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East Blue, Loguetown:
Sengoku and the others had already taken over the branch base on the island as a temporary headquarters.
As the top brass of the Navy, they had to make various preparations for the upcoming public execution of the Pirate King and maintain constant communication with the World Government.
In the days leading up to the execution, it could be said that they were drowning in meetings.
Even Garp, who was usually free-spirited and laid-back, was almost nowhere to be seen during this period. Kojin hardly caught a glimpse of him.
Roger was being held in a cell within the Marine garrison. Kojin’s squad was stationed in civilian houses separated from the prison by only one wall.
“I really can’t understand the necessity of this assignment.”
“This must be the first time in history that the Navy’s top brass and elite combat forces have all gathered in Loguetown.”
“With such a formidable force assembled, who would dare cause trouble?”
Kuzan said lazily.
Hearing this, Kojin smiled faintly but didn’t respond.
Through his Domain’s perception, he could sense a noticeable surge in the number of people arriving in Loguetown over the past two days.
Once the news of Roger’s public execution was announced, people from all over the world, across every profession and background, wanted to come and witness it.
When people gather, especially in large numbers in a short period of time, it inevitably leads to more trouble and conflict.
“On the surface, our assignment seems pretty relaxed, but I’m already seeing much bigger problems ahead.” Borsalino sighed.
He had gone out for a walk earlier that morning, and the number of people in Loguetown had grown exponentially. Reporters from various countries, passing merchants, pirates hiding their identities, underground figures, and gangsters were all flooding in.
Meanwhile, World Government personnel had arrived quietly and without fanfare.
This was clearly just the beginning.
“This world is never short of people willing to take risks and pursue their wildest ambitions; otherwise, Shiki wouldn’t have broken through Marine Headquarters.” Kojin said with a calm smile.
“Shiki?” Kuzan blinked in surprise, then narrowed his eyes.
…
Over the next three days, the group’s duties remained light.
However, Kojin noticed a staggering surge in the number of people arriving in Loguetown. In just three days, the harbor was packed with ships, and the town overflowed with people from all walks of life.
People were everywhere across hundreds of streets. Despite his ability to envelop the entire island in his domain, it was impossible to distinguish the faces and identities of every individual.
There were simply too many people; the volume of information flooding in at once was overwhelming. He could only narrow the range of his domain to roughly one kilometer around the prison where Roger was being held.
“No wonder so many pirates appeared in this town during Roger’s execution,” Kojin mused.
“With the Marine’s limited forces, they could only maintain a semblance of order.”
“The best outcome was simply preventing any major incidents.”
Kojin sighed.
That day passed peacefully for Kojin and his squad; no suspicious individuals were discovered. Only a few brawls broke out on the outskirts of Loguetown, which put the Marines on edge, but they were all eventually suppressed.
Kojin observed the entire process through his domain.
His eyes narrowed slightly. From these seemingly minor disturbances alone, he determined that the Marines in Loguetown were severely outnumbered.
After all, the troublemakers themselves were not even arrested, only given brief warnings before being allowed to flee.
…
The sixth day arrived… the day before Roger’s execution.
The entire squad visibly relaxed.
“Once the execution is over tomorrow, we can return to headquarters,” Kuzan said casually.
“It’s been six days already. Nothing else is likely to happen,” Borsalino added with a light smile, cradling a cup of hot tea.
Sakazuki remained expressionless, his thoughts unreadable.
“My view is exactly the opposite of yours.” Kojin sighed softly. “Tomorrow will be our busiest day.”
In his mind’s eye, he could already see a group of mysterious figures, cloaked and hooded to conceal their faces, quietly entering the one-kilometer radius around them.
“Just take him down!”
“If we kill Roger, we’ll become legends!”
“If the Pirate King dies by our hands, we’ll dominate tomorrow’s headlines!”
“How high will our bounties soar, tens of billions?”
“A man lives only once. To leave even a second’s mark on history, to be remembered by the world… that’s true worth!”
The words, tinged with madness, excitement, and fervor, echoed through the quiet alley.
“Captain Ryan, I’ve scouted ahead. The Marine defenses along this route are far weaker than elsewhere.”
“As long as we get close to Roger, kill him, and escape successfully… We’ll become the most famous pirate crew of the next era!”
Another voice chimed in, cackling maniacally.
“Heh, ha, ha, ha.”
“You’re right.”
“Life itself is nothing but constant risk and gambling. If you want to reach the top, you have to stake your life.”
“For pirates like us at the very bottom, there aren’t many paths upward.”
The pirate named Ryan laughed harshly.
“Charge in, lads! Fame, status, and money are waiting for us!”
The group broke into a run through the narrow alleys.
Just as the Pirate had said, this route indeed had the weakest defenses. They didn’t even encounter a single Marine along the way.
Inside Kojin’s squad’s temporary base, Kojin slowly stood up.
“Sakazuki.”
Sakazuki, wearing his Marine cap, raised his head, his expression icy.
“Street 54,” Kojin said.
Sakazuki paused for a split second, then immediately understood. He nodded and turned, striding out quickly.
“Kuzan, Street 86.”
“Borsalino, Street 43.”
“Bullet, Street 52.”
“Crocodile, Street 102.”
“Evans, Rosinante, Street 93.”
After assigning six streets in quick succession, everyone froze for a moment before understanding dawned on them, their faces turning tense and serious.
“This world has never lacked people who are bold and courageous.” Kojin said with a soft chuckle with thunderlight crackling around him. “They suppressed their restlessness for the past five days, but today, someone finally couldn’t hold back any longer!”
“Someone’s going to attack this place?” Kuzan asked in surprise.
“Killing Roger would allow the Marine and the World Government to calm the feverish hearts of pirates worldwide,” Kojin explained. “It would also stabilize the global situation.”
He paused, then grinned. “But if the roles and identities are reversed… if a pirate killed Roger, then those who succeed by chance will gain fame and status.”
Everyone present understood completely upon hearing this. They turned and left at once, heading toward their assigned streets.
Meanwhile, Kojin stepped out of the room.
His gaze shifted as he slowly raised his right hand and aimed toward Street 45.
“Zzz—zzz—zzz!”
Dense blue arcs of electricity suddenly burst forth and shot outward in an instant.
“200 Million Volt: Divine Punishment!”
A dazzling pillar of lightning instantly filled Street 45, illuminating the normally quiet, dark alley as it surged forward in a winding advance.
Less than a second later, it slammed directly into a six-man squad that was sneaking forward, madness written across their faces.
“Bang!”
Brilliant lightning engulfed all six.
The next moment, screams rang out, accompanied by the stench of scorched flesh.
At the same time, lightning flashed around Kojin’s body, and his figure vanished.
(End of Chapter)
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