One Piece Nine Tails

The battle between Roger and Barrett in the East Blue quickly shook the world.

Although the battle had long ended, their clash seemed to have permanently altered the weather and sea in that area. An immense force had torn apart several nearby islands.

Countless people came to witness the aftermath, including both Marines and pirates.

Regardless of affiliation, everyone who saw the chaotic sea could only marvel deeply.

The power was overwhelming, far beyond what any human could possess.

Though people had known of Roger's strength since his fight with Aatrox, seeing his battleground firsthand made them truly realize his terrifying might.

However, just as the world was shocked, another shocking piece of news arrived from Marine Headquarters.

The world went into a frenzy. Some were in disbelief, some were ecstatic, and some were rage-filled. The news was too incredible.

"The Pirate King, who ruled the seas, has been captured by the Marine hero Ann on the Grand Line!"

The Marines had captured Roger?!

This news spread like wildfire across the world. At first, no one dared believe it was true.

Though Ann had been Roger's rival, frequently attempting to capture him, people saw him as a monster after seeing Roger's battleground with Barrett.

And now, this monster had been captured by the Marines?

"That can't be true..."

This was everyone's initial reaction upon reading the newspaper. But soon, they realized it was indeed true.

The World Government announced that they would hold an execution ceremony for Roger in a week. This was Roger, the current Pirate King. Executing him in front of the entire world would be a massive blow to pirates and a significant boost to the World Government's authority.

Explosive news shocked the world one after another while the man responsible for all this, Gol D. Roger, lived leisurely in his prison cell.

"I've taken your wife to a remote island. She should be safe for a while," Ann said.

Roger leaned in a corner of the prison, holding a jar of sake.

Ann sat on the ground outside the cell, holding a jar of sake.

"Thanks," Roger took a swig, then said, "I won't be around to see how the world changes from here on out. I hope it turns out as grand and dramatic as we imagined."

"I am you, I'll see it for you," Ann said softly. "Besides, we might not be unable to meet again."

Hell, is it genuinely inescapable?

Of course not. If it were genuinely inescapable, how could demons appear in the world?

Demons can leave Hell, so why can't people?

"Alright, another old friend is coming," Roger chuckled. "By the way, Garp has a grandson now, doesn't he? I wonder if he'll inherit the Will of D."

"Maybe," Ann stood up slowly. As a Marine Admiral, she couldn't stay with Roger for too long.

"Take this," Roger said, standing up and walking to the front of the cell. He extracted crystalline shards and a black badge from his body.

Four shards of the Shikon Jewel and...

A Substitute Shinigami Badge!

Ann sighed, taking the items from Roger.

Roger had used the Substitute Shinigami Badge to split himself. Who knows if he could do it again?

Ann wondered.

"I've given the box containing information about the demons to Unnamed for safekeeping. If clues arise in the future, you can go to him," Roger said.

Ann didn't respond, carefully putting away the items.

She stood up, picked up the jar of sake, downed the rest in one gulp, then dropped the jar, shattering it.

With a long sigh, she turned and left.

At the prison entrance, she encountered Garp coming in.

She said nothing, knowing that, as Marines, they tacitly understood that visiting Roger was not a matter of pride.

Garp entered and saw the broken sake jar on the ground. "You're living the high life, aren't you? Having a Marine Admiral bring you sake. I don't even get that treatment."

"Even a Marine Admiral knows to bring sake. You came empty-handed, old man. No wonder she's an Admiral," Roger laughed heartily.

"Tch, you act like you don't know you're about to die," Garp shook his head. "Too bad I wasn't the one to capture you."

"I heard you've become pretty strong after getting a new arm. It's a pity we haven't fought since then," Roger said, a hint of regret in his voice.

He referred to the incident at Jarzburg. After that, Roger had significantly strengthened, but Garp had lost his right arm and had to withdraw from the hunt for Roger.

They hadn't seen each other much since then.

Until Garp got a red dragon arm and was reactivated in the New World.

But soon after, Roger began his quest for the final island, reducing his interactions with Garp.

Chased by Ann, it saved much effort.

"Someone like you was worn down by Barrett to that extent? Is that guy dead?" Garp asked.

According to their information, Ann had captured Roger because her observation of Haki indicated a significant battle in the East Blue.

Ann quickly got approval to head there, and upon arrival, she found Roger unconscious from his fight with Barrett, making his capture easy.

The high-ranking Marines believed this, knowing Ann's Observation Haki was powerful.

Since she joined, they knew Ann's Observation Haki was the best, so there was no suspicion of her going to the East Blue.

In their official statement, they said Roger fought Barrett, then faced Ann in a legendary battle before being captured from exhaustion.

This narrative highlighted Marine power and was logically sound.

People knew Roger was strong, so claiming Ann captured him alone was unbelievable. They included Barrett's existence for credibility.

But high-ranking Marines like Garp knew the truth.

"That kid is incredibly strong," Roger said softly. "Maybe you'll meet him in the future."

"He survived," Garp said, exasperated. "You're really troublesome."

"Haha, the future needs strong individuals to shine. You won't be bored," Roger laughed.

After Roger and Garp's conversation, the world would enter a new era.

Perhaps the entire world awaited this man's death.

Roger's execution was set in Loguetown, his hometown.

That day, we soon arrived.

"Roger's execution will attract many pirates. We don't need to confront them. This execution is a deterrent," Ann ordered, heading to a secluded cave in Loguetown.

"Ann..."

Inside was a woman with long, wavy blonde hair and a slightly swollen belly, clearly pregnant.

Portgas D. Rouge, Roger's wife.

Seeing Ann, her eyes showed both hatred and gratitude.

Ann had captured Roger but also helped her evade the Marines. Rouge couldn't understand Ann's intentions.

Ann had picked up smoking, but she extinguished it near the pregnant woman.

"I'm sorry, but I can't let you see him one last time," Ann said softly. It's too dangerous. I might not protect you."

"No, please, I want to see him!" Rouge pleaded tears in her eyes. "Even if just on the execution platform!"

"No one knows our relationship. Please, let me see him once more."

"Sigh," Ann sighed deeply. She looked up, speaking slowly. "You don't understand. There's a dangerous person in Loguetown."

"A dangerous person?"

"Yes, in her presence, there's no such thing as 'hidden.' She has strong surveillance abilities. As long as there are animals around, she can hear everything."

This was information Roger had analyzed during his fight with Makima. Ann was shocked to learn about Makima's ability.

It meant there were no secrets in Makima's presence.

Ann had chosen places without animals for her and Rouge.

Of course, Makima couldn't maintain a global constant surveillance consul, so Ann chose not to risk it.

"But..."

"Sorry, Rouge," Ann closed her eyes. "Just sleep. When you wake up, it will be over."

She didn't want to bring Rouge here.

But Rouge insisted on being in Loguetown during Roger's final moments.

Ann decided to bring her but planned to take her to a safe place afterward.

"Shadow Cut..."

Ann placed her short sword on the ground, saying, "Please watch over Rouge for me."

"~!"

The sword responded. It seemed curious about the execution.

"There's nothing to see in someone being killed. If you watch over Rouge, I'll give you delicious poison."

Yes, poison!

Since gaining sentience, Shadow Cut loved poison.

With Ann's promise, the sword quieted down. Ann told Rouge, "I know it's cruel, but please don't leave here. Roger's true cause of death might involve that woman. If she knows about you, she won't let you go."

"What?!" Rouge was shocked. She knew Roger had a terminal illness, but Ann's words suggested another cause.

"Sorry, I can't say more, but trust me."

Because I am Roger, too...

Ann didn't say it out loud; she just turned and headed to the execution ground.

The execution ground was already crowded with people from around the world.

They all wanted to see the Pirate King Roger one last time.

It was drizzling.

The sky was gloomy, and a light rain fell, soaking everyone.

As if the heavens wept for the fallen king.

Kenshin Himura stood in the crowd, wearing a straw hat and brown kimono, his cross-shaped scar visible. He looked at Roger on the platform.

Behind him, a red-haired boy held back tears. It was Shanks.

Shanks saw Kenshin.

Though young, he remembered Kenshin's close relationship with the captain in Wano Country. He hadn't expected to see Kenshin here on this day.

Back then, Kenshin was filled with killing intent, like an executioner. Now, he seemed enveloped in a resigned aura.

Shanks didn't greet Kenshin, knowing it wasn't the time for a reunion.

This was a day of sorrow. Meeting an old friend should be joyous, but joy and sorrow shouldn't clash.

"The Water Back is here too. Roger sure has a big presence."

From an official viewpoint, Zephyr spotted the Water Back in the crowd. The rain seemed to avoid him.

The Marines stood on a building, watching the crowd.

"Not just the Water Back, Toguro is here too," Ann said, arriving just in time.

Toguro stood far from the crowd on a rooftop, also watching Roger.

"How's the Black Order's preparation?" Ann asked.

To ensure the execution went smoothly, the Black Order and Marines cooperated.

"With Makima here, there won't be any issues."

Now, Roger's death was imminent.