Chapter 9 The Gathering Storm in Loguetown

**East Blue, Loguetown**

To the monsters of the latter half of the Grand Line, only the New World stands apart, while the first half is considered a paradise. As for the four seas...

It's doubtful that any monster would think any part of the four seas is noteworthy.

However, recently, the East Blue has become the liveliest place in the world!

One of the world's most renowned figures, the legendary pirate, Pirate King Roger, is set to be executed in Loguetown, East Blue, ending his notorious life.

At least, that's what the Navy believes. During this time, countless pirates from the four seas are making their way to Loguetown, eager to witness the end of the pirate who conquered the Grand Line.

But they dare not approach recklessly, as Loguetown is filled with the Navy's elite forces.

Around Loguetown, on the sea, dozens of massive warships and over twenty Vice Admirals have gathered.

Such a force, surpassing even the Navy's Buster Call, demonstrates how seriously the Navy takes this event.

Admirals Sengoku and Black Arm Zephyr, along with Vice Admiral Garp, arrived in Loguetown yesterday.

In addition, the two monster rookies, Vice Admirals Akainu Sakazuki and Kizaru Borsalino, have also arrived in Loguetown.

Compared to these two, Kuzan seems much weaker.

Though this future admiral has long followed Vice Admiral Garp, using his Logia Ice-Ice Fruit to subdue many great pirates, his strength still lags behind Akainu and Kizaru.

However, Kuzan's monstrous potential is already evident!

Many understand that the Navy's two monster rookies will soon become three!

These three monsters will be the Navy's future top strength!

They may even become the Navy's three admirals!

Two admirals, plus the hero Garp with admiral-level strength, and over twenty vice admirals, such power could crush any peak pirate crew!

The Navy's strength far surpasses that of any pirate force.

The reason lies in the Navy's unity, while pirates are scattered.

If all the world's pirates united...

Well, someone tried that before, but it ended poorly. Without loyal and united fleets, they can't reach the end or challenge the world.

...

"What a lively place."

In a street near the execution platform in Loguetown, Roxiu entered a tavern.

Roxiu had anticipated the gathering of so many pirates in Loguetown.

After all, this was Pirate King Roger's farewell ceremony. Any man who yearned for the sea would come to witness the fall of the Pirate King.

As soon as Roxiu opened the tavern door, his arrival drew the attention of many pirates inside.

Glares of hostility did not bother Roxiu. These were just ants in the four seas, incapable of affecting him regardless of their numbers.

"Give me a bottle of rum, the good stuff."

Roxiu tossed some berries and sat at the bar.

The tavern owner, wiping a glass, was not surprised by Roxiu's words. He took the rum from a shelf and placed it before Roxiu.

"A big shot like you, coming to the East Blue."

The tavern owner seemed clever, recognizing Roxiu at a glance.

"After the news broke, many thought you'd head to the New World."

Roxiu smiled and took a swig of rum, saying, "How could I miss Pirate King Roger's farewell ceremony?"

The tavern owner smiled, glancing outside where the execution platform stood.

Soon, Pirate King Roger would be executed there.

As a legend neared its end, the tavern owner mused, "Roger drank here when he first set sail."

"Who knew it would be so many years later. From a small pirate, Roger became the Pirate King, now about to lose his life."

Roxiu didn't reply, calmly saying, "Everyone's fate is sealed. Pirate King Roger's journey won't end here."

"Watch with anticipation, for Pirate King Roger's final gift to the world."

The tavern's patrons turned to Roxiu. Recognizing him from the conversation, they realized he was Roxiu, the second Golden Lion, with a bounty of 1.28 billion berries.

Such a figure coming to Loguetown for Roger's farewell?

But Roxiu's words puzzled them.

Pirate King Roger's gift to the world?

What could it be?

...

As future monsters gathered in Loguetown, the Navy's vigilance intensified.

Roxiu looked towards the Marine base, feeling a bit helpless.

It was a shame. With two admirals, Vice Admiral Garp, three monster rookies, and over twenty vice admirals, seizing Pirate King Roger's power was impossible.

But Roxiu's goal wasn't to seize Roger's power.

After all, the last time he seized Golden Lion's power was a system reward. Roxiu hadn't restored his ability to seize others' powers.

**Host: Roxiu**

**Devil Fruit Ability: Float-Float Fruit (Awakened State)**

**Conqueror's Haki: Advanced Conqueror's Haki! Rated S-!**

**Armament Haki: Advanced Armament Haki! Rated S-!**

**Observation Haki: Advanced Observation Haki! Rated S-!**

**Body Techniques: S Level!**

**Swordsmanship: S Level!**

**Overall Strength Rating: S- to S+ **

**Host's strength fluctuates, nearly reaching admiral-level and peak admiral-level strength**

"With practice and familiarity with my powers, I've improved, it seems."

Roxiu smiled slightly. Compared to before, he was more familiar and capable of using his powers.

At the same time, a prompt appeared in Roxiu's mind.

**Ding: Congratulations, host. One random seizing opportunity activated**

**Note: Host can randomly seize one power from another person**

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