It didn't take me any time at all to lead the Roger Pirates to the local bar.
There is only one on the entire island after all.
After we arrived the entire crew went inside and sat down. Me following right behind them as they did so.
Once we were seated we simply waited.
Then 20 minutes later some men I recognized from town came and confronted the Roger Pirates.
Weapons in hand as they did so.
Sitting in the corner of the bar with Buggy and Shanks I shook my head.
These guys really have no idea who they're messing with. But I do commend their bravery in wanting to fight to protect their home.
One of the men in the group stepped forward and towards Roger. "Pirates, leave our home." He said.
"Sure, as soon as we get some food and drink." Roger told the man.
When he did so the man, and the rest of his allies titled their heads in utter confusion.
"Come on then. Make my crew and I some food and get us your best booze. Of course we'll pay for it all. We have the money." Roger said. A happy smile on his face as he did so.
Again, the men from the town simply looked at him completely dumbfounded.'
This lasted for fifteen minutes until eventually they saw Roger and his crew were not a threat to the town and the islanders.
Once this happened the men left and eventually people started flooding the streets again.
Including the owner of the bar.
After he returned he decided to serve Roger and his crew. Then before I even knew it a full-on party was taking place.
With even some of the townspeople coming to join in as well.
All their fear from earlier completely gone.
It's actually quite incredible to see.
Still sitting in the corner with Buggy and Shanks I took a sip of my juice.
Because despite the loose drinking laws of this world they still won't allow ten-year old's to drink alcohol.
There is some kind of sense here after all.
But only just.
Placing my cup back on the table I leaned back in my seat. Looking around as I did so. "Quite the party." I said.
"Yeah." Shanks said. "But honestly this is on the smaller side. The captain and the others have thrown way bigger parties than this before. We've seen it. Right Buggy?"
"Whatever red-hair." Buggy grumbled.
Yet Shanks just let the comment roll over him.
I guess he's always been that kind of guy, even now.
"So, how did you guys meet up with Roger and his crew if you don't mind me asking?" I questioned.
Since that part of Shanks and Buggy's stories were never explained in the One Piece back in my old life.
"Hm, well since you asked so nicely I guess I'll tell you." Buggy said smugly. "I was born great. My skills were so exceptional from the time I could walk I put everyone else around to shame. I continued to do so as I got older and eventually captain Roger happened upon me and saw my greatness. That's when he recruited me." He explained.
"Eh, but didn't you get down on your knees and beg the captain to take you aboard the ship?" Shanks said.
As soon as he did so Buggy deflated and got red in the face. "Idiot, shut up!" He shouted.
"So Shanks, how did you meet up with Roger?" I asked him.
"Well originally I was born in West Blue." Shanks began.
"Hey, don't ignore me!" Buggy shouted.
But that's exactly what Shanks and I did.
"I was an orphan who was born on a small island just like this one. But I longed for adventure. Then one day captain Roger and his crew arrived on our island. They were running low on supplies and just came for a quick stop. But the moment I saw them and their ship I felt something inside me spring to life. So that's when I decided I wanted to join that ship. My decision made I went up to captain Roger and asked him to join his crew. Which he allowed me to do. That was a year ago, and I haven't ever regretted my choice since." Shanks explained to me.
I nodded as he did so.
"I see." I said.
Then after I did so I looked at Roger.
A smile on his face and a mug of beer in his hand.
My gaze fixed on the future pirate king something inside me began to stir.
I can't explain it, but when I looked at Roger I got the urge for adventure. To see the world at large.
Ever since I've been reborn I've been thinking about what I want do with my life.
I already ruled out being a marine, and I certainly didn't want to do a menial job.
No, I want adventure and to see the world at large.
And now after meeting Roger and his crew I have come to a decision.
I want to be a pirate.
Not only that, but I want to join Rogers crew.
Since I don't know any One Piece fan who would pass up a chance to sail with the pirate king in his prime and witness his greatness first hand.
I certainly am not.
My decision made I put a satisfied smile on my face.
I then continued to enjoy the rest of the part alongside Shanks and Buggy.
Who are hopefully going to be my future crew mates.
-------------------
Opening my eyes I sat up and cracked my neck from side-to-side.
I then stood up from the floor.
Since last night I fell asleep in the bar along with Roger and his entire crew. As well as a few townsfolk who partied with us into the late night.
Stifling a yawn I moved over to the bathroom and took care of morning business.
Then as soon as I did so I stepped outside to get some fresh air.
Right as I did so I saw Roger standing against the side of the building.
Looking up at the rising sun, a smile on his face.
Within a moment he noticed me and then looked in my direction. "Oh Siegreich. Good morning." He said.
"Good morning to you to sir." I said.
"No sir, simply call me Roger." He told me.
"Ok then Roger." I said. "Well that was quite the party you had last night."
"Of course. Got to party while you are alive after all." Roger said. "Because once your life ends that's it. No more parties or anything else. That's why so long as you are alive you should live it to the fullest, that way you'll have no regrets." He told me.
"Thanks for the advice." I told him. "And on that note I have something to ask you."
"Oh, and what might that be?" He questioned.
"If you would allow me, please take me with you and let me join your crew?" I asked him.
"Why?" He asked.
"Because after talking with Buggy and Shanks last night, and seeing you guys I realized what it is I want in life. I want to be a pirate, and I would like to learn how yo be one from you guys." I said. "My mother died five years ago and I have no living relatives on this island. So I would not be missed if you take me with you." I explained to him. "I understand if you want to say no, but even if you do I won't give up on becoming a pirate."
"It's your dream then?" Roger asked me.
"Yes. I decided on it last night but I am firm in my choice." I told him. Looking him directly in the eyes as I did so.
"Hahaha! Alright then, I like that." Roger said. "Fate, destiny, dreams, so long as these ideals are present in the heart of man these things shall never vanish from this Earth. And from you Siegreich I see resolve. I like that. So to answer your question, yes I will take you aboard my crew. Welcome to the Roger Pirates, apprentice Noctis."
"Thank you Roger. I mean captain." I said.
Putting a bright smile on my face after I did so.
Since now I get to sail the seas with the most legendary pirate himself.
A journey I know will not be disappointing in the slightest.