One Piece: Peace Shattered By Roger (Completed)

"Friends? Of course," Kaizen said calmly, a faint smile gracing his lips.

"Ahahahahaha! Friends! Friends!"

Bentham exclaimed excitedly, circling Kaizen with exaggerated movements.

"You actually dare to be friends with me! That just proves how amazing you are, Kaizen-kun!" he said, pointing a finger dramatically at Kaizen's nose with an overjoyed expression.

"If you don't mind, let me help with the laundry," Kaizen said without waiting for a response. He gently set down Wado Ichimonji before squatting among the mountain of clothes, beginning to scrub alongside Bentham.

"The situation two days ago was truly terrifying," Bentham said as he scrubbed. "You were covered in blood! If I hadn't been so strong-hearted, I might have fainted on the spot."

Kaizen chuckled. "I suppose I deserved it for being so reckless. I've always thought I had to face stronger opponents to grow. That arrogance put me in this situation."

"That's no excuse!" Bentham said, standing upright and placing his hands on his hips. His expression shifted to one of genuine concern.

Kaizen glanced up at him curiously. "What do you mean?"

"You can't speak that way about yourself!" Bentham said firmly. "Self-deprecation is one thing, but truly looking down on yourself? That's unforgivable."

Kaizen smiled wryly. "All right, I'll remember that."

"Ah! That wasn't sincere at all," Bentham complained, narrowing his eyes in mock outrage. "I know you'll do something reckless again!"

"Why does it bother you so much?" Kaizen asked, scrubbing the clothes diligently.

Bentham squatted down beside him and looked Kaizen in the eyes. "Because, my dear friend, if you don't value yourself, how can you ever be truly happy? You must accept yourself as you are."

Kaizen was silent for a moment, then nodded. "You're right. Thank you, Bentham-san."

"Do you mean it this time?" Bentham pressed, leaning closer to scrutinize Kaizen's face.

"Of course," Kaizen replied, his smile genuine this time. "A person who respects others wouldn't lie about something so important."

Bentham's face lit up. "Ugh, you're so sentimental, but I love it!"

In the yard, the two of them—a recovering swordsman and a flamboyant former enemy turned ally—continued washing clothes. Their laughter echoed, a moment of peace in an unpredictable world.

Suddenly, Bentham stood up, alarmed. "Oh no! I was supposed to pick up that cranky old doctor, Federman-sensei! If I'm late, he'll never let me hear the end of it!"

Grabbing his coat, Bentham dashed for the door. "Kaizen-kun, leave some clothes for me! I'll finish them when I get back!" he called as he disappeared down the street.

Kaizen shook his head, smiling as he watched Bentham go.

---

Meanwhile, in the heart of town, trouble was brewing.

A notorious pirate crew had arrived, causing chaos. These brigands had terrorized the island regularly, knowing the Marine presence in the area was weak.

Most residents had resigned themselves to paying these pirates "protection fees," trading their hard-earned money for relative safety.

In a small medicine shop, Feline and her father, Federman-sensei, were inspecting supplies when trouble found them.

"Captain, look at her!" one of the pirates sneered, leering at Feline. "She's gorgeous! Let's take her back to the ship!"

The captain, a greasy, unshaven man with a sinister smile, stroked his chin. "Isn't this the doctor's daughter? She's grown up quite nicely," he said, his voice dripping with malice.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's grab her before someone else does!"

The pirates stormed into the shop, ignoring the protests of the shopkeeper.

"Pirates! We've already paid our protection fees this month!" the shopkeeper cried, stepping forward in desperation.

"Shut up," one of the pirates growled, shoving the man aside.

Feline stood frozen as the pirate captain approached her, a mockingly gentlemanly expression on his face. "My dear lady," he said, bowing theatrically. "It would be my honor to invite you aboard my ship. Together, we'll explore the vastness of the Grand Line. What do you say?"

"Captain, that's so gross!" one of his subordinates muttered behind him.

"Shut up!" the captain barked, turning to glare at his crew. "You lot have no class. This is how a gentleman woos a lady."

Turning back to Feline, he extended a hand. "What do you say, my lady?"

"Get away from her, scum!" Federman-sensei barked, stepping in front of his daughter.

The captain's expression darkened, his forced charm evaporating. "What did you call me, old man?"

"You heard me. Scum!" Federman repeated, shielding Feline with his imposing figure.

The crew burst into laughter, but the captain's eyes burned with anger. "You've got guts, doctor. Let's see how long that lasts."

Federman glared back without fear. "You think you're invincible because you have numbers? I won't let you lay a hand on my daughter!"

The captain hesitated for a moment, unnerved by the older man's determination. "What... What are you planning to do?"

Federman remained steadfast, his courage unshaken even in the face of danger.

---

TO BE CONTINUED