One Piece: I'm not Roger

Four days after the Marineford War, the Red Hair Pirates had already departed, returning to their territory. A storm was building in the New World, and leaving their lands unattended for too long would invite trouble.

The expansion path of the Red Hair Pirates was unique, often described as an elite route. While they had subordinate crews scattered across their territory, most of them were relatively weak, far behind the forces commanded by the other Four Emperors.

This was tied to Shanks and his tendency to protect the weak. Many of those under his banner were pirates who had failed to carve a place for themselves in the New World, people others would dismiss as the old, the weak, or the broken.

Because of this, the true defensive strength of his territory rested almost entirely on the Red Hair Pirates themselves.

As for the Giant Warrior Pirates who might one day ally with him, their captains Dorry and Brogy had only just returned to Elbaf. Even Shanks' influence there was still fresh.

At the harbor, Aether and Silvers Rayleigh approached a captured Marine warship. Not far away, Byrnndi World was also preparing to depart, having received a long-range vessel as a gesture of gratitude for aiding the Whitebeard Pirates.

This time, Aether and Rayleigh planned to set sail once more, intending to patrol their territory and steady the uneasy seas.

Rayleigh glanced at the bustling sailors. Though it was said only the two of them were departing, a group of young men had been assigned to operate the ship. Their combat strength was negligible, but their enthusiasm more than made up for it.

The presence of two legendary pirates sent excitement rippling through the crew.

"Do we count as members of the Pirate King's ship?"

"Idiot, we're just temporary sailors. At best, apprentice crew."

"Even that's enough. I can say I once sailed with the Pirate King."

"…Fair point."

Rayleigh chuckled quietly, shaking his head. Youth always burned brightly. After a moment, he turned to Aether.

"Aether, do you think that kid Buggy will manage?"

Aether secured the rigging and adjusted the sails without looking back.

"Don't underestimate Buggy. His strength is lacking, but his charisma is exceptional, not far behind Shanks. Otherwise, he wouldn't have such loyal followers who stayed with him from the Grand Line to the New World."

Rayleigh nodded. "He's got good people around him."

The memory of the previous day resurfaced.

At noon, a battered ship had drifted into the harbor, barely intact. Its mast was broken, and it had relied entirely on the current to survive.

On board were the Buggy Pirates, fresh from Impel Down. They described a desperate journey, narrowly escaping death and almost becoming prey for Sea Kings.

With his crew reunited, Buggy finally made his decision. He abandoned the idea of joining Aether, even refusing to become a subordinate. Early that morning, he departed with his crew and the escaped prisoners.

His words were simple.

"I want to find my own treasure. And I want to build a company that spans the entire world."

Aether and Rayleigh did not stop him. A man's dream deserved its own path.

Aether found himself curious about Buggy's future. Some things might still unfold as before, though others would not.

Buggy had mentioned aiming to become a Shichibukai first, using that position to grow his business while secretly infiltrating the World Government. Aether found that unlikely. With the return of the Pirate King, the World Government would not be foolish enough to trust one of his former crewmates.

Another unexpected encounter had been Alvida.

After gaining the power of the Sube Sube no Mi, she had transformed into a striking beauty. The moment she saw Aether, she threw herself at him, openly expressing her admiration.

Aether stepped away without hesitation.

He had no interest in indulging a fan like that. More importantly, he knew that Boa Hancock was nearby, and her reaction would not be pleasant.

Still, Aether could not help but reflect on how much of Alvida's transformation came from the fruit itself. It had only removed impurities, her features had always been there beneath the surface.

As the ship prepared to depart, a voice suddenly rang out across the harbor.

"Aether, what is your purpose for going out to sea again?"

The one who spoke was Bentham, standing aboard another ship. His expression showed hesitation, as though he had struggled to reach this moment.

Aether and Rayleigh exchanged a glance. Rayleigh gave a small nod.

Aether answered directly, his voice controlled so only the other ship could hear.

"To overthrow the World Government."

Silence followed.

Then, Byrnndi spoke again, his voice steady.

"Aether, I want to sail under your flag and become part of your Grand Fleet. I want to see if you can truly achieve that goal."

Aether studied him for a moment, before nodding.

"Alright. But understand this first. If you join us, you follow the rules. No harming your companions, and no harming innocents."

"…Agreed."

The departure was paused.

Under Rayleigh's witness, the two shared the wine of brotherhood. From that moment onward, Byrnndi officially became the first member of Aether's Grand Fleet.

Soon after, his ship set sail, now flying Aether's flag. His immediate goal was to find his former companions, including his timid older brother.

Only then would he return to the New World and fully commit to Aether's cause.

With that matter settled, Aether's ship finally began to move.

He leaned against the railing, looking out over the vast sea. The waters ahead would not remain quiet for long.

As for Byrnndi's decision, Aether understood it well.

Their goals aligned. Both carried a desire to bring down the World Government.

Byrnndi also sought the rumored longevity pill, something that held immense appeal for aging powerhouses unwilling to fade away.

And beyond that, there was trust. What Aether had shown during the war had left a mark.

As long as their paths did not conflict, they would not become enemies.