January 1, Sea Circle Calendar, Year 1498.
In the deepest reaches of Impel Down, the great underwater prison, heavy chains rattled through the dim corridors.
Escorted by two Marine officers, Roger slowly approached the stairs leading to the surface.
Seastone shackles bound his hands tightly, yet his steps remained steady, as though this were nothing more than an ordinary stroll.
When he saw the dazzling sunlight again after a month, he instinctively narrowed his eyes.
The sunlight fell across his face, illuminating features that were haggard but still resolute.
Roger drew a deep breath. The salty sea breeze filled his nostrils, carrying the long-missed scent of freedom.
Aboard the waiting warship, Garp stood silently on the bow deck.
His gaze never left Roger, and a flicker of conflicting emotions passed through his eyes.
"What is it, Garp?" Noticing his gaze, Roger grinned with his familiar arrogance. "Going to miss me?"
"Hmph." Garp snorted. He gave no answer, nor could he.
Instead, he turned and waved to the soldiers behind him. "Prepare to set sail. Destination: Loguetown."
The warship slowly pulled away from Impel Down's harbor, seagulls circling overhead with sharp, clear cries.
Roger was placed in a specially built cage in the middle of the deck, surrounded by Marines standing ready.
His gaze swept over each of them before finally settling on Garp's back.
"Garp," Roger began, only for a low, calm voice to interrupt him.
"A new era is about to begin."
Roger's expression stiffened slightly at the voice, and he glanced sideways.
Gern sat cross-legged beside the cage, wrapped in bandages with a cloak draped over his shoulders. The soldiers who had been guarding it had already withdrawn.
"You recovered in less than a month?" Roger was visibly surprised to see Gern.
But when he looked at Lipo