The eighth explosive rock was intercepted at an altitude of one thousand meters. At this height, even if it detonated, the resulting shockwave would only manifest as strong winds below, causing minimal impact on Mariejois. By this point, most of Mariejois that could be bombed had already been hit multiple times.
Mariejois, once the most lavish and prestigious place in the world, had stood for eight hundred years. This was likely the first time it had been reduced to such ruins. World had caused the most significant damage to the World Government and Celestial Dragons in centuries, surpassing even Rocks' impact.
"What a magnificent display of fireworks!" Li Yuan admired the spectacle from high above, vowing it was the most beautiful he had witnessed.
"It's a shame, though. I wonder how much damage the World Government sustained, and if any top-tier forces were lost," Li Yuan mused, watching the strong figures ascending to confront World. He transformed into a vampire and departed. The event had concluded, and staying longer posed a risk of detection.
Someone with sharp intuition might sense his presence above the clouds, potentially leading to recognition. The World Government would surely hold a grudge, and if they couldn't find World, they might target the Infinite Pirates.
Li Yuan didn't want to bear the blame for World's actions. It was a burden too heavy for the Infinite Pirates at this time.
"So many strong foes!!"
World sensed the top-tier fighters approaching and ceased his manic grin. He then grabbed a uniquely timed explosive rock, amplified it a hundredfold, and threw it before fleeing.
At this moment, he realized it was impossible to continue bombing Mariejois. His priority was now to escape. Before arriving, his brother Bin Jack had devised a foolproof escape plan. As long as nothing unexpected occurred, World could easily flee.
The final explosive rock was thrown towards the incoming group, causing them to scatter. They knew the devastating power of these bombs; staying too close risked instant death.
However, as they attempted to evade, the explosive rock suddenly detonated. The violent explosion filled the air, its shockwave scattering the ascending fighters.
"Moa Moa: Hundredfold Speed!"
World took advantage of the chaos, accelerating his Cloud Homie a hundredfold and fleeing at an extreme speed. In terms of sudden bursts of speed, he was among the best.
"Damn it, he's gone!"
Once the fighters regained their footing and tried to pursue, World had already vanished from sight and their sensory range. They didn't even know which direction to chase. Frustrated, they returned and left some to guard the sky in case of another attack.
"Deploy rescue teams immediately; survivors may still be down there!!"
As the explosions subsided, the top-tier fighters surveyed the devastation below. Seventy percent of Mariejois lay in ruins, the rest damaged by shockwaves, with buildings collapsed.
Even Pangaea Castle was half-destroyed. It was the most terrifying assault the Celestial Dragons had faced in eight hundred years. Though a full casualty assessment wasn't yet possible, they knew many families might have been wiped out.
"Five Elders, what are you doing? We trusted you to govern the world and protect the Celestial Dragons, and this is what you allow?"
"Investigate immediately. Find out what's going on and capture everyone involved as quickly as possible!"
"This explosion resembles the explosive rocks held by the World Government and Navy. Could this be their doing?"
The Five Elders faced the wrath of the Celestial Dragons' top protectors.
The Five Elders were speechless, enduring the scolding silently. They had no choice; the devastation was a direct result of their oversight. Worse, Pangaea Castle was half-destroyed, and they dreaded Imu's reaction.
"Rest assured, fellow compatriots, we will investigate thoroughly and provide answers swiftly!"
The Five Elders promised confidently, then used an excuse to escape the Celestial Dragons' ire and headed for Pangaea Castle.
Marine Headquarters:
"BOOM!!!!"
Marineford, not far from Mariejois, clearly heard the explosions.
"What happened? Did something happen to Mariejois?"
Sengoku, watching Roger's execution broadcast, was interrupted by the loud explosions.
He immediately tried contacting the Five Elders via Den Den Mushi, but the call didn't go through. He then tried reaching Mariejois' Army Commander, with the same result, leaving him frustrated.
He wanted to investigate but couldn't leave Marine Headquarters, so he dispatched someone to Mariejois to assess the situation.
"Let's hope it's nothing serious. Even if it is, hopefully, it doesn't affect the Navy."
Sengoku hoped silently. He had done all he could; if it were urgent, the Five Elders would notify him. Their silence suggested it wasn't.
Loguetown:
Mariejois was far from Loguetown, and the explosions were undetectable here. Roger's execution proceeded as planned.
Roger was being led to the gallows, guarded by Garp and Zephyr. Admirals Sakazuki, Borsalino, Kuzan, and Munis stood watch, prepared for any rescue attempt.
The sky over Loguetown mirrored the day's somber tone, remaining overcast. A light drizzle began as Roger arrived, silencing the previously lively crowd.
All eyes were on Roger, ascending the steps to his execution platform. Many Roger Pirates' members watched silently, bidding farewell to their captain. Others present included Marine Dragon, Mihawk, Gai Nie, Doflamingo, Crocodile, Moriah, and Ashura Doji.
"Is this the Pirate King, Roger?"
As Roger reached the platform's peak, the crowd saw his face clearly. To their shock, he was smiling, even as death loomed.
The crowd, especially the pirates, felt a mix of emotions. To them, Roger, the Pirate King, had reached piracy's pinnacle, possessing wealth, fame, and power.
Yet, even someone with everything they dreamed of couldn't evade the Navy's grasp and faced execution.
Around the world, many who couldn't attend watched the broadcast. Ordinary people, especially those harmed by pirates, viewed Roger with anger. In this era, pirates symbolized chaos and violence, and they directed their fury at Roger, the Pirate King.
The sky over Loguetown, perhaps moved by Roger's smile, cleared suddenly. A ray of sunlight broke through, illuminating Roger and the execution platform.
"Is everything ready?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru asked a nearby Major. She was overseeing Roger's execution.
"The broadcast is live worldwide. Everything's set, no issues detected."
The Major confirmed.
Hearing this, Vice Admiral Tsuru nodded to the executioners on the platform, signaling them to proceed.
"Pirate King Roger, you are to be executed today. Any last words?"
One executioner asked sternly, aware the event was being broadcast globally. Protocol required a final opportunity for the condemned to speak before execution.
He trembled slightly, his back soaked with sweat. This was the Pirate King Roger, capable of killing him with a glance. Now, he was to execute him.
He feared Roger might suddenly resist or a rescue attempt might cost him his life. His fate rested on these fleeting moments.
"Could you remove these? They're uncomfortable."
Roger, with his signature smile, shook the handcuffs on his wrists.
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