One Piece: Starting in God Valley as a Slave

Carl's proposal for a proactive strike received unanimous support from Akainu and the others.

The meeting room was filled with a spectrum of colors as everyone subtly released their powers. From Carl, an array of black, red, yellow, blue, and green energy swirled in the room. Across from him, Sengoku the Buddha and his fellow Marines wore grim expressions.

Before Carl's arrival, Sengoku, known for his cautious nature, had suggested they remain in Marineford and wait for the Roger Pirates to attack, utilizing the home-field advantage. Carl's suggestion directly contradicted Sengoku's plan, making his bold demeanor all the more unsettling to some.

The officers exchanged glances, their eyes eventually settling on Sengoku. Even if Sengoku secretly agreed with Carl's approach, he had to stand firm. Backing down now would undermine his faction's authority within Marine Headquarters.

Sengoku reiterated his plan, and though Akainu frowned deeply, he remained silent, awaiting Carl's response.

Carl, calm and composed, listened quietly. When Sengoku finished, Carl smiled and said,

"Sengoku, your points are valid."

The room fell silent. Even Fleet Admiral Kong looked surprised. Admiral Zephyr, Carl's mentor, nearly choked on his breath, his chest heaving as he coughed twice due to an old injury.

Akainu couldn't hold back and began, "Carl—"

Carl raised a hand to silence him, turning to Kong with a serene expression.

"Fleet Admiral Kong, Marineford does need preparation. With Whitebeard and Big Mom's pirate crews potentially seizing this opportunity to strike, leaving Admiral Sengoku to guard the base is a sound decision. As for the Roger Pirates, leave them to me. It's my responsibility, after all."

Kong frowned in thought before responding,

"Carl, the Roger Pirates have grown considerably in strength. This is their decisive battle. Isn't it too risky for just one Admiral to face them?"

Sengoku and the others nodded in agreement. Carl smiled confidently.

"I won't be alone. Sakazuki and the others will join me. The advantage is ours."

With five Logia users, including Carl, plus powerful fighters like Lucía and Kuma, Carl's claim wasn't unfounded.

Still, Kong hesitated.

"But on the open sea, as Devil Fruit users, you're at a disadvantage—"

"No need to worry. Kuzan will be there," Carl interjected.

Aokiji thumped his chest and declared,

"Leave it to me! I'll make sure no one falls into the sea!"

Kong finally nodded.

"Alright. But if anything goes wrong, contact Headquarters immediately, and I'll send reinforcements."

With Kong's decision made, Sengoku reluctantly held his tongue, though his desire to join the battle remained clear.

...

Meanwhile, aboard the Oro Jackson,

Roger summoned Rayleigh into his cabin. His first words were,

"Rayleigh, in this battle, you must be careful. If necessary, take Shanks and Buggy and run. I'll cover your escape."

Rayleigh's face grew grim.

"Roger, do you already see the outcome of this fight as inevitable?"

Roger nodded silently.

"So, you're seeking death?"

Roger sighed.

"Yes. I'm the Pirate King. I need a fitting end. Let me be selfish this one time."

Hearing the words Pirate King, Roger gave a self-deprecating smile.

Rayleigh's expression darkened with sorrow. He whispered,

"So many years, and you've been selfish so often. Do as you wish. I'll follow your orders."

"Rayleigh, thank you. Having you as a crewmate is the greatest blessing of my life."

Roger's heartfelt words broke Rayleigh's composure. For the first time in years, his eyes filled with tears. He tilted his head back, trying to hold them in, his voice low and strained.

"What about the others? Do you want them to die with you too?"

"I don't. I'll protect them as best I can. If they want to escape, I'll make sure they can."

"They'll never leave you behind, Roger. And I'll have to live as a coward."

Roger lowered his head and sighed.

"I'm sorry, Rayleigh. But since we reached Laugh Tale, our era has ended. The new era needs someone to start it."

Rayleigh suddenly gripped Roger's shoulders, shouting,

"Look at me, Roger!"

Roger flinched and slowly met Rayleigh's gaze.

Rayleigh, his Conqueror's Haki sparking in the air, locked eyes with Roger and demanded,

"Answer me this: Are you still Gol D. Roger, the captain I respect?"

Roger hesitated, then smirked slightly.

"Don't smile!" Rayleigh roared. "That smile doesn't belong to you—it's that damned fruit's influence!"

Roger's expression softened as he replied calmly,

"Rayleigh, I've never changed. I'm still the Gol D. Roger you know. And because of that, I'm not the one they're waiting for."

Rayleigh's fists clenched, then slowly loosened. He turned away, heading for the door.

Before he left, Roger spoke again,

"Rayleigh, I have a child. His name will be Ace—Portgas D. Ace."

Rayleigh froze, his body trembling. Without turning, he asked softly,

"At least the Pirate King's bloodline will live on. But why the name Portgas?"

Roger chuckled bitterly.

"Rayleigh, do you think someone like me deserves to pass down my name? It would only bring him trouble."

Rayleigh turned back slightly.

"Where is he now?"

"He's not born yet. I left his mother and him in the care of someone I trust."

"Is this person reliable?"

"Reliable. He's Garp's son."

-----------

+210 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg