One Piece: Starting in God Valley as a Slave

After leaving Garling, Carl began arranging the renovation of Darian's palace. Once the preparations were in order, he ordered Olvia to be temporarily confined, while Robin was assigned to the maids' quarters.

Before the library was completed, Carl allowed Olvia to spend an hour each day with Robin. If Olvia completed the tasks Carl assigned her, she would be allowed to stay with her daughter permanently. However, the workload was extensive, so it would take a considerable amount of time.

Carl originally planned to spend a few more days with Monet and Sugar, but, unfortunately, someone seemed intent on disrupting his peace.

...

On a small island...

Shanks carefully carried a bowl of steaming medicinal soup into a room. Inside, Buggy lay listlessly on the bed. He barely reacted to Shanks' entrance, letting out a few grumbles.

Seeing Buggy in this state, Shanks quickened his steps, placing the soup on a table beside the bed. He helped Buggy sit up, concern evident in his expression.

"Buggy, drink this medicine," Shanks urged.

Buggy glanced at the dark, murky liquid, his face turning pale as he shook his head in defiance.

Shanks sighed, a mix of helplessness and determination crossing his face.

"Alright then. I guess I'll have to help you."

Before Buggy could react, Shanks grabbed his jaw with one hand and picked up the bowl with the other. Without hesitation, he poured the bitter medicine into Buggy's mouth.

"Mmph! Ugh!"

As Buggy tried to spit it out, Shanks quickly clamped a hand over his mouth.

"Don't you dare spit it out!"

With no other choice, Buggy swallowed the medicine, his eyes wide in shock. Once it was done, he collapsed backward onto the bed like a defeated soul.

Shanks wiped the sweat from his brow and exhaled in relief.

"Taking care of people sure is exhausting..."

He stepped out of the room and stretched his arms. Just as he looked up, he noticed a flock of News Coo birds flying overhead, scattering newspapers across the island.

Such a sight only meant one thing—something major had occurred in the world.

One newspaper fluttered down and stuck to Shanks' face. Pulling it off, he saw Roger's photograph dominating the front page.

Staring at the headline for a moment, Shanks suddenly let out an excited shout and rushed back into the room, grabbing Buggy from the bed.

"Buggy! Captain Roger did it! We're the world's number one pirate crew now!"

"What!?"

Buggy felt a sudden surge of energy, his illness seeming to vanish in an instant. Snatching the newspaper from Shanks' hands, he scrutinized it with wide eyes.

The more he read, the more his heart sank. After all, he had missed the chance to follow Roger to Laugh Tale because of a fever.

Crumpling the newspaper in frustration, Buggy threw it aside and pounded his chest in regret.

"Damn it! Why did my body betray me at such a critical moment? I wanted to see it too!"

Shanks tried to console him. "Come on, Buggy. You're not the only one who couldn't go. Lady Toki stayed behind too, remember?"

Buggy suddenly grabbed Shanks by the collar, anger flashing in his eyes.

"Don't you think it's suspicious? Sure, Toki is a woman, but my body's always been strong! How could I just come down with a fever like that!?"

"Uh, I think it was just bad luck," Shanks offered weakly. "Besides, I stayed behind to keep you company, didn't I? Cheer up. I'm sure we'll make it there ourselves one day—on our own terms!"

Shanks clenched his fist, a determined aura emanating from him.

Buggy, immune to such grand declarations, scoffed. "Easy for you to say! Opportunities like this only come once in a lifetime!"

Shanks chuckled nervously, scratching his head. "Alright, alright. But why do you keep blaming me for your fever!?"

Buggy's face darkened, and a prominent vein bulged on his forehead.

"You really don't get it, do you? Who do you think is responsible for me eating that Devil Fruit in the first place!?"

"Oh, that?" Shanks grinned sheepishly. "You're the one who tried to sneakily hide it from everyone!"

Buggy looked like he was about to explode. However, their heated argument was interrupted by a familiar voice shouting from outside.

"Hey! You two brats in there—we're back!"

Hearing that voice, Shanks and Buggy froze before glancing at each other in shock.

"It's Captain Roger! They're back!"

Without hesitation, the two rushed outside. At the shore, several familiar figures were approaching. Leading the group was Roger himself, his presence as commanding as ever.

Roger caught sight of Shanks' straw hat, a flicker of emotion passing through his eyes. Smiling warmly, he waved at the pair.

"I could hear you two arguing from miles away. Still bickering, are we?"

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+185 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg