Watching Roger's Execution in the Pirate World: The Beginning

A hurried alarm rang out above the Marine Base in Loguetown. Row after row of Marines stood neatly arranged in the tense atmosphere, and Colonel Randall appeared on time at the base Training Ground to ask what had happened.

"Reporting, Colonel! A pirate ship has been spotted moored at the harbor! It's the Iron Hammer Pirates, whose entire crew has a bounty totaling thirty million Beli!"

A Marine who looked like an intelligence officer shouted his report.

Hmm, the Iron Hammer Pirates. Randall remembered them. Their captain, Haohei, had a bounty of twenty million Beli. In the East Blue, that was enough to make him a major pirate. (Note: Since Luffy had not been born yet, Garp did not come to the East Blue especially often. Thus, although the East Blue was still the Weakest Sea, its overall bounties were not as low as they would be more than a decade later.)

"All hands! Form up and head to the harbor to intercept the Iron Hammer Pirates! Stop the pirates from landing! Protect the safety of the townspeople!"

Randall shouted loudly. A bounty of twenty million was already enough to make him treat the matter seriously.

After all, he was only a branch Colonel. He was nothing like Smoker in the future, who relied on his Logia Devil Fruit to possess overwhelming dominance over pirates who did not know Haki.

One careless mistake could land him in trouble. In war, however, the price of such a mistake was often one's life. Thus, a serious look appeared in Colonel Randall's eyes.

"Yo! Colonel Randall, how did they know I was coming back? They even put on such a huge welcome. Honestly, you're making me feel embarrassed..."

Atlas's Observation Haki naturally detected the group of Marines charging over from afar, especially Colonel Randall at the head. He assumed they had come to welcome him back, so he sat cross-legged at the bow, grinning as he enjoyed his moment in the spotlight.

When Randall reached the harbor, he saw a resolute-looking, muscular young man sitting at the bow of the Iron Hammer Pirates' ship, but none of the other pirates were in sight. Assuming there was an ambush, he grew even more vigilant. Still, Randall felt that the young man looked somewhat familiar, as if he had seen him somewhere before.

"Colonel Randall, what's wrong? Don't you recognize me?"

Atlas also sensed that something was off. When Randall saw him, he should have given him a big hug. At the very least, he should not have approached with a confused look before turning wary. The Marines behind him were all brimming with killing intent, as if they wanted to eat him alive. How did this look anything like a welcome?

"You're... that brat Atlas?"

Colonel Randall carefully compared the person before him with the brat in his memories, speaking with some uncertainty.

This was not Randall's fault. After all, Atlas was now an adolescent, and he had indeed changed quite a lot since leaving Loguetown.

First were his height and build. He had once been relatively lean, but now his well-defined muscles, broad and solid back, and bulging Deltoids made him look like an entirely different person. His features also appeared much more mature, and his entire bearing carried a sharper edge...

"Huh?! Colonel Randall, you actually don't remember me? That's really hurtful."

Atlas claimed to be hurt, but his face was beaming.

Seeing that he was not an enemy, the surrounding Marines relaxed. Some who knew Atlas wanted to greet him, but they forcibly held themselves back because of military discipline.

"What's the story with this pirate ship?"

Randall voiced the question in his heart.

"Oh, I ran into it on the way. The small boat was too slow, so I took care of them along the way and earned some military merit to give you as a welcome-back gift."

Atlas answered casually.

"Then why didn't you take down the pirate flag?!"

A vein pulsed on Randall's forehead, and he became somewhat agitated.

Atlas froze. He looked toward the pirate ship, then at the furious Randall, and immediately understood.

"Come on, don't get so angry. I just forgot."

With that, he drew his sword and slashed at the ship's mast. A blood-red slash flew through the air and cut down the pirate flag, sending it tumbling into the sea.

"See? It's gone now."

This genuinely shocked Colonel Randall and the surrounding Marines. Randall himself was relatively calm; after all, he had been to the Grand Line and had naturally seen swordsmen. He was merely astonished by Atlas's rate of growth. The other Marines, however, were completely awed by this powerful display.

"Hahahaha, good lad! Come on, let's go to my office and have a proper chat! Let's chat! Let's chat!"

"Everyone, Marines! Dismiss!"

Randall roared with laughter as he grabbed Atlas and kept dragging him toward his Colonel's office.

Randall sat leisurely in his office chair, puffing clouds of smoke from the cigar between his teeth. Naturally, it was nothing expensive, merely an ordinary cigar. Randall might not have been particularly strong, but he was absolutely worthy of the word "Justice" behind him!

"Come on, tell me in detail what happened while you were away."

Randall looked at Atlas with satisfaction.

"Oh, it wasn't much. I got lost after pursuing the Philoc Pirates, then happened to run into Vice Admiral Garp... Vice Admiral Garp should have... told you everything afterward."

Atlas gave Colonel Randall a rough account of what had happened during that time. In truth, he was not sure whether Garp's unreliable self had actually told Colonel Randall anything.

Randall then asked Atlas, in the role of an elder, about the details of what had happened while he was "wandering" outside. Atlas answered each question.

After a long while, Atlas gently closed the door to the Colonel's office. He planned to visit Lieutenant Wright.

Oh, right. It was worth mentioning that Atlas was now a branch lieutenant, the same rank as Wright.

At Wright's home, Atlas stared at Lieutenant Wright with an expression of constipation. Wright's epaulets clearly showed that he was already a major at the Loguetown Marine Base, causing Atlas, who had originally intended to show off a little, to swallow his words.

In truth, Atlas's strength and military achievements were more than enough to qualify him for promotion to a field officer. However, a field officer could not be appointed by a mere branch Colonel. The request had to be submitted to Headquarters, which would then issue the appointment order. The process would probably take some time.

After chatting at Wright's home and asking about his situation, the visit was nearly over.

"Oh, right! When you have time, remember to go see that brat Smoker. He should really want to meet you right now..."

At the end, Lieutenant Wright—no, Major Wright—said meaningfully to Atlas.

"Huh? Oh, sure, if I get the chance."

Although he was somewhat confused, Atlas still agreed.

Chapter 19: Sparring

Early the next morning, Atlas began his daily training at the base training grounds. He had to admit that he rather missed the days when he had just joined the Marines and trained desperately on the grounds...

"Yo, Atlas! Honestly, you just got back and you're already training so hard. Don't you know how to rest?"

Colonel Randall happened to pass by and teased Atlas when he saw him practicing as soon as he returned.

"Ah, I can't help it. I'm still too weak!"

Atlas answered while swinging the long blade in his hand. The determination in his eyes had not diminished in the slightest.

"Honestly, what a desperate brat."

"I happen to be itching for a fight. How about sparring with me? It'll be a good chance to test your strength."

Colonel Randall rolled his thick neck and smiled at Atlas.

"Of course. But you're not allowed to use Flying Slash."

Randall seemed to think of something and quickly added that condition.

Atlas's interest was piqued as well. Although he felt that there was probably no one at the base who could defeat him now, he still wanted to test himself against Randall, the base's strongest figure in name. Perhaps he could even learn something. After all, Randall was older, and his combat experience was certainly much richer than Atlas's.

"Sure!"

Atlas shouted his agreement, then followed Randall to an open area of the training grounds.

The soldiers who had been watching the spectacle from the side grew excited. They had always been curious about who was stronger, Atlas or Colonel Randall. After all, Atlas was a famous monster at the base! The scene at the harbor had also left a deep impression on them. They immediately ran about shouting and calling their friends over. Before long, the area around the training grounds was packed with a sea of Marines.

"Hehe, Colonel Randall, you'd better give it your all later. Don't lose too quickly."

Atlas surveyed the surroundings before grinning at Randall.

"Enough nonsense. Stop boasting, you little brat!"

Randall laughed and cursed back without yielding an inch.

The two drew their swords and advanced. Sparks flew where their blades collided...

"Brat, your sword isn't as sharp as your mouth!"

Randall stared at Atlas, who was locked in a blade clash with him. His face had reddened from exertion, and the veins on his neck bulged one after another. Clearly, matching strength with Atlas was putting him under some pressure, but he refused to admit defeat.

"Oh? Is that so? Then try this, old man Randall!"

Atlas refused to be outdone, continuing to hurl taunts.

One Sword Style: Iris!

Atlas took a step back. His arm swelled as his biceps and triceps worked together, and he delivered a powerful horizontal slash toward Randall. Naturally, Atlas was holding back a little. Otherwise, cutting Colonel Randall open and making him vomit blood would look rather bad!

Randall was clearly no pushover. He raised his blade beside him and blocked the strike with ease.

"Hahahaha, brat! Haven't you eaten enough? Come on, keep going!"

Randall continued to talk tough to conceal his inner turmoil. Damn it, what did this brat grow up eating? How is he so strong?!

Atlas discreetly glanced at Randall's trembling right hand and decided to suppress his strength a little more, leaving the old man some dignity.

The surrounding Marines naturally had no idea what was really happening. They thought the two were evenly matched and cheered enthusiastically from the sidelines.

"Come again, brat!"

Randall roared, as if he had given himself a buff.

Bang!

Another simple collision took place, but Atlas's weapon seemed to develop a few cracks. This was only natural. Atlas had always used a standard Marine long sword rather than a Famous Sword. After accompanying him through so many battles, it should have been retired long ago. The fact that it had lasted this long already made it one of the finest standard blades.

"Hahahaha! You little brat, your sword looks like it's about to give out!"

Colonel Randall had clearly noticed the cracks in Atlas's blade. His eyesight was not extraordinary, but as a veteran who had experienced countless battles, he could tell from the sound of the collision that something was wrong.

"Don't worry, Colonel Randall. It can hold out long enough for me to beat you."

One Sword Style: Bird Thorn!

A straightforward thrust shot toward Randall, an honest attack that overwhelmed its target with sheer force!

Randall raised his blade to block. A white mark instantly appeared on his beloved sword, causing Randall considerable heartache. Although it was not a Famous Sword, it had accompanied him through most of his life and was far better than a standard Marine blade.

"Brat! I'm getting serious now!"

Randall hardened his resolve and gripped his sword with both hands. Only then could he withstand the force of Atlas's swings.

Shave!

Randall suddenly vanished from Atlas's sight, leaving behind only a string of afterimages. Shave, one of the Marine Six Powers. Due to his limited aptitude, Randall had learned only two of the Six Powers, and neither was particularly proficient. He had barely reached the entry level. At present, he could only use it to bully Atlas, who had yet to learn the Six Powers.

However, Atlas's physical qualities had already become superhuman, fully meeting the requirements for training in the Six Powers. His explosive power alone gave him a speed beyond the reach of ordinary people. But the Marine Six Powers were a physical art that surpassed the limits of the human body! Thus, Atlas was currently still slower than Colonel Randall. However, given Randall's physical strength, he probably could not use Shave many times. Shave placed an enormous burden on the user's leg muscles!

Atlas could simply stall until Randall could no longer continue, then defeat him with ease. But...

Observation Haki! Locked on!

Atlas activated his Observation Haki and easily detected Colonel Randall preparing to circle behind him. The corner of his mouth curled up, and he struck backward!

He advanced instead of retreating!

One Sword Style: Rainfall!

This was a new technique Atlas had developed. At its core, it was a downward slash, but its tremendous force and momentum created three afterimages that struck the enemy like a violent storm.

Randall was honored to become the first test subject for Atlas's new technique. However, he did not feel fortunate in the slightest. The sheer power of Rainfall was enough to make his heart feel oppressed.

Yet just as Randall was about to lose, an unexpected change occurred. Atlas's long blade suddenly transformed into a shower of iron fragments that fluttered down. The blade had probably already been cracked and could not withstand Rainfall, causing it to shatter at the crucial moment. This had unexpectedly saved Randall from defeat.

Chapter 20: A Sword Is Not the Only Useful Thing

"Hahahaha, brat, you're definitely losing this time!"

Randall froze for a moment before breaking into a smug laugh.

Atlas smiled as well. He clenched both fists, and a thick layer of calluses covered his knuckles like armor, inspiring fear at a glance.

"A sword is not the only useful thing! My martial arts are strong too... Colonel!"

Atlas's smile carried deep meaning. Although he had focused on swordsmanship over the years, giving people the impression that Atlas was a swordsman whose combat power would plummet without a sword in hand, that line of thinking was not wrong. All swordsmen were like that.

But... Atlas was different. He did not possess that kind of unwavering devotion to the sword.

To him, swordsmanship was merely one means of becoming stronger. Martial arts were the same.

Thus, he had never neglected his martial arts during his regular training. There was no complicated method. He simply threw punches day after day, starting with punches in the air and then moving on to punching hard objects.

He had learned this from Garp's memories. Back then, in order to smash the headbutt Chinjao the Drill of the Happo Navy was so proud of, Garp had trained by flattening eight mountains with his fists.

Atlas naturally could not reach that terrifying level, but he could still beat up a few small hills.

Randall did not bother with any flashy tricks and simply slashed at him!

Atlas naturally was not foolish enough to meet a blade with his bare fists. Instead, he shifted his body slightly and slammed his fist into the flat of the blade. The tremendous force instantly caused Colonel Randall to nearly lose his grip on his sword.