Great Pirate Era (Part 2)

The rain fell in a steady drizzle from the sky, cold wind swirling around, yet it could not extinguish the flames of desire burning in people's hearts. Everyone discussed with passion, even frenzy...

Weather conditions varied across the world, but the flames of desire in many hearts burned just as fiercely, impossible to suppress.

On a stretch of sea in the New World, a massive pirate ship sat anchored upon the ocean like a small island. All the pirates aboard stared at a live broadcast screen placed on the deck—the execution grounds of Roger in Loguetown.

At the center of the deck sat a figure like a small giant, two thick white mustache strands curving like crescent moons. Though his aura was restrained, traces of soaring boldness and overwhelming presence occasionally leaked out.

"Gurararara..."

"Roger, as expected of you!"

"Boys, throw a banquet! Send Roger off!"

"Ooh, right, Dad!" the crewmates answered in unison, then moved with practiced ease to prepare the feast.

"Gurararara... Roger, go well!"

Whitebeard laughed to himself, lifting a wine jar beside him that stood taller than an ordinary man. Crystal-clear, richly fragrant liquor poured into his mouth like a small waterfall, cascading down into his stomach.

In a corner of the ship, Blackbeard was eating his favorite cherry pie. The image of Roger's execution also reflected in his eyes. A hint of excited smile crept onto his face as he murmured to himself, "So a new era has finally begun? This is getting more and more interesting!"

"Too bad it's not yet my time to step forward. But that's fine—I'm not lacking in patience..."

With that, Blackbeard, Marshall D. Teach, resumed his usual honest and simple demeanor, and at the greeting of a passing pirate, went off to prepare the banquet together.

At the same time, in the New World, Lion King Island—Golden Lion's stronghold, a sky island suspended in midair. Inside the most majestic and imposing palace on the island, Golden Lion was also watching Roger's execution.

After being rescued by Carlos, Golden Lion had returned directly to his base. By then, some of his underling officers were already restless, wanting to break away from the Flying Pirates and cozy up to other crews—mainly the New World upstarts, the Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates.

After Golden Lion's return, his trusted subordinates reported some anomalies to him. With swift, decisive action and unmatched dominance, Golden Lion personally executed the two most unruly officers, then smoothly reconsolidated the nearly fractured Flying Pirates, his prestige now greater than ever!

After all, they had no idea how Golden Lion had escaped Impel Down, and they feared him all the more!

Only Golden Lion was in the palace. When he heard Roger shout those words, heard the cheers from the square, and sensed Roger's intent...

A smile spread across Golden Lion's face. Biting down on his cigar, he laughed loudly: "Hahaha... As expected of the man I acknowledge. A grand gesture, truly grand!"

"So you surrendered yourself after all. How could the incompetent Marines have caught you?"

"You had to use the World Government, use the Marines' power, to achieve your goal..."

"This era seems to be getting more and more interesting!"

"Roger, I will surpass your achievements. When we meet again, let's settle who's stronger!"

In the New World, on an island covered in fierce beasts, stood a towering castle at its center. The overall tone was black, giving it a gloomy, eerie feel.

In the castle's grand hall, a man dressed with utmost elegance, like a noble, held a glass of wine. The liquid was as scarlet as blood. He swirled it gently, the rich aroma of alcohol spreading through the air. This man was the elusive, mysterious, and powerful Lone Red—the Red Count, Patrick Redfield!

The Red Count was the most enigmatic of the four legendary pirates. One man alone was a top-tier pirate crew!

On the wall of the hall, a screen broadcast Roger's execution live. The Red Count watched the entire process with elegant composure. Raising his glass, he made a clinking gesture toward Roger, then downed the wine in one gulp, sending Roger off in his own way!

Countless eyes were on Roger's execution, but these three were the most prominent. Beyond them, Big Mom, Kaido, Byrnndi World, and other famous pirates of the New World were also watching...

The Pirate King who had suppressed the seas was dead. The throne now sat empty. The powerful pirates of the New World would slaughter each other over the territories Roger left behind, and they would go mad for that throne—or for Roger's treasure!

Of course, the same went for pirates in the first half of the Grand Line and the Four Blues. Most major pirates set sail with goals as direct as that: fame, power, wealth!

No sooner had Roger died than people across the world, inspired and tempted, could no longer hold back. Some rushed to set sail, eager to be first, to step into the sea and claim everything Roger had left in the New World.

Of course, they were still naive, still green. The cruel sea would soon give them a harsh beating!

Back in Loguetown, closest to the Pirate King's execution, many with hot heads and uncontrollable impulses also set sail. But they hit a wall immediately—the warships stationed outside Loguetown were no joke.

Roger had stirred up such a commotion before dying, putting the Marines and the World Government in an extremely passive position. They could vaguely sense that the storms on the sea would grow even fiercer. Just thinking about it gave the Marines and the World Government a massive headache!

Couldn't he have just died quietly?

The Marines immediately took Roger's body and left, preparing to return to Marine Headquarters to deploy troops to the Four Blues and the first half of the Grand Line, to suppress and eliminate the flood of pirates about to appear!

This situation demanded iron-fisted suppression—to deliver the most brutal deterrence to those setting sail and to people everywhere. Otherwise, more and more would take to the sea!

The crowd in the square gradually dispersed. Soon, most were gone. Carlos was among the last to leave. He saw Shanks and Buggy, still crying uncontrollably. He even saw a figure wrapped entirely in a dark green cloak—the future leader of the Revolutionary Army, Luffy's father, Dragon, also known as Dragon.

History had been witnessed. Now it was time to leave. Carlos prepared to go back and deal with the John Family.

The Marines and the World Government were about to enter their busiest period. The world was about to descend into its most chaotic time. This was the perfect opportunity to strike against the John Family and the entire West Blue Mafia!

If he went into seclusion to train again, he would miss this golden chance. Carlos decided to deal with his opponents while training.

His previous small goal had been achieved. Now it was time to set another: unify the entire West Blue Mafia and become the one and only Godfather of the West Blue!

Carlos turned and left, stepping through the rain without an umbrella or anything.

He personally loved rainy days. He really enjoyed getting wet in the rain!

In his past life, whenever it rained, he would go out and let the rain soak him. In this life, his Internal Energy was far stronger than before. With Internal Energy protecting his body, getting rained on was nothing.

Why bother with an umbrella? Wasn't getting soaked in the rain comfortable?

For Carlos, getting drenched in the rain felt absolutely amazing!

Before heading back, Carlos planned to stock up on some alcohol and food. The supplies stored in the Kamui Space had been nearly used up by him and Golden Lion.

As for the hotel room, it had long since been checked out.

The departure of most of the Marines' strong forces and units had caused a subtle shift in Loguetown. Although there were still an excessive number of stationed troops in the branch, the pirates were no longer as intimidated.

Pirates with grudges began to clash, while some greedy ones prepared to engage in no-cost ventures, targeting mainly the fresh-faced rookies ready to set sail.

The lesson the Marines hadn't delivered, the pirates were ready to give first.

With the dawn of the Great Pirate Era, Loguetown was the first to grow restless...