One Piece: I'm not Roger

Reiju's confused expression suddenly shifted into utter shock. She had finally recognized who the woman was.

This stunning woman with long, straight black hair was none other than the Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock, who had resigned from her Shichibukai position a few days ago to follow the sea overlord, "Roger." The man beside her was most likely that legendary pirate.

At the thought, Reiju's heart skipped a beat, and she hurriedly tried to stop Niji and the others from acting recklessly.

"Wait a minute..."

It was too late.

The two brothers had already charged toward Hancock from the left and right, attempting to gang up on a truly formidable opponent.

The blue-haired Niji wielded the power of lightning, while the green-haired Yonji possessed immense physical strength.

In Aether's eyes, their attacks were pitifully slow. However, the fact that they dared to gang up on Hancock caused his expression to turn serious.

"Truly two senseless children."

Before Hancock could act, Aether unleashed a targeted burst of Conqueror's Haki. Without affecting anyone else, two waves of overwhelming pressure instantly struck the charging brothers, rendering them unable to move.

Niji felt as though a burden weighing a hundred thousand catties had suddenly crashed onto his shoulders. Fortunately, the modified siblings lacked normal human fear. Otherwise, they would have undoubtedly screamed in terror.

Aether raised his long blade.

Crimson energy rapidly condensed, forming a swirling vortex of violent air currents. The dazzling glow made even the sunlight seem dim in comparison.

"Ikki."

Before Reiju could step forward to stop him, Aether had already unleashed a restrained version of Ikki.

The crimson shockwave tore across the sea's surface and swallowed the two screaming brothers whole, leaving their eldest sister standing frozen in place.

The aftershocks of the Ikki attack pierced through the clouds.

The two who had taken the attack head-on lost consciousness and plunged into the ocean, their Raid Suits shredded to pieces. It was obvious that Aether's strike had exceeded the endurance limit of the battle suits.

The defeat of their commanders immediately prompted the clones, who had been observing the battle, to rush forward in rescue.

Aether ignored the heavily injured pair.

Although these modified humans had a high floor, their ceiling was far too low, even lower than Sanji, who possessed genuine human emotions.

When Sanji eventually surpassed the achievements of the other five siblings, Aether truly wanted to see Judge's expression. The lineage technology he had pinned all his hopes on would prove inferior to the child he had abandoned.

Just as several Snail Ships began their bombardment, a terrifying wave of Conqueror's Haki spread across the entire sea.

This was Aether's full power.

Thousands upon thousands of clones, lacking both strength and mental fortitude, instantly collapsed unconscious.

One after another, the identical soldiers dropped where they stood.

As the clones continued to fall, the snail fleet was left unmanned. One by one, the Snail Ships came to a halt upon the sea.

Just like that, a fleet capable of destroying an entire kingdom was completely neutralized.

Now, only a semi-finished product remained.

Aether looked at the bewildered Reiju and asked casually,

"You're the only one left. Do you still want to fight?"

"..."

Reiju took a deep breath to suppress the panic in her heart.

Slowly, she descended onto the deck of the small boat, maintaining an exceptionally humble posture.

"I sincerely apologize. I never expected my foolish brothers to disturb the Pirate King's leisure. I hope Roger-sama can show mercy and spare my three brothers."

Aether rubbed his chin. It seemed he was quite recognizable.

"You certainly have a good eye to recognize who I am."

"..."

Reiju, who considered herself exceptionally perceptive, froze for a moment.

Although she knew he was being somewhat presumptuous, she did not dare contradict him.

Aether stepped forward and lightly patted Reiju on the shoulder, causing her body to tense. However, his next words unsettled her even more.

"Don't worry. The purpose of my visit to the North Blue this time is to visit your Vinsmoke Family. I assume you won't be unwelcoming?"

"Of course not. It is our honor to have Roger-sama visit."

Behind her composed expression, Reiju was filled with unease. She had no idea what Aether's true purpose for coming was.

Aether continued casually,

"That's good. Also, since we're peers, you can just call me Aether."

"..."

Reiju did not fully understand what Aether meant, but his serious expression left her with little room to object.

"Understood, Aether."

Inside the royal palace of the snail city, within a grand hall filled with modern touches, Reiju led Aether and Hancock through the main gates.

A booming voice immediately rang out in welcome.

"Hahaha! I never expected the legendary Pirate King Roger to visit Germa. Your presence truly honors my humble kingdom. Our last meeting was thirty years ago, wasn't it?"

Aether looked over and saw a tall blond man approaching.

This man was Vinsmoke Judge.

Aether responded with a polite smile of his own.

"It seems the scientist who once sailed the seas seeking change has now achieved his ambitions."

"Not quite. I have yet to restore the glory of my ancestors."

In his youth, Judge had indeed met Roger, who had already become a legendary pirate. The two had even shared a decent conversation.

Judge warmly welcomed the guests into the luxurious hall.

The Germa King's behavior was surprisingly courteous and friendly, far from what one would expect from a father whose sons had just been severely injured.

After a round of superficial pleasantries, Aether finally took a proper look at his target.

Judge wore a metal helmet and possessed long golden hair. He was tall, with a sharply pointed black beard slanting upward. Draped over his shoulders was an orange cape, while his light gray Raid Suit bore the Germa "66" insignia. White gloves, a golden belt adorned with the same logo, and black boots fitted with jet thrusters completed his attire. The transformation device for Judge's Raid Suit bore the letter "J."

At the royal banquet of the Germa Kingdom, besides Aether and Hancock, the hosts included Judge and his four children.

All four siblings were handsome and attractive.

Among them, Reiju stood out the most. Dressed in a sexy pink evening gown, she was only slightly less stunning than Hancock.

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Judge finally raised the question that truly mattered.

"Roger-sama, may I ask what brings you to the Germa Kingdom this time? If there is anything you need, I will do everything within my ability to help."

Aether took a sip of red wine.

The flavor carried the unmistakable taste of overprocessed technology and additives. No wonder the Germa Kingdom's wine failed to sell well.

"Judge, I won't beat around the bush. I want you to create a special Raid Suit for me."

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