Chapter 97: Roger vs Shiki

Carl absorbed the Persian Cat Fruit into the Dark Bible. The power of this fruit was nothing special, so he decided to keep it in his collection for the time being.

Lucia and Ginny were still in a daze, their stunned expressions making them look almost adorable. Carl chuckled, about to speak when the Den Den Mushi on the table suddenly rang.

He paused for a moment before answering. Kong's serious voice came through.

"Carl, return to Marine Headquarters immediately. Don't take the warship, use your ability. The faster, the better."

The urgency in Kong's tone made it clear that something major was happening. Carl didn't ask questions. He simply acknowledged the order and hung up. Standing up, he turned to Lucia and Ginny.

"I'll head back to Headquarters first. Wait for me at the base."

The two nodded. Lucia spoke softly. "Young Master, just leave this to us. Don't worry."

Ginny, frowning with concern, added, "Brother Carl, if there's any dangerous mission at Headquarters, please be careful."

Carl stepped forward, pulling both of them into a gentle embrace. "Don't be nervous. I'll let you know if anything happens."

With that, his body twisted into darkness and vanished.

---

In the empty office of the Fleet Admiral at Marineford, Garp was once again refusing the promotion to Admiral. He was about to leave in a hurry, clearly eager to handle something urgent, when a knock came at the door.

Garp opened it to find Carl standing outside.

"Carl? Why are you back?"

Before Carl could respond, Kong approached from inside the office.

"I called him back. He'll be accompanying you and Sengoku. The situation is urgent. Explain the details on the way."

Garp gave a quick nod. "Understood. Carl, come with me." Without waiting for a reply, he turned and strode off.

Carl followed as Garp briefly explained the mission. By the time they reached the port, Carl fully understood the situation. It was the battle between the Golden Lion and Roger.

At the docks, Sengoku was already on board a warship, preparing to set sail. According to the original plan, Kizaru, Akainu, and Aokiji were also supposed to participate, but things had changed. Kizaru and Akainu were currently Rear Admirals stationed at the G2 and G3 branches and couldn't make it in time. Aokiji, having joined the Marines a year earlier than expected, was still in the Marine Academy.

Garp, impatient as ever, leaped directly onto the deck. Carl followed more calmly, using Kamui to teleport aboard.

Sengoku, ignoring Garp's lack of discipline, turned to Carl. "Do you understand the situation?"

Carl nodded. "Understood, Admiral Sengoku. Shall we depart?"

Garp crossed his arms, clearly frustrated by the delay, but Sengoku remained unmoved. He signaled for the ship to set sail, glancing at Garp.

"I'm the Admiral here. My rank is higher, so my orders stand."

Garp muttered, "I don't want to be an Admiral anyway. Too much responsibility, no freedom."

Sengoku smirked. "You're just avoiding the Celestial Dragons, aren't you?"

"Haha, you know me too well, Sengoku!" Garp laughed.

Carl stood at the railing, quietly watching the sea ahead.

---

Roger leaped into the air, his supreme blade Ace crackling with red and black lightning as it clashed against a golden slash from above.

Landing back on the deck of the Oro Jackson, he turned to see Rayleigh approaching with a serious expression. "Roger, the odds are against us. If this continues…"

Roger already knew. The Golden Lion's Flying Pirates had overwhelming numbers, and unlike weaker enemies, many of them weren't easily subdued by Conqueror's Haki. The biggest problem, however, was the Golden Lion himself. Controlling both the air and sea with his ability, he had an undeniable advantage over Roger's lone ship.

Several Flying Pirates had already boarded the Oro Jackson, and the battle raged across the deck.

From above, the Golden Lion called out, laughing. "Roger! It's not too late to join me! Let's rule the world together!"

Roger scoffed, his Haki surging outward. The pressure of his will sent waves rippling across the sea as he responded to the challenge in his own way.

Near the center of the deck, two young boys stood back to back, weapons in hand. One was a red-haired kid with bright eyes, the other a red-nosed boy gripping his sword tightly.

The redhead grinned. "Buggy, Captain Roger is amazing, isn't he?"

Buggy, frowning as he cut down an enemy, snapped back. "Shanks, stop idolizing the captain and focus on staying alive!"

At that moment, an enemy pirate rushed up behind Shanks, sword raised high.

"Die, kid!"

Shanks realized too late. The blade was already swinging down.

Roger, though locked in battle with the Golden Lion, was always watching. If Shanks was truly in danger, he would step in.

But before he could, a swirling vortex of darkness appeared between Shanks and the attacker.

Carl materialized, grabbing the pirate's arm in a vice grip. The pirate screamed as his limb twisted at an unnatural angle. Before he could react, Carl placed a hand on his face.

A dark vortex expanded, swallowing the pirate whole. His lifeless body hit the deck moments later.

Carl, standing tall in his Marine coat, looked down at Shanks. "Didn't Roger teach you to never lose focus during a fight?"

Shanks, still stunned, could only stare.