"Hey, Ross, what are you doing standing there? The banquet's started, get over here!"
A heavy slap landed on Ross's shoulder, nearly knocking the air out of his lungs. The bald man beside him grinned broadly, his voice rough but cheerful.
Ross forced a smile, rubbing his sore shoulder. "Jero, you still hold grudges, huh?"
From his inherited memories, Ross already knew who this was Jero, a senior member of the Roger Pirates. Though never mentioned in the original One Piece story, he was a formidable fighter, known for his terrifying strength. Ross regretted testing his reality earlier by pinching Jero's arm. That harmless act had earned him a payback slap powerful enough to rattle his bones.
"Guess we're even then," Jero said with a sly grin that didn't match his rugged appearance.
Ross chuckled awkwardly. Jero looked like a typical brute bald head, thick beard, muscles that could crush steel but the man was surprisingly shrewd, even cunning. Still, that sharpness was aimed only at enemies, not his crewmates.
Jero slung an arm over Ross's shoulder and led him toward the bow of the ship.
The deck of the Oro Jackson was alive with noise and laughter. Every pirate was raising a wooden mug of beer, the frothy liquid sloshing with every cheer. Massive chunks of roasted Sea King meat were passed around, the savory aroma filling the air.
Ross swallowed hard, his stomach growling. He didn't need anyone to tell him what it was he'd seen Rayleigh drag the enormous Sea King onto the deck just an hour ago. Its gigantic carcass still lay nearby, casting a shadow over the celebration.
"Come on, Ross, eat up!" said Buggy, swaggering over with his signature red nose shining under the lantern light. "You're already nineteen, and you still look like you'd faint from a strong breeze. When this crew disbands, don't go around saying you were one of Roger's men. You'll ruin our captain's reputation!"
Ross resisted the urge to roll his eyes. This guy was really full of himself.
Look who's talking, he thought. You're gonna end up as a small-time pirate in East Blue, hiding out for twenty years with a bounty that barely breaks fifteen million. Real impressive.
His eyes drifted toward Shanks, the red-haired youth chatting and laughing nearby. Future Emperor of the Sea. A man who would one day stand toe to toe with Whitebeard himself. Now that's someone worth following, Ross mused.
As for Buggy… weak, annoying, and far too talkative.
Still, Ross didn't argue. He knew from his inherited memories that among the crew, he really was the weakest. Even Buggy had a Devil Fruit ability, albeit a somewhat useless one.
The feast began in earnest. Ross clinked mugs with Captain Gol D. Roger, Silvers Rayleigh, and then with Shanks, offering them respectful toasts.
Buggy's eyes narrowed as he noticed how much warmer Ross was toward Shanks than toward him. "Hey, Ross! What's that supposed to mean?" he demanded.
Ross grinned lazily and handed Buggy a mug. "We're about to part ways. Gotta make sure I'm on good terms with everyone, right?"
Buggy's face turned red with frustration, nearly spilling his drink as he glared at him. Ross just shrugged. You're not exactly someone whose favor I need.
Meanwhile, Roger and Rayleigh were sitting together, mugs in hand, watching their crew celebrate one last time.
"Looks like that kid Ross is starting to get along with everyone," Rayleigh said with a small smile.
Roger chuckled. "He's the one I worry about most. If he can get close to Shanks, that's good. Shanks once wanted both Ross and Buggy to join his future crew. Buggy refused, of course too stubborn and too proud. But he'll be fine; that kid always lands on his feet somehow."
Rayleigh nodded. "Ross surprised me when he turned Shanks down. Stubborn little guy. I just hope he doesn't draw the Navy's attention once we disband."
Roger laughed heartily, his booming voice cutting through the music. "The Navy? They've got bigger fish to fry than Ross. They'll be watching me, not him. He's harmless. Weak, sure, but harmless."
Rayleigh raised his mug. "You're probably right."
Roger's grin softened. "And besides, my time's almost up. No point worrying about the future when I've only got a month left to live. Better to use what's left of my life to change the world."
His laughter rang out across the deck, bold and free, but the words hung heavy in the air.
This was the last celebration of the Roger Pirates. After tonight, they would part ways forever.
Ross lifted his mug and drank deeply, the bitter ale burning his throat. He laughed along with Shanks and the others, trying to memorize every sound, every face.
"Ross, what's gotten into you tonight?"
A cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts. A blond young man, no more than twenty, approached with a bright smile. Beside him stood a beautiful blue-haired woman.
"Bark," Ross muttered, his tone flat.
Bark smirked. "Come on, my dear friend, don't be so cold. You're usually the quiet type what's changed? Big night, huh?"
Ross frowned. From his inherited memories, he knew Bark had joined the crew just before the return voyage from Raftel. He was powerful his bounty nearly sixty million and a Devil Fruit user to boot. But he also had a nasty streak, especially when it came to Ross, whom he viewed with open hostility ever since Roger had shown him special treatment.
The woman beside him, Luna, was stunning long blue hair, sharp eyes, a confident smile. She was also a crew member, though her close relationship with Bark made her less approachable.
Ross eyed them both and muttered, "Are we really that close, Bark?"
Bark chuckled. "You're funny, Ross. Of course we are! We've been through so much together. I just wanted to check on you, you know since you're so... weak. Once we disband, it's a dangerous world out there. Wouldn't want to hear you got yourself killed."
His tone was friendly, but the malicious edge in his eyes was unmistakable.
Ross smiled lightly. "Don't worry. I don't plan on making a name for myself. I'm no big-shot pirate."
Bark's smirk widened. "Glad to see you finally know your limits. That's a relief."
Ross said nothing, but his thoughts turned sharp. You're not worried about me, you're hoping I die quickly, aren't you?
He'd seen people like Bark before cunning, manipulative, hiding their true nature behind a smile. He's just like Teach, Ross thought darkly. All charm on the surface, all poison underneath.
The night wore on. One by one, the crew members left the ship. Rayleigh was the first to depart, disappearing into the shadows of the docks. Soon, only a handful remained: Roger, Bark, Luna, Buggy, Shanks, and Ross.
"Buggy," Shanks said, "come with me. Let's sail together."
Buggy shook his head. "You and I don't get along. I'm going to find my own treasure!"
Shanks smiled, not surprised. Then he turned to Ross. "What about you, Ross? Want to join me?"
Ross shook his head. "I think I've had enough of being a pirate. Maybe I'll run a few small jobs, then find a quiet island and settle down."
Shanks looked surprised, then nodded. "Fair enough. Take care of yourself."
He left the ship with calm confidence, his red hair fluttering in the sea breeze.
Ross turned toward Roger, who stood gazing out at the horizon.
"Captain," he said softly, "thank you... for everything."
Roger smiled without looking back. "Live freely, Ross. That's all I ask."
Ross bowed his head, then descended the gangplank.
Behind him, on the deck of the Oro Jackson, the Pirate King laughed one last time a sound that would echo across the world.
He was ready to give his life to ignite a new era.
And as Ross stepped onto solid ground, he knew the Great Pirate Era had already begun.