One piece: Establishing a Pirate Family

Chapter 82: Roger's Analysis

But Roger had no other options.

"I recently learned from Shakky that Rocks seems to be looking for something called the King of Heaven, and now he has some clues."

Rayleigh looked at Roger and said seriously.

The moment Roger heard the term King of Heaven, his expression turned serious.

He stared at his good friend Rayleigh.

"You'll help me, right?"

Roger suddenly asked, catching Rayleigh off guard.

"Uh?"

Rayleigh was stunned by Roger's seemingly nonsensical question but quickly nodded.

When Roger saw Rayleigh nod without hesitation, he laughed heartily.

"Hahahaha! That's fine then. I'm waiting. I'm waiting for Rocks to reveal a flaw, and when he does, I'll give him a fatal blow."

Roger put his arm around Rayleigh's shoulders, his voice filled with firm determination.

Rayleigh had only seen such resolve in Roger's eyes a few times.

When Rayleigh saw Roger like this, he couldn't help but smile.

"I'll always be with you."

Rayleigh's response was equally firm.

The two men looked at each other, then broke into laughter.

"Hahahahahahahaha!"

"Hahahahahahahaha!"

Their loud laughter attracted the attention of the entire crew.

Everyone on board turned their heads toward the captain and first mate, puzzled by their sudden outburst.

Roger and Rayleigh laughed for a while before finally stopping.

"The Rocks Pirates are nothing more than loose sand. Everyone is part of the group for their own selfish goals. Once Rocks is killed, the group will fall apart," Roger said, clenching his fist with conviction.

"Oh? Aren't you worried about Whitebeard, Golden Lion, Charlotte Linlin, or the Rockefeller Charlotte?"

Rayleigh asked, his expression turning serious.

"Those four are the strongest members of the Rocks Pirates right now, and I'm afraid each of them might be equally powerful like us," Rayleigh warned.

"Hahahahaha! No! I'm not worried at all," Roger replied confidently.

He continued, "We've met Whitebeard. He made it clear that he wants to leave the Rocks Pirates, but he's struggling with his moral principles. Even though he disagrees with us killing Rocks, he won't stand in our way.

"As for Golden Lion, we've encountered him as well. He's ambitious and not the type to remain subordinate for long. If he doesn't stab Rocks in the back, Rocks should thank him.

"Charlotte Linlin—though we haven't met her—has been reported to be obsessed with having children and creating her own world. She wouldn't interfere with our plans.

"As for the last one, Rockefeller Charlotte, I've heard he was forced to join the crew. I'm confident he would either support killing Rocks or remain neutral."

Roger spoke with such confidence that Rayleigh couldn't help but smile.

"That leaves Ochoku, John, Silver Axe, and the most mysterious captain of the 7th Division, Kurozumi Murasaki," Roger continued.

"Ochoku, John, and Silver Axe are definitely loyal to Rocks. They've been with him since the beginning. But they're past their prime and can't unleash their full strength anymore. We can handle them.

"As for Kurozumi Murasaki and her brother Kurozumi Muramaru, Rocks only gave them their positions because they're searching for something for him. They're weak and pose no threat to us.

"Ultimately, Rocks is our only true enemy. Once we eliminate him, his subordinates will scatter like leaves in the wind."

Roger's confidence was palpable, and his words made everyone around him admire him even more.

The Rocks Pirates, feared for their power and influence, were reduced to nothing more than a fleeting challenge in Roger's analysis.

"So when do we start?" Rayleigh asked eagerly.

Roger shook his head.

"Not yet. The time isn't right. For now, we wait. When Rocks shows his weakness, that's when we strike."

Roger's voice carried a commanding presence as he leaned against the side of the ship.

Rayleigh trusted Roger's decision completely.

"Wait! When the lion shows signs of fatigue, that's when the wolves will begin to circle," Roger said, staring out at the endless sea.

---

Elsewhere on the Sea

Charlotte watched the bombardment from another pirate ship, feeling utterly exasperated.

This was the fourth time he had been attacked since leaving Water Seven, and every attack came from other pirates.

"Why are there more pirates in the Grand Line than in the New World?"

Charlotte muttered to himself.

In the New World, he had sailed all the way to Fishman Island without encountering a single pirate.

Yet here, every few days, another group of pirates attacked without warning or provocation.

Looking at the dozen cannonballs flying toward his ship, Charlotte sighed.

Paul and Isaac rushed forward to intercept the shells, slashing them apart mid-air to prevent any damage to the ship.

They only had this one vessel—it couldn't be allowed to sustain any damage.

Charlotte observed the other pirate ship from a distance.

Their cannons fired incessantly, but the ship itself never approached.

Every time Charlotte's crew tried to advance, the enemy ship retreated.

It was a frustrating game of cat and mouse.

"Should I install some cannons?"

Charlotte murmured, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

Hearing this, Paul turned to his boss with a silent stare.

"Why do I feel like my boss is a little... clueless?" Paul thought to himself, quickly dismissing the idea.

"No, no! My boss is a great swordsman—he couldn't possibly be clueless."

Paul shook his head to clear his thoughts and refocused on intercepting the shells.

"It's time to end this farce," Charlotte said calmly, stretching his wrists.

Paul and Isaac's eyes lit up in excitement.

"Are we about to witness the boss's swordsmanship again?"

Under their expectant gazes, Charlotte's demeanor shifted.

His eyes sharpened, and a powerful aura emanated from his body.

The sheer intensity of his presence made it difficult for Paul and Isaac to breathe.

"This is the aura of a great swordsman!"

Both men looked at Charlotte with awe and admiration.

Charlotte stepped forward, observing the shells flying toward his ship.

With a swift motion, he drew his sword, and a dazzling beam of light cut through the sky.

The white slash streaked toward the opposing pirate ship with breathtaking speed.

Paul and Isaac watched in reverent silence.

"This is the dream of every swordsman," they thought in unison.

---

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