At noon, in Loguetown of the East Blue.
It was the height of summer, and the fiery red sun hung high in the sky. The stone pavement below was scorching hot, with waves of heat rolling through the air.
On any ordinary day, such weather would have left the square completely deserted, as everyone would have sought refuge indoors to escape the heat.
But today was different.
The square, sizzling under the sun, was packed with people—tens of thousands of them—all eagerly awaiting something.
Among the crowd were not just common folk, but also wealthy merchants, nobles, and even pirates.
They had all received the news spread by the Navy Headquarters: Roger would be publicly executed today. People from all corners of the world had gathered here for this moment.
In addition to them, there were over a thousand law enforcement officers from the World Government maintaining order.
Everyone remained silent, their expressions grave, and the atmosphere was unusually heavy.
But soon, this oppressive mood was shattered by a sound.
"Ding ding ding."
Accompanied by the piercing alarm, the rhythmic sound of footsteps began to echo from the far end of the square.
"Tap tap tap."
Then, as the crowd parted, a disciplined procession came into view.
Dozens of World Government law enforcement officers, dressed in official uniforms and wielding slender, sharp swords, marched forward with solemn and grim expressions.
Sweat dripped down their faces, and the pounding of their hearts betrayed their nervousness.
In their midst was a tall man draped in a red coat, with a white scarf around his neck, walking slowly alongside the officers.
Contrary to the nobility his attire suggested, he was shackled with heavy chains. His hair and beard were disheveled, giving him a weathered appearance.
Yet, his spirit seemed undiminished.
Even as he was surrounded by a dozen men, marching toward the end of his life, there was not a trace of fear in his eyes.
His gaze was resolute, and with each step, the chains on his feet clanked loudly, as if playing a farewell tune for him.
"Is that the Pirate King, Roger?"
"Rumors say even the Navy hero Garp couldn't defeat him. How did the Navy manage to capture him?"
"I thought the news was fake, but the Navy really caught him!"
"He looks in good spirits, not like someone who's been captured!"
"I heard he completed the entire Grand Line and reached the final island, Raftel!"
"I also heard he possesses the world's greatest treasure. I wonder if that's true!"
"It must be true! He's the Pirate King, stronger than even the Four Emperors. He must have amassed countless treasures along the way!"
"..."
As the law enforcement officers escorted Roger toward the execution platform, the crowd on both sides of the square couldn't help but cast curious and questioning glances, whispering among themselves.
Hearing these murmurs, the silent Roger slowly lowered his head. At an angle unnoticed by others, the corners of his lips curled into a faint smile. He paused briefly before the towering execution platform.
Looking at the sea of people in the square, he thought to himself.
'Good!'
'The more people, the better!'
Then, Roger composed himself and continued his steady march up the execution platform.
"Dong dong dong."
The tolling of a bell rang out, echoing across the entire square.
The once melodious and gentle tolling of the bell now sounded unbearably heavy.
The crowd in the square, previously engaged in chatter, fell silent, their attention fully focused on the man steadily ascending the steps.
However.
Among the tens of thousands of people, there were also those of extraordinary status.
***
In a narrow alley not far away.
A mysterious young man leaned against the wall, his golden hair complemented by red glasses, a pink feathered coat, a necklace of blue gemstones, cropped pants, and a pair of loafers.
A mischievous smile played on his lips.
Not far from him in the crowd.
A red-nosed clown and a red-haired boy wearing a straw hat both had tears in their eyes, biting their lips, unable to look directly at Roger as he climbed the execution platform.
Shifting the view.
A young man with short black hair and a golden cross hanging around his neck stood in the crowd, his yellow eyes as sharp as an eagle.
On his back was a massive sword.
Besides these individuals.
There was also Crocodile with his black hair, golden earrings, and a cigar, Moria with sharp teeth and two bandages wrapped around his head, Dragon draped in a green "assassin's robe" and Smoker, who's still a child.
Under the gaze of all these people.
The sound of footsteps finally ceased as Roger completed the long climb, standing at the highest point of the execution platform.
With a dull thud, Roger sat cross-legged on the wooden platform.
Feeling the gaze of the tens of thousands below, he showed no fear.
"Come on, let's get this over with!"
Fully shackled, Roger showed no attachment to life, instead urging the executioners.
"Dong!"
The final toll of the bell rang out, signaling the moment of execution.
The two executioners standing beside Roger gripped their sharp swords tightly, their collars soaked with sweat.
Though Roger was bound in chains, they still felt immense pressure.
They took a deep breath.
The next moment.
They raised their swords high, crossing them in front of Roger.
The execution was about to begin.
But at that very moment, a loud voice erupted from the crowd below.
In the silent square, every word was heard clearly and distinctly.
"Pirate King, where did you hide the treasure you found?"
"You obtained the great treasure of the Grand Line, didn't you?"
"That legendary treasure!"
Hearing this, the executioner beside Roger face changed, and he shouted angrily.
"SHUT YOUR MOUTH!"
Sweat dripped faster from his face.
Under the sun, a puddle of sweat formed on the ground.
Before executing Roger, they had been instructed.
Under no circumstances should Roger reveal anything about the great treasure.
Yet, this voice could not suppress the crowd's desire for the treasure and the voice rang out again.
"That one and only great treasure!"
"ONE PIECE!!!"
Whoosh!
In an instant, as the voice fell, everyone in the square, whether commoners or those of extraordinary status, turned their gaze toward the person who had spoken.
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