Arrival at Loguetown

In this world, ordinary people did not ask for much. Being able to live peacefully was enough.

Yet even such a life was nothing more than a luxury, because one never knew when a group of pirates might appear out of nowhere, kill them outright, seize their wife, and sell their children into slavery.

Having once been captured by traffickers and made a slave, and comparing that experience to the peace of his previous world, Dawn instinctively loathed the scum who brought chaos.

After arriving in this world and enduring so many hardships, Dawn had developed a deep understanding of the words Sengoku had spoken during the Summit War in the anime.

—For citizens who feared the rampant evil, our presence here was of great significance.

"Peace is nothing but a dream in this world." Dawn shook his head.

Dawn was also someone who longed to be extraordinary, to carve a path through blood and fire and stand at the pinnacle of this era's great tide.

That was Dawn's desire. He did not want to give it up, but he could choose what he fought for.

In that respect, he was completely different from those pirates who went out to sea.

"Admiral Sengoku, that's how it happened." Aokiji held the Den Den Mushi as he reported Dawn's identity.

After learning Dawn's identity, Aokiji accepted Adolf's request and had Sengoku make a call to report the news on his behalf. At the same time, he informed King Gaius of the good news that the prince had been found.

This was also Aokiji's standard report after learning of Dawn's circumstances. After all, it concerned the heir of a kingdom, one that maintained close ties and friendly relations with the Marines.

It definitely had to be reported to Sengoku.

"I never expected that brat to have such an identity. Aokiji, you and Yukimura have rendered a great service. Strengthening our relationship with the Ishtar Kingdom will be a good thing for us."

Sengoku sounded rather pleased on the other end, perhaps because the Ishtar Kingdom in the North Sea was a staunch ally of the Marines.

And now that the Marines had recovered the king's lost child, the relationship between both sides would rise to another level.

Besides, Garp seemed to be quite close to Gaius as well. He would surely be happy about this.

"Mr. Sengoku, what about Dawn? His aptitude is quite outstanding." Aokiji asked somewhat hesitantly.

"Don't worry. Proceed as usual."

Sengoku said over the line, "Gaius is one of the Marines' few unwavering allies. Besides, Dawn has lived among the Marines for so long.

Even if he might lean toward his own kingdom in the future, having him suppress and oversee the North Sea would still be a good option."

Sengoku had considered this matter. He was merely an unripe seed; there was no need to sour relations with a kingdom over it. They only needed to train him as usual.

If he truly became a high-level combatant, then even if his identity prevented him from becoming part of the core, having him stationed in the North Sea would still be a good choice. At the very least, it could ensure the stability of the entire North Sea.

Furthermore, Gaius was still young. Dawn would likely have to wait a long time before inheriting the throne.

"Mr. Sengoku, what should we do about Dawn and Adolf? Crossing the Calm Belt isn't something that can be done casually." Aokiji yawned and asked lazily.

"Once Roger's matter has been dealt with, I'll have Little Tsuru take them to the North Sea. Doflamingo has recently gone to Loguetown in the East Blue, so I called Tsuru back.

When Tsuru goes after Doflamingo again later, she can take them to the North Sea along the way."

At the mention of Doflamingo, Sengoku grew somewhat angry.

That Doflamingo was simply a troublemaking bastard, yet they could not touch him because of his identity. They could only have Tsuru, the user of the Wash-Wash Fruit, personally pursue him.

Doflamingo might look fearless, speaking disrespectfully even to Admirals and daring to clash with Fujitora.

But before the Summit War, at a Shichibukai meeting, Doflamingo controlled two Marines and made them slaughter each other, only to be stopped by Tsuru. He even said outright, "Lady Tsuru, I truly can't stand against you."

He dared to talk back to Admirals, yet he used an honorific when facing Tsuru. That showed just how much deterrence Chief Staff Officer Tsuru held over Doflamingo.

"All right, enough of that. I'll have Garp give his old friend Gaius the good news. And Aokiji, good work."

As he said this, Sengoku's gloomy expression could not help but brighten.

"Good. At least I won't have to make the trip myself." Aokiji rested his chin on his hand and smiled, then hung up the Den Den Mushi, put on his eye mask, and went back to sleep.

The matter of Dawn's identity had come to a temporary close. The warship steadily made its way toward the East Blue, and the endless sea returned to its usual calm.

Dawn stood steadily at the bow, gazing at the boundless ocean before him.

They were about to arrive at Loguetown.

Golden sunlight spilled across the sea, and with the rolling waves, it looked as though the ocean itself had turned gold. The sea breeze carried the scent of sunshine, making one unable to resist narrowing their eyes in comfort.

Yet at this moment, no one aboard the warship relaxed in the slightest or felt any joy at reaching their destination.

Traveling at sea was tedious. Every landing was usually a chance to relax, but there was not the slightest cheer on this warship. There was only solemnity.

Because this place would soon become the center of the world, and the starting point of the era's great tide!

In Loguetown, though it was daytime, the residents wore wary expressions without any sign of relaxation.

Besides them, even more Marines carrying weapons patrolled the streets, maintaining order.

Rather than a peaceful town where people lived and worked in contentment, it resembled a Marine Branch military fortress.

The entire town felt exceedingly oppressive, carrying the air of an impending storm.

Even Sola, who was usually carefree and unconcerned about anything, was affected by the tense atmosphere after arriving in Loguetown. Her normally lively demeanor had vanished, replaced by a serious expression.

Perhaps it was because they had captured Roger just moments before—although he had turned himself in, Garp was credited publicly with catching him—and then Sengoku and Garp had joined forces to capture Golden Lion.

Now, they were even going to execute the Pirate King in Loguetown. Their successive victories had given people hope for the peace they sought and filled the Marines with immense confidence.

So although Loguetown's atmosphere was so solemn, people did not feel uneasy. Instead, they longed for peace, hoping that the Pirate King's death would calm the seas.

Even the Marines nearby carried the hopeful thought of, "Once this duty is over, there won't be any more wars to fight. I can go home peacefully and get married."

"Ah, what pitiful people. If you knew what Roger would do during his execution, I wonder if you'd still be so optimistic?"

Dawn looked at the people in town and sighed inwardly.

The era's rampage is coming!