something?" Robin asked immediately, sensing the shift in his expression.
"Yes. If she has a notable Devil Fruit ability, you can start with those two…"
Though even that hope was thin. Weiwei Ni might be dead, her ability passed on to another.
Still, a faint hope was better than none. At least it would settle Miges's heart.
"Understood. Ain of the Marines and Jewelry Bonney of the pirates, right?" Robin confirmed.
"Yes."
"Uncle, I can see an island ahead! What is that? Bubbles?" Natalie, looking through the spyglass, was stunned. Bubbles constantly rose from the ground—amazing, fun, and full of adventure.
"Everyone stay alert. We're not here to stir trouble. We're here to wait for the right moment. But if someone provokes us, don't hold back," Rosen warned. The legendary Sabaody Archipelago was finally in sight.
A tourist paradise and the gateway to the New World, always bustling. The Pirate King's right hand, Rayleigh the Dark King, lived here. Marine Headquarters was also very close.
Although the island likely had fewer Marines due to the current situation, causing too big a commotion would draw Marine Headquarters' immediate response.
So most pirates landing on Sabaody stayed low-key.
"Got it."
"Once we land, everyone may move freely—but in groups of at least three."
Rosen chose to land at Grove 40 because it was far from the Marine zone and lighter in security. It was also the tourist and specialty area—a pleasant place.
Sabaody's coastline was wide, and since it was made of mangrove roots, there were many hidden coves perfect for stashing a ship. After securing the Dawn near Grove 40, they headed ashore.
The island was fascinating—even more so in person.
"Wow! The bubbles really float up from the ground? Will they pop? I'm gonna poke it…" Natalie stuck a finger into a bubble. It didn't pop but sank around her finger—amazing.
"What is this structure?" Hathaway picked up a bubble too. It felt elastic, tough, not easy to burst.
"It won't even pop when stepped on. It's like a dream—so pretty…" Natalie drifted upward on a rising bubble. Rosen watched quietly, saying nothing.
"Formed from the mangrove's special resin… sticky and gross." Robin touched the ground, then wiped her hand clean.
"There really are all kinds of islands on the sea. Worth studying," Liya said with interest.
"Ah! Help!" Natalie fell as the bubble burst at a certain height.
"Armament."
Boom! She slammed into the ground, then yanked herself out, covered in dirt. "That stupid bubble!"
"Let's move," Rosen said. But he didn't expect Robin to choose to go with Hathaway and Natalie instead of staying with him.
Daz Bones and MR.5 formed their own team. In the end, only Valentine remained at Rosen's side.
"B-Boss… I won't let you down!" Valentine stammered with excitement. A rare chance to walk alone with him—an honor.
"Alright. We'll just stroll around."
Before wandering, Rosen planned to contact Law.
He also wondered whether the mad monk Urouge had arrived—he was promising material.
"I'm not there yet. Ran into some trouble, but almost done," Law said calmly over the Den Den Mushi. Cannon fire could be heard in the background.
"Need help?"
"No."
(End of chapter)