Grand Line, the Oro Jackson, drifting freely on the sea.
Two months have passed since Garp's attack.
During these two months, Roger's pirate group had almost no destination and just wandered around the sea, seemingly looking for something.
Rocks knew that the Roger Pirates were looking for the historical text tablet, but he would not say it out loud.
During these two months, Rocks was taught by Roger and Rayleigh every day.
From the use of Haki to swordsmanship, Roger and Rayleigh taught Rocks almost everything they knew.
Of course, in addition to Rocks, Barrett is also the focus of their attention.
Perhaps due to Roger and Rayleigh's careful teaching, Rocks and Barrett felt that their strength had improved significantly.
Barrett becomes more and more proficient in Armament Haki, and his reserves of Haki are becoming deeper and deeper.
Even the ghost energy that he had just comprehended was becoming more and more powerful.
In just two months, it can be said that his strength has completely changed.
The most direct proof of this was in a fight with Rayleigh, where he was almost on par with Rayleigh who was giving his all.
The two of them once completely sank a small island in order to compete in combat.
Barrett's terrifying figure, which merged with the entire island and covered the entire combined beast with domineering aura, deeply shocked everyone.
However, Barrett once challenged Roger
Later, he was defeated by Roger, which led to Barrett looking for Roger to spar with him almost every day.
Although he failed every time, Barrett never got tired of it.
During these two months, Rocks' body has developed again and his strength has also improved.
Under Roger's instruction, he became more proficient in the entanglement of Conqueror's Haki, and his Armament Haki also became more profound.
Of course, as the strongest observation Haki, Rocks can easily sense the sound of thunder and lightning on the sea dozens of miles away.
During these two months, Rocks was undoubtedly very satisfied.
"Yo, Rocks."
Shanks saw Rocks standing at the bow enjoying the breeze, greeted him, and then walked over.
"Um, Shanks, what's wrong?"
Seeing Shanks, Rocks turned his head and responded, looking at Shanks curiously.
After all, based on Rocks' understanding of Shanks, he should be learning swordsmanship with Roger at this time.
"Locks, I heard from Captain Roger that you are going to leave us, right?"
Shanks asked softly as he looked out at the sea in the distance.
"Ah, did Roger tell you? Yes, I am ready to leave Roger's Pirates. After all, I joined Roger's Pirates in order to learn and practice under Roger Rayleigh. Now I have learned almost everything, so I am leaving and starting my own adventure."
Rocks didn't evade the question and spoke directly.
"Is that so?"
Shanks nodded, then looked at Rocks with an extremely serious expression.
"Rocks, I know I can't stop you, but I still hope that you can think about it carefully and stay here. Captain Roger will definitely become the king of this sea and the Pirate King!"
Rocks looked at Shanks who had a serious expression.
"Ah, I believe that Roger will definitely become the Pirate King."
"Since you feel the same way, why, why do you want to leave! After all, aren't we partners?"
Shanks was puzzled. Since Rocks also believed that Roger could become the Pirate King, why did he leave
"Shanks, everyone's dreams are different."
Rocks did not answer Shanks' question, but said this inexplicably.
After hearing Rocks' words, Shanks, who was originally a little excited, suddenly calmed down.
"Really? Hahaha, you're right, Rocks, everyone's dreams are different. Then, I have no reason to stop a man from pursuing his dream."
Shanks said, took two steps back and looked up at the sky.
Seagulls are flying freely in the sky.
"Hey, Shanks, do you want to join my pirate group and become my partner?"
Rocks suddenly invited Shanks.
Shanks was visibly stunned when he suddenly heard Rocks' invitation.
"Ah, what did you say, Rocks, what did you just say???"
"I say, Shanks, do you want to be my partner? Let's pursue our dreams together and become the king of this world together."
Rocks looked at Shanks very seriously and invited him sincerely.
After all, Rocks, who has read the original work, knows how great Shanks' potential is.
In the future, he will be able to become one of the strongest men in the ocean with just one arm. When he has both hands intact, he will be able to match the world's number one swordsman Hawkeye Mihawk in swordsmanship. He will be the only man in the future who can cause physical damage with his domineering Haki.
If he has Shanks' help and becomes his right-hand man, Rocks believes that in the future, few people in this ocean will be his rivals.
Moreover, he and Shanks have a very good relationship and a very good emotional foundation, so he doesn't have to worry about Shanks betraying him in the future.
Isn't such a powerful and affectionate partner better than the mob formed by that guy Jibek
By then, with the iron triangle of him, Barrett, and Shanks, no one else in the entire ocean would be their opponent except the Navy Headquarters and the World Government.
After hearing Rocks' words clearly this time, Shanks was suddenly in a dilemma.
That’s right, it’s confusing.
He was extremely excited about Rocks' invitation.
He really wanted to accept Rocks' invitation.
After all, I have been with Rocks day and night for almost half a year.
Shanks has great respect for Rocks, whether it is his strength, talent, or courage.
However, for Shanks, who joined the Roger Pirates at a very young age, the members of the Roger Pirates are his family, and Roger is the person Shanks respects the most, like a father.
If he accepted Rocks' invitation, he would have to leave his family, and he didn't want to accept such a result.
After a long while, Shanks finally made a decision.
"Rocks, thank you very much for your invitation. However, I don't want to leave the Roger Pirates yet. They are my family to me. And I want to accompany Captain Roger to the top of this ocean."
"Really? I understand. Well, Shanks, after Captain Roger reaches the top, if Roger disbands the pirate group, I hope that at that time, you can join my pirate group, okay?"
Although he was rejected by Shanks, Rocks was still unwilling to give up.
"Ah, if that day really comes, I will definitely join your pirate group."
Shanks smiled very heartily and accepted Rocks' proposal.
Perhaps, in his heart, the Roger Pirates will never disband.
"Then it's a deal, Shanks. Let's enjoy our last moments in the Roger Pirates."