A year later, Nero and her companions arrived at Loguetown in the East Blue, the last stop in the Four Seas.
The place of beginning and end, Roger's hometown.
Over the past year, Nero had not found what she was looking for: the legendary Devil Fruit said to house the Sun God, the Mythical Zoan Human-Human Fruit—Nika!
Legend says Devil Fruits choose their own hosts, but Nero didn't believe that.
The Nika Fruit, whose name was altered by the World Government, Nero now deduced was most likely the Paramecia-type Gum-Gum Fruit.
But let alone finding it, she hadn't heard a single piece of news about the Gum-Gum Fruit for so long, as if the time wasn't right yet.
However, Nero wasn't discouraged. She had almost reached her peak in all aspects—stamina, Haki, strength, speed, and so on—with no weaknesses.
Therefore, she had no particular opinion on the so-called future, the Warrior of Nika. This trip was more for relaxation.
But a year or so was almost the limit. Whether it was the ever-wary World Government or for the Nicuss Empire, she had to return to the New World.
Moreover, she heard that Whitebeard, Linlin, and Kaido were fighting over territory and were almost reaching Nicuss. Even in the Four Seas, Nero had received a stack of Linlin's tea party invitations.
"Big Sister! We've arrived!"
Over the past year, Robin's appearance had undergone a drastic change, shedding her previously frail look and becoming healthy, with a well-proportioned physique.
Even her skin had become much fairer and more hydrated from regularly using high-end skincare products, just like Nero and her companions.
"Hmm, so this is Roger's hometown? Surprisingly ordinary!"
Nero stepped out of the cabin and looked at the island before her. It was quiet and peaceful, a good place for ordinary people to live.
"Although there are many corrupt countries in the Four Seas, compared to the New World, this place, whether it's the climate or anything else, can be called a paradise."
Hathaway had silently appeared behind Nero at some point, and looking at the place, she also thought of that bold man.
"Hmm, as the beginning of an adventure, this place has a very good symbolic meaning!"
Nero didn't respond directly but suddenly made this emotion remark.
Robin's body stiffened, knowing that Nero's words were actually meant for her. The closer it got to the one-year mark, the more she didn't want to discuss the topic.
"Big Sister, let's hurry to Loguetown. As the Pirate King's hometown, maybe it only looks ordinary on the outside, but has hidden depths?"
Tugging on Nero's sleeve, Robin showed no emotion, choosing to change the subject.
"Hmm, hard to say. I plan to go see Roger's execution platform first. I heard it's now considered a pilgrimage site for pirates. Dying with a smile—that guy was truly one of a kind."
As the ship gradually approached the port, they saw many pirate ships docked nearby.
For pirates from the East Blue, this was almost a mandatory check-in spot. Although the Marine defenses here were stronger than in other places, pirates still frequently came here to make grand declarations.
After all, this was only the Four Seas; strong individuals rarely came to this place, and the troublesome Marine, Smoker, was just a fresh recruit at the time.
After disembarking, the group walked through the town.
As usual, Nero made all sorts of outrageous demands like a spoiled child, and Hathaway skillfully used various techniques to subtly make Nero drop the idea, or simply refused her directly.
But Robin cherished the present time, like a flowing stream of years, tranquil yet precious. The closer they got to parting, the harder it was to let go.
But no matter how much she cherished it, time continued to flow steadily forward.
"Hmm, so this is Roger's execution platform? For the Pirate King's final destination, it's surprisingly unadorned."
Nero looked at the crudely constructed execution platform, made of a few casually placed logs, with some dissatisfaction.
"Ah, after all, Roger was just a pirate. An execution platform like this is naturally better off as simple as possible."
Hathaway had a forehead full of black lines; her Majesty often spouted such remarks that defied common sense.
"But even though we weren't there in person, Roger's words still caused a worldwide sensation."
Hearing Hathaway say that, Nero stopped complaining and quietly looked at the execution platform, as if seeing Roger on the day of his execution across time and space.
Dragging his sickly body, he remained composed like a king even in death.
Nero and her companions' unreserved presence gradually led many people to recognize her identity.
"That woman seems to be the rose emperor, Nero, right?"
"What a joke, how could such a big shot come to this place?"
"Idiot! Haven't you heard? She's been roaming around the Four Seas lately."
A young man asked, puzzled, "This is the Pirate King's execution platform, right? Is she here to commemorate the Pirate King?"
The World Government had issued a gag order on the fact that Nero was once a member of the Roger Pirates.
Most young people didn't know about Nero's past, only believing her to be one of the legendary great pirates who contended with Roger.
And among the older generation who knew about it, within the Four Seas, no one dared to speak up, as those agents had killed many people back then.
An old sailor looked at the execution platform with a sigh. The impact Roger brought was far more complex than it appeared on the surface.
He had heard about a year ago that there were suspected descendants of Roger in the South Blue, and pregnant women whose due dates matched were simply killed.
He shook his head and then fled with the others, knowing that dying near a big shot like Nero would be in vain.
Of course, when ordinary people saw her, they ran as far away as possible.
Soon, the once lively area became empty, leaving only Nero and her companions.
"Hmm, you've been following me all this way. Is there something you want from me?" Nero asked calmly, still looking up at the execution platform.
Robin turned around and saw a sharp-eyed man with an exaggerated, cross-like greatsword on his back.
Facing Nero's question, the man didn't speak, just stood there, silently gazing at Nero's back.
Feeling the intense gaze, Nero finally turned her head: "Hmm, are you a swordsman? Good eyes. What's your name?"
The cross-like greatsword was slowly drawn, and the man's eyes grew sharper: "Mihawk!"
No need for many words; Nero had seen many such people on her journey. Swordsmen, you know! Everyone understands!
The honey badgers of the sea, the purer they are, the crazier they get. You say you're amazing? Take this!"
This guy in front of her was clearly one of those who were incredibly devout to the sword. Honestly, Nero wasn't very good at dealing with such people.
Killing them felt a bit of a waste, but if she didn't, such people would train for two days and think they were capable again, and if they lost, they'd just clamor for another round, which was quite annoying.
"Hmm, I understand what you mean, but as a qualified swordsman, can't you see the gap between you and me?"
A clear taunt, a subtle elevation. If you understand, go home and train for a few more years!
"Naturally! But to meet a great figure like you here, and both being swordsmen, how could I resist not making a move?"
Mihawk held his sword with both hands, and golden flames seemed to burn in his eyes.
Heh! It turned out like this, indeed. Why do such people never understand reason?
"Hmm, if you attack me now, you're certainly going to die, and your path of swordsmanship will be cut short here."
Nero's pupils constricted sharply, and Conqueror's Haki surged like a roaring tide, pressing down on Mihawk.
Mihawk's body was forced down by the sudden impact, but he quickly straightened up inch by inch.
Before heading to the New World, Mihawk had challenged many famous swordsmen, but someone like Nero was a first.
Just standing there, the aura she exuded was enough to make most people lose consciousness.
Is this the highest tier in the world? An opponent he couldn't possibly defeat with his current self; the chasm-like difference was clear at a glance.
But so what? If he retreated here, how could he ever aspire to be the strongest swordsman?
A sharp aura emanated from Mihawk. He stood like a sword, firm and steady under Nero's Haki.
"Then it only means I'm not good enough. Even if I die, I won't back down."
Hmm, it seems there's no avoiding it. Controlling the force is quite troublesome!
"Then see the gap between you and the world! Hmm, please don't resent me in the underworld!"
Nero also drew Primal Fire from her waist, and her Conqueror's Haki slowly receded.
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