Public Execution Day

"Jon, are you heading to Loguetown in the East Blue to witness the public execution?"

On their way back, Borsalino sat beside Jon, asking curiously.

"You're not going?"

Jon was even more surprised—this was Gol D. Roger's public execution! A historic event! How could someone as fond of spectacles as Borsalino not want to go?

"Can't be helped. You know me—I'm really bad with bloodshed…"

"Say it properly."

Borsalino pulled a face like he was constipated.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku ordered me and Sakazuki to stay behind at headquarters. Sigh, just my luck. A legendary moment, and I don't even get to be there."

Hearing this, Jon felt relieved.

Fortunately, Tsuru had spoken to him in advance; otherwise, he might have ended up stuck at headquarters like Borsalino.

"By the way, I haven't seen Dragon in nearly two years. Where did he disappear to?"

Borsalino scratched his head.

"Dragon? No idea. I haven't seen him in ages either. Don't know what that guy is up to. You looking for him?"

"Not really. Just curious since I haven't seen him for so long."

Jon answered casually while deep in thought.

If his guess was correct, Dragon had probably already begun his revolution—seizing this time to build the Revolutionary Army.

To be honest, Jon genuinely admired Dragon.

After years in the Marines, with a father like Garp, he still chose to rebel against the World Government?

Now that's talent.

"Ah, whatever. That guy's always sneaking around, doing who-knows-what. He's got connections—he can do whatever he wants. Unlike us, always having to worry about so much."

"Jon, if you do watch the execution, make sure to tell me all about it when you get back."

"No problem."

Chaos in the East Blue

Lately, the East Blue had been livelier than ever.

Ever since news spread that Gol D. Roger would be publicly executed in Loguetown, countless people had flocked to the region.

Loguetown, once a small, quiet town, had its population multiply several times over.

Hotels and inns were completely booked, forcing many visitors to stay in the homes of locals, all waiting for the fateful day.

As the execution date approached, the crowds grew even larger.

But the Marines had long been prepared.

Normally, there was no Marine base near Loguetown, but for this execution, they had mobilized forces from across the East Blue—along with elite troops from Marine Headquarters.

Right now, over ten thousand Marines were stationed in Loguetown, all of them highly trained.

Their mission:

Prevent the remnants of the Roger Pirates from attempting a rescue.

Maintain order against any reckless pirates.

The overwhelming Marine presence made even the most lawless pirates hide in the shadows, too afraid to cause trouble.

Marineford – Marine Headquarters

With three days left before the execution, Marine Headquarters remained on high alert.

Today was the day Roger would be escorted to the East Blue.

Preparations had been made well in advance.

A fleet of ten warships, led by:

Five Marine Headquarters Vice Admirals

Admiral Sengoku

Vice Admiral Garp

Vice Admiral Tsuru

Along with numerous Marine officers, formed an imposing escort.

Meanwhile, Fleet Admiral Kong remained at Marineford to maintain command.

Jon accompanied Tsuru on the main warship carrying Roger.

Both Garp and Sengoku were also aboard.

For months, the Marines had been interrogating Roger—but he never revealed anything.

At this point, however, it didn't matter.

Roger was about to die.

As long as he was eliminated, the greatest threat to the Marines would be gone.

Even if they never got the information they wanted, it was a price they could accept.

Jon had visited Roger's prison cell before.

Even in captivity, the Pirate King showed no signs of despair.

Unlike most prisoners, he remained completely composed.

When the Marine fleet finally arrived in Loguetown, it caused an uproar.

Crowds gathered to witness history, but Marine authority kept everything under control.

No one knew exactly where Roger was, but the public could sense that he had arrived.

Then—

The day of the execution finally arrived.

Sabaody Archipelago – Grove 13

Silvers Rayleigh gazed toward the East, his expression complicated.

"You might as well go see him off in person."

A tall, short-haired woman approached him.

Shakky.

Rayleigh let out a heavy sigh.

"This is Roger's choice. He told me… he won't die. And I believe him."

Shakky shook her head.

"You guys are always so mysterious. I don't get what you're thinking."

She looked toward the distant East.

"Roger accomplished what even the Pirate King before him couldn't. He truly was admirable. But even someone like him… can't escape death."

Rayleigh nodded.

"Yes. Roger fulfilled his dream. Facing death without fear… this is the best ending for him."

He had long accepted this outcome.

But knowing he would never see Roger again left a bittersweet pain in his heart.

Shakky smirked.

"I heard Shiki tried to rescue Roger… and ended up captured in Marineford instead."

"That fool. When he loses control, he does the most reckless things. Getting caught was his own fault."

Rayleigh sighed.

"With Roger gone, and Shiki captured… the old era is fading."

"Exactly. It's time for you old-timers to retire. The next generation is rising, and there are already some impressive new faces."

"Yes… our era is over. Now, the world belongs to the young."

New World – Moby Dick

Whitebeard had been silent for a long time.

The Moby Dick was eerily quiet—not a single crew member dared disturb him.

"How long has he been like this?"

The Whitebeard Pirates gathered, whispering amongst themselves.

"Today is Roger's execution. He must be thinking about his old rival. No matter how many times they fought, they were still rivals for years. Of course, he wouldn't feel good about this."

"I still can't believe Roger got caught by the Marines. Now he's about to be executed… what happened?"

"With Roger dead and Shiki captured, no wonder Dad has been in a bad mood."

"The Marines are ruthless. This public execution is all about sending a message."

As the crew continued whispering—

Suddenly, Whitebeard burst into laughter.

Then, he raised his voice and roared—

"Roger… have a safe journey!"

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