"Not very urgent?!" Rouge pulled his ear, her tone a mix of anger and concern. "If it's not urgent, why make such a big deal? Bowing and entrusting everything! You scared us, you know? We thought you were about to walk into a fire or something and never come back!"
She tightened her grip slightly. It was nothing to Rhett, but he cooperated, yelping in pain.
"Since it's not urgent! Why didn't you tell us in advance? Why won't you let me prepare some food for you to take? It's windy at sea. Do you have enough clothes? What about medicine? You don't know how long you'll be gone. What if you get hungry, cold, or sick?"
"Rouge, I'm—"
"Little brother, listen to me."
Rouge's questions washed away the sadness of farewell.
Roger laughed, holding his stomach. "Kuhahaha! Well said, Rouge! This kid needs to be put in his place!"
Marx, Shanks, and Buggy also laughed. Seeing the invincible Rhett being put in his place by Rouge.
Barrett crossed his arms. The corner of his mouth seemed to twitch slightly. He looked away.
Barrett: Inner joy. Hehehe.
Rhett tilted his head (because his ear was being pulled) and forced a smile. "I'm sorry, Rouge. I really am! I just... wanted to look cool... Ow!"
"Cool?" Rouge let go and rubbed his ear for him. "You're a grown man! Stop playing these disappearing acts! Wait here! I'm going to prepare things for you now! Don't you dare sneak away!"
With that, Rouge hurried out, muttering to herself, "Dried meat... fresh jam... thick clothes..."
Watching Rouge's retreating back, Rhett rubbed his ear. His embarrassment turned into a warm smile.
Just as the cozy scolding was ending, Rhett suddenly remembered something. He turned to Rouge, who was taking inventory of what to pack.
"Rouge, hold on. I promised Ann I'd take her somewhere. I have to keep my promise before I leave. I can't be an uncle who breaks his word."
Rouge smiled gently. "Promises to children must be kept. Go. I'll finish packing when you get back."
Rhett vanished.
On the training ground, the wind of swords howled.
Ann gripped a large training sword with both hands. It was still too big for her, but it was starting to feel light. She was fighting Ace and Sabo, one against two. Kuina watched from the sidelines, holding her Wado Ichimonji.
Just then, Rhett's voice came, with a laugh. "Oh, having fun?"
"Uncle Rhett!" The kids turned at the same time.
Rhett walked over and pulled Ann up, brushing the dust off her. "How is it, Ann? Can you handle Ace and Sabo?"
Ann nodded firmly. "Yes!" She always won. She had a natural affinity for weapons that emphasized power.
"Good." Rhett grinned. "Remember what I promised you? To find you a greatsword of your own?"
Ann's eyes widened. She went from o.o to O.O.
She looked at Rhett in disbelief. "R-Right now?"
"Of course!" Rhett snapped his fingers. "I'm taking you to the best swordsmith in the world to forge a greatsword just for you!"
Ace and Sabo immediately crowded around.
"Really?! A greatsword for Ann?" Ace shouted. "Uncle Rhett, you're playing favorites! I want one too!"
Sabo didn't say anything, but his eyes showed envy.
Even Kuina looked curious. The "best swordsmith in the world" was a title that interested her.
Rhett looked at them and put on a serious face. "Shoo, shoo. Don't cause trouble. Ann is a girl, and she specializes in greatswords. You have your sword, Ace. And Sabo, I know someone with a good sword for you. Besides, the two of you couldn't beat Ann together."
He ruffled Ace's spiky hair. "When you find your own path, I'll find you something good."
Ace pouted, but then smiled. He was happy for Ann. "Okay, Ann! Good luck! Forge the best greatsword! We'll spar later!"
Sabo also smiled. "Yes, Ann. We're looking forward to your new weapon."
Kuina walked over and said seriously, "A sword that suits you is the most important partner for a swordsman. Congratulations, Ann."
Ann looked at her friends. Even though they said he was playing favorites, their eyes were full of sincere wishes and encouragement. She nodded firmly. "Yes! I'll work hard!"
"Let's go!" Rhett picked up Ann. Blood mist gathered at their feet.
"Uncle Rhett! Come back soon!" Ace and Sabo waved.
Kuina nodded.
"Got it!"
The blood mist rose, carrying Rhett and Ann. It shot across the sky toward a mysterious island in the Grand Line.
Ann held onto Rhett's clothes tightly, watching the sea and clouds rush by below. Her eyes were full of anticipation for her new partner.
Rhett looked down at the excited little one and smiled.
The Eternal Pose was something Rhett had Tesoro find a long time ago. A swordsmith's final work? That was just a story. He still had a rival to deal with.
Ann's talent was no less than his when he was young.
---
The blood mist descended on a small, unremarkable island in the Grand Line. The island was small. In the center was a simple but clean wooden house. From behind the house came the rhythmic sound of steady hammering. The air was filled with the faint scent of metal and charcoal.
Rhett carried Ann and casually pushed open the fence gate. As if he were coming home.
It might be his first time here, but their relationship was strong. Rhett had kept his promise. The Black Tide Greatsword was now famous across the seas.
"Old Hammer! Old Hammer! Are you home? I'm here to see you!" Rhett yelled, walking in.
The old man saw Ann in Rhett's arms, looking at him curiously.