Arrival of a new era!

At the central square of Loguetown, a massive crowd had gathered, stretching as far as the eye could see.

The streets leading to the square were completely clogged, leaving no room for movement. The collective murmur of countless whispers created an overwhelming noise, like the incessant buzzing of billions of flies, making it difficult to think.

Faced with this situation, the Marines could only guard the area around the execution platform, ensuring a hundred-meter radius remained an absolute no-go zone. The sheer number of people was understandable; after all, witnessing the fall of a legend on the seas was an event few could resist.

Soon, Roger was escorted down the main street towards the execution platform by soldiers, flanked by Admiral Sengoku and Marine hero Garp. Under the watchful eyes of the execution soldiers, Roger walked step by step towards the high platform.

Roger, facing the dense crowd that had come to witness his death, wore a smile devoid of any fear of death.

Clang!

The sound of shackles clinking made the two executioners on the platform sweat profusely, perhaps due to the heat or the immense pressure of executing the Pirate King.

"The will inherited through generations, the changes of the era, the dreams of the people—so long as people continue to pursue the answer to freedom, all these things will never cease."

Unlike those who typically knelt, Roger sat cross-legged on the platform. The crowd below became immensely excited, their collective voices drowning Loguetown in noise.

The clamor was so intense that it could be heard by the patrolling Navy ships in the surrounding seas. Flashbulbs went off incessantly as reporters from around the world captured this historic moment. The execution was broadcast live to the entire world, allowing everyone to witness the fall of the Pirate King.

"Silence!"

Marine Fleet Admiral Sengoku's voice boomed from the platform, immediately quieting the crowd. His voice, powerful and resonant, struck everyone like a thunderclap.

"Today is the public execution of Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King!"

"This also serves as a declaration to the world: any existence that defies justice will be punished by justice!"

His voice carried immense authority, causing everyone who came to witness the execution to look up at the seated man on the platform.

"How much longer?" Sengoku asked a nearby soldier.

"Half an hour."

Sengoku nodded and declared, "Gol D. Roger will be publicly executed in half an hour!"

"Prepare for execution!"

The two executioners standing straight behind Roger shouted, "Yes, sir!"

Roger sat there, head bowed, his hair covering his face, hiding his expression and thoughts. As time passed, the atmosphere in the square grew tense, filled with anticipation, excitement, and unease.

Soon, the half-hour had passed.

A Marine soldier whispered something to Sengoku, who nodded and then turned to the crowd.

"It's time! Prepare for execution!"

"It is noon! Prepare for execution!"

This simple command stirred the hearts of everyone present.

Almost immediately after Sengoku's words fell, a sudden strong wind blew in from the sea, causing the seagull flags around the square to flap violently.

Pirates hidden within the crowd looked up at Roger on the execution platform. They wanted to know if the Pirate King would reveal anything significant before his death, perhaps something about what he found on the final island.

Suddenly, Sengoku turned to Roger and asked in a deep voice, "Gold Roger, do you have any last words?"

This question made the previously silent Roger lift his bowed head. His face was now visible to everyone, and they were all taken aback.

"He's... smiling?"

"Is this a joke? He's about to die!"

"How unexpected, but he truly is a man who conquered the seas."

"The world's greatest swordsman... I wish I could have fought him!"

"Hahaha, so this is the Pirate King Roger? What a terrifying smile!"

At that moment, the man who ushered in the Great Pirate Era spoke with a soul-stirring question.

"Hey, Pirate King Roger, where did you hide all your treasure? Did you leave it on the Grand Line? Did you really find it? The legendary treasure, the one and only 'One Piece'?!"

Roger's smile grew even brighter as he spoke.

"Do you want my treasure? You can have it! I left everything I gathered in one place. Now, go find it!"

His powerful voice echoed through the entire Loguetown and, via the live broadcast, reached every corner of the world.

In that moment, the world fell silent. The faint sound of waves crashing on the sea seemed to celebrate the arrival of a new era.

The square fell into a brief silence, followed by an uproar of excitement. People familiar with Roger's name and deeds showed an unimaginable fervor.

Almost simultaneously, a massive storm suddenly hit without warning.

"Hahaha, what a crazy man!" Doflamingo, unable to sit still, walked out onto the balcony, looking at the still fervent crowd despite the rain. He could already see a turbulent era approaching.

Roger's words had planted the seeds of desire in everyone's hearts. With this news spreading, the seas were bound to become turbulent, as everyone would go mad for the Pirate King's treasure.

"Quick! Execute him now!!"

As Roger's words ended, Sengoku's face turned pale, and he shouted urgently, fearing Roger might say something even more shocking.

With Sengoku's command, the executioners on either side of Roger raised their swords high and thrust them towards Roger's chest.

Bang! Bang!

Two gunshots rang out.

Haki-infused bullets from the distant sea sliced through the air, hitting the executioners in their foreheads.

Blood instantly stained the execution platform.

As the gunshots rang out, the Navy stationed outside Loguetown sounded the alarm at full speed.

The sharp alarm pierced through the fervent crowd's noise, echoing over Loguetown.

"They're here!"

Hearing the alarm, the elite Marines, who were already prepared, looked towards the legendary ship approaching from the distance.

Some seasoned Marines who had fought against Roger's crew before wore strange expressions. The sharp alarm, combined with the sight of the renowned ship, brought back memories of battles in the New World under the leadership of Garp and Sengoku.

Some of these brutal memories resurfaced, bringing a chill to their hearts.

"The Roger Pirates are here!"

This news spread rapidly among the ships, echoing between them.