The days on Baterilla Island passed exceptionally peacefully for Jin An.
However, this tranquility was broken one afternoon by a surprised retching sound.
Rouge's figure had been busy in the garden.
Suddenly, she covered her mouth and ran into the house, looking slightly disheveled.
Jin An turned to Roger and gave him a meaningful look:
"It seems your ability to listen to the voice of all things is quite useful after all."
Roger had previously discussed Rouge's condition in a half-joking manner, seemingly just to reassure her so she could leave with Jin An without worry.
But now, what Roger said back then seemed to be becoming reality.
Roger was stunned for a moment, then opened his mouth wide, a look of disbelief on his face:
"Could it be that Rouge is really pregnant?"
This thought slowly transformed in his mind into an unprecedented surprise.
Roger's heart was filled with complex emotions, a mix of nervousness and joy.
This unexpected news suddenly opened a new chapter in his life.
Jin An pondered, stroking his chin,
"Generally speaking, pregnant women will experience symptoms in weeks 5 to 7."
"Rouge's frequent vomiting today suggests that pregnancy is almost certain."
Jin An's voice was full of certainty. He possessed some medical knowledge and would take her pulse after Rouge came out.
Then it could be completely confirmed.
Roger couldn't hide his joy upon hearing this deduction.
In his eyes, this unexpected gift was like a surprise bestowed by life in the twilight years of his life.
"I never thought I'd have such a surprise at the end of my life."
Roger's eyes sparkled with excited tears, feeling incredibly joyful for the new life about to come into the world.
"I really hope I can live a little longer..."
Roger's gaze fell on the closed door.
Rouge was the love of his life, but he couldn't be by her side.
His eyes were filled with complex emotions, each blink telling a story of apology.
His eyes were stained with a haze that was hard to dispel.
He understood that the existence of this child meant leaving proof that he had once been in this world.
A life connected by blood meant a brand new beginning.
However, the heavy responsibility of the future would fall on Rouge's slender shoulders.
A trace of determination flashed in Roger's eyes as he turned to Jin An,
"I don't want this child to walk the same path as me in the future."
These words contained his reflection on his own life.
Although he didn't regret his choices, he wanted to give his child a bright future even more.
"I see the hope of changing this world in you."
"I hope you can raise him."
"Let him live a safe and peaceful life."
Jin An was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded, "I don't want him to be a pirate either."
Even as a child, Ace, even growing up under the care of bandits, developed a likeable personality.
Perhaps Ace would have turned out even better with a different upbringing.
Jin An continued, "He has your blood flowing through his veins."
"If his identity is exposed, he will have absolutely nowhere to escape."
At the end of his words, Jin An also saw the fleeting worry in Roger's eyes.
Clearly, Roger also knew that the bloodline he was leaving behind faced great danger even before birth.
"Let this child take his mother's surname."
"Let this dying man leave him some inheritance."
Roger's gaze pierced through the clouds, as if trying to touch the end of the sky.
He turned to Jin An, his eyes flashing with a complex and profound light.
"My life hasn't been a waste."
Roger's voice carried a hint of relief.
"Didn't we make a promise in Skypiea before?"
"While my body can still withstand fighting..."
His tone was devoid of sadness, only filled with a desire for battle and the determination to fulfill his promise.
"Let's have the last battle of my life."
These words were like a shocking bugle call, announcing the start of a glorious battle.
Roger's ever-forward spirit was telling Jin An that even when life was withering, every moment was worth being given the deepest meaning.
"I will also teach you everything I've learned in my life."
He wanted to pass on his life's wisdom and skills to Jin An, not only out of trust in Jin An personally, but also out of hope for the future.
That unspoken expectation was not only for Jin An's personal growth, but also to leave something for his unborn child.
In the sunlight, Rouge's figure looked exceptionally fragile.
Teary-eyed, she stood at the doorway, her hand lightly resting on the doorframe, as if seeking support to prevent her body from collapsing to the ground.
Her tears shimmered, and after a period of thought, Rouge slowly opened her mouth,
"That man was born to fight."
Although tears kept falling, her expression carried strength; nothing could defeat Rouge, who had become a mother.
"Just satisfy him."
She knew Roger's personality; rather than stopping him, it was better to let him pursue that final battle and glory in the way he desired.
Her voice regained its firmness,
"As for me... I will definitely raise this child to be an upright person."
"......"
A hint of uncontrollable fighting spirit ignited in Jin An's eyes.
To be able to fight the Pirate King Roger was a rare opportunity for Jin An.
This kind of battle was different from the fighting on the sea; while bringing him great pressure, it also allowed him to learn from his opponent.
Although Jin An knew that Roger at this moment probably couldn't unleash the peak strength of his life, this couldn't stop the surge of excitement in Jin An's heart to fight him.
Their eyes met, and their wills and determination were conveyed without words.
"Take me for a ride, we'll fight somewhere else."
Roger knew that this battle was destined not to be a superficial one.
And after they fought, every attack would be full of destructive power.
This island, this land, would probably be unable to withstand their contest.
Even though Roger's physical condition wasn't at its peak, he was still one of the strongest on the sea.
He chose to unfold this duel that belonged only to them in the uninhabited sky, under the blue sky and the sea.
Just then, a flame cloud appeared under their feet.
This flame cloud gently concealed their figures and, at the same time, slowly lifted them into the sky, away from the island.
"Is this also your ability?"
"Very interesting."
Being wrapped in the flame cloud brought Roger a novel experience.
"Can this cloud take an island into the sky?"
Jin An nodded,
'It can be done.'
"It's a pity I can't control it as freely as Shiki."
...
...
