#goldznuts

“You want my treasure, you can have it. I left everything I gathered together in one place. Now you’ll just have to find it!” 

“Roger? Is that you? It’s been a while since I last saw you!” Harmony exclaims, but her smile is short-lived.

 “The thing is, I don’t want your treasure. I just want you to come back. No amount of gold or silver or precious jewels are worth more than having you around. I don’t want treasure. I want you.”

Thank you, Rouge!!

The captain rushed past her with a loud roar of laughter the straw-hat bouncing about on his back as he threw a quick thumbs up to her headed back to the Oro Jackson. Roger carried two bottles in his arms and a large filled bag thrown over his back content with his newest collection.

Ciri fell through the portal just in time, escaping the Wild Hunt once more. Hopefully this time for longer than a mere few days. She unfortunately got separated from Avallac’h in the process, but she was sure they’d find their way back to each other. He had just been dropped somewhere else in this new world.

She slowly got to her feet, brushing the dirt off her legs as she took in her surroundings. It was then that her eyes landed on what looked to be a giant of a man- so close in height to the Aen Elle that it had startled her for a moment.

Ace was shocked as he looks at the man in front of him "Impossible...you were dead before I was born, how the hell are you alive!" He shouts as he slowly steps away as Ace's eyes shook with fear.

His son was so dramatic but reminded him of another when in shock. Roger could not help but smile and reached out to pull his son into embrace. Pulling his son against his chest he could not help but notice the freckles and shook his head proud of how he turned out. The first time he would lay eyes upon his sons physical form was in death.

☠"AH HA HA HA HA HA! No Ace, it is you who is out of place and you had far too much to accomplish it is far too early."☠

He would send his son back and give him a chance to live. Though he was a bit disappointed he understood the cause to protect. His boy was supposed to shake the ground he walked upon and probably did. Roger was content to play his best hand and send the boy back to try again. To take a second chance and see the dream to its end.

☠"Didn't you make quite a few promises yet to be rectified and you can not do such a thing here in death. Why must you be so reckless, Son?"☠

☠HEY WHITEBEARD!!!☠

☠I sense a great whale within range. I am sure you came all this way just to visit me and I would be delighted if you came to say.... Hello. It has been a boring few days that is until you came close enough to sense.☠

☠Ahhhhhhh HA HA HA HA Ahhhhh HAHAHAHA!!☠

Immediately he hung up to rush back to deck as if a child running to collect candy. Firmly placing a boot upon the finished bronze railing the Captain leaned forward not able to contain himself from excitement alone.

☠READY OR NOT EDWARD!!!☠

                  Newgate had heard talk of Roger and his crew travelling around these parts. While he didn’t intentionally seek out the other pirate captain, fate seemed to enjoy crossing their paths. Newgate enjoyed a clash with an equally matched opponent, so the encounters weren’t unwelcome ones anyway, in fact he always found them to be a good time.

                  The transponder snail was picked up by Marco, his first mate holding up the dial as an all too familiar voice blared through the snail’s mouth. Conversations on deck fell silent as Roger’s voice filled the area. 

Roger jumped out with a dirty face his hair grown well past his eyes. The delinquent laughed as it whipped about in the wind as he danced about. He had anticipated being found out in hiding and squatted before a quick glance was given up to the window seal above his head. Now that he could think of it he had played around that door all morning and had yet to notice anyone coming in or out. A low rumble from his stomach pushed the boy into distraction as he turned from the road to peer in standing on his tiptoes.

The boy was a bad apple per most of the villagers but he cast no cares and lived freely. He’d be leaving soon enough anyways and could not help but smile a bit as he tugged a quicksilver pick from his pocket. He was going to help himself to a fine meal and could care less if they were home or not. The large straw hat on his head shielded him from the sun’s rays as he made his way around back.

With a successful break-in he made his way back out swiping random jewels to sell for profit along the way. It was then he slowed to a halt, with a mouth full of breath as he took in the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. The long strands of pink hair cascading behind the girl brought the young lad to a complete stop. He didn't realize he was holding his breath as the male pulled the bread from his lips his mouth hanging agape. A sheepish grin was given before he realized he had broken in and wasn't supposed to be there. He'd earn some new bruises more than likely for this, all the same he would receive them this time with a full stomach.

He wanted her name, her presence nearby, and with that the childhood crush began with the raven haired male doing the only thing a young boy could in his shoes. He had found something worth stealing and with a dart forward he gripped the ribbon holding the pink locks slipping it out from her hair with a quick swipe as he passed. He'd keep it so he could find her again later the scent she had he'd always remember.

Glancing back over his shoulder as he prepared to leave, Roger quickly pushed up the window seal flashing a wide smile back towards the young girl in the dress. He had fallen for her and could only laugh tying the ribbon around his wrist before darting out with a bold laugh. It wasn't until he landed that he found himself surrounded by the many adults with grievances. Carelessly he held out a hand, the bread still in his grasp as he protested what he knew was to come. A smile was given before the punch came catching him square his jaw with a powerful bust. It was what he got for being a thief and scrambling back to his feet he dodged the next with a now bloody lip and bruised cheek. Two steps, no three, ahead of them would be all that was needed to get out of this one. When the handle of the broom swung out he ducked a foot darting out with a powerful kick to the groin bringing his attacker to his knees.

“Imma kill that fucking kid. The scorn of the village needs to be tied up and shipped out to the world government.”

Roger had heard the threat taking the broom to sweep the other off his feet stepping on his chest in withdrawal as he fell. The straw-hat took off down the dirt path with a small laugh amused that it had gone so wrong for them. they were sloppy and expected to catch him? The wind at his back kept him afloat with the entire world against him.

Roger rushed about in excitement even as his friends told him to calm down. The Oro Jackson had come across something very uncommon for the pirate age. A what appeared to be an in tact but vacant ship. He had found a beautiful ship with promise of treasures and food and could not wait to explore/plunder it.

The Captain was excited because even after their test shots and scope they could find no signs of life. It was as if the beauty was drifting across the seas to her own chosen demise. He simply couldn't believe his luck as he snatched the scope from Rayleigh who had carefully inspected it with a feeling of doom.

"Roger, I do not think it wise to rush over unannounced it is always these kind of ships that can shift an entire voyage. I advise we leave it, or them be or at least proceed with the upmost caution. That ship is well kept and polished on the regular there is no way it is vacant Roger. That preposterous even for you; its an obvious trap!"

The first mate scolded turning to find the spot that Roger had previously stood already vacant. He drew a quick blank before facepalming moving to follow the Captain and his impulsive decisions.

Moments later Roger landed with a thud on board giving a quick glance from under the straw-hat with a smirk as he rushed forward in excitement. There was a sudden sweet scent in the air that brought the captain to a halt in question. It carried an interesting vibe and was almost calming much like a silent poison in ones system. Before the captain could come to the realization that they were not alone Rayleigh called out in caution to warm him of the disappearance of his friends.

"Roger, this ship is manned and you'd............"

Before the words could leave him he was pulled from the spot in which he stood sending deep chill up the captain's spine. How could such a beautiful thing become so deadly, no wait, that wasn't the word he was looking for. The terms the future king would have used to describe the situation would have been graceful and precise. Wait, that was how it always went roger thought now mentally kicking himself for ignoring his second's advice.

Casting glances about him he sought the men that should have already come on board but even his first mate who stood right behind him had disappeared. His heart began to race as he froze in his place thankful for the open setting the sweets scent circling him now stronger than before. Immediately, the smile fell to the features of worry as he began to back up confused.

His blue hues shifted about sharper and more serious as the captain come to one conclusion. With stoic features he emitted his Haoshoku Haki in case there were weaker foes at work here. The sharp glare cascaded out but never came the thud to follow and Roger could not help but raise a cautious brow. That didn't work? WHEN HAS IT NOT WORKED?

The dark haired male could not help but feel a bit of panic as he continued moving forward with his approach. Roger had an objective and if his men were actually in danger he was going to rock this ship for everything it was worth and sink it in resolve despite her beauty.

☠"What kind of hellish beauty is this?"☠

Roger inquired as a rose pedal feel from the mast the captain casting a quick glance above only noting the Jolly Roger. Now he was really confused because there were no trees present especially of those kind. The pedal in his hand was in fact real and he could not help but draw more questions his free hand resting upon ace Roger officially creeped out. Drawing the sword he in silence continued forward a hand lifting to grip the door handle. Fist he had come on terms of exploration but now that his men were involved the pretense of his entire approach had changed.

Tossing ace over his shoulder he leaned in to inspect the doorknob tapping it quickly in case it was a trap. They were already in a trap but he didn't want to make things worse with another stupid move. He stomped his foot a few times to listen to the echo of wood, deciphering if it was hollow or held something within. Again Nothing!

If there was one question that had began to annoy him it was any in reference to the one piece or laugh-tale island. Those were his secrets to keep and if any desired to know then they could go themselves in their own stride and pay their own prices but he would still always be the first. There was no easy path for the questions they asked and Roger could not help but play musical chairs in attempts to get away from the never-ending questions and conversations. A quick smile and wave was given until his presence brought more attention than he bargained for. Nope! The captain commented before rising from his seat slapping the payment on the counter. Under the influence, the Captain after two battles now staggered down the street in hopes to find a quiet bar to relax in. He wasn't tired or hurt just to the point that he was too drunk to speak properly. This was not how he often carried himself but he had gone too far in his search for booze. Little did he know with the fame, even while despised, he could manage to find regrets in making such a bold testament to the world. Peace was rare and priceless, this was his first lesson as King. His best bet was to buy his drinks and head back to the Oro Jackson to disappear into the grasp of the sea once more. There was one place he could go to and not have to worry but they would despise him too. It would be certain that his sails were the ones that kept Oden away for so long and Wano had began to fall into a grim era. As the thoughts crossed his mind he remembered his first statement not to rule a thing and tried to cast aside such concerns. But Oden?....he was there, or so he had presumed. Was it selfish for an entire country to have fallen for his cause? These type of thoughts came to mind to counter his protest of little cares. Pressing a hand to his forehead he lifted the gourd to read the label in question. Sure enough it was Rum. He didn't do too well under the influence of Rum and steered clear of the drink as a whole. No wonder his mind was processing too much in irritation. That still didn't change the fact that the thoughts were in fact truth as ugly as it appeared. For every action there was a reaction and many would pay the price even more than he could have ever imagined. It was heavy and one of the few regrets he carried with the new crown. When they had brought Oden back in celebration they could not help but acknowledge the price they had all paid when Wano came into view. Should he have stayed behind to assist in such matters? Should he have left Oden to his affairs the first time they returned for the Polygliff. Either way it was done and now he had but one choice at this point. He had gotten wind that Kaido had schemed something up for the entire land of gold. This was the cause of his stop for drinks in the first place. The news that Wano had closed off everything in attempts to conceal the secrets he had found out. Yep! This was definitely the work of Kaido and Roger could not help but feel a pull at his heart in thought of what that monster could do with his hands on an entire country of innocent people. Seems some of the Rocks had found a way to rule even while broken apart and disbanded. Such thoughts were beginning to bring a headache and he could not help but sigh slinking away into an dark alley to sober up a bit before heading back tot he Oro Jackson. Roger had left behind his crewmates for extra security to their vessel and even selfishly because he required the time to think. Once on board, he through a drunken sway gave the order dropping the canisters of alcohol on the deck before dropping to the wooden floor hopelessly trying to fend off a drunken slumber. ☠"Go!....We are going.......Wano, to Oden, head for Wano."☠ The drunk captain had finally spat out the order before the snores commenced. The king was content to face his consequences alongside Oden. He couldn't just leave him there to handle Kaido alone in good conscience. Newgate wouldn't let him live it down if something happened to the man or his family. Too add Kaido was NEVER

ALONE, but if he were then he was a force to be reckoned with all the same even for Oden. Rayleigh only paused studying the drunk captain with a raised brow shaking his head in disapproval. This was unlike Roger and surely his visit could not have been so bad. "Political affairs are not our forte, Roger!" The other screamed with a mind to knock him upside his head. Even as he protested the captain continued his snores the order standing without the dispute. If he were awake he would tell his number two that they could not rule the seas and not address and situation like this. They owed Oden for everything and could never turn away even if the man had told them to go. Oden had promised that he would be fine and would reach out when he was finished with setting order. The roger pirates were supposed to celebrate together with him, it was the promise given before they agreed to leave. That was how it was supposed to go and even then Roger had a bad feeling in his gut and still left as requested. When they arrived in Wano things were not as they had found it the first time around. The drastic changes already shifting the finical and economical stance of Wano. The caste systems had tilted for greed and plots. This was real bad and to make matters worse he had found out that ODEN WAS DEAD? This hurt his heart and Roger had no idea how he would even tell Whitebeard of such a thing. He had left the other there and now knew he should have stayed to address the situation directly with him. As Oro Jackson pulled into port he studied the smoke filled skies a grim chill pushing down his spine as he took in the view. None on board the ship could speak as they viewed what was left of the Kozuki family shrine, it was now nothing but ash. They knew it would be bad but never anticipated Wano would end up in such a state. To correct, he should have known but at the time he was not aware that Kaido was directly involved with Wano. Deciding against porting the Pirate king opted to hide the vessel and leave out on foot. Hours later he found himself in much need of a drink as he made his way through the lands under disguise. They had opted for masks since they were so common these days. The Red and blank kimono he wore was constraining and layered to blend him in with the noblemen. He could find out anything he needed to know with time in patience. The drinks they shared weren't festive in the least. The captain babysitting the bowl of sake that had been poured by request. He gazed into the liquid his reflection dancing back, or one of the mask rather as he sunk back into his thoughts. When he had found a voice to speak he finally swallowed the lump in his throat. Roger forced up a cracked voice before he took in a few labored breaths to hide the fact he was very upset. Rayleigh in whom set beside him had no sarcastic comments to add nor did he instigate the situation that was obvious. There was no humor to be found even as they tried but the silence had to be broken. He was certain Rayleigh didn't offer many words only because he too didn't know what to say or he was simply waiting for the captain to lead off in discussion. During times like these it made the captain very thankful for his friend. ☠"Rayle-O, I-I, don't think we did the right thing here. I-I feel like this is my fault and I am almost scared to inquire anything further. This is so wrong!"☠ The captain explained as he lifted the bowl to his lips the sake being a much calmer choice for the male. He couldn't help the sting of tears that forced forward. Roger was very thankful for the mask he wore at this moment and lowered the bowl not even in the mood to drink. This was so messed up, he had assumed that when Oden returned that he would be able to handle the situation at hand. THAT WAS WHAT HE HAD TOLD HIM! And here Roger was fool enough to believe him even despite his own two eyes and the odd gut wrenching feeling they all had when they sailed out. ☠"We are far too late and we have to fix this!"☠ He choked out as he struggled to catch his grip for the moment being. He