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

Loguetown.

Navy Base.

For three straight days and nights, Buggy had been hard at work.

He buried the special ammunition he painstakingly developed in a pit specifically designated by Karl in Loguetown.

Karl had personally arranged this location for Buggy to dispose of his stink bombs and even left a backup supply there in case Buggy wanted to use them again. However, the responsibility for maintenance fell solely on Buggy.

The rest of the Marines were terrified.

They didn't want anything to do with those bombs, lest they end up like Smoker.

Currently, Smoker was in a miserable state thanks to Buggy. He had locked himself in his quarters, refusing to come out for days. Smoker had become a recluse, unwilling to leave until the stench that clung to him dissipated entirely.

This ordeal instilled fear among the Marines in Loguetown.

Even a Logia-type Devil Fruit user like Smoker was brought low by Buggy's bizarre stink bombs—how terrifying must Buggy himself be?

These exaggerated thoughts ran rampant in the minds of most uninformed Marines.

As a result, over the past few days, the Marines treated Buggy with the utmost respect, barely daring to speak loudly in his presence for fear of angering him.

Their attitude toward Buggy was even more cautious than their treatment of Karl.

Neither Kuro nor Karl bothered to intervene.

As long as Buggy managed his affairs properly, Karl didn't care if others respected or feared him.

"Bell-mère, any recent news? By my calculations, old man Garp should be returning soon."

"There is some news, but the Navy hasn't publicized Barrett's capture. The Sea Train announcement has been made, though. After nearly six months of delays, Fishman Tom's trial has finally concluded.

"He's been sentenced to ten years with a suspended death sentence, during which he's required to complete the Sea Train. Poor guy—just because he built a ship for Roger, he's sentenced to death. CP9's tyranny is astounding!"

Bell-mère spoke with frustration, unable to stomach such injustice. But lacking the power to change the situation, all she could do was vent her anger.

Karl sighed, feeling a mix of helplessness and frustration.

The situation with Fishman Tom stemmed from the World Government's desire for Pluton's blueprints. They targeted Tom as part of their machinations.

Karl and Tom had a cordial relationship—not close but not hostile either.

Karl considered whether he could rescue Tom during his ten-year reprieve.

"Karl, Sengoku wants to speak with you," Kuro announced, entering with a Den Den Mushi in hand.

Hearing that it was Sengoku calling, Karl's concern grew.

It was undoubtedly about Barrett.

"Sengoku, do you have good news for me?"

"Good news? The fact you're still alive is the best news I could hope for!

"Who would've thought you'd take on Barrett alone? Do you even know how dangerous he is? And Garp—that reckless fool! He let you face him solo.

"Sure, the result was good, but what if it hadn't been? I had a massive argument with Garp because of you!

"Even with your Float-Float Fruit, your overconfidence is staggering. Come back to Marineford immediately and cool your head!"

As soon as the line connected, Sengoku unleashed a tirade at Karl.

Initially, Karl's mission was merely to assist Garp in capturing Barrett—a task Karl assumed carried minimal risk, given Garp's presence.

But when Garp returned and reported the incident, Sengoku was furious, sparking a heated argument between the two veterans.

While Sengoku's outburst stemmed from concern for Karl's safety, Karl couldn't help but feel annoyed.

"Sengoku, with all due respect, if everything were left to your generation, wouldn't ours become useless?

"If Kuzan or the others had been in my position, you'd probably be praising their abilities instead of scolding them!"

Standing nearby, Bell-mère and Kuro were astonished at Karl's boldness in yelling back at Sengoku.

On the other end, Sengoku fell silent for about half a minute before sighing deeply.

"Fine. I overreacted because I still see you as a child. Objectively speaking, your strength now rivals mine, so defeating Barrett wasn't entirely unreasonable.

"But listen carefully. Next time, never face someone that dangerous alone. Always bring at least one other person for support. Got it?"

"Understood, old man. But was that your only reason for calling? I doubt it."

Karl's dismissive tone made it clear he wasn't dwelling on Sengoku's scolding.

Recognizing this, Sengoku sighed again before moving on to business.

"Fleet Admiral Kong has officially recorded your achievements. Since you requested some time before returning, I've arranged a mission for you.

"You'll receive the details three months from now. Once it's complete, you must return to Marineford—that's a direct order from Fleet Admiral Kong.

"Until then, finish whatever business you have and submit your recommendation for Loguetown's next commanding officer. Someone will come to retrieve it within a few days."

Sengoku's tone lightened, though he remained meticulous.

Karl shrugged it off, feeling three months was ample time to wrap things up. Training Ace's worldview alone wouldn't take more than a month.

After chatting for another half-hour, Sengoku finally ended the call, leaving Karl relieved to have some peace.

Turning to Kuro and Bell-mère, Karl addressed them with a serious expression.

"In three months, I'll be leaving the East Blue. Kuro and Bell-mère, you're coming with me.

"Smoker will take over as Loguetown's commander, with Buggy assisting him. Do either of you have any objections?"

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