That fearless smile in the face of death, and the grand declaration that opened a new era, remained etched in his memory.
Though it brought calamity upon the world, it also heralded an age of change and opportunity.
And now, having stepped into this world and encountered the real Gol D. Roger, Caesar found himself admiring the man even more.
Despite regretting Roger's death, he understood that fate could not be altered.
Some things were preordained by destiny, and even he, Caesar, could not defy the heavens.
After placing the transponder snail down, Caesar turned his gaze toward the three young figures training diligently in the distance.
"Carlos!"
At his call, the eldest of the three immediately snapped to attention, while his younger siblings, Lucius and Alice, also turned their curious eyes toward their father.
"You two as well, Lucius, Alice. Come here!"
At their father's summons, the three hurried to his side.
"Keep practicing. I have urgent matters to attend to and must return."
"Carlos, Lucius, protect your sister."
Understanding that their father's departure was serious, the two brothers, now seven years old, nodded firmly. They had begun to grasp the weight of their father's responsibilities and cherished the moments he spent training with them.
"I understand, Father!" they responded in unison.
Alice, however, stepped forward and grasped Caesar's hand, her innocent eyes brimming with curiosity. "Father, what are you going to do?"
"Can't you stay? I still want you to train with us!"
Caesar's heart softened at his daughter's pleading. He bent down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Father has an important duty. You are still young; you wouldn't understand yet."
"Hey, Father is leaving!"
If possible, he wished he could spend more time with them. However, at this critical moment, he had no choice.
He stroked Alice's small head before taking to the skies. Alice, though reluctant, nodded obediently and watched him disappear into the distance.
After arriving at the palace, Caesar made several calls, issuing orders and preparing for the inevitable moment.
Half a day later, the news spread like wildfire across the world—Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King, had been captured by Marine Hero Garp.
Those who knew Roger well doubted that the Marines had truly bested him, yet the undeniable reality left them speechless.
Of course, Caesar and Roger were not among them.
Whitebeard, one of the few Roger confided in before his surrender, was informed of the truth. But Roger had not told Caesar, which, upon reflection, made sense—Caesar was no longer a pirate.
He had established the Central Navy, standing in direct opposition to piracy.
Soon, the world learned the final fate of Gol D. Roger.
A week later, in Loguetown, the hometown of the Pirate King, his public execution was announced.
The revelation hit like a thunderclap, shaking the world to its core.
On the day of execution, new and old legends converged.
"The Navy actually captured Roger?! Unbelievable!"
"Yeah! First, the Central Navy, led by the Heavenly King Caesar, arrested the Golden Lion. And now, after some time, the Marines caught Gol D. Roger! Truly impressive!"
The Grand Line erupted in discussion. Roger's capture and impending execution dominated every conversation.
"Hah! The Golden Lion is nothing compared to the Pirate King! Roger is the first man to conquer the Grand Line!"
The Central Navy's actions against the Golden Lion resurfaced in people's minds. After all, both Roger and Shiki were legends of the same era, and their fateful clash at Edd War had been an event of great significance.
People speculated and debated.
"I wish I could see what's on Laugh Tale..."
"Oh, stop dreaming!"
"But they say there's unimaginable wealth there—gold beyond measure!"
"Whoever finds it gains everything: wealth, fame, power—everything!"
Despite the frenzy, most only saw the surface. They questioned Roger's strength, how he found the last island, and the truth behind the World Government's influence.
The rumors orchestrated by the government and Marines shaped public perception, making their version of events the most digestible.
"Well, what does it matter? One Piece or not, Roger's done for."
"Yeah, and in a few days, he'll be executed. Once he's dead, it's over."
As the news spread to the New World, the reactions differed. Here, strength dictated respect.
A victor was honored, but a captured man was still seen as a loser.
Around the world, from every kingdom to every pirate haven, Roger's execution dominated all discussions.
And in the New World, those closest to Roger reacted with solemnity.
"Roger, your life was truly free!" A deep voice muttered before its owner downed an entire jug of sake in one go.
He turned to his crew. "Set sail! We head to Loguetown! Let's see off our old rival!"
"Aye!" the pirates roared in response, immediately preparing for departure.
Elsewhere, Charlotte Linlin, the infamous Big Mom, also made preparations. Years ago, when Roger stole her Road Poneglyph's inscription, she had furiously chased him. Now, despite their rivalry, she intended to bid farewell to a legend she grudgingly respected.
Naturally, Caesar was also making his way there.
There were too many reasons—mutual respect among the strong, a desire to witness history, and the need to see the changing era firsthand.
Thus, the Caesar Rex, which had not sailed in some time, once again ventured into the seas.
Aside from Admiral Issho, who remained to oversee the Central Navy, and Effiete, who stayed behind to care for the children, nearly all of Caesar's forces mobilized.
The Middle Kingdom's security remained intact, but this execution demanded their presence.
Meanwhile, the disbanded Roger Pirates also reunited. Under Rayleigh's leadership, they set sail for Loguetown. Though Roger had ordered them to disband, this was a moment they could not ignore. They would see him off, even if it meant defying their captain's last wish.
At the same time, the World Government and Marines took no action against the gathering forces.
The reason was simple—they did not dare.
Seven of the world's strongest individuals, including Caesar and Whitebeard, who were acknowledged as equals to Garp, were converging.
Caesar was even considered the world's strongest.
Other powerful figures—Rayleigh, Douglas Bullet, Charlotte Linlin, and more—were forces capable of matching Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
Even the lesser-known figures still wielded tremendous strength.
With such an overwhelming force, the Navy and World Government had no choice but to remain passive.
Meanwhile, Roger was transported to the East Blue under the escort of Garp and Sengoku.
Garp, however, was burdened with frustration. Roger had entrusted his unborn child to him—a child that the government would hunt down without hesitation.
Though Garp disagreed with Roger's choices, he knew the child was innocent. With a deep sigh, he resolved to protect Roger's heir.
A week later, Loguetown became the center of the world's attention. Reporters, nobles, pirates, and commoners alike gathered to witness history.
For many, conquering the sea and becoming the strongest was the ultimate dream.
Roger's execution was more than the death of a man—it was the birth of a legend.
The square overflowed with people, all awaiting the moment that would change the world forever.
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