Garp didn't press further after hearing Roger's explanation. After all, even if he asked, Roger wasn't likely to give him the truth.
That said, Garp didn't believe a word of Roger's excuse. Very few could wound Roger, and after battling him for nearly an hour, Garp hadn't inflicted even a single scratch.
Though their clothes were disheveled and riddled with holes, their bodies remained unscathed. Their powerful Haki had deflected all attacks thus far.
Roger's claim of being injured by others? Garp suspected it wasn't that simple.
However, it wasn't his concern. His sole purpose today was to send Roger straight to Impel Down.
With that in mind, Garp declared to Roger,
"Even if you're injured today, I won't hold back. Prepare yourself to retire in Impel Down!"
Garp intended to capture Roger alive, but given Roger's reputation as the Pirate King, the World Government was unlikely to let him live.
They would undoubtedly make an example of him to deter others.
In the original timeline, Roger's execution was meant to serve as a warning. Ironically, his final words had the opposite effect, igniting the Great Age of Pirates.
As piracy flourished, the Marines gradually lost control of the New World, which was divided among the Four Emperors.
From then on, the Marines were confined to the first half of the Grand Line.
Though the Marines still maintained some outposts in the New World, they lacked the dominance they once had.
Most islands were left to suffer, as the Marines dared not provoke the Four Emperors, whose territories were off-limits.
Roger chuckled disdainfully at Garp's declaration.
"You've been saying the same thing for years, Garp. Yet here I am, still fighting you. This time won't be any different."
"Catch me? Impossible. Absolutely impossible. Garp, you should give up on that dream!"
"HAHAHAHAHA!"
Roger's hearty laughter echoed across the battlefield. Whether he was laughing at Garp or himself was anyone's guess.
Garp interpreted Roger's laughter as mockery. Veins bulged on his forehead as he bellowed, "Damn you, Roger! Go to hell!"
With a roar, Garp rocketed toward Roger like a cannonball, his blackened fist swinging toward Roger's head.
"Damn you, Garp! If anyone's dying here, it's you!"
Roger shouted back, gripping his sword tightly. He swung upward to meet Garp's descending punch.
"BOOM!"
"RUMBLE!"
The clash of their Conqueror's Haki exploded outward, sending shockwaves rippling through the air. Black lightning streaked across the sky, while the sea churned violently below.
For a moment, the two were locked in a stalemate before changing tactics.
They moved to mid-air combat, exchanging blows at blinding speeds. Fists and blades blurred, creating a spectacle of destruction.
"BOOM!"
"CRACK!"
Their stray attacks carved massive craters into the sea, while the stormy sky above was punctured by their strikes.
The sheer devastation was a testament to their strength.
Thankfully, Garp had led Roger away from the fleet earlier. Otherwise, their shockwaves would have obliterated the gathered Marine ships.
The battle between the Marines and Roger Pirates raged on below.
Amidst the chaos, a small black dot appeared on the horizon, steadily growing larger.
Rayleigh, facing the island, was the first to notice. His sharp eyes identified it as their ship.
"CLANG!"
With a mighty slash, Rayleigh sent Zephyr hurtling backward. He then shouted to the crew below,
"Our ship has arrived!"
His announcement was simple, yet it carried great significance for those in the know. While the Marines were clueless, the Roger Pirates' officers understood the plan.
Rayleigh's call was both a signal and a distraction.
Without hesitation, Rayleigh abandoned the fight and bolted toward the approaching ship. The others would handle their own escapes.
Drawing too much attention might alert the Marines, complicating their departure.
Zephyr, standing mid-air with Geppo, watched Rayleigh leave and frowned in confusion.
"What's with him? Why'd he stop fighting all of a sudden?"
By the time Zephyr pondered this, Rayleigh had already reached the ship. He landed gracefully on the deck.
"THUD!"
As Rayleigh steadied himself, he turned to Reno and asked,
"Reno, are you ready?"
Reno, leaning casually against the railing, had been watching the distant battle. Without turning, he replied,
"I'm all set. I can take off anytime to send you all straight to hell!"
----------
Patreon Advance 30 Chapters: patreon .com/FicVibe