A year had passed since the dissolution of the Roger Pirates.
Sabaody Archipelago.
"Yi‑ge, have we saved enough?" Shanks asked, trailing behind Fang Yi as they walked while grabbing a bite.
"Yes—we're nearly there. According to what Kiki learned, our savings should cover the cost of an Adam Wood ship," Fang Yi nodded confidently.
"I don't understand how big a ship you plan to build that it needs so much Berry!" Buggy grumbled while carrying two knocked-out pirates. They'd been staying at Shakky's little bar for the past year, training with Rayleigh and capturing bountied criminals whom Buggy turned in to the Marines in exchange for reward money.
Even Buggy's name had become known in the bounty hunter circles.
"Yi‑ge, our one-year mark is almost here—any word on the captain?" Shanks asked with concern.
"Yeah," Fang Yi replied. Having grown noticeably taller in the past year, he no longer looked like a child.
The three headed to the Marine base at Sabaody—Buggy entered with the captured criminal to collect their reward.
"What's the haul?" Shanks asked when Buggy exited.
"Got it!" Buggy slapped the box he held.
Fang Yi nodded. "Let's bring some drinks back for Rayleigh to show our thanks—it's been a long stay."
"Rayleigh? We've been buying all his booze all year!" Buggy complained.
"Relax, he's settled here. Won't invite trouble," Fang Yi reassured him, recalling that Rayleigh had recently disrupted a slave trade ring.
When they returned to Shakky's shop, they found an unfamiliar scene inside.
"A Sip costs what? Blacklisting quality?" a gruff voice ranted, just as Fang Yi and company burst in.
One burly pirate turned to Fang Yi. "You little twerp! Want to be a hero? Get lost—before we deal with you, too."
Another pirate froze. "Th‑that's Bounty Hunter Buggy...!"
Recognizing him, he later defiantly declared: "1.2 billion Berry bounty, I'm not afraid of you!"
Buggy sneered in response, "You got yourself to Sabaody with that kind of bounty? Disgraceful!"
The thug hesitated, then yelled: "Take him down!"
Shanks let out a cold growl—his Overbearing Conqueror's Haki rippled and dropped half the bar to the floor.
The thug staggered.
Fang Yi sighed: "Buggy, finish it—quickly. Don't mess up Shakky's place. I'm not sharing this, Berry."
Buggy laughed wildly, too.
Shakky appeared, noting the commotion.
"You guys being good bounty hunters?" she teased.
They laughed it off. Rayleigh then appeared, casually questioning Buggy's antics.
"Are you going to stay bounty hunters? Or start your pirate crew?" Rayleigh asked.
Fang Yi smiled: "We'll wait for the captain. Then we'll form our crew."
"Then I'll be watching for your legend," Rayleigh said with a laugh.
That's when Captain Roger entered the bar—unexpectedly!
"Long time no see..." Roger called, glad to reunite with Rayleigh.
"Captain!" Fang Yi and Shanks stood and saluted immediately.
Roger laughed: "No need for that title—it's over. The Roger Pirates disbanded."
Fang Yi stepped forward and hugged him, saying, "Titles don't matter—you're still our captain."
Even as the system secretly logged the royal check-in, the moment felt powerful.
Over the evening, they shared long-hearted updates. Buggy wept in joy when Roger reunited with him.
At dawn, Fang Yi asked: "Captain, what about Barrett?"
"I'll turn myself in to secure Barrett's freedom," Roger revealed.
Shanks and Buggy gasped.
"I don't have much time left," Roger continued calmly. "Trading my life for Barrett's safety...and that's a good deal."
Silence weighed the air. Rayleigh didn't speak—only looked on with deep emotion.
When they reached Wano, Fang Yi asked Oden, "Need help? Things seem wrong back home."
Oden assured him with laughter that he could handle things. He was fine to be alone...
But Fang Yi knew better—it was their last farewell.
As the ship headed off, Oden gave one final warning:
"Don't believe any pirate's promises. Someone may covet your position–after the title is ours, then we fight for Wano."
Oden looked confused, but Fang Yi had said enough.
As the crew dispersed, Fang Yi considered his path. He'd head to Sabaody to gather intel and wait at Marineford for Roger's signal.