In August, Sea Circle Calendar Year 1497, shocking news spread from Navy Headquarters across every corner of the world —
The Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, had been captured by the Marines and would be executed in his hometown, Loguetown, that coming October.
(Note: At that time, to conceal the truth about the "D." lineage, the World Government altered his name on wanted posters from "Gol D. Roger" to "Gold Roger.")
Then, in September 1497, the Golden Lion, Shiki, refused to believe Roger could have been caught so easily. In a fit of rage, he attacked Marineford directly.
But against Sengoku, who had recently been promoted to Fleet Admiral, and Garp, now revered as a "Marine Hero," Shiki was overwhelmed. The Golden Lion was defeated and imprisoned deep within Impel Down.
Kaoru Tsubasa sat quietly, reading the newspaper in his hand. His expression didn't change, but his eyes darkened slightly.
"So… this is where it all begins," he murmured.
After a moment of thought, he made his decision.He would go to Loguetown — to witness the execution of Gol D. Roger with his own eyes.To see the birth of the Great Pirate Era.
However, his real body couldn't leave Redoria due to a system restriction tied to his ongoing mission. Fortunately, Kaoru had just drawn a Physical Clone Card from his system's lottery the day before.
So, while his true self remained behind in Redoria, his clone rowed a small boat across the Grand Line — bound for Loguetown.
Impel Down Prison
A Marine warship docked at the massive gates of the world's most feared prison.
"Vice-Admiral Garp,"Magellan greeted respectfully, stepping out from the gate. He had already received notice of the legendary hero's arrival and had been waiting since dawn.
"I'm here to see Roger," Garp said flatly. "No need to follow me."
He waved off Magellan, his subordinates, and even his own aide, Bogard. This was something he intended to do alone.
Descending to the Sixth Level of Impel Down, Garp stood before a cell.
Inside sat the Pirate King himself.
"Why'd you turn yourself in, Roger?" Garp asked, his tone low.
Roger smiled faintly. "Garp… I don't have much time left. There's something I need to ask of you."
"What?"
Roger took a deep breath. "On Baterilla Island… my wife, Portgas D. Rouge, is carrying our child. After I'm gone, the World Government will hunt down my bloodline without mercy. I want you to protect them — both of them."
Garp's jaw clenched. "Don't be ridiculous, Roger. I'm a Marine!"
Roger's voice softened. "You and I… we've fought side by side, time and again. Our friendship was forged in battle. I know you'll grant me this one last favor."
With that, Roger leaned back in his chair, smiling. He knew Garp's heart.
The old Marine didn't respond. He simply turned and walked away.
Loguetown — October 10th, Year 1497
The day before Roger's public execution.
After nearly a month at sea, Kaoru Tsubasa's clone finally arrived at Loguetown's bustling port. Crowds filled every street — pirates, merchants, marines, and onlookers alike, all drawn by the same morbid curiosity.
With one day left before the execution, Kaoru decided to stop by a local tavern.
He pushed open the creaking door and stepped inside. The air was thick with the scent of rum and sea salt — and to his surprise, several familiar faces.
Red-Haired Shanks, once Roger's apprentice and one day destined to become one of the Four Emperors of the Sea. Though still young, his strength now far surpassed what it had been when he first boarded Rocks' ship.
Marco, the Phoenix — Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates' First Division.
And Buggy the Clown, another former Roger crewmate, destined to become one of the Seven Warlords… and later, one of the Four Emperors himself.
Kaoru smirked slightly. None of them noticed him at first — the tavern was packed, after all. Pirates came and went by the dozens every day.
He walked up to Marco's table."Mind if I sit here?" he asked casually.
The moment Marco heard that voice, his head snapped up. "Brother Kaoru!!!"
Kaoru chuckled. "Long time no see, Marco."
"Yeah, it's been a while, Brother Kaoru!" Marco grinned. "Dad's been doing great, but ever since you gave him that box of wine, he won't stop complaining that the drinks on the ship taste awful now."
Kaoru laughed. "Heh, I should've known Newgate wouldn't quit drinking."
Memories of the Rocks Pirates flashed through his mind — of training under Whitebeard's watchful eye while the massive man sat nearby, drinking and laughing.
Just then, a familiar voice called out."Brother Kaoru!"
It was Shanks.
"What is it, Shanks?" Kaoru turned toward him, puzzled.
He remembered how, years ago at Redoria's banquet, Shanks had witnessed Kaoru suppress both Roger and Newgate at once. Since then, the red-haired boy had insisted on calling him "Uncle."
Of course, Kaoru's response back then had been a swift Iron Fist of Love.
"I was only twenty-nine at the time," Kaoru thought with a faint grin. "Now I'm thirty-one. Still too young to be called Uncle."
After that beating, Shanks switched to calling him "Big Brother," and Marco soon followed suit.
"Brother Kaoru, that sword on your hip — is that Ace?" Shanks asked, his eyes locked on the weapon.
"Oh, this?" Kaoru said casually. "Yeah. Roger gave it to me."
His tone was indifferent, but the entire tavern went silent. Every pirate within earshot froze. Even Marco's expression turned to shock.
Ace — the sword of the Pirate King himself, one of the Twelve Supreme Grade Blades.
And Kaoru Tsubasa was wearing it on his waist like it was nothing.
The greed in the air was palpable.
"Hey, brat," a gruff voice barked. "Hand over that sword. The Pirate King's blade doesn't belong in your hands."
A group of unknown pirates stood, glaring at Kaoru. "With that sword, we'd rule the seas. You're not worthy of it!"
Kaoru didn't even glance at them. "Oh? You want to steal my sword?" His tone was calm — almost bored.
"Cut the talk!" one shouted, drawing his blade as the group lunged forward.
Kaoru was about to react — but before he could even move, Marco stepped in front of him. His body erupted in blue phoenix fire, and with a single fiery blast, the attackers were sent crashing through the tavern doors.
"You idiots! You think you can attack Brother Kaoru?!" Marco snarled.
The remaining pirates froze in terror. "Y-you're Marco! The Phoenix! Captain of the First Division of the Whitebeard Pirates!"
"Get lost!" Marco barked. "You're not worthy of touching the Pirate King's sword."
Kaoru stepped outside, glancing back with a faint smile. "As expected of Whitebeard's First Division Captain. Nicely done."
"Heh-heh…" Marco scratched his head, embarrassed by the praise.
Kaoru looked at him for a moment — seeing not just the man he was, but the legend he would become. Then he reached into his system space and pulled out a small capsule.
"Here," Kaoru said, handing it to Marco. "Eat this."
Marco blinked in confusion. "What is it?"
"Stop asking questions. Just take it. It'll make you stronger."
Without hesitation, Marco swallowed it.
It was one of Kaoru's rarest system rewards — a capsule that granted the power of ice without the drawbacks of a Devil Fruit.A gift worthy of a future legend.