The Great Pirate Era (Part 1)

In Loguetown Square, the execution platform had already been set up. The edges of the square were filled with elite Marines from Marine Headquarters. Beside the execution platform, another platform was built, with several seats on it. These were prepared for high-ranking Marines.

The square was packed with people, mainly pirates and civilians, most of whom were men. The bright sunlight shone down, and sparse white clouds drifted slowly in the sky with the gentle breeze.

Carlos stood at the front of the square, a cigarette dangling from his lips, quietly waiting for Roger's arrival. Once the execution began, he was ready to witness the dawn of the Great Pirate Era.

Roger was a complex man. To pirates, he was a legend, not only because he was the Pirate King but also because he had ushered in an era of prosperity for pirates. However, to the vast majority of civilians, Roger was a terrifying and wicked figure.

The massive surge of pirates, coming in an endless stream, had plunged the entire world's civilians into danger. Pirates like Roger and Luffy were ultimately a minority. Most pirates were greedy, bloodthirsty, and unreasonable. They didn't engage in production, lived by plundering, and the impact they had on the world was unimaginable.

In Carlos's view, it all boiled down to differences in perspective. The world wasn't simply black and white; it was mostly gray. Conflicts arising from differing standpoints and beliefs were sometimes harder to resolve than hatred.

He, Carlos, was no savior, nor did he wish to be. He didn't care about the history of the Void Century, overthrowing the Celestial Dragons, or the D. He was indifferent to it all.

His stance was solely on himself. He stood with whoever was beneficial to him, whether they were pirates or Marines was irrelevant.

It was just that this world offered no sense of belonging. In his previous life, he would undoubtedly have stood with his own country, right or wrong. But in this world, without such a nation, he could only stand by his own principles.

Half an hour later, Fleet Admiral Kong and Admiral Sengoku had escorted Roger to the outskirts of Loguetown. They split into two groups: Roger was escorted by a Marine Vice Admiral and Marines from Marine Headquarters, while Kong and Sengoku remained hidden, guarding against any potential accidents.

Shackled and chained, Roger was escorted by a squad of Marines, walking step by step from Loguetown towards the execution platform in the square. He held his head high, like a straight pine tree, a smile on his face. With each step, he drew closer to death, yet he moved without the slightest hesitation. It wasn't like someone going to be executed, but rather like a king inspecting his subjects, exuding a unique charisma.

This unique charisma captivated the pirates in Loguetown and those watching the live broadcast worldwide. Even the most ambitious pirates were filled with admiration!

Roger's position as Pirate King was universally acknowledged, not just because the Roger Pirates had reached Raftel, but also because his influence among pirates was unparalleled. No other pirate could compare!

If Roger hadn't been terminally ill, Luffy wouldn't have had a chance. As the first Pirate King, as long as he took the time, pirates all over the world would have obeyed his commands, including figures like Whitebeard and Golden Lion.

Thump, thump, thump...

The clear, pleasant sound of footsteps approached from a distance, gradually entering the square. All eyes were drawn to the figure, which didn't appear particularly imposing. Their gaze followed the moving figure, filled with excitement, heartbreak, admiration, sympathy, ambition, and more.

On the elevated platform beside the execution stage, Fleet Admiral Kong, Admiral Zephyr, Vice Admiral Garp, Chief of Staff Tsuru, and other high-ranking Marines were gathered. The Marines were on the platform in front, presiding over this execution.

Originally, Fleet Admiral Kong should have presided. Executing the Pirate King was a great achievement and a chance to gain significant recognition. However, the task was given to Sengoku, which signaled the choice for the next Marine Fleet Admiral, as Kong was paving the way for Sengoku.

Carlos, with a smile, watched this man, who was gravely ill, smiling as he walked towards death, and who, before dying, had dealt a severe blow to the World Government and the Marines. A sense of admiration surged within him. Regardless of how it affected the world, this man was extraordinary, destined to be recorded in the annals of world history!

Thump, thump, thump...

Walking step by step towards the execution platform, Roger's pace was as usual, neither hastening nor slowing, calm and composed.

Everyone watched Roger step onto the execution platform and kneel down, their gazes filled with different emotions.

"Roger, where did you hide your treasure?"

"Where did you put the ONE PIECE?" Carlos's heart stirred. Hidden in the crowd, he spoke first, channeling his inner energy to his throat, his voice booming like thunder, echoing throughout the entire square!

"You scoundrel, this is bad, execute him immediately!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the high-ranking Marines' expressions changed. The Five Elders, watching the live broadcast of the execution, also looked grave. Sengoku immediately issued the order, roaring.

Hearing this voice, Roger was slightly stunned. This wasn't the actor he had arranged? But it didn't matter; it didn't matter who said it, he only needed a catalyst.

He released his remaining strength, a wave of Conqueror's Haki. This Conqueror's Haki wasn't particularly strong, but it was enough to temporarily stun the two executioners beside him, preventing them from acting immediately and giving Roger enough time to say what he wanted to say.

"Oh, hahaha… My treasure?"

"The ONE PIECE?"

"If you want it, go and get it, go and search for it! I've put everything in the world there!" Roger said with a smile. His voice wasn't loud, but it strangely resonated in everyone's ears, piercing their hearts. Even Carlos felt a surge of desire to go to Raftel, though it was quickly suppressed.

This statement, broadcast live to the world, was meant to dampen the pirates' morale and showcase the Marines' power. In an instant, it spread to every corner of the globe. At the very end of his life, by using the platform built by the Marines and the World Government, he had dealt a severe blow to the Marines and the World Government, causing them immense trouble!

The entire square fell into an absolute silence. People around the world watching the live broadcast, regardless of their status, were stunned… The next moment, a deafening cheer erupted from the square and from all over the world!

"Kill him!" The order was given again, this time by Fleet Admiral Kong himself.

The executioners, having snapped out of their shock, looked extremely grim, their faces twisted with rage. They plunged their incredibly sharp execution knives into Roger's body. Blood spurted out. Roger's head drooped, his face filled with a smile of relief and contentment…

The era of the Pirate King, Roger, had ended. He had departed like a true king, no, he was a true king!

Rumble…

Splash…

It was as if the heavens themselves were mourning the fall of this Pirate King, this child of destiny, this legend of an era. Unknowingly, the sunlight vanished, overcast by dark clouds. The roar of thunder sounded, and dense raindrops began to fall, quickly drenching the entire world…

In the square, all over the world, a fervent and excited atmosphere gradually took hold. The Pirate King Roger's lifelong treasure, everything he had, was placed there, tempting countless greedy, ambitious, and dream-filled people!

In short, it tempted all sorts of people, except those without ability, those content with their current situation, and those who acted like salted fish!