Execution Day!
Marineford Execution Plaza
The rising sun in the east pierced through the sea of clouds, casting golden light upon the somber square.
A new day dawned, but instead of warmth, it made the oppressive atmosphere in the air feel even colder.
On the towering Execution Platform, Pluton Rayleigh, bound tightly by heavy chains, knelt in the center.
He lowered his head, his gray hair swaying in the wind, and his face no longer held the carefree and unrestrained air of the past.
Last night's conversation with Sengoku, Garp, and others completely shattered his last remaining belief.
Sengoku stood on the platform, his Fleet Admiral fluttering in the wind, his face as iron, his imposing presence as firm as a mountain.
In the center of the Execution Platform, three heavy, specially made chairs stood as symbols of power.
Sakazuki crossed his arms, lava slowly churning in his sleeves, his gaze sharp as a knife, as if he wanted to incinerate all that dared to resist.
Kuzan leaned back lazily, but a wisp of ice crystal had quietly formed on his fingertips, and the chill permeated the entire chair.
Borsalino casually crossed his legs, his sunglasses reflecting the dazzling morning light, a faint, cold smile playing on his lips.
Execution Platform, and atop the high platform, the figures of the Shichibukai stood in a row:
Hawk-Eye's blade gleamed coldly, Empress's aura was aloof and sharp, Jinbe, Crocodile, Kuma, Moria, Aramaki...
Although they each had their own agendas, they were all forced to become part of the "order" at this moment, symbolizing the navy's absolute control.
Beneath the square, 30,000 Navy Elite stood in neat rows!
Blades, spears, and cannons gleamed coldly in the sunlight, their chilling aura soaring to the heavens!
At the very front, Gion and Tokikake lead the New Generation elites to guard the front:
Luo's gaze was cold and sharp, his fingers gripping the hilt of his sword, ready to draw it at any moment.
Luffy pulled his Marine Cap down low, his shoulders tense, his muscles poised to burst at any moment.
Nami gripped the Clima-Tact tightly with both hands, clouds swirling around her, and lightning flickering in and out of sight.
Sanji, a cigarette dangling from his lips, exuded a heavy aura amidst the swirling smoke, his eyes burning with fighting spirit.
Usopp's Sniper Rifle was already in place, his pupils calm, his finger lightly on the trigger.
This scene was projected to every corner of the world through a giant Live Broadcast Den Den Mushi!
In the New World, the Pirates were dumbfounded and filled with fear.
People from all corners of the world held their breath, their eyes filled with anticipation and disbelief.
Kingdoms and regimes around the world were shocked and speechless, knowing that this public execution would reshape the entire world order.
"The Navy... is truly powerful!!"
"Is this Justice in the New Era?!"
"With this kind of lineup... is anyone really brave enough to come to the rescue?!"
"Is the Pirate Era... really coming to an end?!"
Under the watchful eyes of the masses, Sengoku's voice boomed across the sky and sea via Amplifying Den Den Mushi: "Today—"
"In the name of Justice, we will execute Dark King Rayleigh, the Right Hand of the Pirate King!!"
"This declares that the Navy will completely end the Great Pirate Era!!"
The entire arena was deathly silent, save for the distant, low echo of war drums, like a death knell tolling for a bygone era.
Meanwhile, at the Holy Land Mary Geoise, the headquarters of the Holy Knights
In the dimly lit hall, Shanks sat alone on a cold stone chair.
A giant projection screen displayed images of the Execution Plaza on the wall.
Rayleigh's kneeling figure on the Execution Platform resembled a rusty dagger, plunging deeply into Shanks' chest.
That was the "teacher" he once looked up to and stood shoulder to shoulder with, but now he has become a sacrifice used by the navy to announce New Era.
Footsteps slowly approached from behind.
Saint Shamrock, draped in the silver cloak of the Holy Knights, stood straight as a spear as he entered this silent place.
In the candlelight, he glanced at the screen, his gaze lingering for less than a moment, his eyes as cold as ice.
The life or death of an ant is never worth the attention of the Celestial Dragons.
"I've already made the arrangements for what you asked for."
Saint Shamrock's voice was deep. "But everything you've said is true?"
Shanks didn't turn around, his knuckles clenched so tightly they turned white, his voice hoarse. "Yes. As long as that matter is settled... I'll stay with the Holy Knights to assist you."
He slowly rose, turned around, and looked directly at his brother, his eyes heavy. "And... I'll tell you everything about 'Mother'."
"--!" Saint Shamrock's pupils suddenly contracted, and his fingers under his cloak visibly trembled.
After a brief moment of hesitation, he quickly regained his composure, gave a heavy snort, and turned to leave. "I hope you keep your word..."
The silver cloak swept across the ground, leaving a cold arc of light that completely severed the darkness from the light.
The moment the doors closed, the hall fell silent once more.
Shanks' expression, however, gradually twisted in the deathly silence!
A chilling smile appeared on his lips, followed by a raging fire burning in his eyes.
"Celestial Dragons... Ha, still so high and mighty." He sneered in a low voice, his tone laced with contempt.
As the fingertip swiped across the screen, Rayleigh's kneeling figure on the Execution Platform was captured intently by the crimson pupils.
"Mr. Rayleigh..."
"You once taught me the weight of 'freedom,' but now I fully understand—true freedom only belongs to those who can overturn the chessboard!"
"Roy... Navy..."
Shanks clenched his fist, bloodshot eyes widening. "You think executing Captain Roger and Mr. Rayleigh will end the Pirate era?!"
The wheels of fate never stop turning!
Dawn Island, Dawn Village
The sky was overcast and oppressive, with dark clouds as black as ink.
This usually sunny village was unusually hit by a heavy rain today.
Raindrops pattered against the eaves and flagstones, and the whole village was quiet; almost everyone stayed indoors.
Rock's home--
In the living room, the fireplace cast a soft glow.
Rock, with a pipe dangling from his lips, looked solemn.
Airin held the Den Den Mushi in her arms, her eyes glued to the global live broadcast it was showing.
In the Execution Plaza, Rayleigh was chained to the center of the high platform.
At the very front of the army formation, Luffy and Nami stood side by side, their Marine Caps and naval uniforms standing out prominently in the sunlight.
Airin's hands trembled slightly as she murmured, "Luffy... Nami... I hope this all ends well, and that there won't be any more battles..."
But... where's Ace? Why isn't he here?
Rock exhaled a cloud of smoke, his voice steady. "Didn't Luffy say when Luffy came back? Ace went out on a mission, and Roy went with him."
Don't worry...
Even so, the gloom in his eyes was impossible to conceal.
Outside the window, the rain intensified.
Thunder rumbled, and dark clouds hung low, making it almost impossible to breathe.
Rock shifted his gaze to the deathly black sky outside the window, his brow furrowed, his tone grave. "Strange... why did the weather suddenly change today?"
Airin also looked out the window, a sense of unease rising within her. "That's right... Marineford was clearly bathed in sunshine on the live stream..."
"Knock--knock--" Suddenly, a heavy knocking sound came from outside the door!
Both of them were startled.
Airin instinctively grasped Rock's arm, her voice trembling, "With this heavy rain, who would come at this hour?"
Rock slowly rose to his feet, the glow of his pipe flickering in his eyes.
Footsteps thumped on the wooden floor as he walked towards the door. "Who is it?"
"Click--"
The sound of the door lock turning was particularly jarring amidst the rain.
The door slowly opened.
Beyond the curtain of rain, two tall figures stood.