The Roger Pirates. A crew formed in pursuit of freedom and adventure.
But in Kavi's eyes, calling them an adventurer's guild would be more accurate.
After all, what kind of pirate uses Berries to buy things?
Real pirates would rather take what they need.
Rayleigh bent his knees and leapt lightly onto Kavi's ship. His sharp eyes scanned the deck—only one man lay on a reclining chair, soaking in the sun.
'Wasn't this supposed to be a merchant ship?'
Rayleigh frowned. Merchant ships rarely traveled with just one person. Still, food was more urgent than suspicion.
"Brother, wake up," Rayleigh said, nudging the man.
Kavi stirred, squinting one eye open with a lazy grunt. "Who the hell wakes someone from a nap?" he muttered, stretching.
"Ah—my bad," Rayleigh said with an awkward chuckle. "Didn't mean to disturb you."
Kavi sat up and gave the intruder a proper look. "Wait… aren't you… Pluto Rayleigh?"
"Ahahaha, so you know me!" Rayleigh beamed. He figured Kavi had probably seen a wanted poster or two.
Kavi looked past Rayleigh to the ship anchored nearby. A massive, golden-trimmed vessel.
The Oro Jackson.
'So, it was really them.'
"I'm guessing your captain's around too?" Kavi asked, raising a brow.
"You know Captain Roger?"
"Who doesn't know Roger? This is the New World. You guys are halfway to legend already."
"Hahaha! Didn't think we were that famous," Rayleigh said, rubbing the back of his head.
"So, what brings the mighty Roger Pirates to my humble boat?"
Rayleigh gave a sheepish smile. "We, uh… ran out of food. Wondering if you'd trade some for Bailey?"
Kavi blinked. Then burst into exaggerated laughter. "No way! The great Roger Pirates are down to begging for food? That's priceless!"
Rayleigh's forehead twitched. This guy had no fear. In fact, he was mocking them.
But Rayleigh kept his composure. "We'd be grateful for any help. And we won't forget it."
"Well…" Kavi grinned. "I do have one condition."
Rayleigh straightened. "Name it."
Kavi crossed his arms behind his head. "I want to visit your ship—as a guest. And I want your captain to invite me personally."
Rayleigh stared at him. "Huh?"
"That's it. Just the invite. Free food's, on the table if Roger himself asks."
Rayleigh blinked. Then groaned. "Seriously?"
He turned back toward the ship. "Fine, I'll go drag him over."
"ROGER! Get over here! We found food!" Rayleigh called out as he landed back on the Oro Jackson.
"Hahaha! That's my vice-captain!" the crew cheered.
Roger strode over his usual grin plastered across his face. "Rayleigh, you never let me down."
Rayleigh grabbed him by the collar. "Shut it. He wants you to invite him personally. No invite, no food."
"Eh?"
"Captain Roger! The man's got standards!" one crewman laughed.
"I like this guy already," another chimed in.
Roger just grinned wider. "Then let's go meet our mysterious benefactor."
A deep, thunderous laugh rolled across the sea.
Kavi sat up, sensing a powerful aura descending upon him.
Gol D. Roger had arrived.
Kavi studied him—black hair, a strong jaw, that iconic mustache. He looked every bit the pirate king in the making.
Roger returned the gaze. A middle-aged man, lean and composed, with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor. Slightly more handsome than himself, Roger noted with slight annoyance.
'This man was not ordinary.'
Without warning, Roger burst forth with Conqueror's Haki.
A tidal wave of pressure tore across the deck, warping the air itself.
Kavi rolled his eyes. "Is this how pirates say hello?"
He responded in kind, unleashing his own Haki. The ship groaned under the strain as the two invisible forces collided, tearing cracks into the deck and mast.
"HEY! MY BOAT!" Kavi roared. "Cut it out or I'll feed nobody!"
Rayleigh panicked. "Roger, stop! Do you want to starve?"
He slapped the back of Roger's head.
"Ow! Ow! That hurt!"
"Is this how you ask for help?!" Rayleigh barked.
"Sorry, sorry!" Roger rubbed his head, now sheepish. "I got carried away. We'll cover the damage, promise."
Kavi sighed, waving his hand. "Yeah, yeah. Just my luck."
As the tension faded, Kavi climbed aboard the Oro Jackson.
The celebration began almost immediately. Kavi pulled crates of food from his system storage, prompting cheers from the half-starved crew.
"To Kavi, our savior! Let's party!"
"Party! Party! Party!" the crew chanted.
As food flew and laughter roared, Kavi looked around.
So, these were the men who would make history.
Each one carried a presence that screamed strength—living, breathing bounties worth hundreds of millions.
Well… except for Buggy and Shanks.
Kavi chuckled to himself.
'What a bizarre turn fate has taken.'