From what he remembered, the day of Roger's execution should have been rainy and gloomy. But today, the weather was perfect with clear skies and brilliant sunshine. Perhaps it had something to do with Diarmuid's interference, which had slightly changed the time Roger was captured.
In front of the execution platform, none of the Marine brass had made an appearance. Only a Marine Captain was directing the scene, and a large number of Marine soldiers were maintaining order.
So far, not a single unexpected event had occurred. It seemed everyone was waiting for Roger to go to his death with composure.
Tsuru and the others were all holding down the fort at the base. There was no need for them to show their faces, which, in a way, was a deterrent for all the shady characters in Loguetown, as they had no idea what arrangements the Marines had made and thus didn't dare to act rashly.
On the right side of the execution platform, Diarmuid stood alone atop a tall clock tower. The sea breeze rustled his Justice cloak, creating a soft sound. Many people were excitedly awaiting Roger's death, but Diarmuid felt no thrill. He knew exactly what was about to happen.
As for preventing the coming of the Great Pirate Era, he had no such thoughts. The march of a new era was not something anyone could stop. At least, Diarmuid didn't think he had the qualifications to do so.
He might be able to get Roger to shut up and keep him from uttering his classic last words, but the era would still come. It would just be a matter of sooner or later.
If Roger didn't start it, perhaps Rayleigh would, or maybe Gaban. So, there was no need to stop it, and it couldn't be stopped anyway. Besides, in Diarmuid's eyes, the Great Pirate Era would be his great opportunity.
He turned to look at the huge clock behind him and smacked his lips. It was almost time. Noon was just around the corner, which was the scheduled time for the execution.
The World Economy News and other news agencies had already sent numerous reporters to Loguetown. On the tall building facing the execution platform, a live broadcast Den Den Mushi had been set up. The broadcast hadn't started yet, but at the World Government's request, Roger's execution would be broadcast to the entire world.
"Haaah…" Diarmuid yawned, feeling a little bored. From his vantage point, he could see the entire plaza. He had already spotted Doflamingo, Mihawk, Crocodile, Buggy, Shanks, and Moria. But since the Chief of Staff hadn't ordered any action, he wasn't going to butt in.
'The Seven Warlords of the Sea... once the Great Pirate Era begins, it won't be long before the World Government rolls out this plan. The Marines' opposition will be useless, and we'll be forced to accept it… But if I play my cards right, I might be able to throw some wrenches into that organization,' Diarmuid thought to himself.
He could forget about Bartholomew Kuma; the guy was a Revolutionary and couldn't be controlled, but he was still someone who could be used.
As for Mihawk, he was too arrogant and lacked any ambition. Once he became the World's Strongest Swordsman, he would pretty much stop causing trouble and just go home and farm, only roaming the seas when he was bored.
Diarmuid had no interest in Gecko Moria. He couldn't see any worthwhile talent in him, so there was no need or value in trying to recruit him.
On second thought, "First Son of the Sea" Jinbe was a man of honor. The only thing he cared about was the welfare of Fish-Man Island, so he was a variable that could be manipulated. He could try to arrange something for him.
Doflamingo and Crocodile were both cunning and intelligent, but they were hard to deal with.
Doflamingo was like a spider, constantly weaving his web of connections, and he could be controlled if you found his weak point.
Crocodile, on the other hand, was just a bullheaded moron… and far too arrogant.
They were both worth considering and seeing if he could get them to join.
The last one, Boa Hancock, was extremely valuable. Based on her personality and her status as the Empress of Amazon Lily, she had a lot of weaknesses and was someone who could be effectively controlled. He would have to find a way to make a deal with her.
But when he thought about it, she should still be young right now, not even captured and made a slave yet.
'Should I go to Amazon Lily and make contact with her? G-7 is a good place, and it's not too far from Amazon Lily. Maybe I can work with them? If I can get this nation of pirates to turn to the right path, that would be an achievement,' Diarmuid thought to himself.
Just then, a light breeze blew past, and his eyes widened in surprise. He turned his head to the side. As expected, a figure emerged from the breeze. The person was wearing a green hooded cloak that completely concealed them.
"What are you thinking about?" the figure asked.
"Thinking about what a bastard you are, and how bold you are to show yourself in front of me? Do you believe I'll send out a signal and have an army of thousands come for you? Chief Tsuru and the others would love to get their hands on you, Dragon," Diarmuid said, rolling his eyes at the man.
Yes, this man was indeed Monkey D. Dragon. Diarmuid knew he would appear in Loguetown, but he never expected him to have the guts to hang around in front of him. Does he really think I'm one of his potential allies?
"You won't. Even if you send out a signal today, the Chief of Staff and the others won't do anything. As long as I don't do anything too drastic, Roger is the protagonist today," Dragon said calmly with a smile. After a short pause, he looked at Diarmuid. "Even if I showed up in front of you, would you really make a move on me at a time like this?"
Diarmuid shook his head with a little laugh. "You sure know how to pick your moments. No, I wouldn't."
Just as Dragon said, as long as he didn't cause trouble here, even if he were standing right in front of Diarmuid or even the Chief of Staff, the Marines wouldn't do anything because Roger was the star of the show.
"Thank you for what you did for Kuma," Dragon said quietly.
"Don't thank me. The World Government never intended to kill him anyway," Diarmuid said without hesitation.
"You…," Dragon was about to say something, but Diarmuid cut him off.
"Don't start talking about justice or joining your organization or working together. Can't you just let me enjoy the midday sun in peace? And please, don't interrupt me while I'm watching the show."
Dragon was a little stunned by Diarmuid's barrage of words. After a moment, he shook his head with a laugh. "Still as sharp-tongued as ever."
"Speaking of which, is that Kuma guy joining your anti-government organization?" Diarmuid suddenly asked.
Dragon glanced at Diarmuid, thought for a second, and then said, "You could say that."
"And you just tell me so openly?" Diarmuid smiled.
"Because you couldn't be kept in the dark from the beginning anyway, could you?" Dragon said with a smile.
But seeing that Diarmuid wasn't going to discuss justice with him, Dragon didn't want to talk about his organization either. He dismissed those thoughts and switched to casual conversation mode.
After a few sentences, they both seemed to have a little of the feeling they once had as comrades back in Marineford.
"You're not getting any younger. Did you ever end up with Gion?" Dragon suddenly asked.
Diarmuid's expression stiffened. "What are you talking about? Gion and I have a firm camaraderie. There's none of that romantic stuff between us."
"Tsk. What's there to be embarrassed about? Gion is the fairest flower of the Marines, and you're a new-generation standard-bearer. You two have a good relationship. If you got together, Admiral Sengoku and the others would be so happy," Dragon teased.
"I heard that back in the day, Admiral Sengoku and the Chief of Staff were a perfect match too. But look at them now; they're still as single as a rock. Things like this are about fate," Diarmuid said, waving his hand.
The story between Admiral Sengoku and the Chief of Staff was a classic anecdote among the older Marines. It was just that no one dared to tease them about it to their faces.
Dragon also laughed, feeling uncharacteristically happy.
"Stop worrying about me. What about you? Did you find a wife after you left the Marines?" Diarmuid asked casually, glancing at Dragon.
"Oh, right. I don't think I ever told you. It's your fault; you attacked me and interrupted my train of thought. I'm already married," Dragon said very calmly.
Diarmuid was taken aback. 'I knew you'd have a chosen son later, but I didn't expect you to have a wife this soon! You truly are something, balancing both work and love?'
"How did I not hear about this? Does Vice Admiral Garp know?" Diarmuid quickly asked.
"Do you think he would know? I haven't been in contact with him these past few years…" Dragon said, shaking his head and touching his cheek.
The iconic red tattoo wasn't on his face yet. Diarmuid had reason to suspect that when he started the revolution, he would accidentally run into Vice Admiral Garp and get his face beaten with the sole of his sandal, leaving a mark that he had to cover with a tattoo.
"I can't imagine what kind of woman could tame you," Diarmuid said with a sigh.
"She's very ordinary, I guess? She's not someone with incredible power or intelligence. When I met her, she was a simple farm girl on a small island in the East Blue. She happily lived her life, herding her two cows and milking them every day. Her life was simple, but she was so optimistic. She always had the most brilliant smile… it wasn't about whether it was beautiful or not… It's hard to say. When you see it, you're just drawn in. It's so pure and flawless, like it can cleanse your heart. That smile… I couldn't resist it," Dragon said softly, a gentle look in his eyes.
Diarmuid had known and spent a lot of time with Dragon, but this was the first time he had ever seen such an expression on his face. He felt annoyed. 'For crying out loud, why did I have to open my mouth and ask that question? I was just enjoying the sun, and this bastard had to force-feed me a mouthful of dog food!'
"I wish you a child soon!" Diarmuid said angrily. Dragon came out of his daze and smiled. "Thank you very much. I actually do plan to have a child with her…"
Diarmuid was incredibly annoyed at having just been shown up. He grumbled, "Well, good. When you have a son, I'll make sure to educate him well as his uncle…"
After saying that, he didn't dwell on the matter anymore. Diarmuid looked toward the end of the plaza, his eyes brightening. "Here he comes!"
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