Chapter 1: The Surrendering Pirate King!

South Blue.

Five warships, their size far exceeding that of the vessels typically seen in these waters, were sailing rapidly through the waves in a one-two-two formation.

Not far from them, an ordinary, peaceful little island sat upon the surface of the sea.

On the deck of the lead warship, four men of immense stature—estimated to be around three meters tall—stood at the bow.

Each of them radiated a unique aura.

The man standing furthest forward, sporting an afro, appeared the most imposing.

The wide, pristine white coat draped over his shoulders fluttered incessantly in the sea breeze.

"I really didn't expect that man to be living in seclusion in such a small place. And didn't he just become a world-renowned big shot?"

The man standing on the right of the trio asked, gazing at the island with an expression of excitement.

He wore a purple seagull-patterned hood and small, round-lensed glasses. He had black curly hair and was also wearing a white coat of justice, with a purple suit underneath.

"And why did they insist that we wear formal attire..."

He wore a look of slight displeasure.

"That’s enough, Kuzan. A great battle is likely coming, so you’d better pull yourself together as soon as possible."

The man with the afro said in a deep voice without turning his head.

"Understood, Admiral Sengoku!" Kuzan felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"The Pirate King Roger, huh? Sounds like a real handful. Good thing the three of us aren't the main force~"

Borsalino, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the other two, curled his lip.

He was currently wearing a black gentleman's hat, with a white suit underneath.

At the same time, he was quite puzzled.

He wondered why they had specifically called him over when he was still only a Rear Admiral.

He really didn't want to get involved in such troublesome matters.

Sakazuki, positioned in the center of the three, wore a red suit.

Though he remained silent, his cold, piercing gaze was fixed firmly on the island known as Baterilla.

"You should all return to your respective warships. Remember, once the fighting starts, your mission is to provide support and containment. Don't push yourselves too hard!"

Sengoku loosened his collar and instructed.

"Yes!"

"Understood."

Soon, the three most promising rookies of the Marine Headquarters returned to their posts.

Following this, the four warships fanned out, surrounding the island from several directions in a grand display.

The warship carrying Sengoku continued to move straight ahead.

Standing alone at the bow, Sengoku watched the island draw closer while pondering this rather strange mission.

"How did the World Government know Roger was here? And is it true that Roger is terminally ill, which is why he disbanded his pirate crew?"

"They even said Roger has a wife named Rouge on this island, and that she’s pregnant!"

These were the top-secret intelligence reports that Marshal Kong had passed to him from the World Government just days ago.

Such an incredible turn of events made him increasingly wary of the capabilities of Cipher Pol.

To think they could uncover even something like this—it was truly chilling!

"Wow~ are we finally here? That bastard Roger really hid himself well."

Garp yawned, rubbing his eyes as he strode out from the cabin door.

Seeing his lackadaisical appearance, veins bulged on Sengoku's forehead, and he roared in anger

"Look at yourself! We’re about to take action, and you look like a fool who just woke up?"

Garp waved his hand dismissively: "It's fine, it's fine. Didn't they say that guy Roger has a terminal illness? And he's all alone now, so he's far less of a threat than before."

"You really are a bastard!"

Sengoku glared at him, then turned his head to look at the island, ignoring him further.

Garp walked to his side, rubbing his chin with a look of confusion.

"It's just that for this mission, they specifically asked us to be mindful of the safety of civilians, to evacuate the island's residents as much as possible, and to avoid damaging the island's buildings and environment."

"Honestly, I still can't believe my ears. Did the Five Elders eat something spoiled?"

"Watch your tongue, Garp!" Sengoku snorted coldly.

However, he was also incredibly surprised in his heart, feeling that the World Government had become somewhat strange.

But regardless, this order was very much to their liking, so they would gladly accept it.

On Baterilla Island.

The residents active near the port began to panic as they saw the five massive warships surrounding them.

They didn't know why the Marines would come to such a remote place in the South Blue.

Roger, who was accompanying Rouge—who hadn't been pregnant for long—during lunch, frowned, his expression gradually becoming solemn.

"What's wrong, Roger?" Rouge put down her dinner knife and looked over curiously.

"I'm going out for a moment. You eat first."

Roger stood up, stroked her long golden hair, and walked out of the restaurant with a faint smile.

But the moment he opened his front door, his eyes turned sharp, completely devoid of the gentleness he had shown as an ordinary islander.

He slowly closed the door behind him.

He scanned the empty streets, then finally let out a sigh.

"Sigh, so I was found after all..."

Roger walked slowly in one direction.

Soon, after turning a corner, he saw familiar figures, as well as a group of Marine soldiers aiming their guns at him.

The atmosphere in the area froze in an instant.

"Yo, Roger. Long time no see~"

Garp grinned and greeted him.

It was as if he were meeting an old friend, completely lacking the standard attitude of a Marine dealing with a pirate.

"Can you tell me how you found this place, Garp, Sengoku?"

Roger ignored the dense array of gun barrels, his tone sounding very calm.

"You underestimate the intelligence capabilities of the World Government, Roger."

Sengoku replied in a deep voice, while inwardly lamenting: "And haven't we Marines done the same?"

"Cipher Pol, huh? Truly a terrifying organization."

Roger fell into deep thought.

He wondered if he had been careless in some way that allowed the CP agents to find him.

But no matter how he thought about it, something didn't feel right.

He had never mentioned the existence of this island to anyone, including his crewmates.

"Roger, there's no need to explain the purpose of our arrival here, right? So, what is your choice?"

Sengoku, as a Marine Admiral, asked.

As soon as he brought this up, Garp's body tensed as well.

After all, the man standing before him could be considered his rival for half his life.

"Can you spare Rouge?" Roger asked.

To be honest, he didn't really hold out much hope for this.

But just in case, he asked anyway.

To his surprise, Sengoku's following answer left him stunned.

"We can. According to the orders of the Five Elders, as long as you do not resist, your wife Rouge and your unborn child will live on Marineford, though they will not be allowed to leave the island without permission."

Sengoku spoke words that even he found unbelievable.

"You even knew Rouge was pregnant!"

Roger looked at Sengoku in shock.

One had to realize that she had only been pregnant for a month.

Even if there were CP agents lurking on this island, it would be impossible for them to know such a thing so quickly, right?

Facing this question, Sengoku could only remain silent.

Because he didn't know the inside story either.

But regardless, this answer put Roger slightly at ease.

Still, he looked at Garp and asked: "Is this true, Garp?"

The latter thought for a moment and nodded: "That is the order I heard as well."

"Is that so? Then, Rouge and the child... I'll leave them to you, Garp."

Roger grinned, revealing two rows of snow-white teeth.

As soon as he finished speaking, he slowly extended his hands.

He allowed a stern-looking Marine Colonel to walk over and shackle him.

And just like that, Gol D. Roger, who had been the world-renowned Pirate King for only a year, was officially arrested by the Marines!

Don't say I didn't warn you, passersby. Add this to your library and invest early; if you're late, you'll suffer a heavy loss. This book has the potential to be a masterpiece, believe it or not? Come, let's wait and see!