Chapter 94: Baterilla Island

­

South Blue, Baterilla Island

This is a small island with no fame. It has no famous customs or specialties, nor does it have unique natural scenery. Even the news birds of the World Economic News rarely pass by here. It is the most common type of ordinary island on the sea that is almost isolated from the outside world.

A few months ago, a large-scale joint search operation by the World Government and the Marines Headquarters also passed through this seemingly ordinary island. However, the soldiers and agents did not find anything, and they soon left after causing a considerable impact.

At the westernmost end of Baterilla Island, there is a steep cliff. On top of the cliff stands an independent luxury villa that is out of tune with the other buildings on the island.

This villa was built a few years ago, and it caused a stir on Baterilla Island at the time.

After all, on such a small island in the South Blue, even a small gust of wind can attract everyone's attention, let alone such a luxurious and magnificent villa.

However, it was strange that most of the other residents on the island did not know when the owner of the villa had moved in. They also basically had not seen what the owner of the villa looked like. They would have their servants do their daily shopping for necessities.

Only occasionally would the residents of the island see the beautiful blonde female owner of the villa go out shopping. Her attitude towards others, as well as her own aura, were both extraordinary and impressive.

Recently, when the Marine-led government agents conducted a search, the female owner of the villa also appeared in front of everyone again, still with the same beauty and gentleness.

At this moment.

The "beautiful villa owner" in the eyes of the island residents, Portgas D. Rouge, was sitting in the softwood chair in the open-air courtyard behind the villa. She had her head down, her sparkling golden hair cascading down her back. Her right hand was placed on her slightly protruding stomach. Her eyes were naturally gentle, and the occasional flashes of apology and pain made her look especially charming.

"Mrs. Rouge, please forgive my intrusion." A magnetic young voice sounded from behind her.

…

Time moved forward slightly.

Following the guidance of the sea chart, the disguised Adrian quietly arrived on the eastern coast of Baterilla Island in the South Blue.

Sensing the ordinary town ahead, Adrian's eyes were filled with complexity.

This was the true vortex center of the 'Child Incident,' but its existence was concealed too well. Almost no one knew that this was the place where Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King, spent his last moments and where Gol D. Roger's child was born.

Adrian had considered whether to directly expose this information, which could be considered one of the sea's best-kept secrets, in order to minimize harm to innocent people in the 'Child Incident.'

But after careful consideration, he abandoned this seemingly tempting yet ultimately impractical idea.

Not to mention the credibility of Adrian's words and intelligence in the eyes of the World Government and the Marines, given Adrian's identity...

Just one point.

At this moment, protecting Portgas D. Rouge under his command was the Marine hero, Monkey D. Garp!

Adrian couldn't believe that Garp's true character would be as ridiculous and unreliable as portrayed in the original work. If that were the case, how could Roger trust him with his wife?

At the very least, Whitebeard Edward Newgate, who prioritizes 'family,' was also a lifelong rival of Roger, right?

And if things didn't work out, Rayleigh and Scopper Gaban were also good brothers and companions who had spent decades together!

However, Roger still entrusted the heavy responsibility of taking care of his wife without hesitation to the enemy—Garp!

Recklessly exposing Rouge's true identity and location, with Garp's abilities, he could undoubtedly relocate quietly before the soldiers and agents discovered, then find an even safer and more hidden place to hide Rouge and her child.

Even if we take a step back.

Adrian unabashedly reveals the secret. Portgas D. Rouge is directly arrested by the Marines and CP agents, and then Garp is exposed for sheltering Roger's son. Then, the World Government and high-ranking Marines…

So, guess who would be facing consequences at this moment?

Will it be 'Marines Hero' Garp?

Or the 'No-name' White Ghost?

In addition, thanks to the "God Valley Incident" in the past, Adrian was very skeptical that even if Garp was found to have covered up the matter of Roger's son, he would be able to get away with it, even without punishment!

For details, please refer to the fact that after the Marineford War, after Ace's identity was exposed and he was successfully executed, Garp was only demoted from the front line to a secondary position. He did voluntarily apply to resign from his position as a rear admiral, but was refused by the then World Government Fleet Admiral Kong.

Do you say there are no instructions from higher-ups in the World Government?

Who would believe that!

Back to the topic.

Mini Ghost: Starry Patrol.

Adrian released the starry mini ghosts, flying them into the sky above Baterilla Island, carefully observing the situation on the island with their eyes.

It didn't take much effort for Adrian to successfully find the detached villa that was different from the island's style.

"This should be the place where Roger and Portgas D. Rouge last lived, right?" Adrian thought to himself.

He did not go to the door directly, but continued to observe the movements of the residents on the island.

After thoroughly searching every corner of Baterilla Island in the South Blue, Adrian became somewhat puzzled and said, "Huh? Garp isn't here at this time? Normally, he should be staying with Portgas D. Rouge, right? Could it be that he left the island temporarily for some other reason?"

Adrian continued to patiently observe for a while, aided by his Observation Haki, and indeed, he did not sense the presence of the individual he had once encountered in Loguetown.

"Never mind that 'hero'!"

Continuing to let the Mini Ghost freely investigate the situation above Baterilla Island, Adrian adjusted his attire and appearance before heading towards the independent villa on the western side of the small island.

Not long after.

Ding dong—

The doorbell rang.

The one opening the door was a person in their seventies, with a face full of wrinkles but exceptionally bright eyes. Though wrinkles adorned the face, the eyes shone brightly. The silver hair, neatly combed, presented an overall lively and sharp appearance.

The elderly person looked somewhat surprised at the guest outside and asked, "May I help you with something?"

"I apologize," Adrian revealed a gentle and calm smile, "I'd like to inquire, is Portgas D. Rouge residing here?"