Rain pattered down from the sky as cold winds howled, yet they could not extinguish the flames of desire burning in people's hearts. Everyone was discussing it passionately, even frantically...
The weather varied across the world, but the flames of desire in many hearts burned just as fiercely, impossible to suppress.
In a stretch of sea in the New World, a massive pirate ship was anchored upon the ocean. On its deck, which was like a small island, every pirate watched a live broadcast screen displaying Roger's execution grounds in Loguetown.
At the center of the deck sat a figure as large as one of the Small Giants. His two thick white mustaches curved like crescent moons. Though his aura was restrained, his soaring boldness and domineering presence occasionally leaked out.
"Gurararara..."
"Roger, you truly are something!"
"Boys, hold a banquet to send Roger off!"
"Yeah, got it, Pops!" the crewmates answered in unison, then expertly went off to prepare for the banquet.
"Gurararara... Roger, rest well!"
Whitebeard laughed to himself. He lifted the wine jar beside him, taller than an ordinary man, and its crystal-clear, richly fragrant liquor poured into Whitebeard's mouth like a small waterfall before flowing into his stomach.
In a corner of the ship, Blackbeard was eating his favorite cherry pie. Roger's execution was reflected in his eyes, and an excited smile appeared on his face as he murmured, "Has the new era finally begun? This is getting more and more interesting!"
"Unfortunately, it still isn't my time to take the stage. But that's fine—I don't lack patience..."
After saying that, Blackbeard, Marshall D. Teach, returned to his usual honest and simple-minded appearance. Greeting the pirates passing by, he went with them to prepare for the banquet.
At the same time, on Lion King Island in the New World, Golden Lion's headquarters rested upon a Sky Island floating in midair. Within the island's grandest and most imposing palace, Golden Lion was also watching Roger's execution.
After Carlos rescued Golden Lion, he returned directly to his headquarters. By then, some of Golden Lion's officers had already begun to stir, intending to leave the Flying Pirates and secretly align themselves with other Pirate Crews—mainly the rising Beasts Pirates and Big Mom Pirates of the New World.
After Golden Lion returned, his trusted subordinates reported several unusual developments to him. Then, with swift and ruthless decisiveness, the incomparably domineering Golden Lion personally cut down the two officers who had been causing the most trouble. He smoothly reunited the Flying Pirates, which had been on the verge of falling apart, and his prestige became even greater than before!
After all, they had no idea how Golden Lion had escaped from Impel Down, and they feared him even more because of it!
Golden Lion was alone in the palace. When he heard Roger shout those words, heard the cheers from the square, and realized Roger's intentions...
A smile appeared on Golden Lion's face. Clenching his cigar between his teeth, he laughed loudly. "Hahahaha... As expected of a man I acknowledge. What a grand move, what a grand move!"
"So you really turned yourself in. How could those incompetent Marines possibly have captured you?"
"Only by relying on the World Government and the Marines could you accomplish your goal..."
"This era seems to be getting more and more interesting!"
"Roger, I will surpass your achievements. When we meet again one day, we'll settle who is superior once more!"
In the New World, on an island crawling with Fierce Beasts, a towering castle stood at the island's center. Its overall color was black, making it appear somewhat gloomy and eerie.
In the castle's grand lounge sat an elegantly dressed middle-aged man who resembled an aristocrat. He held a glass of wine, its liquid crimson like blood. As he gently swirled it, a rich fragrance filled the air. This man was the elusive, mysterious, and powerful Lone Red—the Red Count, Patrick Redfield!
Among the four legendary pirates, Red Count was the most mysterious. Alone, he was equivalent to a top-tier pirate crew!
Roger's execution was being broadcast on a wall-mounted screen in the lounge. Red Count calmly and elegantly watched the entire execution. He raised his glass toward Roger in a toast, then drained it in one gulp, sending Roger off in his own way!
Countless people were watching Roger's execution. Those three were among the very strongest, but besides them, famous New World pirates such as Big Mom, Kaido, and Byrnndi World were also watching...
The Pirate King who had suppressed the seas was dead, and the throne now stood empty. The powerful pirates of the New World would fight over the territories Roger left behind, and they would also go mad over that throne or Roger's treasure!
Of course, the Pirates in the first half of the Grand Line and the Four Blues were no different. Most great pirates set sail for such straightforward reasons: fame, power, and wealth!
Not long after Roger died, some people around the world, inspired and tempted by his words, could no longer wait to set sail. They wanted to take the first step into the sea, head for the New World, and claim everything Roger had left behind.
Of course, they were still naive and inexperienced. Very soon, the cruel sea would teach them a brutal lesson!
The view returned to Loguetown. Even this close to the Pirate King's execution, there were many hot-headed people who could not contain themselves and set sail. Naturally, they immediately hit a wall—the warships stationed outside Loguetown were no joke.
Even before his death, Roger had caused such an enormous commotion, placing the Marines and the World Government in an extremely passive position. They vaguely sensed that the turmoil on the seas would only grow greater, and the thought alone gave the Marines and the World Government a terrible headache!
Wouldn't it have been better for him to just die quietly?
The Marines immediately took Roger's body away, preparing to return to Marine Headquarters at once and deploy troops to the Four Blues and the first half of the Grand Line, where they would suppress and eliminate the large number of Pirates about to emerge!
This situation had to be crushed with an iron fist. They had to deliver the cruelest deterrent to those Pirates setting sail and to people across the world. Otherwise, more and more people would take to the sea!
The people in the square gradually departed, and before long, more than half had left. Carlos was among the last to go. He saw Shanks and Buggy still weeping uncontrollably, and he even saw the future Boss of the Revolutionary Army, Luffy's father, Dragon, wrapped head to toe in a dark green cloak.
History had borne witness. It was time to leave, and Carlos prepared to return and deal with the John Family.
The Marines and the World Government had entered their busiest period, while the world had entered its most chaotic period. It was the perfect time to strike against the John Family and the Mafia families across the entire West Sea!
If he secluded himself for training again, he would miss this excellent opportunity. Carlos decided to cultivate while dealing with his enemies.
His previous small goal had already been achieved, so it was time to set another one: unify the entire West Blue Mafia and become the sole Godfather of the West Sea!
Carlos turned and left, walking through the rain without even using an umbrella.
Rainy days were his personal favorite. He loved getting drenched!
In his previous life, whenever it rained, he would occasionally go out and get soaked. In this life, the Internal Energy within him was far stronger than it had been before. With Internal Energy protecting his body, getting rained on was nothing at all.
Why use an umbrella? Didn't getting soaked feel good?
For Carlos, getting drenched in the rain felt absolutely incredible!
Before heading back, Carlos planned to purchase some wine and food. The supplies stored in the Kamui Space had nearly been used up by Golden Lion and him.
As for his room at the inn, he had checked out long ago.
The departure of most of the Marines' powerful fighters and troops brought a subtle change to Loguetown. Although there were still excessive numbers of branch Marines stationed there, the Pirates were no longer as wary.
Some Pirates with grudges began fighting, while other greedy Pirates prepared to make profit without capital, mainly targeting those rookies getting ready to sail.
The lesson the Marines had not taught them, the Pirates were prepared to teach first.
As the Great Pirate Era began, Loguetown was the first to grow restless...
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