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

"Karl, you bastard, you've grown stronger again!"

Shanks frowned deeply, his expression taut as he watched Karl effortlessly dispel his sword energy with a single strike. He dared not let his guard down.

With one hand gripping his blade and the other carrying Buggy over his shoulder, Karl chuckled lightly. "Heh, you're not bad yourself!"

Before his voice had even faded, Karl charged into a fierce battle with Shanks, still carrying Buggy.

Thanks to the unique abilities of the system Karl had acquired, his power had undergone a qualitative transformation. Even while hauling Buggy, he could easily parry Shanks' relentless attacks.

However, there was one notable limitation: the sword energy Karl could release with one hand wasn't enough to inflict significant damage on Shanks.

But the reverse was true as well—Shanks couldn't mount an effective offense against Karl.

Buggy's presence prevented Shanks from going all out, leaving him increasingly frustrated.

From an outsider's perspective, their exchange of sword energy appeared evenly matched, but Shanks knew better. He was completely outclassed.

It wasn't just because of Buggy. The real reason lay in Karl's superior swordsmanship and raw strength, both of which now surpassed Shanks.

Even when it came to Armament Haki, Karl had the upper hand.

Shanks knew that if Karl weren't handicapped by carrying Buggy, his defeat would already be inevitable.

Karl and Shanks had been rivals for years, clashing dozens of times. Until now, Shanks had always held the advantage.

For Karl to dominate this time left Shanks astonished—and keenly aware of how weak he felt in comparison.

"If only I had the strength of someone like Roger now, I wouldn't be in this mess!"

[Sign-In: Shanks complete. Acquired: Observation Haki (Mastery Level).]

Amid their intense duel, Karl casually completed his system task.

Just then, the sound of countless approaching footsteps shattered the stormy tension—the Navy's forces had arrived.

"Attention! Pirates spotted here! Surround and capture them immediately!"

As the Navy swarmed in, both Karl and Shanks tacitly halted their fight.

The two stood facing each other in the pouring rain as naval troops gathered around, preparing to assist Karl in capturing Shanks.

But Karl was the first to sheath his sword, abandoning any intent to press his advantage.

"Out of respect for Roger, I'll let you off this time," Karl said, his tone calm but firm. "And don't worry about this red-nosed guy—I won't take his life. I have my reasons for keeping him around.

"If you want to rescue him, you'll have to get much stronger first. Come find me when that day comes, Shanks!"

Shanks glanced around, noting the increasing number of Navy personnel, even spotting the figures of high-ranking officers.

Given Karl's current strength, Shanks knew he couldn't save Buggy. This bitter realization gnawed at him.

With no other choice, Shanks abandoned his rescue attempt, breaking through the Navy's encirclement and retreating.

"You're really just letting him go?"

As Shanks fled, Akainu stepped forward from behind Karl.

Though only a Rear Admiral at this point, Akainu's unyielding sense of justice left him visibly displeased.

If not for Karl's influential status and powerful backing, Akainu would have likely reprimanded him outright.

Karl laughed, using Moonwalk to ascend into the stormy sky. "Why not? I'm carrying someone; I've got no energy to spare for him anyway."

Meanwhile, Shanks tore through Loguetown like a madman, heading straight for the port. He commandeered a random ship and escaped, not uttering a single word throughout.

But as he sailed away, his eyes burned with unspoken determination, fixed on Loguetown's harbor.

Like him, countless other pirates fled in desperation, heedless of their comrades' fates.

Loguetown's port transformed into a blood-soaked battlefield—a true hell on earth.

But none of it mattered to Karl.

By this time, he had already returned to the naval base with an unconscious Buggy in tow. After a quick change of clothes, he awaited the return of Sengoku and Garp.

"Old man Sengoku, old man Garp, you're finally back!"

"I've already brewed tea—let me pour you some."

Karl acted like a repentant child, eagerly serving tea to Sengoku and Garp.

Garp burst out laughing at Karl's practiced servility, while Sengoku sighed in exasperation, unable to muster any anger.

Karl had a habit of owning up to his mistakes with such charm and efficiency that Sengoku could hardly scold him.

Even now, Sengoku found himself resigning to the situation, settling for a few mild warnings before moving on.

Kuzan and the others, witnessing this routine for the first time, couldn't help but feel puzzled.

"Old man Sengoku, let me be clear—I meant what I said at the execution platform for the good of the Navy.

"So while letting Shanks go was my mistake, I stand by my words there. I'm sorry, but I don't plan to change!"

"You little brat…"

Sengoku almost spat out his tea, glaring at Karl.

"Letting Shanks go is one thing," Sengoku said with a wave of his hand. "He's not a major threat, and his bounty isn't that high. But I need you to explain exactly what you meant with your speech on the execution platform.

"Do you realize you've painted a giant target on yourself? That kind of recklessness is dangerous!

"Even if you felt it was necessary, couldn't you have consulted us first? That way, we could have covered for you and given Fleet Admiral Kong a proper explanation."

Sengoku wasn't angry—his tone was more concerned than anything else.

Karl shrugged. "**I know I acted rashly, but the situation left me no choice. You saw the results: didn't my speech drown out Roger's final words?

"If Roger's declaration had spread unchecked, everyone would be dreaming of becoming pirates—of being the next Pirate King.

"What would that mean for us? For justice? Do we Navy officers not deserve any respect?"**

Sengoku nodded thoughtfully, while Garp gave Karl a thumbs-up, roaring with laughter.

"Hahaha! That's my boy! Not even Sengoku can outmaneuver that sharp tongue of yours—brilliant!"

"Enough, Garp. Stop encouraging him. Look at him—already full of himself. He needs more discipline, not less.

"Karl, you're coming back to Marineford with me for two years of proper training."

"No way!" Karl scoffed. "I just got here, and you want me to leave after ten days? That's absurd!"

Sengoku sighed, recognizing Karl's stubbornness. Though Karl was usually obedient, when he dug in his heels, not even Sengoku, Garp, and Zephyr combined could sway him.

"Fine, we'll drop it. You can continue serving as the officer in charge of Loguetown. I'll handle smoothing over your execution platform stunt with Fleet Admiral Kong.

"By the way, who's that red-nosed guy you brought back? He's not on any wanted posters—just some small fry tagging along with Shanks?"

"That guy's name is Buggy," Karl replied, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Though he's technically a pirate, he's got no bounty to his name. And yes, he knows Shanks—they go way back. How should I put this…?"

A mischievous grin spread across Karl's face. "Let's just call him a mascot." 

~~~~~~~~~~

📣 Shout out: David Aderoju for subscribing on my 10$ Tier!

📣 Shout out: AbsoluteZero for subscribing on my 30$ Tier. You're the best, man! 

Please support this poor soul on Patreon. As a patron, you unlock:

🔓 Exclusive Access: Get 47+ advanced chapters ahead of everyone. 

🔓 Exclusive Shout-Out: Receive a special shout every chapter as a thank you for your support (Only those at 5$ Tier and above).

Your support not only fuels my creativity but also helps me grow this community. If you're not a patron yet, consider joining us! 

✨ Join now: patreon.com / Madbot635