On the Red Line
The holy land of the World Nobles, the Celestial Dragons.
Within the halls of power, five old men who held the world's highest authority were also informed of Roger's execution.
"The Marines have truly disgraced themselves."
Reclining in a single sofa chair, legs crossed, wearing a deep crimson suit without a tie, golden hair and beard Shepherd Ju Peter, spoke faintly.
"Who would've thought Roger would disgust us even in death."
Standing upright, hands clasped behind his back like a proper butler, tall and slender, with long gray-white hair and a trident-shaped beard Marcus Mars, said coldly.
"What's done is done. Let's discuss how to resolve it."
Wearing a black suit, with a head of white curls, a fluffy white beard, a flat cap, and a scar across his left cheek, he sat straight-backed on another sofa chair, leaning on a thick-headed cane Jaygarcia Saturn spoke.
"They're nothing but trash of the seas. They don't affect the rule of the World Government. As long as the heavenly tribute from the nations keeps coming, it doesn't matter."
Dressed in a deep green suit, bald, with drooping walrus-like mustaches and a birthmark on his forehead, seated on the right side of the double sofa Topman Warcury, said flatly.
"The Marines will definitely use this as an excuse to demand more funding. A bunch of good-for-nothings."
Wearing a white kimono, bald, glasses perched on his nose, the only one not in a suit, holding a samurai blade in hand
On the left side of the double sofa sat Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro. He said with irritation:
"Then just give it to them. Otherwise, if the nations can't defend themselves and fail to pay tribute, that would be a disgrace."
"If it's for protecting the allied nations, then let's raise the heavenly tribute even higher."
"Perfect timing to make the unaffiliated nations feel fear. That way, they'll obediently hand over the tribute as well."
"In that case, there's no real loss. Let's settle it!"
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
...
The New World.
On Beehive Island, "Whitebeard" Edward Newgate hadn't watched the live execution. To him, the departure of an old friend was no cause for joy. The loss of a rival was equally the loss of a kindred soul.
He knew why Roger had surrendered, knew the reason and the purpose.
Before surrendering, Roger had even wanted to tell him the secret of the final island, Laugh Tale.
But Whitebeard wasn't interested. His dream wasn't to be Pirate King, nor to conquer. His only wish was to live together with his family.
That was why Shiki always ridiculed him. In Shiki's eyes, Whitebeard held the power to destroy the world, yet chose to remain in his corner, playing house with his "sons."
To Shiki, this was not only a desecration of Whitebeard's power, but a desecration of the very title of pirate.
"Roger… the future you wished for, I look forward to it."
As his contemporaries disappeared from the sea one after another, Whitebeard felt the weight of age upon himself.
"Pops! A news agency wants to use the title 'Strongest Man in the World' for you! They came to ask for our opinion."
"Diamond" Jozu came running up with excitement.
"'Pirate King' isn't as cool as 'Strongest Man in the World' anyway!"
"Let them do as they please."
Whitebeard said indifferently. The news agencies maintained information networks with the Whitebeard Pirates in the New World, so this was merely a symbolic gesture of respect.
"Roaaaar!!! Pops is the 'Strongest Man in the World'!!"
"Gurararara! My sons! Don't waste your time caring about pointless titles! Let's have a feast!"
"Yoooooo!!!"
Beehive Island erupted in wild celebration.
...
"Ma ma ma ma ma! So the Pirate King was killed by the Marines just like that!"
"What a pity! I never had a child with him. Otherwise, it would've been the strongest bloodline in the world!"
The tall, though still slender, Charlotte Linlin said after hearing the news.
"Mama, what should we do next?"
Charlotte Perospero, her eldest son, asked.
"Ma ma ma ma ma! Of course, we'll seize new territory! And then Mama will sit on the Pirate King's throne!"
Linlin grinned ferociously, not even attempting to conceal her ambition.
...
The seas around Wano Country.
On Onigashima
"Wororororo! Roger! So you died just like that! Too damn sad!"
The massive figure of Kaido sat cross-legged on the ground, guzzling sake, tears streaming as he wailed.
"So this time it's sadness, huh."
The Beasts Pirates had long grown used to this.
"Ahhh! Damn it! Since you died just like that, then I'll take the Pirate King's seat!"
Boom!
With that roar, Kaido smashed his gourd of sake into the ground.
"Now he's angry again."
The crew had already withdrawn far away to avoid being caught in the blast.
"Wano! Just you wait!"
...
The kingdoms across the seas were thrown into shock by the news.
The more astute kings immediately expanded their armies, bought weapons, preparing to face the storm to come.
But an era does not change because of one man's choices.
If Roger hadn't spoken those words before his death—
Would ambitious men have simply abandoned their lust for the One Piece?
At best, Roger had only ignited the fuse of this twisted world.
...
The world was in upheaval!
Roger's influence was still spreading!
The trend of the Great Pirate Era had already appeared!
In Loguetown, crowds of people gathered, restless and eager.
If not for the presence of a Marine branch here, the town would already have fallen into chaos.
And such worry was not misplaced.
Because at that very moment, across the seas, the same scenes were unfolding everywhere.
Even so, Loguetown was still bustling.
Many were recruiting crews here.
Even longtime residents of the town were gathering friends together.
They spoke of adventure, freedom, the pursuit of manhood.
But once they faced the true sea, how much conscience would they have left?
At this moment
Inside the Loguetown Marine branch
"Admiral Zephyr, why can't we arrest these people now?! They already harbor evil intent!"
A young marine could no longer hold back his doubts, and asked the man seated in the center of the conference room.
"Hey, you brat! Is this a place for you to speak?!"
The branch commander, a Marine Major, roared angrily when he heard his subordinate daring to question an Admiral.
"Hurry up and apologize to Admiral Zephyr!"
The Major scolded again. Though Zephyr was known as the "Admiral Who Doesn't Kill," and was kind to his own men
To say something like this now, wasn't it the same as questioning the very justice an Admiral stood for?
The Major couldn't help but worry. If Zephyr took offense, their branch would be in deep trouble.
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T/N:
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