One Piece: Buggy the Great King of the Sea

Loguetown wasn't too far from the Sabaody Archipelago. With a well-equipped ship, the journey would've taken just over half a month.

But since they were traveling in a small sailboat, they didn't arrive in Loguetown until the day before the execution.

They'd passed through Reverse Mountain on the way and had planned to bring Crocus with them.

Unfortunately, neither Crocus nor Laboon—who was usually seen ramming into the Red Line—were there.

With time running out, they had no choice but to move on without them.

Stealth Arrival

The day before the execution, they finally reached the waters just outside Loguetown.

Instead of docking at the harbor, they chose a remote stretch of coast and used Geppo (Moonwalk) to leap directly into the town.

They had no intention of drawing attention.

At this point, Loguetown was under heavy surveillance, especially the harbor, which would certainly be crawling with Marines.

Rayleigh was a living legend, his name known across the seas. Even in disguise, the risk of being recognized by Marine top brass was too high.

One slip-up, and they wouldn't even get a chance to say goodbye—they'd be arrested or killed on the spot.

So, to avoid trouble, the three used Geppo to silently enter the town from an isolated area.

The Atmosphere in Loguetown

As they'd expected, every street was under strict Marine patrol.

The city felt deserted—not a single civilian in sight.

They didn't dare walk openly. Instead, they hid in the shadows, only moving after a patrol had passed. Eventually, they found a bar and slipped inside.

While the streets were empty, the bars were packed wall to wall.

Inside was a seething mass of people, shoulder to shoulder, and the air was thick with tension.

The crowd was rough and dangerous—pirates, mercenaries, and outlaws. No ordinary civilians would dare be here.

The Marines had turned a blind eye.

After all, they wanted the world to witness the Pirate King's execution.

So long as these people didn't cause chaos in public, they were tolerated—allowed to hide out in bars and inns until the event.

Rayleigh's Entrance

When the three entered the bar, the rowdy place instantly fell silent.

Everyone turned to stare—not at Buggy or Shanks, but at Rayleigh.

Silvers Rayleigh—the right hand of the Pirate King. The Dark King.

His fame was legendary. Many had seen his bounty poster.

Some feared him. Some idolized him. But everyone recognized him.

As Rayleigh stepped further inside, no one spoke.

He didn't say a word either. Without acknowledging anyone, he walked to an empty table.

Technically, the bar was too full for an empty seat to exist.

But as soon as Rayleigh approached, the patrons at that table scattered like mice, silently giving up their seats without protest.

Rayleigh, Shanks, and Buggy sat down and ordered drinks.

After a few moments, Rayleigh quietly got up and left the bar.

"Rayleigh-san, where did you go?" Buggy asked when he returned.

"Oh, just went to tell a few old friends where we are."

The meaning was clear.

Buggy nodded, understanding there was more to it than Rayleigh was saying—but now wasn't the time for questions.

Familiar Faces Reunite

Not long after, several tall figures cloaked in capes entered the bar.

They walked directly over to Rayleigh's table.

As they arrived, Buggy immediately recognized the faces—they were all former crewmates from the Oro Jackson.

Everyone looked serious. None of them spoke.

All eyes turned to Rayleigh.

He knew what they were silently asking.

Rayleigh finally broke the silence:

"The Captain has something he must do… and he's going to use his life to accomplish it.

He's forbidden me from interfering—and the same goes for you.

All we're allowed to do is stand by… and watch.

No one is to cause trouble."

A heavy voice replied:

"Why, Vice-Captain?!

The Captain's so strong—how could he have been captured?!

What could be so important that it requires him to sacrifice his life?!

I haven't even gotten the chance to surpass him yet—how can I accept this?!"

Rayleigh turned sharply:

"Barrett, calm down.

The decision has been made.

Loguetown is now swarming with top-ranking Marines.

Even if you tried, you couldn't stir up much trouble.

And more importantly, you can't change the Captain's will.

If you ruin his plan, his sacrifice will be for nothing.

We all have to respect his choice."

The room fell into another heavy silence.

Through this conversation, everyone now understood:

Rayleigh knew what was going on, and whatever it was, it was massive.

"I know you all have questions," Rayleigh continued.

"But I can't answer them yet.

This is the Captain's plan. Do not interfere.

Once this is over, you'll understand everything."

Everyone nodded solemnly.

They understood now.

The Captain was ready to give his life for something greater.

No one—no matter how loyal—could stand in his way.

The Day of the Execution

Time passed quickly.

The day of the execution arrived.

The town square was packed—a dense sea of people. There wasn't room to move an inch.

Rayleigh, Shanks, Buggy, and the rest of the former crew blended into the crowd.

Buggy even spotted some very familiar faces among the onlookers.

Not far away stood a young man in a pink feathered coat, with slicked-back blond hair and round sunglasses.

It was none other than Donquixote Doflamingo, the man who would become one of the Warlords of the Sea.

Nearby, another striking figure stood out: tall and devilish, with a flame-like hairstyle, horns, and stitches running across his face and neck.

He wore a gothic, bat-collared shirt, and sharp teeth showed beneath his grin.

It was Gecko Moria, the future Warlord of the Sea, as well.

There were many more like them—rising stars, future legends, all hidden among the crowd.

The Pirate King Arrives

At noon, a commotion stirred near the execution platform.

The sea of people parted like a tide, creating a path straight to the gallows.

Gol D. Roger, escorted by a heavy Marine guard, walked slowly toward the execution platform.

But on his face, there was no fear—no sign of regret, sadness, or dread.

Instead, he wore a solemn expression—almost as if he were heading to a grand banquet, not his death.

He moved steadily, not trembling like other condemned men.

He held his head high, walking with pride and composure, his every step filled with dignity.

The crowd, which had been noisy and chaotic, fell completely silent.

Everyone's eyes locked onto Roger.

He climbed the final steps.

And with that, the Pirate King stood atop the execution platform.