The Era Ignited

The moment those words fell, the entire Execution Square seemed to be struck by an invisible thunder.

The air froze abruptly, and the breathing of countless people paused for a split second.

The next second—

The elite marines responsible for security moved almost simultaneously.

"Insolent!"

The eyes of several marines turned sharp instantly.

They were all elite soldiers brought personally by Rock, and the moment that shout rang out, they sensed the abnormality.

"Clang—!!!"

Several long sabers flashed out of their scabbards simultaneously, cold lights tracing blinding arcs in the sunlight.

One of the marines already stepped forward, his movements swift and decisive, his blade pointing straight at that roaring pirate.

"Pirate, you're asking for death!"

The long saber cut through the air, and the air emitted a sharp, whistling sound.

Yet the moment the blade was about to fall, a figure violently dashed out.

"Bang—!"

The sound of iron colliding suddenly exploded, and the marine's blade was abruptly blocked.

It was a companion of that pirate, a man with a fierce expression desperately blocking the blade.

"What do you think you're doing?!"

He roared, "This is Loguetown, you bastards!!!"

At this instant, the entire crowd completely erupted into chaos.

Someone screamed.

Someone was knocked down in the crush.

Someone scrambled desperately to escape.

"Run away!!!"

"A fight broke out!!!"

The square instantly plunged into chaos.

Meanwhile, atop the execution platform, Roger heard those words.

He slowly raised his head, the sunlight falling upon his face.

At that moment, his gaze seemed to pierce through the entire crowd.

Then, he smiled.

That smile remained the same as it had always been.

Unrestrained, wild, carrying a contagious quality that was impossible to ignore.

Originally, considering his wife and child, he hadn't planned to respond, intending to quietly welcome death and let