NOVEL NEXT Chapter 48: Boring
The year 1498 of the Sea Calendar, September 1st, 11:00 AM.
A time destined to be etched in history.
The lingering drizzle finally paused. In truth, no matter how harsh the weather, even if it rained guns or knives, it wouldn't deter the eagerly awaiting crowd, let alone a light drizzle?
Loguetown's plaza was already overflowing with people. Those who couldn't secure a prime spot even desperately climbed the surrounding houses and buildings, including Loguetown's administrative building...
"Why hasn't it started yet?"
"Don't push!"
"Damn bastard! I'll kill you!"
"..."
Crowded places easily breed impatience, so friction and conflicts were never lacking, leaving the Marines maintaining order quite disheveled.
After an unknown amount of time.
Dong! Dong! Dong!
The melodious tolling of a bell, as if imbued with magic, instantly silenced the entire Loguetown plaza.
Clang! Clatter~~~
Chains clinked crisply. On the path cleared directly to the temporarily erected execution platform, the figure of the "Pirate King" appeared.
The wind, gently brushed.
His black hair fluttered wildly, his dark red cloak flapped, but alas, it lacked his proud captain's hat.
Roger, his hands bound, walked slowly and with difficulty. It wasn't because he feared death, causing his steps to falter; he wasn't so shameless as to regret his choices. The smile on his face also indicated he wasn't afraid... Yes, he was smiling, a strange, inexplicable smile.
From a distant rooftop, Doflamingo gazed for a moment, then murmured, "His oil is spent, his lamp nearly out. To persevere until now on sheer will alone, truly not easy! He lives up to his name, the 'Pirate King,' fufufufu~"
Doflamingo closed his eyes, resting. He had no interest in how the World Government would fabricate charges and pronounce judgment on Roger. He waited patiently.
Soon.
"Pirate King! Where is your treasure?"
"My treasures? If you want them, I'll give them all to you! Go search! I've left everything in this world there!!!"
Through an advanced application of Observation Haki, Roger's cry resonated deep within everyone's hearts.
Swish! Swish!
Flashes of blades, blood splattered.
Thus, the legend of a generation's "Pirate King" completely fell.
Rumble, rumble, rumble!!!
The world erupted.
Everyone understood that the old era had concluded, and a new, turbulent era had begun.
His ears filled with the cacophony of "The sea! I'm coming!", "Set sail!", "I will definitely become the new Pirate King!", and so on, Doflamingo stood up, turned around, and coldly uttered two words: "Boring."
Coincidentally.
"Boring."
Shiki, who had intercepted the World Government's live Den Den Mushi broadcast to the world, also spoke, having bid farewell to his long-time rival.
Gulp, gulp, gulp~
Smash!
Crack!
He gulped down a few mouthfuls of alcohol, then smashed the Den Den Mushi with the bottle.
"Why did it end this way, Roger...?" Shiki's expression shifted, finally settling on a sinister grimace. "Those fanboys going after treasure will only be a nuisance on the sea! What kind of 'new era' is this nonsense? A pirate is one who dominates the sea! One day, I'll make you understand! Jihahahaha~"
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