The execution was over.
A generation of legend officially came to an end.
And moving on was the greatest respect for the dead.
Aus didn't wallow in grief, and neither did Shanks and Buggy. They'd already braced themselves mentally.
Captain Roger wouldn't want the young people of the new era dwelling on his departure forever.
The gathered crowd began slowly dispersing.
But several figures still lingered in the square before the execution platform. They recognized Aus—the "Black Gun" Aus who'd invaded Marine Headquarters just days ago.
Some were wary, some curious, some itching for a fight, some gripping their weapons with surging bloodlust...
This showed just how much Aus's heaven-splitting strike had rocked them to their cores.
Especially the young figure carrying a black blade—he stared at Aus like he'd discovered the world's rarest treasure, razor-sharp battle intent ready to explode.
Normally, Aus wouldn't mind messing around with these future "big shots"—teasing little Hawk, patting little Croc, that sort of thing.
But right now he wasn't in the mood.
His attention stayed locked on Captain Roger's corpse.
He slowly pulled a Den Den Mushi from his pocket.
"Buru buru buru..."
"Click."
Aus faced the Den Den Mushi with dead calm and spoke quietly.
To everyone watching, nobody knew who Aus called or what he discussed.
They only knew that after the call ended, Marine Headquarters received a supreme order from the World Government—hand over Roger's body to "Black Gun" Aus.
"He's the number one criminal who destroyed Marine Headquarters! Every Marine's enemy! If we just hand over the body to 'Black Gun' like this, we Marines..."
In the Fleet Admiral's office, Kong's face twisted ugly as he protested to the Den Den Mushi.
"Watch your fucking words, Kong! What does Marine face matter? You're nothing but the government's outer lackeys."
The Five Elders' iron response left Kong speechless. Every time he tried to object, those cold eyes from the other end crushed his words.
In the end, he could only swallow the humiliation and accept orders.
Commands flowed down the chain.
Even confused, no Marine dared disobey.
"'Black Gun' Aus? What's his game?"
"That bastard... Marines and World Government are still here. Does he want another war?"
"Kishishishi, what a recklessly bold freak!"
"What a domineering man..."
But beyond their expectations, whether Marines or World Government guards could only watch helplessly as that tall, lean figure walked step by step up the platform—not daring to move.
Even Marine officers could only glare murderously at Aus.
Everyone seeing this scene felt incredulous.
Aus ignored them all. Just walked step by step up the platform, then hoisted Captain Roger's blood-stained body onto his back.
He glanced down at the crowd below, turned away, and vanished from sight carrying the corpse.
True, his fruit ability hadn't developed enough to teleport with living beings, but since Captain Roger was already dead, no restrictions applied.
With the main character's exit, everyone else in the square gradually left too.
After searching unsuccessfully for Aus, Buggy and Shanks walked together toward Loguetown's outskirts.
But on the road, these two who'd always gotten along perfectly now erupted into argument. Buggy stared at the seemingly indifferent Shanks and roared:
"Shanks, you promised! You said you'd sail your own ship to Laugh Tale!"
Shanks stayed calm, slowly lowering his head. His straw hat covered his eyes, but he gave Buggy a completely unexpected answer:
"Yeah, but I changed my mind. I'm not going right now, but I'll still be a pirate."
At the same time, he invited Buggy aboard: "Come with me, Buggy."
Hearing this, Buggy's heart exploded with rage and betrayal.
Grinding his teeth and glaring at calm-faced Shanks, he slapped away the outstretched hand.
"You coward! Idiot! Compared to trash like you, only Aus deserves to be called the next generation's king! Captain Roger was dead wrong about you!!!"
Wasn't Captain Roger's dying wish for you to inherit his will?
Buggy still couldn't understand why Captain Roger hadn't chosen Aus as his successor.
And now he was beyond disappointed in Shanks!
"You haven't forgotten, right? You lost my treasure map! From now on, we're enemies when we meet!!!"
Having said this, Buggy decisively ran off, fleeing this heartbreaking place.
Watching Buggy's retreating figure, Shanks just stood frozen, motionless for ages.
Honestly, these two were stubborn to legendary proportions.
If Shanks could just explain that now wasn't the right time—that he'd go later, not never—Buggy wouldn't have stormed off thinking Shanks betrayed Roger's dying wish.
The result: two childhood best friends could go over ten years without meeting once because of this.
"Buggy's always been so hot-headed..."
Suddenly, Aus appeared beside Shanks. Watching the departing Buggy, he chose not to interfere.
Men of the sea all had their own paths. As their friend, Aus wouldn't force anything.
When Buggy truly found his footing, Aus would naturally appear.
After all, he was pretty interested in playing emperor's father.
"I know, Shanks. Now really isn't the right time, but..." Aus paused, then looked at Shanks's determined eyes, that familiar smile returning to his face.
"How can you be sure you're the right person? The future Pirate King might be Buggy for all we know~"
But Aus had zero intention of playing peacemaker.
After all, if Buggy really became Shanks's right hand, would the future Yonko Buggy still exist?
Buggy had never lacked the potential to become king.
Everyone had their chosen life and journey.
Actually, ever since the Roger Pirates disbanded, the "Old Era's Three Little Ones" had disbanded too.
They seemed to drift further apart. They'd been happy together before, but now no single ship could hold them all. Time to go separate ways.
This was life.
Moreover, they'd eventually meet again on the seas.
That would definitely be interesting.
Also on this day, Aus, Shanks, and Buggy officially parted ways, setting out on their individual paths to the sea...
(Old Era Arc - Complete)
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