There are indeed many dissatisfying aspects in this world.
Famine, death, war, plague, and countless other disasters plague this world.
"You want to eliminate them?"
Roger found it hard to believe, then sneered, "You don't plan to eliminate the other three just so you can sit on the throne as the only Demon Lord, do you?"
"…" Makima paused briefly at Roger's question, then said calmly, "Is there a substantial difference between humans and demons? What demons do, humans also do. What humans do, demons can also do."
"If I don't do demonic deeds within human society, then I am human."
Demonic treachery?
Roger wanted to laugh but knew Makima would never act as she said.
"Eliminating your sisters will get rid of famine, death, and war?"
"Demons are essentially concepts of the world. I symbolize control, so as long as control exists in this world, I will never die. Even if you kill all humans under the World Government and break my contract with the Five Elders, then kill me, I will reappear in hell."
Makima spoke softly, "This is the true nature of demon immortality. You can kill our flesh, but you cannot destroy the world's concepts. However, if you could destroy the concept itself, the demon would die. And if you completely eliminate the corresponding demon, the concept will also disappear."
Looking thoughtfully at Roger, she said slowly, "Thus, you should understand. Using the explosive energy from World Impact to kill demons representing negative concepts means this world will be free of misfortune."
"I want to create a perfect world. What's wrong with that?"
Silence...
Roger was momentarily speechless.
The information Makima revealed quickly was shocking; even if Roger had suspicions, he had never imagined her true intentions to be like this.
The torrential rain continued to pour, drenching them both.
Large raindrops pelted them, and occasional lightning illuminated the sky, dispersing some darkness beneath the clouds.
"Sorry…"
In such a world, Roger spoke softly, "I think I cannot accept your viewpoint."
"What people need in this world is not control."
Roger looked seriously at Makima, with Ace pointed at her. This…
Demon.
"If humans have a desire, it must come from their own will. Cry if they want to cry, laugh if they want to laugh. The human world has tragic realities, but I believe that someday humans will pursue happiness in a freer way."
"Makima, imposing your will on the world and controlling humanity—do you call that a perfect world? I don't think so. If anything, I should be the one least compatible with you."
Makima's essence was control, and her thoughts and plans matched her symbol.
Roger laughed heartily, "I am Pirate King Gol D. Roger, the freest man on this sea!"
"Divine Avoidance!"
Boom!
In an instant, Roger swung his blade. He wanted to test if he could break through this so-called contract with his power!
Their first clash began with Makima's surprise attack, and after a brief rest, the second clash started with Roger's instantaneous slash. His immense power was accompanied by thunder, like divine might.
Splat!
The strike cleaved Makima in half, but she recovered instantly. Even as she recovered, Roger's next slash was already upon her.
Makima seemed to have lost the ability to resist, allowing Roger's blade to cut her repeatedly.
"Have you recognized reality?"
Amidst the violent slashes, Makima remained composed. No matter how Roger attacked, she recovered in the next moment.
"Your attacks can never kill me."
Roger swung again, but Makima's body disappeared.
In the next moment, she reappeared behind Roger.
Roger turned, looking at Makima, who seemed unscathed and smiled bitterly.
"So… it's time to end this."
Makima slowly raised her head, letting the rain wash over her face.
She spoke softly, "Barrett…"
Roger focused, closely watching Makima's every move.
Barrett...?
!
Roger's eyes widened as an overwhelmingly fierce and violent aura appeared.
It was as if a meteor had fallen from the sky. The tremendous power shattered the island, tearing it apart. The already split island heralded the arrival of darkness.
A man, no, a monster, stood on a piece of debris, seemingly burning with dark flames, exuding an evil aura. He hunched slightly, his hands hanging naturally, his eyes wide and blood-red, almost black.
His aura was like a raging demon, ready to devour anyone.
"Barrett…"
Roger leaped high to a piece of debris as the island shattered beneath him. He looked at the suddenly appeared Barrett and then at Makima, who remained standing unscathed, feeling puzzled.
It had been reported that Barrett had escaped from the Black Order and wreaked havoc on the sea, prompting the Navy to issue a Buster Call.
However...
Why was he here now?
Why did Makima summon him with just one word?
Roger felt confused, but in the next moment, he seemed to understand everything, looking incredulously at Makima.
Makima smiled calmly, saying, "Barrett was released by me from the beginning, a small precaution I took for the future."
"Understand, Gol D. Roger, your every move is within my grasp."
!
Roger gritted his teeth. He never expected Barrett to appear and disrupt things now; Makima's caution was beyond his expectations.
Makima slowly turned away, her back facing Roger, but her voice continued to carry.
"Goodbye, Pirate King. Use all your power to defeat Barrett, and then…"
Her body seemed to dissolve into countless rats, disappearing, leaving only three words.
"Die peacefully."