As Koa made the difficult decision to leave, he knew there was one thing he had to do first—speak with Roger. He didn't want to slip away quietly or leave behind any misunderstandings. He wanted to leave the Roger Pirates on good terms, with no bitterness, only respect and gratitude. Even though his heart was set on moving forward, this was, without a doubt, one of the hardest decisions he had ever made, across both of his lives.
During the six years he had sailed with the Roger Pirates, Koa had experienced more than he ever had in his entire previous lifetime. The adventures, the laughter, the battles, and the bonds—every memory was etched deeply into his soul. He had grown stronger not just in body and Haki, but in spirit and will. These were no longer just crewmates—they were his family.
As he walked through the corridors of the Oro Jackson, every step felt heavier, each echo reminding him of the journey he was about to leave behind. His long white hair hung low, veiling most of his face, shielding his emotions from anyone who might see him. When he reached the door to Roger's quarters, he stopped. For a moment, he simply stood there, breathing deeply, letting the weight of the moment settle.
Then, finally, he raised his hand and knocked.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Come in," Roger's familiar, booming voice called out from behind the door, still holding that lighthearted tone he always carried.
Koa opened the door and stepped inside. His long white hair was now slicked back—he wanted Roger to see his full face, unguarded and sincere. Inside the captain's quarters, Roger was sitting comfortably with Rayleigh and Gaban, both his trusted left and right-hand men. The three of them were sharing drinks and laughter, clearly enjoying a peaceful moment together.
Seeing them in such high spirits only made Koa feel more conflicted. Guilt crept into his heart as he reminded himself of the decision he was about to share.
"Oh, Koa! What brings you here?" Roger asked cheerfully, noticing him standing by the door.
"I have something to say," Koa began, his voice steady but respectful. "And it's perfect that all three of you are here."
The laughter died down. All three men turned their full attention toward him.
"What is it?" Roger asked, his expression softening into something more thoughtful.
Koa took a breath.
"I think it's time for me to leave the Roger Pirates."
The room fell silent. Roger, Rayleigh, and Gaban didn't immediately react. Their gazes remained fixed on Koa, waiting—not with judgment, but with calm patience—for him to explain.
"I believe it's time for me to begin my adventure," Koa continued. "To forge my path, and to find the people I'll journey with from now on. I want to thank you all for accepting me without question, for guiding me, and for everything I've learned during these past six years. You've prepared me well for this moment."
Still, there was no immediate reply. The silence lingered… until Roger finally broke it.
"Are you sure? Is that your final decision?" Roger asked, his usual cheer subdued, his gaze steady and piercing, wanting to know Koa's true resolve.
Koa nodded. "Yes. I've thought about it for a long time. This isn't something I decided on a whim. I feel it in my gut... It's time. There's something out there waiting for me, something I need to face on my own."
Rayleigh leaned back, swirling the drink in his hand before setting it down. "You've grown a lot, Koa. We all noticed it. You're not the same kid who came aboard the Oro Jackson six years ago. You're strong now—in more ways than one."
Gaban grinned, his voice warm. "You've got the strength, the will, and more importantly, the heart. If you say it's time, then it's time."
Roger chuckled lightly, though the sentiment in his eyes didn't match the lightness of his tone. "Heh… I figured this day would come sooner or later. You're not the type to stay in one place. The sea's too big for a man like you to sail in someone else's shadow forever."
Koa bowed deeply. "Thank you... truly. I wouldn't be who I am today without the three of you. You've given me everything I needed and more. I'll carry it all with me, wherever I go."
Roger stood up, crossing the room in just a few strides. Without hesitation, he pulled Koa into a strong, one-armed hug. "Then go. Find your path, make your mark. And if the seas ever bring us back together... let's share a drink and a story."
Rayleigh and Gaban approached next, both placing a firm hand on Koa's shoulder, their eyes reflecting pride, respect, and something deeper—family.
"You'll always have a place on this ship," Rayleigh said quietly.
"And you better not die before we meet again," Gaban added with a smirk.
Koa smiled, holding back the emotion swelling in his chest. "I won't."
The decision had been made—but now, with the support and understanding of the people who meant the most to him, it felt less like a goodbye and more like the beginning of something even greater.
-------------------
The morning sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden hue across the deck of the Oro Jackson. The ship swayed gently on the waves, calm and serene—almost as if the sea itself was holding its breath for this moment.
Word had spread quickly among the crew. Koa was leaving.
The entire crew gathered on the main deck, lining the railings and walkways. Familiar faces filled the space—Shanks and Buggy stood side by side, for once not bickering. Ginny had a bittersweet smile, Ivankov stood with his arms crossed and eyes unusually quiet, and Kuma… Kuma looked as if he was holding back tears.
Koa stepped out onto the deck, his usual calm demeanor slightly shaken. His long white hair was tied neatly behind his head, and the clothes he wore were simple, practical—ready for the journey ahead.
Roger, Rayleigh, and Gaban followed behind him, but it was Koa who stepped forward to face the crew.
He looked at them all—these pirates, these friends, this family.
"I…" he began, his voice steady, though the weight of the moment sat heavy on his chest. "I just wanted to say thank you. Every one of you. You didn't just let me aboard your ship—you let me into your lives. You gave me a place, a purpose… and a home."
There was a moment of silence. Then, Shanks spoke up.
"You're going?" His voice was small for once, his eyes wide.
Koa smiled gently. "Yeah… It's time I start my own story."
"Can we come with you?" Buggy blurted out, immediately elbowed by Shanks.
The crew chuckled, easing the tension. Koa chuckled too, shaking his head. "You two have your paths to find. And trust me… they're going to be incredible."
Ginny walked up to Koa, arms crossed but eyes misty. "You better not forget us."
"I couldn't even if I tried," Koa said softly.
Ivankov stepped forward next, giving Koa a sharp nod. "You'll change the world. I'm sure of it."
Kuma approached last. He didn't say anything—just walked forward and wrapped Koa in a strong, silent hug.
"You'll always be my brother," Kuma whispered.
"And you'll always be mine," Koa replied, his voice catching for the first time.
Roger finally spoke up, standing tall as captain.
"Koa is setting sail on his journey now. But don't think of this as goodbye. Think of it as the start of a new legend. A real man's journey doesn't end with a farewell—it begins with one!"
"Hear, hear!" Gaban shouted, raising a drink. The rest of the crew followed.
Koa stepped toward the small ship that had been prepared for him. Supplies, charts, and a log pose—everything he would need. He turned around one last time and gave a deep bow.
"Thank you… for everything."
Then, without another word, he stepped aboard.
As the small ship pulled away from the Oro Jackson, the Roger Pirates stood in silence, watching the white sail grow smaller against the endless sea.
The wind picked up.
The horizon opened.
And Koa, standing at the helm, looked forward with fire in his heart and the world at his feet.
His journey had just begun.