One Piece: Buggy the Great King of the Sea

Buggy didn't approach Shanks. He didn't ask why Shanks was crying so hard or what exactly he and Roger had talked about. But deep down, he had a rough guess—Roger had probably given Shanks some advice or entrusted him with something important about the future.

Buggy wasn't lacking in curiosity. He just didn't see the point. The future was something each person had to walk on their own. Knowing a few things in advance wouldn't change much, and might only cause unnecessary anxiety.

He turned his eyes away and looked toward Rayleigh, who was sitting calmly at the bow of the ship, drinking.

At that moment, Rayleigh looked back at him.

"Little Buggy, what are you staring at me for? Shouldn't you be like Shanks—crying your eyes out in the captain's arms? Don't be thinking of jumping into my arms instead," Rayleigh said with a mischievous grin.

"Uncle Rayleigh, I'm not like Shanks—I'm an adult! I don't cry like a child," Buggy retorted instantly.

"Alright, alright! So our little Buggy is all grown up, huh? Then why the long stare? What's on your mind?" Rayleigh asked, his eyes now filled with curiosity.

Buggy walked over, stood beside him, and said solemnly, "Uncle Rayleigh, I want you to train me for one full year."

Rayleigh blinked. "Wait, what? Buggy, did I hear you right? You've always slacked off in training, always finding ways to avoid it. And now you're asking me to train you?"

Buggy nodded seriously, locking eyes with him. "Please, Uncle Rayleigh."

Seeing the sincerity in Buggy's gaze, Rayleigh realized—he wasn't joking. He was dead serious.

"Why?" Rayleigh asked. "Tell me your reason. If it's good enough, I'll give you my full attention for the next year."

Rayleigh knew Buggy well. He would never say something like this without a strong reason. He wanted to understand what had sparked this sudden determination.

Buggy didn't hesitate. "Uncle Rayleigh, I'm too weak. I want to become stronger. I want to explore the sea on my own. I want to go to Laugh Tale. But right now, I'm so weak I might not even be able to handle stronger rookie pirates. I need your help. I need your training."

He spoke the truth—his deepest, most honest desire. There was no need to hide it. And he believed that such honesty would move Rayleigh. After all, what mentor doesn't want to see their junior work hard and aim for greatness?

Rayleigh was stunned. This was the same Buggy who usually cared about nothing but treasure, and now he was standing in front of him with clear goals and genuine resolve. Even Rayleigh—the Dark King, Roger's right-hand man—felt something stir deep within.

Rayleigh stood up and looked Buggy in the eye. "Have you made up your mind? Training with me won't be easy. It'll be brutal. You might even die. Are you sure about this?"

Buggy smiled and replied without hesitation, "I'm sure. Even if it kills me—I want to become strong."

"Good. That's the spirit. Alright, once we dock, I'll start training you. One year. But you'd better not quit halfway. And don't let this be just empty words."

Buggy didn't say anything more. He just gave a firm nod. No need for flowery promises—his actions would speak for themselves soon enough.

With the matter settled, Buggy returned to where he had been sitting. Rayleigh, meanwhile, made his way to Roger.

This was something he needed to report to the captain. He also wanted to know Roger's thoughts.

Once Rayleigh explained, Roger burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Good, good! Train him hard! That brat's always been lazy—he's this old already and still that weak. When I was his age, I was preparing to sail on my own. But it's good he's finally starting to feel the pressure. Better late than never. He's got real determination now—and that's what matters. If he sticks with it, he'll find his place on the sea. I'd love to see that day… but I guess I won't get the chance."

As he finished speaking, Roger's smile faded slightly, replaced with a hint of sadness. He said no more, his eyes drifting toward Buggy in the distance.

Buggy noticed Roger's gaze—he had been watching them all along.

Meeting Roger's eyes, Buggy felt a complex rush of emotions: acknowledgment, encouragement, expectation, and warmth—all wrapped into that one look.

Roger didn't say a word. He just gave a firm nod.

Buggy nodded back. No words were needed. They understood each other perfectly.

Nearby, Shanks had fallen deep into thought. His eyes locked onto Roger, filled with newfound determination.

Roger noticed the intense stare and turned to face him.

"Shanks," he said, "you've got something to say, don't you? Out with it."

"Captain… I don't think I'm strong enough. I want to train too. If possible, I'd like to study under you for a while—I want to become a real force on the sea."

Even as he spoke, Shanks looked embarrassed.

Roger gave a regretful smile. "Sorry, kid. I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. I've got something important to take care of. I won't be able to bring you with me."

His eyes held a flash of helplessness. It wasn't that he didn't want to guide Shanks. Truth be told, he'd wanted to train both Shanks and Buggy. But time was something he didn't have. If he had more of it, he wouldn't hesitate. What mentor wouldn't want to witness their students grow? But right now, bringing Shanks along would only put him in danger.

Shanks's expression fell. Disappointment was written all over his face.

Rayleigh noticed and understood everything—Roger's helplessness, his plans, his regrets. He also saw how much Roger cared for Shanks.

"Shanks," Rayleigh said, stepping in to ease the tension, "you have to understand. The captain has things he must take care of. We can't get in the way."

Roger gave Rayleigh a grateful look.

I understand, Captain… Uncle Rayleigh, Shanks replied quietly. He knew Roger must have something serious ahead—something that made it impossible to spare time for training. But still, the disappointment in his voice was hard to hide.