"Extra! Extra! Breaking news!"
News birds flapped their wings, scattering newspapers that would go down in history like snowflakes to every corner of the world.
The front page bore a striking headline:
"Pirate Gol D. Roger Successfully Sailed Around the World, Reaching the Legendary Final Island, Laugh Tale!"
"The World Government Officially Confirms That Roger Has Learned the Truth of the 'Void Century'!"
"A New Era Term Is Born—Pirate King!"
In an instant, the entire world erupted into a frenzy.
On the seas, countless pirates cheered with fervor. They raised their glasses high, their eyes gleaming with a longing for freedom.
As if they themselves had become the Pirate King.
At the docks of a small town in the East Blue, young children pointed at Roger's portrait, loudly declaring their dreams of setting sail on adventures.
Deep in the New World, the powerful figures who had carved out their own territories felt the oppressive weight of a "King" for the first time.
Some were indignant, others filled with aspiration.
The kings and nobles of the Affiliated Countries trembled in fear.
They lay awake at night, knowing full well that the birth of the "Pirate King" meant a violent upheaval in the world order.
Their authority would face unprecedented challenges.
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Inside the Fleet Admiral Office, the air seemed to freeze.
Kong slammed his fist onto the desk, shattering the sturdy table into pieces.
"Damn it! He actually did it!" Fleet Admiral Kong roared in fury, veins bulging on his forehead, a clear sign of his inner rage.
Beside him, Sengoku's face was grim, his brow furrowed. "The emergence of a 'Pirate King' is a devastating blow to the World Government's authority."
"What comes next will be complete chaos on the seas, triggering an unprecedented level of turmoil!"
"We must arrest Roger at all costs!" Kong's voice thundered like lightning.
He issued the highest order: "Mobilize all Admirals! Even if it means launching a 'Buster Call'! We cannot allow this era to be shaken by a single pirate!"
The entire Marine Headquarters was instantly wound tight like a spring.
All Marines, regardless of rank, had their leaves canceled and entered the highest state of combat readiness.
The atmosphere on the seas grew tense in an instant.
Yet, amidst this suffocating atmosphere, one place stood out as an anomaly.
Punk Hazard.
The open-air balcony of the Governor's Mansion.
Kane was leisurely sipping his tea.
Warm sunlight, gentle sea breeze. The place was so comfortable it felt less like the New World and more like a vacation resort.
"Brother Kane, Headquarters has issued an emergency combat readiness notice!" Gion, dressed in her Navy Uniform, hurried over, her face etched with anxiety.
"Shouldn't we act immediately and head out to provide support?" Gion looked at Kane, her gaze filled with concern for her comrades' safety and a sense of duty as a Marine.
"Do what?" Kane took a sip of tea, not even lifting his eyelids.
"If the sky falls, let the tall ones hold it up. Our G-5's mission is to guard the gates of the New World, not to clean up Headquarters' mess."
"But... that's the Pirate King!" Gion's voice still carried shock and hostility.
"Pirate King?" Kane smiled.
It was a composed smile that seemed to see through everything.
He slowly rose and walked to the edge of the balcony.
His gaze profound as he looked down upon the steel city taking shape below.
Punk Hazard, this once deserted island, had now become his independent kingdom.
It stood at the entrance to the New World, emanating an aura of cold steel.
"Gion, you must remember," Kane's voice was low yet powerful, "what decides the outcome of a war is never someone's title, but the strength that truly controls the situation."
"Roger is indeed strong now. He might possess the title of 'Pirate King,' but he's still just one man, one pirate crew."
He paused.
His tone carrying indescribable confidence: "While we, G-5, possess an impregnable steel fortress."
"Three young men who will soon become the Navy's ultimate combat power."
"A legendary powerhouse I've subdued."
"And... wealth enough to buy several countries."
Kane turned around, his sharp gaze sweeping over Gion. Her eyes still held confusion.
Not far away, Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino were also awaiting orders.
Though outwardly calm, their eyes flickered with defiance and fighting spirit toward the title of "Pirate King."
"Roger's era will soon pass." A playful curve appeared at the corner of Kane's mouth. "Our era is just beginning."
Sakazuki and the other two contemplated.
Though they resented and were angered by the birth of the "Pirate King," after two years of hellish training and Kane's daily "earnest guidance," they were no longer impulsive young men.
They had learned to think.
They had learned to trust Kane's judgment and his unconventional strategic vision.
"So what do we do now... just wait?" Sakazuki still asked somewhat unwillingly.
"Of course not." A mysterious smile curled at Kane's lips.
"Recall Redfield. The 'fundraising' activities will temporarily conclude."
"Put Stussy's intelligence network into full operation. I want to know every movement of the Roger Pirates, down to how many meals they eat each day."
"And you three..." Kane's gaze swept over the future three Admirals, "don't slack off. Your strength is still far from sufficient."
"Go. The real storm is coming. Roger's downfall is merely the beginning."
"Before the true storm arrives, what we need to do is brew some tea."
"Secure the best seats to enjoy this grand performance." Kane's voice carried undeniable authority.
It also brimmed with anticipation for the chaos yet to come.
Though Gion and the three future Admirals didn't fully understand Kane's deeper meaning, they all bowed respectfully.
They chose to execute the orders.
They had grown accustomed to Kane always seeing a future beyond their vision.
Every command he gave ultimately brought unexpected, substantial returns.
The entire world was going mad over the birth of the "Pirate King."
Only Kane waited quietly.
Waiting for the perfect moment to reap.
He knew this "Pirate King" Roger wouldn't hold his title for long.
A king afflicted with an incurable disease—his downfall would become the true key that unlocked the Great Age of Pirates.
And what Kane intended to do was seize the greatest benefits from this torrential era.
To become the true mastermind behind the scenes.
Another year passed.
The appearance of the "Pirate King" Roger did not immediately trigger the worldwide chaos the World Government had feared.
On the contrary, after the initial frenzy, the seas fell into an eerie calm.
The Roger Pirates mysteriously disbanded after reaching Laugh Tale. All crew members vanished without a trace.
Roger himself never appeared in the public eye again.
The title of "Pirate King" seemed like nothing more than an exceptionally brilliant firework—blazing brightly before vanishing completely, leaving only embers behind.
The Navy's global manhunt continued for over a year, yet they failed to find even a trace of Roger.
Wanted posters across the seas gradually gathered dust.
People began to forget the name.
New great pirates emerged one after another, and the bloodshed in the New World intensified.
Everything seemed to return to its original course.
But Kane knew this was merely the calm before the storm.
The true catalyst had yet to appear.
Punk Hazard, Governor's Mansion, Intelligence Center.
Stussy wore a sharp OL uniform, her curvaceous figure accentuated just right.
She placed a document marked "Top Secret" on Kane's desk.
Her gaze was respectful and professional.
"Master, the latest intelligence has been confirmed."
Kane picked up the document and casually flipped it open.
It contained only a single line, yet it was enough to ignite the entire world.
"Target 'Roger' is suspected to be suffering from an incurable disease, with little time left. Currently hiding in the South Blue."
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