Facing Admiral Akainu and the others surrounding him, Rayleigh had no choice but to place the limp Buggy into Shanks's arms and raise his sword to meet the imminent threat.
Shanks held Buggy close, eyes reddened as he looked toward Roger's weakened form. His voice trembled as he spoke, "Captain Roger…"
Roger coughed violently, a series of ragged breaths and hoarse chuckles escaping him. Sensing the urgency, Shanks stepped closer and pressed his ear against Roger's mouth.
"Sha… Shanks… find a news bird… one with a Den Den Mushi…" Roger murmured between gasps.
At this point, the war was nearing its end, yet countless news birds still circled the battlefield at low altitude. In fact, more news birds would end up dead in this conflict than actual combatants.
Without hesitation, Shanks reached into Buggy's attire, drawing a small unsheathed dagger. With a precise toss toward a low‑flying news bird, he struck it squarely.
Bang!
The unlucky bird fell instantly, unconscious, the Den Den Mushi dangling from its neck swaying as it descended. Shanks caught both and quickly activated the Den Den Mushi. Then, as Roger had instructed, he held it up in front of him.
Roger's eyes, though dull from pain, flickered with a faint spark. A strange flush tinted his face. Given Roger's condition, it was clear this was not mere sentiment — it was a dying surge of strength.
His eyes widened, and gathering his final reserves of life, Roger cried through the Den Den Mushi for all to hear.
"ONE PIECE… and everything I possess… it's all waiting there… go! Head for the sea!"
The moment the message ended, Roger coughed up a great mouthful of bright red blood. His once lively eyes now dimmed, lifeless and hollow. Before the darkness claimed his consciousness entirely, he murmured faintly, "Hurry… go…"
Then his body convulsed once, his pupils dilated, and his life force was extinguished forever.
The entire world witnessed the dying moment of the Pirate King.
Across every screen showing Roger's final expression, viewers everywhere fell into stunned silence before erupting with loud reactions. Some cheered, celebrating that a "great pirate leader" was finally gone. Others were stirred into action by Roger's last message. Very few responded with genuine mourning.
---
## *East Blue — A Rain‑Soaked Town*
Rain fell in steady sheets under an overcast sky. Two cloaked figures pressed through a crowd gathered in the streets. One was tall and silent, the other shorter and trembling with sobs. From the sound of her crying, it was clear the smaller figure was a woman.
The taller one lifted his head slowly, his voice deep and calm, "Do not cry, it is not good for the baby you carry."
Thunder cracked across the sky, illuminating his face in flickering light. This was the notorious Navy traitor Monkey D. Dragon. Beside him stood Portgas D. Rouge, Roger's lover for three months.
Their relationship had lasted only seven days before Roger left, but it had also been enough for Rouge to become three months pregnant before his departure.
Rouge turned her gaze toward the screen showing Roger's lifeless face, one hand gently resting on her belly. Her voice was soft but resolute, "Roger… I will give birth to this child."
Dragon placed a steady hand on her shoulder and said, "Roger was a hero, and the child in your belly is the blood of a hero."
From behind them, someone in the crowd jeered loudly, "Ha! That so‑called great pirate leader is finally dead! Long live the Navy! Justice shall prevail!"
---
## *On the Moby Dick*
Whitebeard stood on deck, pouring a barrel of sake onto the wet wood flooring. He spoke quietly, eyes unfocused, "Roger… is this what you called your mission?"
---
## *Holy Land Mariejois — Council Chamber*
"Good!!!" Saint Warcury leapt from his seat, fists clenched in triumph. Having lived centuries, few things stirred him so deeply, yet the death of Roger, the awakened Devil Fruit user, sent his blood racing with excitement. He longed to embrace Lloyd in celebration.
The other Four Elders mirrored his joy with broad smiles and approving nods.
Saint Nusjuro clapped enthusiastically, "As expected from the Figarland family, Saint Lloyd is truly exceptional!"
Saint Warcury nodded, pride shining in his eyes.
Saturn, seated nearby with a calm half‑smile, teased, "Saint Warcury, did you not once wish for Saint Lloyd to leave the Navy?"
Warcury's expression faltered, an awkward flush creeping over his features. He cleared his throat and sat back down, trying to appear composed, "At the time I only feared that remaining in the Navy might hold Saint Lloyd back."
Saturn's smile softened as he addressed the council seriously, "Roger's last words present a hidden danger. I fear many reckless souls will now set sail into the seas."
The jubilation in the chamber dimmed, replaced by thoughtful concern.
Saint Nusjuro spoke slowly, "This is troublesome, yes, yet what concerns me most is…"
At that moment, every Elder spoke in unison, "The Nika Fruit is about to reawaken!"
Saint Warcury crossed his arms, voice firm, "The power of this Devil Fruit remains astonishing. We must dispatch search parties immediately."
Mars asked, "But each time we have attempted to retrieve it, it slips away."
"We cannot remain idle," Warcury insisted, "Once we reclaim the fruit, we can erase it from this world forever."
"Yes," Saturn agreed, "But this search must be covert. Allow CP9 to handle it quietly."
---
## *The Sorrow on the Sea*
In the East Blue's war‑torn waters, Roger's body lay cold. Shanks mourned beside him, holding the straw hat that was once his captain's. Tears streamed down his face without restraint.
Rayleigh appeared at Shanks's side in a blur, panting heavily. His coat was gone, burned clean by Akainu's magma in their final clash, and across his chest was a glowing golden sword wound in the shape of a cross.
Rayleigh secured his sword at his waist and wrapped his arms around both Shanks and the unconscious Buggy, preparing to plunge into the sea nearby.
Just as Rayleigh was about to hit the water, a ferocious roar erupted behind them, "Hell Hound!!"
===
Send Powerstones for bonus Chapters <(￣︶￣)>
____
Patreon = _Zeph