In a certain area of the New World, in the shallow waters beneath the surface, several huge sea beasts swiftly cut through the water.
Remarkably, these sea beasts were all shackled by thick chains, and the ends of these chains towed a massive ship encased in a giant bubble.
"So fast!"
Roger, his body wrapped in numerous bandages, stood on the bow of the large ship. He looked up, gazing through the deep seawater at the shimmering light on the surface.
"No wonder Roa's weapons sell worldwide! You guys are truly instrumental in his success."
"It's just mutual benefit," replied Fisher Tiger, the red-skinned Fish-Man who Roa had sent to ferry Roger to the New Marine Headquarters. His expression was calm.
"You were there when we negotiated the deal. We transport his goods, and he pays us high wages."
Tiger, the leader of the Fish-Man District and head of the Deep Sea Logistics Company, paused, then added, "At least he delivered on everything he promised. Besides the money, we truly are free to move across the seas. We've traveled every sea in the world over the last two years."
"But, Tiger,"
Roger turned back to him. "What is the cost?"
"..."
Tiger fell silent.
What was the cost of all those gains?
Could Fish-Man Island truly disentangle itself from the Calamity Company?
And when Roa decided to extend his reach to their homeland, who would be able to stand up and stop him?
Roger looked at his reaction and did not speak again, simply shaking his head gently.
Roa was likely covetous of Fish-Man Island to begin with, and even more so after learning about the existence of the Sea King.
He would absolutely not let Fish-Man Island go.
But... Roger himself could do nothing now.
Everything could only be entrusted to those who would come after.
Roger's silence was broken by Tiger, who couldn't help but ask, "Roger, were those wounds on your body left by Roa?"
When Tiger had picked up Roger from Roa two days ago, he had been utterly shocked.
Is this man a monster?
He had sustained such horrific injuries, his body practically shredded, yet he could still talk and laugh with him.
But the even greater monstrous quality came later.
In just two days, Roger had gone from gravely weak to full of life and vigor. In a few more days, his wounds would likely be completely healed.
What kind of monstrous constitution is that!
He truly deserved to be called the pirate with the highest bounty in the world—the Pirate King, who conquered the Grand Line in an unprecedented way and obtained the legendary great treasure!
But even more frightening was the fact that someone could wound the Pirate King to such an extent!
"Ah,"
Roger sighed. "You always ask such embarrassing questions as soon as you open your mouth."
So, it's true?
Tiger's pupils trembled.
Was Roa's strength truly superior to that of the Pirate King?
He subconsciously asked, "So, the Great Treasure also—"
"Tiger,"
Roger immediately interrupted him. "We are old acquaintances. Last year in the New World, whether it was escaping the Pirate Alliance's pursuit or helping us get away afterward, we couldn't have done it without your help. Therefore, I have a piece of advice."
"Roa is determined to take Fish-Man Island. You must prepare early."
"..."
Tiger was stunned.
Then, he scratched his head, a bitter smile on his face. "So Roger, how do you think we should prepare?"
Roger fell silent.
He took a deep breath.
"Ah."
Only a sigh echoed through the seawater.
The Pirate King Arrives
The New Marine Headquarters.
Since Marineford was completely destroyed by pirates a year ago, the former Marine G-1 Base became the new Marine Headquarters.
In the current New World, this massive base is effectively the Marines' front line.
After all, not far from this island lies the territory occupied by one of the Seven Monarchs of the New World, Captain John.
To guard against potential pirate attacks, the Marines have amassed a huge force here, with the harbor filled with large warships.
However, despite the accumulation of so many forces, the Marines have done nothing but defend; they have shown no intention of launching an offensive.
The reason is simple: even the most junior Marines know that if they provoke another war with the Pirate Alliances, the outcome is completely unpredictable.
Not all of the Seven Monarchs are formidable, but there are indeed some irrationally powerful individuals among them.
And when their combined power is unleashed, the entire world would be shaken.
They must, must wait for the right moment.
Even if the cost of waiting is the public's ever-increasing criticism of the Marines.
On this day, a small boat rapidly approached New Marineford.
The Marines, constantly on alert for the monsters of the New World, immediately spotted the approaching small vessel.
"A boat? Did we receive an application for entry?"
"No! It's not one of ours!"
"Issue a warning! Tell them to state their identity!"
As the officers at the port were issuing orders, the lookout, using his telescope, spotted something unbelievable.
"Th-that is!!"
The lookout's hands trembled as he held the telescope. Cold sweat instantly beaded on his forehead, and his teeth chattered uncontrollably.
"It-it-it's the Pirate King!!"
"What!!"
The officer at the port's voice instantly became shrill. "Are you serious?"
"There's no mistake! It's absolutely the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger!"
"Sound the alarm! Report this news to Fleet Admiral Sengoku immediately!"
Wooooo!!
The piercing alarm blared across the island. Marines all over the base looked up in confusion, then their faces instantly registered shock.
Did the Pirate Alliance attack?!
Roger's Decision
On the rapidly approaching small boat.
Roger, rowing furiously, also heard the alarm.
"Wahahahaha! Looks like I don't need to announce myself!"
Laughing, he set down the oars and stood up on the small boat.
"Well then, I hope everything goes smoothly."
The development Roa expected was also the one Roger hoped for.
Only by inspiring more people to rush to the sea, and only by thoroughly shaking the existing order, could change have a chance to emerge.
Whether it was Shanks, Robin, or someone else, Roger firmly believed that successors would eventually step forward to change everything.
"Wahahahaha! Let the final great adventure begin, Gol D. Roger!"
The Pirate King leaped from the small boat, stepping on air as he flew toward the enormous fortress of Justice ahead.
The Marines didn't even have time to organize a defense. They watched, wide-eyed, as a black shadow streaked across the sky, crashing like a meteor onto the wide plaza in front of the Headquarters building.
Roger emerged from the swirling smoke, gave the stunned Marine soldiers around him a gentle smile, and even raised his hand to greet them.
"Yo, hello there."
"Roger has landed!!"
At the same moment, inside the massive Headquarters building.
"What? Roger! He came alone?!"
The Marine Fleet Admiral slammed his thick desk, his muscular body instantly springing to his feet.
His Observation Haki instinctively spread out.
Sure enough, a powerful aura was close at hand!
Is he insane?!
Sengoku was bewildered for a moment.
He actually came alone!
He shows absolutely no regard for this mighty fortress of Justice!
"ROGER!!"
Before he could fully process the situation, a surge of furious roaring shook the entire Headquarters building.
"Garp!"
Sengoku gritted his teeth, not hesitating for a moment. He too launched himself out, shattering the window glass, and plummeted toward the plaza below.
He could clearly see him now!
The figure on the plaza!
Roger!
It really is that man!
What is his scheme?
Did he ally with those monsters of the New World?
Is he here to distract them while the others swarm in to completely destroy the foundation of the Marines?
"Roger! You bastard, since you delivered yourself to us, there's no escape for you this time!!"
A brilliant shooting star descended from the sky. The man, bearing the title of the Marine Hero, trailed a thick bolt of Haki-infused lightning, crashing down on Roger like a comet.
"Fist of Love: Galaxy!"
Roger looked up at his old rival, who was descending from the sky with a killing move but an odd smile. Roger smiled too.
Roger raised both hands. "I surrender."
"What?"
Garp, descending from the sky and preparing to deliver a heavy punch, froze at Roger's reaction.
Surrender?
Is that a word Roger would ever say?
"Don't try to trick me! How many times have we fought!"
Garp instinctively thought Roger was lying.
But as he continued to descend, and his fist was about to smash into Roger's face, the man still showed no reaction.
So, at the last moment of impact, Garp's fist unfurled into a claw. He seized Roger by the neck and slammed him hard onto the ground.
"Roger! What is the meaning of this!!"
Garp's eyes were filled with disbelief.
He really didn't resist? He just let me grab his vital point?
Roger, what in the world are you playing at?
"Don't you see I didn't even bring my weapon?"
Roger just chuckled. "Garp, I'm turning myself in."
My beloved sword is still in that bastard Roa's hands, so I don't have a good weapon for a fight anyway.
"You said... turning yourself in?"
Sengoku, who had just landed, wore a look of equally unbelievable astonishment.
What a joke!
The most legendary pirate on the sea, who had fought the Marines for decades, was now claiming to have come to surrender?
"No matter what scheme you're planning, once you're here, you're not leaving!"
Sengoku didn't believe it for a second, but that didn't stop him from instantly lunging forward to help Garp tightly restrain Roger.
"I didn't plan on leaving once I arrived."
Roger didn't resist at all, his attitude as leisurely as if he were on vacation. "I told you, I came to surrender. Have a little faith, won't you?"
Sengoku and Garp exchanged looks.
So, what exactly is this guy up to?
A Deal with the Gorōsei
Soon, Roger was locked in the deepest dungeon of New Marineford.
One thick Seastone chain after another was wrapped around him.
To ensure security, the hero Garp and the Fleet Admiral Sengoku personally stood guard.
At the same time, the Marine Headquarters personnel were on high alert, fearing Roger's surrender was a trap and that an attack was imminent.
But their fears were unfounded. After Roger's capture, the New World was completely calm. Forget the monsters, even the Roger Pirates remained silent.
Garp and Sengoku sat side-by-side outside the cell, constantly staring at Roger, who was bound like a mummy by the Seastone chains inside the cell.
"Can't you relax just a little?"
Roger squirmed on the floor like a caterpillar and complained. "Since I came to surrender, of course I won't try to run. You can rest assured."
"Don't try to play any tricks, Roger,"
Sengoku's tone was stern. "We absolutely will not give you any opportunity to exploit the situation!"
"Whatever you are plotting, it will not succeed!"
"Plotting? Ah,"
Roger shook his head helplessly. "I told you I came to surrender. Where are all these conspiracies coming from?"
"Roger, do you think we are idiots!"
Sengoku only sneered. "You had better honestly explain your purpose!"
"Indeed, I am also very curious about your purpose."
An ancient voice sounded.
Accompanied by the crisp sound of leather shoes on the floor, a figure slowly emerged from the dark corridor.
Sengoku immediately stood up and bowed slightly to the newcomer. "Saint Saturn, you've arrived."
The newcomer wore a black suit and a greatcoat, with a full white beard and a small black hat. It was one of the Gorōsei (Five Elders), Jaygarcia Saturn.
Garp raised his hand to pick his nose, nodding toward the Gorōsei, who held the highest power in the world. That was his greeting.
Saturn did not seem bothered by Garp's attitude. He walked to the cell, stood firm, and looked down at the caterpillar-like Roger.
"State your purpose, King of Scum."
"Oh! The Gorōsei himself has come? What an honor."
Roger laughed heartily. "Speaking of which, it's been many years since we last met, hasn't it?"
"Answer my question."
Saturn glared at Roger.
Roger was instantly hit by an invisible force and slammed heavily against the wall.
"Alright, alright, I'll tell you the truth, just don't hit me,"
Roger looked up resignedly. "Actually, it's because I have an incurable disease."
"An incurable disease?"
The Marine Fleet Admiral, the Marine Hero, and the Gorōsei were all momentarily stunned.
Then, quickly.
Saturn received an examination report. After reading it, the look in his eyes when he looked at Roger carried a hint of malicious pleasure. This is the consequence of defying the World Government!
"The report states that you indeed only have a few years left to live, but that still doesn't explain why you came to surrender."
"Because I want to make a deal with you!"
Roger grinned, showing a mouth full of white teeth. "The Roger Pirates have disbanded, but my partners still have to live on this sea."
"If you stop going after them, wouldn't having the Pirate King himself be enough for you to boast about your achievements and establish your authority?"
"You foolish pirate."
Saturn sneered. "You have fallen into our hands. By what right do you think we would accept your so-called deal?"
"Is that so?"
Roger's lips curled up. "In that case, my partners will have to declare everything we saw on the Final Island."
"..."
Saturn's expression abruptly froze.
He immediately turned around. "Sengoku, Garp, you two leave now."
"But, Saint Saturn, leaving you alone with this man..."
Sengoku hesitated.
"That is an order!"
Saturn gave him no quarter.
"Yes."
Sengoku could only leave with Garp.
After confirming they could no longer hear the conversation, Saturn looked menacingly at Roger.
"What exactly did you all find out?"
"What did we find out, indeed?"
Roger laughed softly.
Should I tell this man that Roa also reached the Final Island?
If he did, Roa would become the primary target of the World Government.
In his current state, Roa would surely be no match for Imu.
But.
Forget it.
The World Government hasn't even been able to catch the Roger Pirates for over a year, let alone the cunning Roa.
Moreover, Roa is a true lunatic; he doesn't care about the world's fate.
If he realized he had been betrayed, he would expose everything immediately.
Everything would be over at that point.
So, Roger simply smiled meaningfully. "For example, Imu?"
"SILENCE!!"
Saturn roared in sudden fury, a violent aura surging out. "How dare you speak that name!"
His chest heaved violently.
They really know something!
The existence of Lord Imu has been discovered!
"Tell me everything you know!!" Saturn hissed under his breath. "Otherwise, I will not be lenient with you!"
"Don't be so scary."
Roger's smile did not fade. "It's just a boring piece of history. If you don't bother my partners, we'll certainly be too lazy to leak it."
"The treasure is already in hand. I just want my partners to live out the rest of their days in peace."
Saturn clenched his jaw!
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