Half a month later...
Jin and the others were guarding in front of a house.
Today was Rouge's delivery day, and they had been waiting here since early morning.
The morning sun dappled through the leaves, casting shadows on the ground, but the mood of everyone present was unusually tense, and many people were unconsciously pacing in front of the house.
Many of them had watched Rouge's belly grow bigger day by day.
They were all very much looking forward to the birth of this little life.
Their eyes never left the closed door, their hearts filled with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.
Gan Fall also put aside his work to accompany Jin.
Although his expression was calm, a trace of worry and tension flashed in his eyes from time to time.
Gan Fall stood quietly behind Jin.
"Rouge's physical condition is perfect, and we have the best doctor in Skypiea in charge, so there won't be any problems."
Jin nodded, feeling much more relaxed than the others. With the physique of humans in this world, the birthing process shouldn't have any major issues.
If Jin hadn't intervened, Rouge would have needed to be pregnant for 20 months to evade the Navy's pursuit and give birth to Ace.
But now, without the threat of external factors, it was naturally not a problem for Rouge to safely give birth to Ace.
The low voices and occasional cries coming from the room made everyone's mood even more anxious.
Toki and the others stared at the door, their ears perked up, trying to catch any sound.
"She'll be fine,"
Gan Fall's voice was gentle but firm,
"Rouge is a strong woman, she will definitely have a safe delivery."
Ginny took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.
Although she knew Gan Fall was right, the tension in her heart could not be completely dispelled.
She closed her eyes, recalling the past, Rouge's smile, her determined eyes, and the cries of pain now.
"So, giving birth is this painful..."
"I have to get Kuma to make some good food when we get back, or I won't be able to sleep tonight..."
"..."
Time seemed to become exceptionally long, as if every second was stretched countless times.
Everyone felt as if they were waiting in endless torment, their feet unconsciously pacing the ground, trying to relieve the anxiety in their hearts.
Suddenly, a baby's cry came from the room, breaking the silence.
People stopped abruptly, a look of surprise and tension flashing in their eyes.
They turned to look at Gan Fall, who also showed a relieved smile.
"It's born..."
Ginny murmured, her voice filled with irrepressible excitement.
The midwife finally opened the door and walked out, her face tired but with a satisfied smile.
Toki and Ginny stepped forward, their eyes full of anticipation and anxiety,
"How is it? Are Rouge and the baby okay?"
The doctor nodded, smiling and saying,
"Mother and child are safe. The mother is very strong, and the baby is very healthy."
Hearing this, Ginny finally breathed a sigh of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders.
She had spent the most time with Rouge during this period. Although there was some age difference between her and Rouge, they were now close friends who could talk about anything.
She gently patted her chest, a smile on her lips,
"Thank you, doctor."
The doctor patted her shoulder,
"Go in and see them."
Ginny nodded and walked into the room with Jin and the others.
In the room, Rouge was lying in bed, her face pale but her eyes full of tenderness and contentment.
She held a small baby in her arms, who was sleeping quietly.
Ginny walked to the bed and gently took Rouge's hand, asking with concern,
"Rouge, are you okay?"
Rouge smiled and shook her head, looking at the baby in her arms, her eyes sparkling with maternal love,
"I'm fine."
Ginny looked down at the baby, her heart filled with infinite joy. She gently stroked the baby's soft little hand, feeling the miracle of life.
"It's so wonderful..."
Ginny murmured, feeling a little envious of Rouge.
That guy Kuma still hasn't let go of his identity and hasn't dared to express his feelings to her, which makes her feel both angry and distressed.
Seeing the somewhat sad expression on Ginny's face, Rouge gently patted her on the shoulder, comforting her softly:
"Everything will be alright..."
She knew about the matter between Ginny and Kuma. Although she couldn't give specific advice, she tried her best to provide support and encouragement.
After comforting Ginny, Rouge turned to look at Jin, teasing:
"The busy man actually has time to come here."
Jin touched his nose and smiled with a hint of helplessness:
"Didn't I find you a lot of friends? I don't have time to come over often."
Rouge smiled gently, her eyes full of gratitude,
"I'm just kidding. It's good enough that you can take the time to come."
Jin nodded and continued:
"Given the relationship between me and that guy, and the birth of his child, I naturally have to come and take a look."
As soon as he said this, everyone present perked up their ears, their eyes full of curiosity.
They had always been curious about who Rouge's child's father was.
But out of consideration for the fact that the person involved had never mentioned it, they were too embarrassed to ask directly.
Jin felt everyone's gaze and smiled slightly, continuing:
"Actually, there's nothing to hide. The child's father is an old friend of mine. We've been through a lot together, so I naturally have to take care of his child."
Rouge nodded gently, adding:
"He's no longer here, but I know he wants the child to grow up in a safe and warm environment."
After hearing this, everyone showed expressions of understanding, and also carried a hint of respect.
They understood the deep meaning behind this relationship, and also understood Jin and Rouge's determination and dedication even more.
Ginny raised her head and said to Rouge with a firm gaze:
"Rouge, don't worry, I will always be here with you, taking care of you and the child."
Rouge smiled and nodded, looking at Ginny gratefully,
"Thank you, Ginny."
"With you guys here, I really feel so much better."
Seeing this, Jin also felt a sense of relief in his heart.
He knew that the companionship and support of these friends was extremely important for Rouge and the child.
He took a deep breath and said firmly:
"No matter how difficult the future is, I will always be by your side, protecting you."
Rouge looked at Jin, her eyes shining with tears, and nodded gently,
"I believe you, Jin."
"Believe that you have already heard Toki say that I want you to be this child's godfather."
"I just want him to live his life happily. When the time comes, I hope you can give him some care."
As she said the last sentence, her voice carried a hint of pleading.
The only people in this world she could talk to were these friends in front of her.
Jin said with a smile: "Of course, no problem."
"But have you thought about the child's name?"
Rouge held the child in her arms and said gently,
"Ace."
"Portgas D. Ace."
...
