Rolan reached into the [System Space] and pulled out a large, patterned pear-shaped fruit.
He turned the Devil Fruit over in his hands, studying its strange swirling patterns before sighing. "What a pity. I'll wait until I find a worthy companion and give it to them."
With that, he placed the fruit back into the [System Space].
Looking up at the sun's position, he muttered, "Meeting Luffy and Ace wasted a lot of time. I still have thirty thousand push-ups and a thousand pull-ups left."
Rolan firmly believed that consistent physical training was the foundation of true strength. He counted his daily tasks on his fingers, stood up, and resumed his exercise routine.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
The setting sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled light across his face as he moved with precise rhythm.
By the time he completed his final set, sweat streamed down his temples, and his breath came heavy and deep. His entire body felt like lead, but there was satisfaction in that exhaustion. These goals were tailored to push him to his very limits.
After resting for a few minutes and letting his strength recover, he stood and dusted himself off. "Tomorrow, I'll head into town and buy some clothes. This servant's uniform is basically falling apart."
He poked one of the many holes in his shirt with a wry smile before settling down to rest for the night.
---
The Next Morning
After his morning training, Rolan activated his Heart Net, extending his senses outward until they locked onto a nearby settlement.
Before long, the outline of a bustling village came into view.
"Damn, this island is huge. I've been running forever just to find this place."
Standing on a tall tree branch, he gazed down at the village bathed in sunlight. Shafts of light cut through the clouds, illuminating the rooftops below like golden threads.
It had been a long time since he'd seen such a lively scene. For someone who once lived on Earth, this peaceful environment still felt strangely foreign.
"I wonder if Luffy and Ace are in town," Rolan said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
He decided not to use Observation Haki this time. He knew there were people in the world of One Piece who didn't appreciate being watched — especially one particular old man who might drag him into the Marines if discovered.
(Garp: Kid, you get me.)
"I haven't eaten… let's fix that first."
He leapt down from the tree and began walking toward the village.
---
At the Bar
It didn't take long for Rolan to find the only restaurant in town. From the descriptions he'd read in the manga, he instantly recognized it — the cozy bar run by Makino.
He pushed open the door gently. "Um… I'd like a bowl of ramen, please."
Before he could even sit, a drunken villager stumbled over, throwing an arm around his shoulders. "Hey, hey, kid! You a traveler or something? You look like you've had it rough. Here, have a drink!"
Another villager wobbled over, waving a roasted leg of meat. "Forget the wine! Have some meat first, lad!"
A burly man joined in, tugging at his own shirt. "No, no, he needs new clothes first! Look at him, all torn up. Here, take mine!"
Surrounded by this noisy warmth, Rolan couldn't help but smile faintly. So this is Windmill Village. The people here really are kindhearted.
Thump, thump.
"You drunkards, stop scaring the boy!" barked an elderly man, tapping his cane on the floor.
The crowd burst out laughing. "Come on, Village Chief! Didn't you start drinking when you were ten?" one of them shouted before letting out a loud burp.
"Yakamashi!" the chief shouted, his face turning red as everyone roared with laughter.
Then, a calm, clear voice cut through the noise. "Little brother, would you like a bowl of ramen?"
Rolan turned and immediately recognized her — Makino, the owner of the bar and one of the kindest souls in Windmill Village.
He nodded quickly. "Yes, please. One large bowl of ramen. I can pay."
The two drunk villagers, realizing who had spoken, instantly backed off. No one in Windmill Village wanted to get on Makino's bad side.
Rolan took a seat at the counter. "Um, my name's Rolan. I'm fourteen."
Makino tilted her head, studying him with mild curiosity. He looked about Ace's age — tall, lean, with dark hair and a well-kept appearance. Not a wild boy like most from the forest. His neatly trimmed hair gave him an almost refined air.
"My name's Makino," she said kindly. "I run this place. Have some hot soup first." She set a steaming cup in front of him.
"Tha… thank you," Rolan replied, bowing his head slightly.
Makino smiled and went to the kitchen while Rolan sipped the broth. The warm flavor spread through his chest, and for the first time in a long while, he felt truly human again.
A few minutes later, Makino returned with a steaming bowl of ramen. "Here you go, Rolan. Eat up."
She placed the bowl before him and set a folded outfit on the counter. "And here — wear these. The bathroom's in the back."
Rolan nodded gratefully. "Thank you."
He began eating, savoring every bite. "Wow, this tastes amazing… I've eaten nothing but grilled meat for months. This is paradise."
Makino chuckled softly as she watched him devour the noodles.
After draining the last of the soup, Rolan leaned back and sighed happily. "That was incredible. Thank you, Makino-san!"
Back on Earth, he'd never been much of a soup drinker, but right now, he could've licked the bowl clean.
Taking the clothes, he bowed slightly and headed toward the bathroom.
---
After Washing Up
Looking at his reflection in the mirror, Rolan smiled. "Guess I really was born handsome."
He chuckled, shaking his head before stepping into the shower.
When he came out, fresh and dressed in clean clothes, Makino's eyes softened. She looked at him like an older sister would a younger sibling.
"You look quite handsome now," she said with a gentle laugh. "You'll have no trouble finding a wife someday."
Rolan rubbed the back of his neck shyly. No matter how strong I get, being praised like that still makes me nervous.
As she wiped a spotless glass behind the counter, Makino asked casually, "By the way, have you seen Luffy and Ace?"
Rolan took a seat again, nodding. "Yeah, I met them yesterday."
"Oh?" she said lightly, "I heard you even treated them to grilled meat?"
Rolan's smile twitched. So Luffy told her everything already, huh?
Her tone was friendly, but there was a hint of protectiveness there. Rolan understood — Makino had always treated them like her own younger brothers.
"Uh… I guess so," Rolan said awkwardly.
"I also heard you fought them," Makino added, her brows rising slightly.
Rolan froze for a second, then scratched his head. "Yeah, we had a bit of a spar."
Makino watched him closely, then nodded. "I see. Those two are always getting into trouble. You seem a bit older than Ace, so I'll count on you to keep an eye on them from now on."
Her tone held a mix of helplessness and fondness.
_____
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