In this invasion of Mariejois, the Revolutionary Army is sending only three people: the leader, Dragon, along with the North Army commander Karasu and the West Army commander Morley. Karasu will be responsible for reconnaissance, while Morley will be in charge of bringing Urouge, Tiger, Jinbei, and other Fish-Men into Mariejois. Morley's Push-Push Fruit abilities make it difficult for him to be detected. Meanwhile, Ivankov will handle logistical support and evacuation.
Although the Revolutionary Army's presence is small, it is composed of their best fighters.
"We depart tomorrow morning, synchronizing our action with Roger's execution."
"I have no issues with that," Dragon agreed.
For Dragon and his group, the timing means they won't need to worry about the Navy's strength.
…
The next day.
The early morning sunlight pierced through the sea mist. Today was the day of Roger's execution. Two days prior, Kong and other Navy high-ranking officials had secretly arrived at Loguetown.
As the execution day approached, the atmosphere in Loguetown didn't become lively; instead, it turned tense and oppressive. People entering Loguetown could almost smell the tension in the air. Elite navy soldiers patrolled continuously, and surveillance transponder snails were placed in almost every street.
As time passed, the heavy atmosphere in Loguetown grew more intense. No one could guarantee that the execution of Roger would proceed without incident. Navy ships patrolled the coastal waters, ensuring no disruptions during the execution.
"Loguetown is getting busier," murmured Kuzan, hidden in the shadows, as he observed the dense crowd in the plaza before the execution platform.
Elsewhere, the Navy's elite forces remained vigilant, monitoring the entire town. The order from the World Government and Navy high command was clear: ensure Roger's execution goes without any mishaps. This command took precedence over all others, even above dealing with the pirates present in Loguetown.
The Navy's elite understood the significance behind these orders. The seemingly tight defense around Loguetown's ports and surrounding seas was largely a diversion; the real elite forces were hidden within the town itself.
Executing Roger was meant to be a deterrent to pirates worldwide—a stark warning. Therefore, the Navy allowed some pirates to enter, ensuring they could spread the news among the pirate community.
In a luxurious room not far from the execution square in Loguetown:
"Hawkeye and Bartholomew Kuma, I didn't expect you to join the Shichibukai," Crocodile remarked, a smile forming on his lips as he looked at Mihawk and Kuma.
"You're in the same boat, Crocodile. Joining the Shichibukai simply aligns with our interests," Kuma responded, flipping through a book.
"True, it's all about interests," Crocodile laughed.
Most of the pirates arriving in Loguetown were small-timers or moderately known figures, none of whom interested the Navy high command. These people might become influential figures in the future, but their current strength didn't warrant serious attention from the Navy. Thus, the Navy only ordered increased surveillance, letting the pirates be as long as they didn't cause trouble.
"At critical moments, ensuring Roger's execution takes priority over everything else," Kong sternly ordered the high-ranking Navy officers in the meeting room.
As time ticked away, less than an hour remained until Roger's execution.
At this moment, Garp arrived at Roger's cell and sat cross-legged in front of him.
To his surprise, someone had arrived before him.
"Garp, you're here too?" Roger's voice was hoarse, worsened by the withdrawal of medication, which had exacerbated his condition. If not for the Navy's care to keep him alive until the execution, he might have already passed. Despite their efforts, the pain had left him visibly worn, with bloodshot eyes.
Garp turned to see Sengoku already present. He nodded.
"The time is near. I'm here to see you off," Garp said solemnly, taking out some fine wine and food from a basket.
"Garp, the doctors said Roger shouldn't drink," Sengoku reminded, opening his eyes from his meditative state.
"Come on, Sengoku, he's about to die. We can at least let him have a drink. After all, we know each other well," Garp replied exaggeratedly.
Sengoku had no choice but to relent.
"Having you two old friends see me off isn't too bad," Roger said, looking at Garp and Sengoku. The three had spent much of their lives in a relationship that, while not quite friendship, was deeply significant.
Garp poured the drinks in silence, and Sengoku remained quiet. The only sounds in the cell were the clinking of cups and the sound of drinking.
"Thank you for your company. I guess it's time for me to go," Roger said as he saw a group of solemn, uniformed executioners behind Garp and Sengoku.
Roger's hands and feet were shackled, and heavy iron balls were attached to his legs.
Garp watched Roger stand up, wanting to say something but ultimately staying silent. He nodded firmly instead. Sengoku also stood and signalled the soldiers.
The soldiers cautiously opened the cell door and Roger walked out slowly.
"Farewell, Roger," Sengoku said solemnly.
"Thank you," Roger replied, stepping out under heavy guard.
Garp and Sengoku walked beside him, and Roger appeared not as a man walking to his death, but as one with a light heart and anticipation for the future.
Emerging from the dark cell, Roger squinted in the sunlight. He looked up at the clear, cloudless sky. The sun's warmth, the sound of seagulls, and the salty sea breeze filled the air.
"What a beautiful day! 😊"