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Chapter 280 - CHAPTER 280

No matter the field or endeavor, those who achieve the extraordinary are never ordinary people.

In a world dominated by vast seas and ruthless pirates, one man stood above all—he climbed to the pinnacle and became the King of the Pirates.

Now, with some time left before the execution, the people waiting in Loguetown were abuzz with hushed conversations, their eyes fixed on the grand execution platform.

Suddenly, a massive ship emerged from the horizon, sailing steadily toward the harbor.

The marines stationed at the docks were immediately alarmed when they recognized it.

"That ship… it's the Caesar Rex! But that vessel hasn't been seen on the seas for years!"

The tension in the air became suffocating. Marines gripped their weapons tightly, standing at the ready as though bracing for war.

They knew all too well—if a battle erupted today, they wouldn't live to see another dawn.

The report was swiftly relayed up the chain of command.

Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the man overseeing this crucial execution, received the alarming news.

His brows furrowed. This execution could not afford any mishaps. It was not merely his personal duty—failure here would bring disgrace upon both Marine Headquarters and the World Government.

Even more concerning, if things went awry, it would only strengthen the influence of the Central Navy under Caesar's command.

After a long silence, Sengoku finally responded, his voice calm but firm.

"I understand. Do not engage them. Let them through."

Hanging up the Den Den Mushi, he rubbed his temple with one hand, already feeling a headache forming.

With the Marines refraining from action, Caesar's ship smoothly reached the shore. Under his command, the Caesar Pirates disembarked.

He was a legend, his name known across the seas. In Loguetown, the gathered civilians erupted with excitement at his arrival. They rushed forward, eager to witness history in person.

Young admirers screamed in admiration.

"Oh my god! The Heavenly King, Caesar! He's right in front of me!"

"I-I think I'm going to faint! This is too much!"

"Get out of my way! Lord Tianwang, please take me as your subordinate!"

Some fans were utterly frenzied, reaching out as if desperate to touch him.

"He's even more handsome in person than on his wanted poster!"

"I swear, I'd give him a child right now!"

The fevered adoration was not limited to men—Caesar had a legion of female admirers as well.

Despite the chaos, Caesar and his crew steadily advanced toward the execution platform. Wherever they passed, people instinctively parted to let them through.

As he reached the square, Caesar's gaze met Sengoku's. The Fleet Admiral's sharp eyes locked onto him, scrutinizing his every move.

Caesar, however, merely responded with a knowing smirk.

This left Sengoku momentarily puzzled—what was that man thinking?

Meanwhile, scattered throughout Loguetown Square, the remnants of the Roger Pirates observed the scene from a distance.

Today marked the final dissolution of the legendary Roger Pirates.

Then, with the sound of heavy chains dragging against the ground, a towering figure emerged.

"Whitebeard…!"

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Edward Newgate and his Whitebeard Pirates had arrived.

Shortly after, another wave of laughter echoed across the square.

More massive figures appeared—Charlotte Linlin, Big Mom herself, had stepped onto the scene.

The sheer presence of these legendary figures made onlookers break into nervous sweats. The atmosphere grew unbearably tense.

And then—the moment arrived.

The execution was about to commence.

A deafening silence fell over the square.

On the streets leading to the execution platform, Gol D. Roger, surrounded by armed soldiers, walked calmly forward.

The crowd instinctively parted to make way for him.

Among those in the crowd were future legends—Monkey D. Dragon, Donquixote Doflamingo, a young and lean Gecko Moriah.

From the shadows, Dracule Mihawk, Crocodile, and others watched intently.

For them, Roger was no stranger. He had loomed large since the era of Rocks D. Xebec. To many, he was the very embodiment of strength—a legendary pirate, an unparalleled warrior.

His execution had drawn countless powerful figures from across the world. Many among them were rookies today, but they would become the great names of tomorrow.

Finally, Roger ascended the execution platform, completely unafraid.

"Well, let's get this over with, shall we?"

He walked to the center of the stage and took his seat.

His gaze drifted over the long street before him, settling on the vast sea in the distance. The reflection of the sky upon the ocean created a mesmerizing view.

He smiled contentedly.

"The view from up here isn't bad at all."

That he could admire such beauty even in his final moments spoke volumes of the man he was—one of true inner freedom.

Even when the infamous Golden Lion had been captured, he had not faced his end with such peace.

From below, the onlookers gazed at the smiling Roger, their hearts gripped by an indescribable feeling.

Every moment was being broadcast live across the world.

The cameraman captured a striking image—Roger's beaming face framed against the vast crowd beneath him.

How could the world's major broadcasters miss such an event?

Both the Middle Kingdom and the World Government had cameras rolling. Yet, as most of the world now preferred Middle Kingdom broadcasts, the World Government's presence felt almost irrelevant.

The execution was at hand.

Sengoku's voice was grave as he gave the final order: "Proceed with the execution."

The two executioners, stationed on either side of Roger, stepped forward, blades at the ready.

But then—a voice rang out across the square.

"King of the Pirates! Where did you hide all your treasure?!"

A ripple of tension spread through the crowd. This was the one question everyone wanted an answer to.

The man continued, unable to contain himself. "The legendary One Piece! Did you find it?!"

The square, already silent, became utterly still.

All eyes fixated on Roger, burning with anticipation.

Sengoku's unease spiked. He roared, "Execute him immediately!"

But it was too late.

Roger's lips curled into a wide grin, and he bellowed with laughter.

"Ahahaha! So you want my treasure?"

Caesar's heart pounded. It was happening. The world was about to change forever.

The crowd held its breath.

"I can give it to you if you want it!" Roger declared. "Go and find it!"

Sengoku's face turned ashen, and Garp's eyes widened in shock.

"Kill him! NOW!" Sengoku bellowed in a panic.

The executioners hesitated no longer. Twin blades plunged into Roger's chest.

The Pirate King… was dead.

But his final words had set the world ablaze.

"The One Piece! It's real!"

Panic and frenzy erupted among the crowd.

"Did you hear that?! The treasure is out there!"

"Whoever finds it first will become the next King of the Pirates!"

Caesar trembled with exhilaration. He had seen this scene countless times before traveling to this era, but witnessing it firsthand sent shivers down his spine.

Whitebeard and Big Mom, too, stared at Roger's lifeless body with unreadable expressions.

And the next generation of pirates… they were ready.

A new era had begun.

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