Chapter 70: Roger

Chapter 70: Chapter 70: Roger

Crocodile was in an excellent mood. He felt like he was about to wipe out his two billion berry debt. If Claudius kept betting with him like this, maybe after a few rounds, he'd even have Claudius owing him money.

"Sigh," Crocodile let out a contented sigh, lost in thought.

Claudius glanced at him, his expression curious. "What are you sighing about? Feeling good, huh?"

"I was just thinking," Crocodile began with a smug grin, "if I'd been betting with you from the start, I wouldn't be in debt at all. You'd be the one owing me money by now."

"Oh? Is that so?" Claudius chuckled. "Well, Crocodile, let me give you some advice, don't get too happy just yet."

"Hahahaha, what are you talking about?" Crocodile laughed, feeling even more confident. "I'm about to win back more than two billion berries!"

"Or maybe you're about to lose 400 million more," Claudius said, his voice laced with amusement as he gave Crocodile a mischievous smile.

"You really think so?" Crocodile scoffed. "No way. Stussy agrees with me, right?"

However, when Crocodile turned to his "comrade-in-arms" for confirmation, he noticed something strange. Stussy wasn't laughing or smiling; instead, her eyes were fixed on a distant fruit stand, her expression frozen. Confused by her silence, Crocodile followed her gaze.

And then he saw it.

His face paled, his heart skipped a beat, and his lips quivered as he whispered, "No way... Is that really him?"

Stussy looked at Claudius with wide, astonished eyes, as if seeking confirmation. Claudius patted her gently on the shoulder and said with a satisfied grin, "See? When have I ever been wrong? Trying to sneak one by me never ends well."

Stussy, still shaken, asked, "Your Highness, you've been with us the entire time. You didn't gather any intelligence or do anything out of the ordinary. So how in the world did you know Roger would be on this remote island?"

Rouge, still smiling warmly, reached out to take payment. But just as she extended her hand, Claudius glanced up and said, "I didn't expect to find you here, Roger."

At those words, Rouge froze mid-movement, her hand hanging in the air. Before Roger could say anything, she quickly tried to recover. "You must be mistaken. My husband's name isn't Roger. He's just a simple man."

But Roger interrupted her, his voice calm. "No, Rouge, it's no use."

He turned to Claudius, offering a faint smile. "Long time no see, Claudius. Or should I say, Your Highness?"

"Call me whatever you like," Claudius replied with a grin as he began peeling one of the oranges. He popped a slice into his mouth, his eyes lighting up. "Mmm, not bad! The perfect balance of sweet and sour. I like it."

Roger laughed heartily. "Ahahaha, my wife grew those herself. Impressive, isn't she?"

Claudius nodded appreciatively. "Very impressive. I have to say, I'm a little envious. A scruffy guy like you managed to find such a beautiful wife."

Roger, now fifty-three years old, looked every bit his age, while Rouge appeared no older than twenty-four or twenty-five. The age gap was almost comical. Claudius couldn't help but be amazed that Roger, in his later years, had managed to win over someone so much younger.

It was clear that Roger, the "old cow," had found himself some "tender grass," and Claudius couldn't help but feel a little envious.

Roger rubbed his scruffy beard, grinning cheekily. "Maybe it's because I'm handsome."

Claudius gave him a look of disdain. "Is that why they call you the Pirate King? Because of your thick skin?"

Roger laughed even harder. After taking a swig from his bottle, he stretched his neck and asked, "So, what's the plan, Claudius? Are you here to catch me?"

Claudius tossed the orange peel into a nearby trash can, his expression casual but his intent clear. He didn't try to hide anything.