The old woman said Roger had been the only man who dared to treat the Grand Line like it was nothing.
That stretch of sea had swallowed ships without leaving so much as wreckage to wash ashore.
Ordinary people went weak at the knees just hearing the name "Devil Sea." Who would dare go anywhere near it?
But Roger hadn't known the meaning of fear. He'd sailed into the Grand Line as casually as if he were going for a stroll.
Honestly, that attitude would have been outrageous even now.
As the old woman told the story, she sounded as though it had happened yesterday.
But all that was in the past.
Roger had died on the execution platform that very day.
To pirates, the name Roger was a legend.
After that, everyone who thought they had what it took became a pirate.
The Great Pirate Era had officially erupted.
In this age, only lunatics had any business setting sail.
Now, all that remained in this town were cowards.
The shop wouldn't last beyond today. Closing was a foregone conclusion.
Yet on its final day, it had grown lively.
Luffy couldn't stop laughing when she finished.
Luffy's way of thinking never disappointed.
The more Luffy heard, the more excited he got. His eyes were practically shining.
"So now I'm even more interested in Roger."
"After all, I'll be heading into the Grand Line myself before long."
"That's why I set out to sea—to go to the Grand Line and claim the title of Pirate King."
The old woman stared at Luffy, as though she saw Roger reflected in her eyes.
Her pupils contracted. She was too stunned to speak.
Then her eyes widened.
But even through her shock, delight spread across her face.
The corners of her mouth lifted.
His