It wasn't until noon the next day that Vivi stirred awake, trembling.
Opening her eyes, she saw Rolan gazing at her with softness.
"Ah…" she whispered.
The moment she moved, a sharp pain shot through her body. She grit her teeth but couldn't help glancing at Rolan, a flush creeping across her cheeks as she remembered the events of the previous night.
Rolan pinched her delicate, dewy cheek lightly. "Silly girl, why are you so beautiful?"
Vivi buried her face against his chest, warm breath against his skin like a jolt of energy for him.
"No! Don't…" she protested, waving her hands as the sheer force of Rolan's combat power made her feel weak and vulnerable.
Rolan leaned down and pecked her lips gently.
"Ah… it hurts~" Vivi murmured, blushing deeper.
In the days that followed, life seemed to settle back into its usual rhythm. With Big Mom and Kaido returning to their respective territories, there was no further sign of movement. It was as if their attempt to suppress Rolan and the Ion Tempest had never occurred.
Rolan enjoyed the brief respite, but remained vigilant. The World Government had lost three Admiral-level combatants, yet there had been no immediate retaliation. Whether their power had been deemed insignificant, or they were simply regrouping, Rolan didn't take chances.
Upon arrival at Peach Garden, Issho was entrusted as chief instructor, overseeing the training of all warriors and guards. He relished the opportunity to shape Peach Garden into a true bastion of strength, a beacon of light in a dark world.
Meanwhile, the women of the crew flourished during the quiet days.
"Rolan, you might want to see this report," Robin said, handing over a newspaper.
Rolan took it, scanning carefully. "This… so it really happened?"
The headline reported Teach killing Thatch, the fourth division commander. While the article omitted the reason, Rolan already knew.
Robin chuckled at his frown. "Going to pay a visit to the Whitebeard Pirates?"
Rolan considered for a moment. "It's time to go."
Robin tilted her head. "Your disciple Ace is pursuing Teach, aren't you going to check on him?"
Rolan nodded. Slowly, he rose and walked outside.
"Are you going alone?" Robin asked.
Rolan turned back briefly. "I'll just take a look."
"No! Who knows what you'll get up to out there?" Nami rushed forward, hugging his arm. "We're all going!"
Rolan smirked faintly. He didn't mind company, but sometimes handling things alone was simpler.
The Moby Dick greeted him with a raucous chorus of voices.
"Welcome, Captain Rolan!"
"What's God Slayer doing here?"
"Is he starting a war?"
"Those without strong willpower, leave! You won't survive facing him!"
Chaos erupted, but Marco quickly reassured the crew. "Relax, Rolan isn't that kind of man."
Whitebeard's hearty laugh boomed across the deck. "Rolan, what brings you here this time?"
Thump! Thump! Thump! Heavy footsteps approached, and Rolan appeared, calm, on the deck.
Diamond Jozu's eyes widened at the sight of the deck's fallen soldiers. "How much stronger has this Rolan gotten?"
Marco frowned. "Rolan, what's your purpose?"
Rolan didn't answer. He walked directly in front of Whitebeard and seated himself calmly.
Whitebeard studied him carefully. "You're not here just to see an old man, are you?"
Rolan smiled faintly and produced a large wine jar from his system space. He poured himself a cup, then tossed the jar to Whitebeard.
Whitebeard sniffed the wine approvingly. "Good. Ever since your wine last time, nothing else compares."
"Are you really just here to drink?" Whitebeard asked.
Rolan shook his head. "Of course not. I heard there was a serious incident on your ship, so I came to see for myself."
Whitebeard's brows furrowed.
George asked cautiously, "Are you here to mock us?"
Rolan ignored him, fixing his gaze on the old pirate. "By the way… where's Ace?"
Marco and the others stiffened. Everyone knew the bond between Rolan and Ace.
Whitebeard, holding the wine jar, spoke with honesty. "Ace went after Teach."
Rolan's eyes narrowed slightly. "You understand Teach's strength, don't you?"
Whitebeard placed the jar down, meeting Rolan's gaze steadily. "My son… I know. No, he's no longer my son."
"And yet you allowed Ace to pursue him?"
Whitebeard raised the wine jar again. "You going to let me drink, kid? Don't you trust your disciple? His temper's like a stubborn donkey, aren't you aware?"
Rolan, calm as ever, replied, "Teach may not be simple, especially since he has the Dark-Dark Fruit."
Gulp! Gulp! Whitebeard downed his wine, exclaiming in delight.
"So… what is it you want? You don't expect me to fetch Ace back?"
Whitebeard knew Ace was capable, strong, and smart. Seeing Rolan's calm demeanor, he understood the young captain's confidence in his disciple.
Rolan took a sip of wine, glancing at the slowly drifting clouds. Silently, he thought, Ace, lose or win, your master will ride your reputation either way.
Far out at sea, Ace, sensing his master's attention, murmured, "Achoo… who's talking about me?"