Inside the banquet hall of the Golden City, the Den Den Mushi in Rhett's hand was ringing. It transformed into Rouge's gentle smiling face.
"Hello~ Moshi moshi, can you hear me?" Rouge's voice came through. "Was your trip to Mary Geoise smooth?"
Rhett lounged lazily on a gold sofa. "Very smooth. I even kidnapped a few Celestial Dragons as souvenirs. The Five Elders almost cried. I also took some things that only Celestial Dragons can eat. Those people may not be much, but their food is excellent."
The Den Den Mushi instantly turned into Ace's wide-eyed face. "Uncle! You caused another huge incident?!"
Sabo's voice followed close behind. "Uncle, did you take pictures this time? I need to update my scrapbook. Uncle Moore asked me yesterday if I had any embarrassing photos of you."
Rhett: Good. You're dead, you damn bird.
Moore: Ah-choo! Who's praising how handsome I am?!
Ann's voice was calm but held a hint of anticipation. "Uncle, Ann has a gift for you."
Rhett laughed heartily. "Don't worry. It's my Ann." They really were like little sweaters.
The Den Den Mushi then turned into Kuina's face. Her tone was helpless. "Mr. Rhett, Zoro asked me to tell you that he regrets he cannot come to the banquet. He said, 'Until I become the world's greatest swordsman, I have no face to see you.'"
Rhett raised an eyebrow. "That kid is stubborn... Fine."
Rhett: Hehehe. I'll have Mihawk go 'encourage' him later.
Suddenly, the Den Den Mushi turned into Roger's exaggerated grinning face. "Kuhahaha! Kid, the 'Emperors of the Sea' have the Blood Dawn Pirates' dragon head emblem in so many places. You really are my little brother!"
Rhett rolled his eyes. "Don't give me that! Where's Rouge? I want to report on you!"
The Den Den Mushi immediately switched back to Rouge's gentle face. "Rhett~"
Rhett immediately sat up straight. "Rouge! This bastard Roger has been secretly drinking. My monthly allowance keeps going down!"
Rouge laughed softly. "Is that so? Yesterday, he promised me solemnly that he would drink less for his health. Tonight, he can have double the portion of my 'love-filled bitter melon feast.'"
In the background came Roger's scream. "Rouge! I'm innocent! Besides, if I get sick, Rhett can just heal me."
"Ahhh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
"Please don't cause trouble for my little brother for no reason, Roger~"
The Den Den Mushi then turned into Hiyori and Hizumi's faces, pressed together. "Uncle Rhett! We learned new techniques! Sister Ann said we can perform them for you!"
Rhett nodded with a smile. "Good. When you get to the Golden City, Uncle will take you to attack a Navy base for practical practice. Where's your father?"
"Dad said they need to go back to Wano first. Wano still has its closed country policy. So I, Kozuki Hizumi, as the princess of Wano, am coming. Hehe."
"And me, Kozuki Hiyori too~"
"Welcome~" Rhett answered with a grin.
Tesoro put a hand to his forehead. "Captain, please don't teach the children bad habits..."
The Den Den Mushi finally turned back into Rouge's face. "We'll arrive tomorrow. Remember to prepare Rati's hundred-day celebration~"
---
If only everything could be peaceful. Of course it couldn't be peaceful.
The sea around the Golden City was calm. But beneath this calm, a pirate ship flying a ridiculous red-nose skull flag was slowly sailing toward a nearby supply island.
Buggy's ship sailed on the sea. On the deck, Buggy's red nose was shining with excitement. "Hey, hey, hey, little ones! Let's supply at the next island! Then we'll go straight to the Golden City. This is the first time Big Brother Rhett has held such a big banquet. I want to be the first to support him!"
Mohji hugged the lion Richie, looking worried. "Captain Buggy, are you sure we should go? I heard that the hundred-day celebration for the 'Mist Lord' Rhett's niece is being held there now. All the big names in the New World will be there..."
Kabaji spun around on his unicycle. "Exactly, Captain. What if we run into a Navy Admiral?"
Buggy stomped on the railing and laughed arrogantly. "Kuhahaha! What are you afraid of? Let them come! I am 'Star Clown' Buggy! A great pirate as famous as 'Red Hair' Shanks!"
---
On the other side of the same island,
Rouge's ship slowly docked at the busy port of the supply island. She gently straightened Ace and Sabo's collars and patted Ann's shoulder. "Remember, don't go too far. Come back before sunset."
"Got it, Mom!" Ace grinned. His smile was just as bright as Roger's.
Sabo pushed up his glasses and nodded seriously. "Don't worry, Aunt Rouge. I'll keep an eye on them."
Ann nodded silently. Her little hand was already on her heavy sword. Her gaze drifted toward the town. She smelled grilled meat.
Hiyori and Hizumi bowed politely. "We'll be safe~"
Rouge smiled and gave each child a small bag of allowance. "Go on. Buy some local specialties."
Three seconds later.
The moment they were out of Rouge's sight, the five little ones exploded with energy.
"Go! Grilled meat shop!" Ace took the lead.
"Wait! Buy the latest newspaper first!" Sabo followed close behind.
Ann had already appeared at the grill stand. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at the sizzling skewers. "All of them."
Hiyori and Hizumi ran hand in hand toward the accessory shop. "We heard the shell accessories here are famous!"
---
On the other side of the town,
Buggy was strutting down the street with Mohji and Kabaji. "Little ones! Buy the best alcohol! I'm giving it to Big Brother Rhett as a gift!"
Mohji held a pile of ingredients and said weakly, "Captain, our budget might not be enough..."
"Shut up!" Buggy stomped on a fruit stand. "I am the man who will become the Pirate King! How could I—"
Before he could finish, a burst of laughter came from the street corner.
"Look! A red nose!" Ace pointed at Buggy, laughing so hard he slapped his thigh. "It's so ridiculous! Like a circus clown!"
Sabo quickly bowed. "I am very sorry. I feel it is very rude to call people names. I apologize to you."
Hiyori and Hizumi didn't say anything, but the way they covered their mouths and laughed only made Buggy angrier.
Veins immediately popped on Buggy's forehead. "Y-You brats... Do you know who I am?! I don't accept your apology, you bastards! I'll hang you up and beat you, you little brats!"
Mohji and Kabaji had already hidden behind the stall. "Oh no, the captain is about to lose his temper..."
"Who cares who you are!" Ace grinned. "You want to fight? I'm itching for a fight!"
Buggy suddenly gave a vicious smile. "Kuhahaha! You brats don't know your place!! I'll beat you until you cry. Hehehe."