Windmill Town in the East Blue.
The words "turning oneself in" caused a slight contraction in Garp's temple, and the hand that was holding the Senbei also involuntarily paused for a moment before crushing the Senbei.
Inside the room, after those two words were spoken, a strange calmness settled in.
After a long while, Garp suddenly picked up the broken Senbei, put it into his mouth, chewed and swallowed it, then let out a sigh.
"Turning yourself in?"
"Yes, turning myself in. I'm surrendering to the Marines, to the World Government."
Roger said with a smile, his words filled with a lightness that seemed oblivious to the gravity of those two words for him.
"You should know what awaits you after turning yourself in."
Garp sighed and said, his eyes fixed on Roger, trying to see why his old friend suddenly decided to surrender.
He initially thought Roger's visit meant something else, but during their conversation, he had already guessed what choice the other party would make. However, hearing it directly from Roger's mouth still sent a shiver down his spine.
It could be said that as he grew older, he began to cherish the few friends he had left more and more.
At this moment, for the first time, he carefully examined Roger, and the weathered face reminded him of the young man who used to steal from him in Loguetown.
Yes, both sides had fulfilled their promises, with one becoming the undisputed king of the seas and the other a leading figure in the Marines.
However, Roger was now a man who would soon depart from this world.
In Roger's deep eyes, there was no fear of death, only a hidden sense of reluctance and apology for something.
Garp just glanced at Roger and saw a lot from his eyes, which made his emotions complicated.
"I will die."
Calmly, almost with a smile, Roger slowly stated the consequences he would face after surrendering.
"I know my fate, and I am fully aware of it. It's precisely because I've seen it that I've come. Don't feel sad for me, my friend. I came to find you because you're the person I trust the most, the one I'm willing to entrust my other treasure to."
Roger smiled, and as he spoke the latter part of his sentence, there was a hint of seriousness in his expression.
Seeing Roger's words, Garp's face revealed a complex expression, seeming sad and regretful.
"You're really causing me trouble, you rascal."
Garp said helplessly, then solemnly continued.
"Tell me, whatever I can do to help, I'll do my best!"
Seeing Garp's expression, Roger nodded in relief, and a smile appeared on his face. He had indeed chosen the right person.
"Garp, I trust you."
With a smile blossoming on Roger's face, at this moment, he seemed to have let go of something significant.
Garp opened his mouth to speak, then asked, "Where do you want your final stop in life to be?"
"Loguetown. That's where my adventure began. It would be a fitting end."
A trace of reminiscence appeared in Roger's eyes as he spoke.
…
That night, Garp took out his exclusive Den Den Mushi and dialed the number for Headquarters.
"Moshi moshi?"
"Hello, this is Garp."
"Garp, what's the matter calling me so late? Isn't your vacation still over half a month away?"
"I... have arrested Roger."
There was silence on the other end of the Den Den Mushi. After a few breaths, it sounded like the person on the other end had bumped into the chair, making a 'Duang' sound.
"What? What did you just say? Repeat it!"
"I said I have arrested Roger."
Garp casually dug his ear with his pinky, saying nonchalantly.
The voice on the Den Den Mushi went silent for a moment, then after a moment, it became quieter, and it seemed like the person on the other end had bumped into the chair again.
"Is it really him!?"
There was surprise in the voice, and then a quick series of questions followed.
"What's your current situation? Are you injured? Where did the battle take place? In the East Blue? But I haven't received any reports of intense battles in that area?"
The questions from the Den Den Mushi came in rapid succession. Garp knew that it wouldn't be so easy to capture someone like Roger.
"Can you have a little faith in me, Sengoku? I told you I went up and punched Roger a couple of times and knocked that guy out."
Garp said, picking his nose with his finger as if he were indifferent.
Sengoku was very surprised, but then he said in a serious tone.
"Garp, stay vigilant. I'm leaving immediately! Also, regardless of the situation, remember that your safety is paramount."
Sengoku said solemnly, clearly aware that many rogues and Roger's remnants were searching the world for Roger's whereabouts.
Garp nodded in response.
The Den Den Mushi was hung up, and Roger stood behind Garp, looking curiously at the hung-up Den Den Mushi.
Almost as soon as Sengoku hung up the Den Den Mushi, the higher-ups at Marine Headquarters began to mobilize frequently.
At the same time, a fleet led by Sengoku, consisting of figures like Borosalino, Sakazuki, and Kuzan, set sail from Marineford towards the East Blue.