Chapter 127: Return to Headquarters

"My heart?" Dalton asked, somewhat puzzled, as if he had understood something, yet also as if he understood nothing at all.

"Yes, your heart," Roran continued. "As long as you truly desire for your people to live well and strive toward that goal, while entrusting professional tasks to professionals and keeping a firm grip on the overall direction, there will actually be no problems at all."

"No matter the country, what ordinary people want is very simple: to be fed and clothed, to live in peace and work with contentment, and to be free from the injustices born of power or the wanton insults of the elite toward the common folk."

"If you can achieve that, they will be eternally grateful to you."

"I don't need their gratitude. I only wish for them to be free from the life they led in the past—just as you said, Colonel Roran: to live in peace, to be fed and warm, and to receive timely treatment when they are ill," Dalton said, slowly shaking his head.

"Then it is even simpler. As long as you keep your original intention unchanged, all of this will come about naturally," Roran said with a light chuckle.

"I understand, Colonel Roran. In truth, the fate of this country lies entirely in my own intentions."

"If I wish for the people to be happy and healthy, then they shall be happy and healthy."

"If I were to act like Wapol, selfish and greedy for pleasure, then this country would fall into ruin, and the people would be left destitute," Dalton stood up and smiled.

Roran nodded, and seeing that Dalton grasped his meaning, he said no more. Calculating the time, Johnny’s surgery should be over by now. If nothing went wrong, Johnny would be staying here for quite a while to undergo follow-up checkups with Kureha. However, Roran had no intention of taking Johnny with him; he had already planned to settle all the survivors from Salon Island in the Drum Kingdom. With the wealth from Kid's ship and their own unique skills, surviving here would be no problem at all. In time, after accumulating enough wealth, they could choose whether to return to rebuild Salon Island or continue to settle in the Drum Kingdom.

"Everything went smoothly. I can only say that the 'Doctors 20' had stayed with Wapol for too long and their medical skills have regressed significantly; otherwise, this situation wouldn't have occurred," Kureha said, stepping out of the castle. After nodding to Dalton, she looked disappointed.

"I still have faith in your medical skills," Roran said with a smile, not at all surprised that Johnny was fully cured.

"If matters are resolved, I should be leaving to report back to headquarters. It has been about a month since I left the main base, and I am due to report in," Roran said, glancing at the sky. "Johnny is in your hands; I will cover the medical expenses."

"Oh, right, Mr. Dalton, there is one more thing I need to trouble you with," Roran said, as if suddenly remembering something.

"If it is within my power!" Dalton nodded.

"During this mission, I rescued some survivors from Salon Island; Johnny is just one of them. I intend to settle this group in the Drum Kingdom. Would that be acceptable?" Roran explained.

"Of course that is acceptable. It is merely a few more residents; it is hardly a major matter. I can go with you to the docks right now to arrange their accommodations," Dalton smiled.

After saying goodbye to Kureha, Roran called for Zoro, and together with Dalton, they left the castle and arrived at the docks. When the Marines on the warship relayed Roran's arrangements to the survivors, they immediately burst into tears. They had never encountered a Marine like Roran, who not only avenged them but also personally arranged their future. How many Marines in the entire Grand Line were like this, acting as a guardian?

Led by the Marines, each of them carrying a bundle, they left the ship and followed Dalton away from the docks. They knew that starting today, they would begin their lives anew. Everything about Salon Island would become a thing of the past. Yet, as long as they lived, Salon Island would never truly be lost. Although no one said it aloud, they all knew in their hearts that the Drum Kingdom was only a temporary home. When the opportunity arose, they would surely return to rebuild Salon Island and allow the island, famous for its flower arranging, to reappear on the Grand Line.

With that done, Roran ordered the *Pungent* to prepare for the return trip to the Naval Base to report for duty. Having been away from base for over a month, he missed little Donna and wondered if she had grown accustomed to staying with Gion and Vice Admiral Tsuru. There was also that fellow Koby; he wondered if Bogard's special training had been of any help. He still had a Devil Fruit in his possession waiting for him to inherit.

Compared to the twists and turns of the journey here, the return to base was much simpler. With a permanent log pose for Enies Lobby, they only needed to sail along the path, with no need to worry about the course drifting. After passing Enies Lobby, they would return to Marineford, the Naval Headquarters, in just over an hour.

It wasn't just the Marines who were looking forward to going home to see their families; Roran was just as expectant. It had been nearly two months since Sengoku promised him the G-10 Branch, and he still didn't know how it would be arranged. The thought of being able to lead his own army independently made Roran particularly excited. In Marineford, if he wanted to leave, he had to file a report and wait for Sengoku's approval. But if he were stationed independently, he could go wherever he pleased once his work was settled.

He had been at sea for nearly half a year, and once he finished some business, he wanted to visit the Floating Island. After all, his teacher Shiki was no longer the heroic Golden Lion of the past, but a weary old man. If he didn't go back to visit from time to time, would he still be a decent person? Shiki had taught him with all his heart, and for him to never return after leaving—Roran himself found that kind of behavior despicable.

Half a month later, when the familiar Gates of Justice appeared in sight, everyone on the warship erupted in cheers. Seeing the Gates of Justice meant they were not far from home. Although the route was a bit longer, it was still infinitely faster than sailing directly back to Marineford across the open sea. The familiar triangular current, the familiar Gates of Justice, and finally, the familiar Naval Headquarters.

Roran steered the warship into the harbor of Marineford.

"We're finally back. Pungent, and everyone, starting today, everyone gets three days off. Those who want to go home to see their families, go see your families; those who want to rest, take these three days to rest well."

"No matter what work or tasks there are, everything can wait until after these three days," Roran announced loudly before leaving the ship.

Amidst the deafening cheers of the Marines, he led Nami and Zoro toward his small courtyard. After two and a half months—seventy-some days—back here, he felt a touch of nostalgia. However, he probably wouldn't be staying in this house much longer; once Sengoku's new appointment came down, he would likely be taking these people away from Marineford to a new base.