Chapter 127: Daily Life at the Rook Household
Dawn Island - Rook's Courtyard
When Sabo and Koala decided to stay for two days, Ace and Luffy were ecstatic. It was like a holiday, with the four of them constantly sparring, training, and eating together.
Morning sunlight bathed the courtyard, the dew still glistening on the grass.
"Sabo! Do that Dragon Claw thing again!" Ace, shirtless, his fists flickering with fire, looked eager for a rematch.
"Luffy! Don't just jump in—hey!" Koala shouted, but it was too late. The black-haired boy launched himself like a cannonball.
"Iron Fist!!" Luffy yelled, his Haki-coated fists aiming for both Ace and Sabo.
"BAM—!"
The three of them tumbled into a heap, wrestling and laughing.
Koala sat on a stone bench, chin in her hand, giggling. "They really are like three monkeys."
Under the eaves, Rook puffed on his pipe, watching the boys with a small smile.
Erin leaned against him, gently tugging his sleeve. "Old man... don't those three look... especially alike?"
"Alike how?" Rook asked, not taking his eyes off the brawl.
"Like real brothers," Erin smiled, her eyes crinkling. "Fighting alike, eating alike."
"True," Rook nodded. "They argue, but their hearts are close."
They exchanged a warm, contented look.
Flashback to the first night...
As night fell, Roy put on a troubled expression. "Ah, Sabo, Koala... there's a small problem..."
"We only have one guest room left~"
"So you two might have to... share."
"PFFFT—!"
Sabo and Koala sprayed their tea simultaneously. Their faces turned lobster red, steam practically rising from their heads.
Koala covered her face, her ears burning red. "M-Mr. Roy... it's... it's too soon for that..."
Sabo couldn't even stand straight. "I-I'm fine! I can sleep in the woodshed! Or on the roof! Or in a tree!"
Luffy tilted his head, confused. "What's the big deal? I used to sleep with Bellemere and Nami all the time~"
"Idiot!" Ace bonked him on the head. "That was when you were little!"
Rook and Erin were laughing so hard they were crying.
Finally, seeing their distress, Roy relented, chuckling. "Just kidding. We have plenty of rooms."
Koala sighed in relief, but then lowered her head, murmuring quietly, "...Too bad."
It was faint, but Roy heard it. He raised an eyebrow and smirked, but said nothing.
The Next Morning
"BAM-BAM—!"
In the morning light, fists and feet flew. Fire, Dragon Claws, and Haki clashed.
"Sabo! Again!" Luffy punched at Sabo's face.
Sabo laughed, blocking easily with a Dragon Claw, then sidestepping to guide Luffy's fist toward Ace.
"Hey! Don't aim him at me!" Ace complained, but his flaming fist met Luffy's head-on.
"WHAM!"
Under Roy's supervision, their attacks were contained within the yard.
They fought in a chaotic melee, yet their coordination was perfect, like brothers who had known each other for years.
"You three are at it again!" Koala leaned against the doorframe with morning tea, shaking her head.
"Come on, Koala! Join in!" Luffy waved.
"I don't want to get flattened into the dirt!" She stuck her tongue out and brought them water.
Sabo took a cup, wiping sweat from his brow, his smile bright. "Honestly... being with them is so relaxing. So free."
"This is what 'family' feels like."
Koala smiled, watching Ace and Luffy. "They really do make you let your guard down."
Sabo paused, then nodded gently.
Departure
Two days flew by. At dawn, Sabo and Koala stood at the gate with their packs.
Ace gripped Sabo's arm. "Next time, let's find an island and have a real fight."
Luffy punched the air. "I'll win next time!"
"Yeah." Sabo nodded seriously. "I won't hold back then."
Rook clapped Sabo on the shoulder. "Be careful with your Revolutionary work."
Sabo nodded warmly. "You too. Take care of your health."
"Luffy!" Koala bent down, stuffing a bag of jerky into his arms. "Don't eat it all at once. Train hard."
Luffy hugged the jerky, teary-eyed. "Waaah... come back soon!!!"
Erin smiled at Sabo's retreating back. "Standing together... it really looked like we had three grandsons."
Before boarding the ship, Koala stopped and looked at the silent Roy.
"Mr. Roy." She paused. "Maybe in the future... the Revolutionary Army and you... really can stand on the same side."
The sea breeze ruffled Roy's coat. He smiled. "Maybe. When that time comes... I'll make my choice."
Sabo and Koala bowed deeply. "Thank you for everything."
"Say hi to Dragon for me," Roy waved.
"W-Why don't you tell him yourself?!" Luffy yelled.
"He wouldn't dare answer my call~" Roy smirked.
As the ship sailed away, the courtyard returned to silence.
But the warmth of "family" remained in everyone's hearts.
Afternoon
Sunlight filtered through the leaves. Lunch was over, but the smell lingered.
Roy, Ace, and Luffy stood at the gate, their uniforms bright in the sun.
It was time to return to Marine Headquarters.
Rook puffed on his pipe, arms crossed, trying to maintain his "tough dad" image, but the sadness in his eyes betrayed him.
Erin held Roy's hands tightly, her voice filled with motherly concern. "You three, take care of yourselves... No mission is worth your lives, hear me? Especially you, Roy. Don't be reckless!"
Roy smiled, patting her hand. "Don't worry, Mom."
He turned to Rook. "Dad, keep up with the health exercises from the Marines. Even a little bit every day helps."
"And take the supplements Vegapunk made on time."
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Rook waved him off impatiently, though his voice was steady. "Don't worry. I'm more punctual with your stuff than with dinner."
Erin wiped her eyes. "Roy, take care of Ace and Luffy too."
"I will," Roy promised softly. "I'll protect them."
Ace grinned, waving. "Grandpa! Grandma! Next time, we'll stay longer!"
Luffy laughed. "Next time I want twenty cows! No! Thirty!"
Erin laughed through her tears. "Okay, okay! Grandma will make it all for you!"
"Let's go," Roy said, placing a hand on Ace's shoulder and one on Luffy's head.
"FWOOSH—!"
Space warped, and the three vanished.
Only the wind rustled the bamboo in the corner.
Rook stared at the empty gate and sighed. "Tch. Those brats..."
Erin leaned on his shoulder. "They've grown up. And they've become elite Marines."
Rook didn't speak, just tapped his pipe, a proud smile on his face.
East Blue - Nearshore - Marine Warship Deck
"FWOOSH—!"
Three figures appeared on the deck.
The waiting Marines snapped to attention and saluted. "Vice Admiral Roy! Captain Ace!"
"Yo! Hello everyone!" Luffy waved cheerfully.
Ace stretched, his uniform coat flapping to reveal his toned torso. "Back to HQ. We've cleaned up the East Blue pretty well, right?"
"Mhm. The local branches can handle the rest."
"Back at HQ, we'll file the report, then wait for Zephyr's next assignment."
Roy glanced at Luffy. "Your Elite Camp training is almost done. Time to think about your first deployment."
"Hehe! I'm ready!" Luffy rolled up his sleeves, bouncing excitedly. "I'm going to apply for the craziest sea! I'm not scared!"
Roy and Ace exchanged a look, smirking simultaneously.
"I wonder what face he'll make when he finds out I'm assigning him to G-3..."
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