The execution was over.
A legendary era had officially come to an end.
And mourning was the greatest respect for the departed.
Orin didn't linger in grief—neither did Shanks or Buggy. In truth, they had already mentally prepared themselves for this.
Captain Roger wouldn't have wanted the new generation to be hung up on his passing.
The crowd began to slowly disperse.
But on the plaza before the execution platform, a few figures still remained. They recognized the silhouette of Orin—
It was none other than the [Black Gun] Orin, who had invaded Marine Headquarters just a few days prior.
Some looked wary, others curious. Some wanted to provoke him, others gripped their blades, radiating fierce battle intent...
Clearly, Orin's sky-splitting slash moments ago had left a deep shock in their hearts.
Especially one youth carrying a black blade—his eyes burned with sharp fighting spirit, as if he had discovered a priceless treasure.
Under normal circumstances, Orin wouldn't have minded playing with these future "big shots"—
Like teasing the little hawk or patting the baby croc.
But right now, he didn't have the mood for any of that.
Because at this moment, all his attention was still fixed on Captain Roger's corpse.
He slowly pulled a Den Den Mushi from his pocket.
"Bru... bru... bru..."
Click.
Orin's face remained calm as he spoke into the receiver.
To the onlookers, no one knew who Orin had contacted or what they discussed.
All they knew was that shortly after the call ended, Marine Headquarters received a top-level directive from the World Government—
—Roger's corpse was to be handed over to Black Gun Orin.
"He's the number one criminal who destroyed Marine Headquarters—an enemy to all Marines! If we just hand the body over to someone like Black Gun, then we Marines..."
In the Fleet Admiral's office, Admiral Kong's expression darkened as he argued into the Den Den Mushi.
"Watch your tone, Kong! What does Marine pride matter?"
The Elder's hardline tone left Kong speechless. Any words he wanted to say were extinguished by the cold gaze coming through the Den Den Mushi.
In the end, he had no choice but to begrudgingly obey the order.
The command trickled down through the ranks.
Even if they didn't understand it, not a single Marine dared to defy it.
"Black Gun Orin? What does he intend to do?"
"That guy... the Marines and World Government's people are still here. Is he trying to start another war?"
"Hehehehe, what a bold and reckless man!"
"What an overwhelmingly dominant man..."
But to everyone's surprise—
Whether it was the Marines or the World Government's guards, no one dared stop that tall, lean figure as he slowly ascended the platform.
Even the Marine officers could only glare at Orin with furious eyes.
Everyone who witnessed the scene found it hard to believe.
Orin ignored them, step by step walking up the platform. Then he lifted Captain Roger's bloodstained corpse onto his back.
He looked down at the people below, gave them a sweeping glance, then turned away—
And vanished from sight with the body in tow.
Indeed, his fruit ability hadn't developed enough to teleport with living beings yet.
But Captain Roger was already dead, so there were no restrictions anymore.
With the main character's departure, the remaining crowd on the plaza also began to slowly disperse.
After failing to find Orin, Buggy and Shanks left together toward the outskirts of Loguetown.
But on the way, the two, usually so close, had a falling out. Buggy glared at Shanks, who looked indifferent, and roared:
"Shanks! You said you'd one day sail your own ship to Laugh Tale!"
Shanks lowered his head calmly. His straw hat shadowed his eyes, and he gave Buggy an unexpected answer:
"Yeah... but I've changed my mind. For now, I don't plan on going. But I'll still be a pirate."
He also extended an invitation to Buggy:
"Come with me, Buggy."
At those words, Buggy was immediately overwhelmed by anger and betrayal.
He clenched his teeth and slapped away Shanks's outstretched hand.
"You cowardly idiot! Compared to someone like you, only Orin is worthy of being the next-generation king! Captain Roger really misjudged you!!!"
Wasn't it Roger's wish for Shanks to inherit his will?
Buggy still couldn't understand why Captain Roger hadn't chosen Orin as his successor.
And now, he was more disappointed in Shanks than ever.
"You haven't forgotten, right? You lost my treasure map! Next time we meet, we're enemies!!!"
With those final words, Buggy turned and ran off, leaving behind this place of heartbreak.
As Buggy's figure faded into the distance, Shanks stood frozen in place, motionless for a long time.
To be honest, these two were truly the most stubborn men of the century.
If only Shanks had explained that now wasn't the right time, and they could go in the future—
Buggy wouldn't have left in a fit of anger or believed Shanks had betrayed Roger's legacy.
The result?
Two childhood best friends who wouldn't see each other again for over a decade.
"Buggy's always been so hot-headed..."
At some point, Orin appeared beside Shanks. Watching Buggy's fading figure, he made no move to stop him.
Men of the sea all have their own choices. As a friend, Orin wouldn't force him.
And when Buggy truly rises again, Orin will naturally appear—
After all, he's quite interested in being the Emperor's right-hand man.
"I know, Shanks. Now isn't the right time. But..."
Orin paused, then looked into Shanks's resolute eyes, a familiar smile returning to his face.
"How can you be sure you're the right one? The future Pirate King might just be Buggy~"
Still, Orin had no intention of being a peacemaker.
Because if Buggy really became Shanks's vice-captain, then would the Yonko Buggy we know still exist?
Buggy...
Was never lacking in the potential to be a king.
Everyone has their own chosen life and their own journey.
In truth, the "Three Little Ones of the Old Era" had already disbanded the moment the Roger Pirates dissolved.
They had gradually drifted apart. Though they had once been joyful together, now no ship could carry them all.
It was time to go their separate ways.
Besides—
They were bound to meet again on the sea someday.
And when that day came, it would definitely be an interesting reunion.
It was on this day...
That Orin, Shanks, and Buggy officially parted ways—
And stepped onto their paths across the vast ocean...
(Old Era Arc · End)
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