章 10: The End of an Era

The news of Gol D. Roger's arrest spread like wildfire throughout the Grand Line and beyond. It was not long before every island, town, and village knew that the Pirate King had been captured by the Marines. The news was so significant that it reached the ears of even those who had little interest in piracy or the Grand Line. The government became fearful of the knowledge he possessed and dubbed him the "The King of the Pirates." In an attempt to discredit him and protect their interests, they spread false rumours about Roger being cruel and evil, painting him as a villain to the people using bounty posters and public broadcasts. His bounty was the highest the world has ever seen: Gold Roger, a massive bounty of 5,564,800,000 Bellies causing a major shockwave in the world.

Rumours began to circulate about how the capture had come about, with some claiming that Roger had been betrayed by one of his crew members while others speculated that he had simply grown tired of the constant battles and challenges that came with being a pirate.

Regardless of the cause, the news of Roger's arrest sent shockwaves throughout the world. The pirate king had been the symbol of freedom and adventure for countless individuals, and his capture signalled a major shift in the balance of power in the Grand Line.

The Marines wasted no time in taking advantage of this shift, using Roger's arrest as a way to send a clear message to other pirate crews. They increased their patrols and began cracking down on piracy more aggressively than ever before, determined to prevent any other pirate from rising to the level of Roger's infamy.

At the same time, many pirates saw Roger's arrest as a challenge. With the Pirate King out of the picture, there was now a power vacuum in the Grand Line that many were eager to fill. Pirate crews began to clash more frequently, each one trying to assert their dominance and establish themselves as the new rulers of the sea.

The Gorosei, meanwhile, found themselves in a difficult position. With their biggest enemy now in custody, they had to figure out what to do with him. Some wanted to execute Roger immediately fearing his knowledge about the void century, while few saw the value in keeping him alive for interrogation and intelligence gathering. Ultimately, they decided to execute Gold Roger in Loguetown and broadcast this event to the whole world in order to send a message to not oppose the World Government.

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Impel Down, August 1499

In a dark underground cell in impale-down, the king of the pirate was captured and bound with chains. Garp has come alone to meet this long-time rival and friend for the last time. They had fought together against Rocks D. Xebec in God Valley and Garp respected this enigmatic character.

"Garp! Can you believe this, Garp? I am expecting a baby in a few months." Roger said with his iconic smile.

"Unfortunately, I won't be around by the time of the child's birth."

"Why're you telling that to me a Marine officer, Roger? The mother of the child, a woman related to you will be executed for sure!", Garp said with a stern voice.

"That's why I am telling you. The Government will definitely dig up my whereabouts for the last year and find and try to kill my family. You must go and shelter my kid as soon as possible; I am sure that my elder son will surely protect his mother from the marines." He said which shocked Garp. He wondered where did Roger's elder son come from? Why he didn't know about this?

"But they can't blame a child who is not born, Garp! We have tried to kill each other dozens of times. That's why I can trust you as I trust my friends." Hearing this Garp scoffed. "You must protect my child."

"Stop being so selfish!" Garp shouted in anger and held the bars of the prison cell.

"No! I am sure you'll do it! Look after my child!!!" Roger replied firmly. Garp didn't answer and backed off as he left the prison. "When you meet Nova and Rogue, tell them to stay safe."

Roger had come to respect Garp over the years, despite their differences. He knew that Garp was a man of principle, who had always followed his own code of honour. Roger believed that if anyone could keep his child safe from the World Government, it was Garp.

***

The news of Roger's capture and sentencing was particularly shocking to the people of Loguetown, as it was the place where the Pirate King had started his journey many years ago. The town had a special significance for the pirates, as it was where they would make their final stop before entering the Grand Line. It was said that whoever could conquer the Grand Line would become the Pirate King, and Roger had done just that.

Loguetown was bustling with activity in the days leading up to the execution of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. The tension in the air was palpable, as everyone knew that something big was about to happen. The marines had brought in reinforcements from neighbouring islands, and the streets were lined with armed soldiers and navy officers. Powerful men and women from all over the world had flocked to the town to witness the end of an era.

The World Government had planned to execute Roger in Loguetown, in front of a large crowd. They hoped that this would send a clear message to all pirates that they were not invincible and that their actions would have consequences. The Marines were out in full force, making sure that order was maintained and that there were no disturbances during the execution.

The atmosphere was electric as people from all over the world gathered to witness history in the making. Ships filled the harbour, and people crowded the streets, trying to get a glimpse of the Pirate King before his execution. Some were there to show their support for Roger, while others had come to see justice served. This event will be broadcasted all over the world in major cities and towns for the whole world to witness.

As the day of the execution drew closer, the mood in the town became even more intense. The streets were packed with people, and the air was thick with anticipation. The marines had set up barricades and checkpoints all around the town, making it clear that they were not taking any chances.

As the hour of the execution approached, the crowd grew restless. Many people were shouting and cheering, while others were crying and praying. The marines stood ready; their guns trained on the platform where Roger was to be executed. Finally, the time for the execution arrived. Roger was brought out in chains, and the crowd fell silent. He stood on the platform, looking out at the sea of faces that had come to witness his demise.

Suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd as the Pirate King was led onto the platform by the Marines. Roger was calm and composed, even though he knew that this would be his final moment. Neo watched in awe as the legendary Pirate King was dressed in his trademark red coat, and his face was stoic as he gazed out at the sea of people before him.

Roger sat on the platform and said with a mocking smile, "All right, let's get this over with quickly." The executioners took out their spears preparing to take his life as the crowd watched with silence. Suddenly someone from the crowd shouted, "Hey King of the Pirates! Where did you hide all the treasure you found? You got it, didn't you?! That legendary treasure! The One Piece"

"Wahahaha, My treasure? If you want it, I'll let you have it. Find it! I left all of it at that place!" Roger gave the shocking revelation as the whole world watched in shock.

Among the crowd, many iconic characters were present who had a personal connection with Roger. Young Red Haired Shanks, the captain of the Red Hair Pirates, had been a member of Roger's crew in the past and had inherited Roger's straw hat, a symbol of his legacy. Buggy the Clown, another former crew member, was there as well, plotting to find the One Piece himself. Dracule Mihawk, an aspiring swordsman, who respected him as a worthy opponent. Donquixote Doflamingo, a former World Noble, was intrigued by Roger's revelation and had his eyes set on the One Piece as well. Monkey D. Dragon, the son of Marine Hero Garp and the future leader of the Revolutionary Army, felt something burn inside him and finally decided to oppose the World Government after this event even Young Smoker, a future marine had come to witness the end of the Pirate King.

Despite their different backgrounds and agendas, all of these characters were united in their admiration for Roger and his accomplishments. His words had inspired them in one way or another, and they knew that his legacy would live on long after his death.

As the spears tore through Roger's heart, ending his life, the crowd erupted into a mixture of emotions. Some wept, others cheered, and many were left speechless by the end of an era. But one thing was certain: the legend of Gol D. Roger would live on, inspiring future generations of pirates and adventurers to chase their dreams and reach for the stars.

Nova couldn't watch anymore and with tears in his eyes, he ran away from the scene. Once he was away from prying eyes in an alley, he flew away into the sky. As he soared through the sky, tears streamed down Nova's face. He couldn't believe that the man who was his father figure, taught him everything he knew, and loved him like his own son was gone forever. The pain in his chest was almost unbearable. Nova knew that his feelings towards Roger were complex and contradictory. On one hand, he was grateful to him for everything he had done for him. On the other hand, he couldn't help but feel disappointed in him for his actions.

Meanwhile, the marines and World Government were in a panic after this event, this execution has been broadcasted to the whole world. It was a blunder of epic proportions, surely many pirates will be inspired to reach Raftel and conquer the Grand Line after this day. They had not expected this to happen and all their plans to make an example out of Roger were a massive failure. Those who wanted Roger's treasure left in masses towards the treacherous seas in hopes of finding wealth, fame and power and Roger's name became a legend for years to come.

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A/N: Thanks everyone for your support. Comment your thoughts on this story.