Arriving at Loguetown

In this world, ordinary people don't ask for much—just to live in peace and stability.

But even that kind of life is nothing but a luxury, because you never know which day a band of pirates will show up out of nowhere, kill you on the spot, take your wife, and sell your children into slavery.

Having once been captured by slavers himself, and comparing that memory to the peace of his previous world, Dawn instinctively loathed these scumbags who brought chaos.

After enduring countless hardships in this world, Dawn deeply resonated with a line Sengoku spoke during the Summit War in the anime.

—For the people who fear the tyranny of evil, our presence here carries great meaning.

"Peace... in this world, it's just a dream." Dawn shook his head.

Dawn was also someone who craved the extraordinary—to cut through blood and fire, to rise to the pinnacle of this era of great upheaval.

That was Dawn's desire, and he had no intention of giving it up. But he could still choose what he fought for.

In that regard, he was fundamentally different from the pirates who set sail.

"Admiral Sengoku, that's the situation." Aokiji held a Den Den Mushi, reporting Dawn's identity.

After learning who Dawn was, Aokiji accepted Adolf's request and had Sengoku make a call to relay the news, while also sending word of the prince's discovery to King Gaius.

This was standard procedure for Aokiji after finding out about Dawn—after all, it involved the heir to a kingdom, one that maintained close friendly ties with the Marines.

It definitely needed to be reported to Sengoku.

"I never expected that kid to have such a background. You and Yukimura have done well, Aokiji. Strengthening our relationship with the Ishtar Kingdom is a good thing for us."

Sengoku sounded quite pleased on the other end, likely because the Ishtar Kingdom in the North Sea was a steadfast ally firmly on the Marines' side.

And now that the Marines had found the king's lost son, the bond between them would only grow stronger.

Besides, Garp seemed to be on pretty good terms with Gaius personally—he'd probably be happy about this too.

"Sengoku-san, what about Dawn? His talent is quite remarkable." Aokiji hesitated slightly.

"Don't worry. Just proceed as usual."

Sengoku said over the phone: "Gaius is one of the few steadfast allies the Marines have. Besides, Dawn has lived among the Marines for so long.

Even if he eventually leans toward his own country, being able to hold down the North Sea as a stabilizing force wouldn't be a bad choice."

Sengoku had thought it through. After all, Dawn was just an unripened seed—no need to sour relations with a whole kingdom over it. Just raise him as normal.

If he did grow into a high-level combatant, even if his identity kept him from the core, he could still secure the North Sea and ensure peace across those waters.

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

"Sengoku-san, what about Dawn and Adolf? Crossing the Calm Belt isn't something you can just do casually." Aokiji yawned lazily as he asked.

"I'll have Tsuru take them to the North Sea after we're done with Roger's matter. That Doflamingo brat has run off to Loguetown in the East Blue, so I've recalled Tsuru.

After that, when Tsuru pursues Doflamingo again, she can bring them along to the North Sea."

Mentioning Doflamingo made Sengoku's tone turn irritated.

That Doflamingo was nothing but a troublemaker, and what made it worse was that his status made him untouchable. The only option was to have Tsuru, with her Wash-Wash Fruit, personally hunt him down.

For all his bluster—insulting Admirals, even clashing with Fujitora—when it came to Tsuru, Doflamingo was different. During the Shichibukai meeting before the Summit War, he manipulated two Marines into killing each other, only for Tsuru to stop him. He even admitted outright, "Tsuru-san, I truly can't best you."

He'd pick fights with Admirals, but before Tsuru, he used respectful language. That showed just how much of a threat Tsuru posed to him.

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

Sengoku's gloomy expression brightened as he spoke.

"At least I don't have to make the trip myself." Aokiji smirked, propping his chin on his hand. He hung up the Den Den Mushi, pulled his eye mask down, and went back to sleep.

With Dawn's identity settled for now, the warship steadily made its way toward the East Blue. On this endless sea, things returned to their usual calm.

Dawn stood firmly at the bow, gazing at the vast ocean before him.

Loguetown was almost there.

Golden sunlight spilled across the sea surface, turning the waves into liquid gold with every swell. The sea breeze carried the scent of sunlight, making him squint in quiet comfort.

But at that moment, no one on the warship felt any relief or joy at reaching their destination.

After all, sailing the seas was monotonous. Every landfall was a chance to unwind. But this time, there was no cheer on the warship—only solemnity.

Because this place was about to become the center of the world, the starting point of a new era!

In Loguetown, though it was broad daylight, the residents moved with cautious expressions, no trace of relaxation in sight.

Beyond them, armed Marines patrolled the streets, maintaining order.

It didn't feel like a peaceful little town. It felt more like a Marine Branch fortress.

The entire town was heavy with tension, carrying an atmosphere of "a storm brewing before the rain."

Even Sola, who was usually carefree and indifferent to everything, was affected by the oppressive mood of Loguetown. Her lively nature vanished, replaced by a serious expression.

Perhaps it was because they had just captured Roger (though he turned himself in, the public believed Garp caught him), followed by Sengoku and Garp teaming up to take down Golden Lion.

Now, with the Pirate King's execution set to take place in Loguetown, the string of victories had brought hope for peace to the people and immense confidence to the Marines.

So even though the atmosphere in Loguetown was this solemn, the people didn't feel uneasy. Instead, they carried a longing for peace, hoping that the Pirate King's death would calm the seas.

Even the Marines standing nearby wore an expectant look, as if thinking, "Once this shift is over, there won't be any more fighting, and I can go home in peace and get married."

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

Dawn looked at the crowd in the town and couldn't help sighing inwardly.

The era of upheaval was coming!