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

"Hahahaha, Barrett, looks like your day has finally come!"

Garp laughed heartily as he clasped the Seastone cuffs onto Barrett's wrists.

After capturing Barrett, Garp felt a wave of relief and exhilaration wash over him.

The pursuit of Barrett had been an exhausting ordeal for Garp, but now, he could finally hold his head high in triumph.

Barrett's submarine allowed him to navigate the deep seas with ease. Coupled with his Conqueror's Haki, he moved through the Calm Belt unchallenged, as even the Sea Kings avoided him.

Garp's ship simply couldn't keep up. Without Karl's assistance, who knows when Barrett would have been caught?

Had the chase dragged on any longer, Garp might have had to resort to a Buster Call to prevent Barrett from escaping again.

"Heh, you Navy dogs are always so underhanded! No doubt you used these same dirty tricks against Captain Roger!"

Barrett snorted coldly.

Though captured, he was far from defeated in spirit.

He felt especially aggrieved by how Karl had bested him in battle.

The two had been evenly matched, but because Barrett lacked the ability to fly, Karl had forced him into the ocean, sealing his loss.

The bitterness of such a defeat gnawed at him.

Now, however, Barrett was completely restrained. His hands and feet were bound with Seastone cuffs, and thick chains as wide as a thumb were wrapped around his entire body.

This excessive precaution was taken to prevent a repeat of the infamous Golden Lion's escape by severing his own legs.

"Hahaha, you're a tenacious brat. If you're still unsatisfied, then pray for your chance to break free from Impel Down someday.

If that day comes, you're welcome to seek your revenge on this kid here!"

Garp taunted, fanning the flames between Barrett and Karl.

However, Garp didn't truly believe Barrett could escape from Impel Down.

Meanwhile, Karl, standing to the side, felt a chill run down his spine.

If events unfolded as they did in the original timeline, Barrett might very well escape from Impel Down and emerge stronger than ever!

Karl shot Garp a resentful glance and silently resolved himself.

There was no way he would allow Luffy or Ace to become pirates!

Even if they refused to join the Navy, Karl would find a way to keep them by his side.

He wouldn't give them the slightest chance to walk the path of piracy.

Especially that man named Shanks—Karl would never let him set foot in the East Blue and inspire Luffy's dreams!

By cutting off the source of the problem, reshaping their ideals would become much easier.

If Karl had managed to sway Dragon with his modern-day values in his past life, surely educating a couple of kids would be no problem.

And if all else failed, he'd just unleash the terror of Five Years of College Entrance Exams and Three Years of Mock Tests!

He refused to believe they'd remain so energetic after that.

As long as the events of the original story were disrupted, Barrett would never escape Impel Down!

Karl smirked coldly, his delight barely concealed.

"Karl! Snap out of it! You beat one brat and you're already off in your own world. That's quite careless of you! Hahaha!"

Garp's booming voice jolted Karl out of his thoughts about how to raise Ace and the unborn Luffy.

"What is it, old man?" Karl asked casually.

Garp chuckled, then spoke again. "Nothing much, just letting you know I'm heading out.

I'll report the details of Barrett's capture truthfully, and before long, you'll be summoned back to Marineford for reassignment."

"So soon? I've only been in Loguetown for a year. Can't they give me a bit more time?"

Karl frowned, not at all thrilled by the news.

Garp seemed surprised by Karl's reluctance.

"I didn't expect you to be so unwilling to return to headquarters."

"Garp-san, I still have unfinished business here in Loguetown.

If possible, could you tell Sengoku-san that I'd like to stay a bit longer?

Another year, or even six months would do. I promise I'll report back as soon as my time is up and comply with the Navy's orders!"

As Karl spoke, he winked exaggeratedly at Garp.

Garp paused, then slapped his forehead as realization dawned.

"You've got a sharp mind, kid. I nearly forgot about that little issue myself…"

Garp sighed and irritably kicked the restrained Barrett, who winced in pain.

"Fine, I'll do my best to buy you some time. But how long you get depends on Fleet Admiral Kong."

"Hehe, as long as you try, old man. Safe travels—I won't hold you up for dinner!"

Karl waved Garp off, then flew back to his own ship, leaving with his crew.

"That kid's in such a hurry…"

Garp chuckled softly, his eyes filled with affection.

"If only my future grandkids could be as sharp as him. I hope Dragon doesn't let me down…"

He sighed again before hoisting Barrett over his shoulder and leaping back to his dog-headed warship.

Barrett, now slung over Garp's shoulder, didn't dare resist.

He didn't even have the energy to curse Garp.

But his hatred for Karl burned fiercely.

If given the chance, he would undoubtedly seek revenge.

Unlike in the original timeline, where Barrett's rage had been directed at the Buster Call, his new target was Karl!

Back aboard his warship, Karl was hit by a pungent stench that made him want to toss Buggy, Kuro, and Smoker overboard.

Kuro and Buggy weren't too bad—their odors were manageable after some basic cleaning.

But Smoker was a whole different story as a Smoke-Smoke Fruit user!

Even after soaking in seawater for over an hour, the smell still clung to him.

If Smoker hadn't passed out from swallowing too much seawater, Karl would've kept him submerged even longer.

"Buggy, you can tinker with weapons like this in the future, but never use them near our crew!

Otherwise, I'll strip you of all your authority and wealth, and ensure you 'enjoy' an even harsher punishment than Smoker!"

Karl ground his teeth as Buggy broke into a cold sweat, snapping to attention immediately.

"Understood! I'll never make another stink bomb again!"

But soon, Buggy's usual sly grin returned as he spoke hesitantly.

"Well, uh…"

"Lord Karl, I've already made about a thousand stink bombs, all stored in the warehouse back in Loguetown.

There are still about fifty hidden somewhere on this ship, though I, uh… forgot exactly where. So, um, could you—"

"There are fifty more on this ship, and you don't know where they are?!"

Karl was immediately incensed, barely restraining himself from smacking Buggy into oblivion.

Smoker, who had just begun to regain consciousness, paled and promptly fainted again.

Even the usually composed Kuro trembled, stumbling outside to shout orders with a shaky voice.

"All hands, locate Buggy's stink bombs immediately! Gather them on the deck!

Move quickly and carefully! Do not, I repeat, do not detonate them, or you'll face the consequences!"

In an instant, the entire crew snapped into action, searching for the bombs with utmost caution.

Their faces were grim, and the fear in their eyes as they glanced at Buggy was unmistakable.

-----------------------

If you want to support me and read advance chapters, please visit:

patreon.com / madbot635