One Piece Nine Tails - Chapter 268

This year was quite special.

The sea, calm for a few years, finally began to stir again.

First, a pirate hunter named “Mirror Man” appeared in the New World, targeting only notorious and evil pirates. It was said he had confronted many infamous pirates.

The second major event was the escape of Barrett, who had been imprisoned by the Black Order for over ten years!

Somehow, he escaped from Pandora Island and began wreaking havoc on the seas, targeting both pirates and marines. Barrett, known as the Heir of the Devil, had his information released by the World Government, revealing him to be the host of the demon lord Aatrox, who once nearly destroyed the world.

Barrett’s rampage caught the marines’ attention, prompting them to launch a Buster Call led by Admiral Astrea and Vice Admiral Garp. However, they failed to capture Barrett. In the end, Barrett disappeared into the sea, and there was no news of him for several months.

Meanwhile, the Roger Pirates began to move with a clear goal, advancing with unstoppable force. Any obstacle in their path met with the most extreme violence. Guided by the Voice of All Things, Roger pursued the Poneglyphs, traveling across the entire world, from the New World to the four seas and both halves of the Grand Line.

Ultimately, Roger achieved an unprecedented feat—they finally reached the final island!

(Rather than detailing the history of the Poneglyphs and Laugh Tale, I’ll skip over it, as even Oda hasn’t revealed this information. Moreover, Laugh Tale isn’t very important to Yuan Yi, so there’s no need to elaborate.)

Finally, Roger became the Pirate King!

“That guy…”

At Marine Headquarters, Ann leaned back in her chair, letting out a long breath.

Although she was split into two individuals, she couldn’t help but feel a genuine sense of joy.

Roger becoming the Pirate King was once her goal too.

Unfortunately, the burdens of her responsibilities led her down a different path.

At this moment, she was communicating with Roger in her mind.

Since Roger had mastered Kenbunshoku Haki to its pinnacle, their exchanges had become increasingly fluent.

“Are you really going to do this?” Ann asked Roger with a hint of melancholy.

“Yes, I don’t have much time left, and my dream is complete. Let me spend the rest of my time helping you achieve your dream,” Roger replied, his voice as carefree as ever. Since becoming the Pirate King, he seemed to have let go of all his burdens, exuding a transcendent aura.

It was as if he had gained a charisma that could overwhelm everything.

“When everything is done, let’s have a drink,” Ann said with a smile. “At Loguetown, where we were born.”

“Perfect timing. Before helping you, I also need to leave behind my child,” Roger’s voice echoed again. “After I’m gone, take care of them for me.”

“In a way, your child is also my child,” Ann chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of them. But given my current position, I won’t let them become pirates.”

“The future is unpredictable. I can see a short glimpse into the future, but not decades ahead. Still, I believe my son will one day find all the treasures I’ve left behind,” Roger said his final words to Ann, then addressed his reluctant crew. “Thank you all for taking care of me over these years.”

“I’m truly happy to have had your company on our journey to Laugh Tale. But remember, nothing in this world lasts forever. Our journey has come to an end.”

“Captain…” Shanks struggled to hold back his tears, still unable to lift Roger’s curse.

Roger’s body might only last another year at most.

“Don’t cry. A man of the sea shouldn’t cry,” Roger said with a grin. Then, he apologized to Nameless, “I’m sorry I couldn’t find more ‘Ascension Altars’ for you. My time is running out, but I believe you won’t be haunted by the demons of the past anymore.”

Nameless looked up at the sky, filled with emotion. “No need to apologize… Traveling with you was a pleasure. At least I’ve learned to face things. Once everyone leaves, I’ll continue searching for the Ascension Altars around the world. You’ve led me to the first step, and that’s enough.”

Yes, the Roger Pirates were disbanding.

Roger had drawn the world’s attention upon becoming the Pirate King. Countless marines and pirates came after them, driven by the desire to claim the Pirate King title.

Roger could suppress all this while alive, but he was nearing death.

What would happen to his crew after his death?

Thus, he had to disband his crew. As he said, they had found the final island, marking the end of their journey.

With the road at its end, it was time to part ways.

Now, in Loguetown, his birthplace, the world would soon learn about the official disbanding of the Roger Pirates. The king of the seas, after a brief reign, was stepping down.

Roger, with mixed feelings, left his crew and the Oro Jackson.

The crew was reluctant, but Roger walked away with ease. The past was behind him, and even with little time left, he would only look toward the fleeting future.

After disembarking, he headed into the town and soon froze.

Then, he smiled, a mix of sentiment in his expression.

“Ah, long time no see.”

In front of him stood Muzake, from the Right Seat of God.

Muzake wore the same clothes as when they last met, making one wonder if he ever changed.

Though they had only met once, and it was to fight, Roger, in his current state, was genuinely happy to see someone from his past.

“It seems you’ve come to understand the meaning of era and desire,” Muzake said gently, without hostility this time.

Era and desire…

“Ha, you’re right. It truly was a wrong time and wrong wish!”

Roger laughed heartily. “But right or wrong, let’s have a drink!”

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