Parting Ways, The Formal End of the Old Era

The execution was over, a legend's chapter officially closed.

Mourning, in itself, was the greatest respect for the deceased.

Austin didn't dwell on it, nor did Shanks or Buggy; they had already prepared themselves mentally.

Captain Roger wouldn't want the youths of the new era to be perpetually burdened by his departure.

The gathered crowd began to disperse slowly.

Yet, a few figures remained on the plaza before the execution platform. They recognized Austin, the [Black Gun] Austin who had invaded Marine Headquarters just days prior.

Some were wary, some curious, some wanted to provoke, and some gripped their swords, brimming with fighting spirit...

This clearly showed the immense shock Austin's world-splitting slash had delivered to their hearts.

Especially the young figure carrying the black blade; at this moment, he looked as if he had found a rare treasure, his sharp fighting intent seeming on the verge of overflowing.

Normally, Austin wouldn't mind playing with these future "big shots,"

like teasing Little Hawk or petting Little Crocodile.

But he wasn't in the mood right now.

His attention was still fixed on Captain Roger's corpse.

He slowly pulled a Den Den Mushi from his pocket.

"Brrr brrr brrr..."

"Click."

Austin's expression remained calm as he faced the Den Den Mushi and spoke slowly.

To the outside world, no one knew who Austin had called or what communication had taken place.

They only knew that after the call ended, Marine Headquarters received a top order from the World Government

--to hand over Roger's corpse to [Black Gun] Austin.

"He's the number one criminal who destroyed Marine Headquarters, the common enemy of all Marines. If we just hand over the body to this [Black Gun], we Marines..."

In the Fleet Admiral's office, Fleet Admiral Kong's face was grim as he responded to the other end of the Den Den Mushi.

"Watch your tone, Kong!

What is the face of your Marines worth? You are merely vassals on the outer layer of the government."

The Five Elders' unyielding stance left Kong speechless. His thoughts of speaking up several times were dispelled by the cold gaze from the other end of the Den Den Mushi.

In the end, he could only grudgingly accept the order.

The order was passed down through the ranks.

Despite their confusion, not a single Marine dared to disobey.

"[Black Gun] Austin? What does he want to do?"

"That guy... the Marines and World Government personnel are still here. Does he want to start another war?"

"Hee hee hee, what a daring fellow!"

"What a magnificent man..."

However, to their surprise, neither the Marines nor the World Government guards could do anything but watch as the tall, slender figure walked step by step onto the platform, daring not to make a move.

Even the Marine generals could only glare at Austin.

Everyone watching this scene was in disbelief.

Austin ignored them, simply walking up the platform step by step. He then picked up Captain Roger's blood-stained corpse, glanced down at the crowd below, and turned his head.

He instantly vanished from sight with the body.

Indeed, his Devil Fruit ability had not yet been developed to the point where he could teleport with other living beings.

But Captain Roger was already dead, so there were naturally no restrictions.

As the protagonist made his exit, the remaining people in the plaza gradually dispersed.

After searching for Austin fruitlessly, Buggy and Shanks headed towards the outskirts of Loguetown together.

However, on the way, the two who were usually good friends began to argue. Buggy glared at Shanks, who seemed indifferent, and roared, "Shanks, you promised! You said you'd sail your own ship to Laugh Tale in the future!"

Shanks' expression was calm. He slowly lowered his head, his straw hat covering his eyes, but he gave Buggy an unexpected answer:

"Yeah, but I've changed my mind.

I'm not planning on going for now, but I'll still be a pirate."

At the same time, he also extended an invitation to Buggy to join his crew.

"Come with me, Buggy."

Hearing this, Buggy's heart was instantly engulfed by a wave of anger and betrayal.

He glared at Shanks, who stood before him with a calm expression, and batted away the outstretched hand.

"You coward, you idiot! Compared to someone like you, only Austin truly deserves to be called the King of the Next Generation. Captain Roger really misjudged you!!!"

Wasn't Captain Roger's wish for you to inherit his will?

Buggy still couldn't understand why Captain Roger hadn't chosen Austin as the successor to his will.

And now, he was utterly disappointed in Shanks!

"You haven't forgotten, have you? You lost my treasure map! From now on, we're enemies when we meet!!!"

With that, Buggy turned and ran away resolutely, leaving this place of sorrow.

Watching Buggy's receding figure, Shanks remained frozen in place for a long time, unmoving.

Truth be told, these two could certainly be considered the most stubborn individuals of the century.

If only Shanks had explained that it wasn't the right time, and they could go later, Buggy wouldn't have stormed off in a huff, thinking Shanks had betrayed Roger's dying wish.

The result was that two childhood friends who were once inseparable hadn't seen each other in over ten years.

"Buggy, he's always so impulsive..."

At some point, Austin appeared beside Shanks. He watched Buggy leave without attempting to stop him.

Men on the sea make their own choices. As his good friend, Austin wouldn't force anything.

And when Buggy truly pulled himself together, Austin would naturally appear.

After all, he was quite interested in the idea of becoming an Imperial Father.

"I know, Shanks. It's truly not the right time right now, but..."

Austin paused for a moment, then looked at Shanks' resilient eyes, a familiar smile returning to his face.

"How can you be sure you're the right person? It's not impossible that Buggy will be the Pirate King in the future~"

However, Austin had no intention of playing peacemaker.

After all, if Buggy were to become Shanks' First Mate, would the Four Emperor Buggy of the future still exist?

Buggy, He never lacked the potential to become a King.

Everyone has their own life to choose, and their own journey to embark on.

In fact, as soon as the Roger Pirates disbanded, "The Three Little Ones of the Old Era" had already disbanded as well.

They seemed to have drifted apart. They were happy together in the past, but now no single ship could accommodate them all; they had to go their separate ways.

This is life. (Quote from Pai Zong)

Moreover, They would eventually meet again on the sea.

It would surely be interesting then.

Also on this day, Austin, Shanks, and Buggy officially parted ways, Embarking on their respective journeys across the sea...

(Old Era Arc · End)