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

"Karl, what am I going to do with you? Although I don't know exactly what you've done, the Five Elders have called me, demanding I give you a thorough lesson!

The Celestial Dragons are extremely displeased with you. They're demanding a face-to-face confrontation and even want you to capture an equivalent number of slaves to make up for their losses!

You killed thousands of slaves, infringing on the interests of the Celestial Dragons. This time, no one can save you!"

Sengoku scolded Karl alone in his office.

Yet Karl, ever nonchalant, let Sengoku's words go in one ear and out the other, showing no intention of taking them to heart.

"Old man Sengoku, I'm a Celestial Dragon too, right? Don't I have the authority to deal with these slaves?

As a fellow Celestial Dragon, do I not even have this level of privilege?"

"You little brat, you've barely known your identity for a few years, and it's already gone to your head, huh?

Turns out it was the right decision not to tell you when you were younger. With your personality, you'd think you could ascend to the heavens!"

Seeing Karl's obstinate attitude, Sengoku sighed deeply.

After a quick glance around the room, Sengoku got up to check the doors and windows, ensuring no one was eavesdropping.

After about three minutes, he returned, leaning in close to Karl and whispered cautiously:

"Did you secretly let them all go?

Borsalino told me he didn't see anything, but I don't buy his nonsense.

Tell me the truth—did you release the slaves?"

"What do you think, old man?"

Karl grinned at Sengoku's question, offering no direct answer.

Sengoku chuckled heartily and patted Karl on the shoulder.

"I'd love to say, 'Well done,' but you've stirred up a lot of trouble this time.

The Celestial Dragons, the Five Elders—even Fleet Admiral Kong—believe you killed those slaves.

In just a few days, your image within the Navy might transform into that of a merciless demon."

"Isn't that a bit of an exaggeration?" Karl blinked, sensing something amiss.

Sengoku nodded, slumping back into his chair with a casual remark:

"Don't underestimate CP0's information dissemination capabilities. If they want to, they can spread a rumor so convincing that 70% of people will believe it's true.

That's the power of the World Government's strongest intelligence agency. Even within the Navy, there are likely CP0 agents planted among us—and I wouldn't even know it."

Sengoku sighed again, exasperated with the Navy's current situation.

At that moment, the Den Den Mushi on Sengoku's desk rang.

Answering it, Sengoku spoke:

"Fleet Admiral Kong, what can I do for you?"

"Sengoku, the Five Elders have issued an order for Karl to go through the motions—capture some slaves to bring back.

I didn't accept or reject the task, so it's up to you to decide whether he stays at Marineford or takes some time away.

However, I'll need him for an important mission later on."

"Understood, Fleet Admiral. I'll handle it; you don't need to worry."

"Sengoku, you've been working diligently for so long; it's about time you succeeded me.

But make sure you don't mess up during this critical period, or I can't guarantee you'll take over smoothly."

"I understand, Fleet Admiral. I'll do my best."

After a brief exchange, the call ended. Sengoku's expression darkened, clearly displeased.

Becoming Fleet Admiral didn't bring Sengoku joy—there was too much to be done, and he wouldn't fully take over from Kong for another year or two.

Karl, having overheard the conversation, remarked casually:

"Old man Sengoku, in about two years, you'll be Fleet Admiral. Didn't you always say you wanted to reform the Navy yourself? Your dream is about to come true—why the long face?"

Sengoku shot Karl a withering glare before reclining in his chair, exasperated.

"It's all because of you! If it weren't for you, I could've taken over this year.

But never mind that—what's your next move? Fleet Admiral Kong has left your next assignment to me, but you can't be away for too long.

Otherwise, his plan won't proceed smoothly."

"I'll patrol the Four Seas for now. Nothing much is happening anyway, and it's a good chance to avoid the Five Elders and the Celestial Dragons.

When you need me back, just call, and I'll return."

"Fair enough. Just be careful—I can't assign you a crew for certain reasons, so don't stir up trouble."

With that, Sengoku approved Karl's suggestion.

After a brief farewell to Sengoku, Zephyr, and Vice Admiral Tsuru, Karl took a small ship and left Marineford.

Not long after Karl's departure, a CP0 ship arrived at Marineford.

A CP0 agent brazenly demanded to see Fleet Admiral Kong at the port.

But Kong had no intention of meeting such a lackey, and even Sengoku couldn't be bothered, so Borsalino was sent in their stead.

The CP0 agent was so enraged his mask turned green with fury.

Unaware of the CP0 commotion, Karl headed toward the East Blue.

It had been over two years since Luffy was born, and Karl hadn't once visited his young nephew. Naturally, he decided to stop by the East Blue, check on how Bellemere was managing Loguetown, and visit Koushirou's newly opened dojo.

Before that, however, he planned a stop at the G-8 Branch to catch up with Kuzan.

Kuzan had been stationed there for six years as a result of Karl's actions. Five years had passed, and he had just one more year to serve before returning to Marineford.

As Karl flew over the sea, he passed through the Florian Triangle, a region perpetually shrouded in dense fog with an eerie atmosphere.

The waters beneath were riddled with reefs, and the chaotic magnetic fields rendered compasses useless, earning it the nickname "the Death Sea."

Recently, terrifying rumors had emerged about the area:

People who entered never came out.

Three massive, shadowy figures haunted the sea.

The Florian Triangle was truly home to demons.

Karl, however, knew these were all the work of Gecko Moria.

He had no intention of seeking trouble in such a treacherous environment.

But trouble, as always, had a way of finding him.

Just as Karl was about to leave the area, three monstrous, demon-like figures appeared before him.

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