One Piece: Signing In as a Pirate Begins with Roger's Execution

Windmill Village, East Blue.

After dealing with matters in Loguetown, Karl took the opportunity to visit Makino during a rare moment of downtime.

He was also preparing to bring Rouge and the almost one-year-old Ace to Loguetown.

This world's events had diverged significantly from the original story. Thanks to Karl and Garp's protection, Ace had been born safely.

His name remained Portgas D. Ace, but he didn't inherit Roger's surname. However, as expected, he carried on the 'D' in his name.

In the original anime, Rouge had endured an unimaginable 20-month pregnancy to avoid exposing her identity. This ultimately led to her difficult labor and death. If not for Garp finding her and her son in time, Ace might not have survived.

But now, the circumstances were entirely different. Ace had been born safely, and Rouge survived without complications. Both mother and son were in excellent health.

"Makino, what do you think about that scoundrel Roger? He was utterly irresponsible, wasn't he?

Leaving his wife and son behind like that, then willingly marching to his own death.

Sure, he was already terminally ill, beyond the help of any treatment. But he still had two or three years left in him. If he'd stayed, delayed his execution for a while, it wouldn't have made much difference, would it?"

Karl grumbled as he sipped from a bottle of sake.

Makino, glaring at him, promptly snatched the bottle from his hand.

"Look at you, gossiping about someone's father again! I think you've had enough. No more drinking!"

"Me, drunk? Are you underestimating me? Hic~"

Karl feigned outrage at Makino's comment, but his performance was interrupted by an awkward hiccup. Scratching his head in embarrassment, he sat back down, eliciting a giggle from Makino.

"Alright, alright. You can come drink whenever you want. But don't you have other matters to attend to today? I'm only trying to look out for you by asking you to drink less."

Makino leaned adorably on the bar counter, fluttering her big eyes at Karl.

Caught off guard by her gaze, Karl felt uncharacteristically flustered.

"Ahem. I'll leave you to your work. I'm off to find Rouge and Ace!"

Feeling unsettled by Makino's cuteness, Karl made a hasty retreat, drawing another laugh from her.

Moments later, Karl arrived at the wooden house the villagers had built for Rouge—a simple yet well-equipped home.

This was where Rouge and Ace lived. Though modest, it lacked nothing they needed, thanks to the efforts of both Karl and Garp. They ensured the mother and child were well cared for.

"Little Ace! I'm here to see you!"

As soon as Karl entered the yard, he rushed to scoop up Ace in a bear hug. Only after did he greet Rouge with a smile.

"How have things been?"

"Thanks to you and Garp, things have been fine. Ace, though, has been getting naughtier by the day," Rouge replied with a gentle laugh.

Though she was commenting on Ace's mischievousness, her tone was filled with warmth, and her expression was full of affection. In her eyes, Ace was her treasure, and she couldn't bear to reprimand him.

Karl nodded, reassured by her words.

Just as he was about to speak, Ace suddenly began kicking and punching at him, letting out a soft whimper.

"Let me go, you big meanie!"

Ace's childish voice was adorable, but Karl was taken aback.

The last time he'd seen Ace, the boy was just a month old. Yet now, barely half a year later, Ace was speaking!

It was astounding.

While it wasn't uncommon for children in the One Piece world to develop unusually quickly, even Karl himself hadn't been able to speak or walk until he was a year old when he first arrived in this world.

But Ace, not even a year old, was already running, jumping, and now struggling fiercely in Karl's embrace.

Unfortunately for Ace, his strength was no match for Karl's bear hug.

"You're too cute, Little Ace!"

After holding Ace for a few more seconds, Karl finally set him down, timing it carefully at around seven or eight seconds.

Ever since Ace's birth, Karl had been waiting to trigger a unique mission tied to the boy. However, he didn't intend to claim the rewards right away—he planned to raise Ace for two years before doing so.

After all, Ace was still young, and any abilities gained from the mission wouldn't be significant just yet.

"Mommy, this strange man is scary!"

Ace hid behind Rouge, peeking out at Karl with cautious eyes.

Rouge chuckled, stroking Ace's hair as she pulled him into her arms.

"Ace, this is Karl-oniisan, one of the people who has protected us. He's the 'big brother' I've often mentioned to you."

"Heh heh! That's right. Call me 'big brother'—let me hear it!"

Karl grinned, leaning in closer with what he thought was a charming smile.

But Ace buried his face in Rouge's chest, trembling slightly.

"Mommy, he's so scary..."

"This child…" Rouge sighed, shaking her head helplessly. "Sorry, Karl. He's not even a year old yet and is still shy around strangers. Please don't take it personally."

"No problem. We'll have plenty of time to get to know each other.

Even though the Navy has strict rules, you'll still have the freedom to come and go while I'm around. Just be cautious not to get caught up in any training sessions—they can be intense."

Rouge's expression turned serious. "Wait—you're planning to take us with you now?

But Ace is still just a baby, not even a year old!"

"I don't have much choice. The Navy and CP9 are stretched thin, and it's just as dangerous to leave you here.

Besides, I'm taking you both, not just him. You won't need to worry about Ace being left unattended."

Karl's words made Rouge relax.

If Karl had insisted on taking Ace alone, she would have been furious. But bringing both of them eased her concerns significantly.

"Alright, I'll pack quickly. Let's head out soon."

"Got it."

As Rouge began gathering her belongings, Ace kept a wary eye on Karl, his large, sparkling eyes full of curiosity.

"You're strong if you can protect us. But are you stronger than my father?"

Ace's sudden question caught Karl off guard.

Kneeling down, Karl gently ruffled Ace's hair and replied softly.

"Your father was one of the strongest people in the world. Of course, he was stronger than me."

"Then how did he die? Mommy won't tell me. Will you?"

Ace's innocent yet piercing question left Karl speechless.

What could he say? He couldn't exactly admit that he was the one who had executed Roger.

Although Karl had merely carried out the final act of the execution, it wasn't something he could explain to a child.

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