"Join Roger's pirate crew? Am I dreaming?"
Reid swallowed hard.
"Roger, are you serious?"
"Hahaha, absolutely."
Roger grinned broadly at Reid.
"I'm in!"
No kidding—he'd fantasized countless times about crossing into the world of One Piece and joining Roger's crew, imagining himself mastering Haki.
"Great! Hahahaha!"
Roger laughed heartily, his teeth perfectly aligned.
"Who is this guy?! How does he have such powerful Haki?"
Mihawk's pupils shrank to pinpricks, the long sword on his back trembling uncontrollably.
"Ugh… my head's spinning. Huh? Who's that? Whatever, I'd better get out of here. Hehehe, looks like Roger's getting rescued after all."
Brook shook his head, glancing fearfully and confusedly at Reid on the high platform before silently slipping away.
Smoker, too young, had already passed out from the shockwave.
Doflamingo's face twisted with rage, his fists clenched so tightly they creaked. "Fufufufu… what kind of freak is this? That level of power might even rival mine. With Roger saved now, I'd better make my exit."
With a sinister chuckle, Doflamingo gradually retreated, vanishing without a trace.
"Hmm? Who's this? Tsk tsk, interesting. The Five Elders just gained another enemy."
Dragon smirked. Since this guy had saved Roger, he was clearly an enemy of the World Government. Without another word, Dragon also quietly left.
"I'd better keep my distance. Things are about to get interesting."
Crocodile felt a bit dazed, sensing a hint of threat. Exhaling a puff of smoke, he turned into sand and flew off into the distance.
Roger noticed these figures leaving but paid them no mind—his focus was entirely on Reid.
"This young man's medical skills are terrifyingly strong, almost unbelievable. Hmm, Newgate would be thrilled if he knew."
Roger studied Reid thoughtfully. He wasn't concerned about Reid knocking out the Marines; what amazed him was his ability to effortlessly cure his incurable disease.
"What's your name?"
Roger grinned as he asked.
"My name?"
Reid thought for a moment before meeting Roger's gaze solemnly.
"I'm Reid, also known as the Child of Destiny."
"Reid, Child of Destiny. Destiny… is that your ability?"
Roger probed cautiously.
"My ability? You'll find out eventually."
Reid's eyes sparkled as he rubbed his nose.
"Oh? Hahahaha, I like your attitude. With you joining my crew, Lin Nuo, even the Celestial Dragons and the Five Elders won't stand a chance."
Roger flashed his perfectly aligned teeth.
"Heh, bro, those are some wild words. You're making me blush." Reid scratched his head. "By the way, Roger, shouldn't we run? The Marines are gonna be here soon."
"They're already here."
Roger's gaze shifted to a distant point.
Reid followed his line of sight and saw plumes of smoke rising, accompanied by the thunderous sound of approaching footsteps.
Seeing this scene in person felt entirely different from reading it in the manga—Reid's confidence wavered.
"R-Roger… sh-shouldn't we… run?"
"Run? Hahaha, Reid, with strength like yours, why are you so timid? I clearly remember the passion you had when you rushed in to save me—like a true pirate!"
"Well, that's true… but I've got no real combat experience."
That was Reid's honest thought. At the time, he'd been genuinely determined to save Roger. But now that the adrenaline had faded, his bravado had vanished.
"Simple. Use your Haki to shut them up."
Roger shrugged, glancing at the unconscious Shanks and Buggy.
"Right… I'm actually pretty strong now."
Reid steeled himself.
"Alright, watch this."
His eyes sharpened as he focused intently on the chaotic crowd. Floating before him were some virtual "cards" detailing the approaching enemies:
[Marine Soldier: Weapons—Gun, Sword. Rank: Seaman]
[Marine Soldier: Weapons—Gun, Sword. Rank: Petty Officer]
[Marine Soldier: Weapons—Gun, Sword. Rank: Chief Petty Officer]
[Marine Officer: Weapons—Gun, Sword. Rank: Ensign]
[Marine Officer: Weapons—Gun, Sword. Rank: Lieutenant]
[Marine Officer: Weapons—Gun, Sword. Rank: Commander]
"Roger, don't even think about escaping!"
"Surrender now, Roger!"
"Roger, in the name of the righteous Marines, you're under arrest!"
The crowd roared, brandishing guns, cannons, and swords.
Reid concentrated all his mental energy, his eyes tinged with red, his expression solemn. An invisible wave erupted from him, sweeping toward the oncoming forces.
With an internal shout, he commanded:
"System, assist me—FALL!"
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
As Reid roared inwardly, rows of Marine soldiers collapsed, their eyes rolling back as they passed out.
"Just as I thought—there's an intense bloodlust in his aura. I sensed it earlier."
Roger studied Reid with growing curiosity. One of the reasons he'd asked him to unleash his Haki was to confirm that eerie presence once more.
"Hahaha, I did it! As expected of the Child of Destiny—this is freaking awesome!"
Reid struck a triumphant pose, hands on his hips, basking in the moment he'd only ever dreamed of before.
No matter what, I have to keep this miracle doctor by my side.
Roger's eyes gleamed with determination, his grin widening.
"Brother Reid, let's get moving. These Marines are nothing, but if that brat Garp shows up, he won't let us leave so easily. Hahahaha!"
"Garp? You mean Luffy's grandpa?"
"Luffy's grandpa? Since when does Garp have a grandson?!"
Roger's eyes bulged in shock as he stared at Reid. He knew Garp better than most—how could he have missed something like that?
"Oh… uh, n-never mind, just talking nonsense, heh…"
Reid waved one hand dismissively while rubbing his head with the other, chuckling awkwardly.
What a weird guy. Roger sighed inwardly.