"Rojen stood oreet, his expression a mix of emotions. It hadn't been long since he'd left the home he'd lived in for sixteen years.

  Yet, everything that had happened in that short time felt like a lifetime ago – battles with the Marines, deadly games of wits, and the rescue of a chamber of erce. These events were beyond anything his younger self could have imagined.

  During this time, it wasn't just his strength that had ged; his inner self had grown strooo. The mi of a master swordsman subtly influenced him, guiding him towards being a more mature and plete person.

  In front of him was a two-story wooden house. The first floor was the living room, and the sed floor held his bedroom. Though small, the house had always felt warm and f.

  Rojen lifted his feet and walked slowly into the house. The door wasn't locked – he'd left in a hurry back then, with no time to secure the pce.

  Onside, he sed the room. The furniture and yout hadn't ged much; everything was as he'd left it. What surprised him was how the house was.

  A house left unoccupied for so long, especially a wooden one, should have gathered dust and attracted pests. But this pce otless. Clearly, someone had been maintaining it.

  "Who could it be?" Rojen wondered, but he quickly figured it out.

  A warm feeling rose in his heart. Even after he'd left, Jinx and Ize hadn't fotten about him. He uood their reason for keeping the house – it was a way to wish for a friend's safe return, a silent form of hope and prayer.

  Quietly, Rojen climbed the stairs to the sed floor aered his room.

  The arra was simple, as always – a single bed, a small table and chair, and a wardrobe. Oable sat a photo frame.

  Rojen's gaze fell upon the frame, and his expression grew somber.

  In the photo were two people – a young man and a child who looked about three or four years old, with a fused and i expression.

  The young man had a handlebar mustache and an open, cheerful smile. The child sat on the man's shoulders, looking a bit unfortable.

  "Big brother..." Rojen murmured, his eyes moistening.

  The man in the photo was his elder brol D. Roger. This picture had been taken when Rojen was three or four years old, riding er's shoulders. After that, they had aken another photo together.

  After Roger's death, this photo became Rojen's only way to remember and mourn his brother.

  He walked over, carefully took the photo from the frame, and pced it in his bag, keeping it close to his body. After gng around the room o time and firming that there was nothing else he o take, he decisively turo leave.

  Once he left this time, it would likely be a long while before he could return.

  Desding to the first floor, Rojen stepped outside and carefully locked the door. He was meticulous, taking his time with the lock.

  As he faced the door, a figure suddenly appeared behind him. The figure was tall and imposing, with faint runic markings on his fad a Justice cloak billowing behind him in the wind. His Marine uniform looked sharp and exuded a sense of authority and righteousness.

  Behind him were five or six other Marines.

  Though the squad had fewer than ten people in total, their presence was overwhelming. The moment they appeared, the ereet fell silent.

  "That's a Rear Admiral!"

  "A Rear Admiral from Marine Headquarters!"

  Among the crowd were many pirates in hiding. They were well-versed in Marine ranks, and the sight of the young Marine leading the squad shocked them.

  "Why would a Rear Admiral e here?"

  Whispers filled the air, barely audible yet clear enough to reach Rojen's ears. His body stiffened for a moment.

  With a firm twist of his hand, he locked the door securely, produg a crisp click as the loapped shut.

  He slowly turned around with a hint of helplessness on his face.

  "So, you fouer all?"

  Roje genuinely helpless. He had been cautious – painstakingly so. He had ehat every move he made was fwless. Yet, they still found him.

  "Found you? You were quite thh," Dragon remarked with a light ugh.

  His tone was calm, with no trace of hostility. Instead, Dragon was filled with curiosity and admiration for the young man before him. Despite being only sixteen years old, Rojen had mao deceive the entire East Blue Marine division. If not for a stroke of luck, even Dragon himself wouldn't have been able to uncover Rojen's true identity.

  "One's home should always be treated with care," Rojen answered seriously.

  "Will you have a e back?" Dragon asked casually.

  "I will!"

  "Anyone who leaves must eventually return!"

  Rojen's tone remained ear as if every word he spoke carried a weight of responsibility.

  "Oh? You're quite fident." Dragon raised his eyebrows slightly, then smiled. "As expected er's younger brother – you're exceptional too."

  "Over the years, the Marines have been so focused on your elder brother that they overlooked your existence. In fact, many don't even know he had a younger brother."

  "I am Roger's younger brother, but I am only Rojen. My brlory and fame belong to him alohey have nothing to do with me," Rojen said suddenly, his face expressionless.

  "My exceptional nature – you will see it. But that will be iure, not now!"

  These two sentences were spoken with absolute certainty, each word brimming with unshakable fidence.

  Hearing this, Dragon's eyes narrowed slightly.

  "You're quite dangerous too, kid. Today, I'm afraid I 't allow you to leave. e baarine Headquarters with me."

  Rojen's eyes sharpened as he locked his gaze on, then suddenly smiled.

  "Rear Admiral, I belong to the sea, to the nd, but o the Marines."

  "In this life, I may go anywhere, but the only pce I'll never set foot in is the Marines' domain!"

  Dragon was momentarily stunned before breaking into a grin.

  "Iing young man, but it's not up to you!"

  With that, Dragon waved his hand, and the five or six Marines behind him sprang into a.

  As the enemy moved, Rojen's eyes narrowed in tration.

  The bance of power betweewo sides wasn't clear, and in such a situation, only by pushing his abilities to their limit could he hope to escape.

  The fact that Dragon had brought only a small squad clearly showed his fidence – and that fidence was undoubtedly backed by strength.

  The soldiers rushing toward him weren't the real threat. The true danger y in the Rear Admiral himself.

  His poised demeanor, cold expression, and fwless stance all revealed the formidable oppo he was.

  Without hesitation, Rojen began his possession teique.

  "Summon! 75 Million Belly Soul, leave not a shred behind!"

  "Summoro soul for me right now!"

  PS: The stro soul – who should he summon?

  (End Of Chapter)

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