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

Three months later.

The literacy campaign in the West Blue was expanding rapidly and had achieved notable progress.

In this period, at least one-third of the countries and towns in the West Blue had adopted the Red Church's education initiative.

Although the full literacy mission was not yet complete, at this rate, it wouldn't be long before the West Blue became the most open and progressive of the Four Blues.

During this time, Capone Bege had also made preparations to set sail for the Grand Line to further the development of the Red Church.

With Karl acting as their powerful backer, the Red Church flourished unimpeded—no one dared to cross them.

This was why none of the nations dared to oppose their plans for universal education.

If the initiative succeeded, it would inevitably threaten the ruling powers' control.

After all, most knowledge was monopolized by those in power, and they were naturally reluctant to share it with the masses.

But Karl's status as a Celestial Dragon was something they couldn't afford to offend, allowing the Red Church to operate without obstruction.

However, in contrast to Capone Bege's smooth progress, Kuro's situation was vastly different.

After being effortlessly defeated by Karl, Kuro had come to a profound realization: although his strength was formidable, the gap between him and Karl was insurmountable.

Thus, upon returning, he established the "Thunder God Pirates," intending to sail personally and engage in battles with pirates of various factions.

Whether it was the Whitebeard Pirates, the Beasts Pirates, or the Big Mom Pirates, Kuro had provoked them all.

He even clashed with Shanks in battle.

But no matter who he confronted, the outcome was always the same: a crushing defeat.

Had it not been for his Rumble-Rumble Fruit abilities, allowing him to flee at lightning speed—faster even than Kaido in his dragon form—he would have long perished at their hands.

Now, Kuro was regarded as extremely dangerous but, at the same time, notorious in the underworld.

Everyone acknowledged his strength, earning him increased respect.

After all, not just anyone could escape unscathed from encounters with the likes of Whitebeard.

Around this time, Whitebeard (Edward Newgate), Kaido, and Charlotte Linlin were collectively referred to as the "Three Emperors" by pirates.

The second half of the Grand Line began to be known as the New World.

Currently, the New World was defined by the Three Emperors' dominance, with other factions constantly clashing for supremacy.

Meanwhile, Shanks had emerged as a rising force, steadily positioning himself to become the Fourth Emperor.

The only thing he lacked was a battle record or major headline to cement his status.

As for the first half of the Grand Line, it was relatively stable. Apart from the prominence of Capone Bege's Red Church, no other pirate stood out.

Yet, the Red Church's activities frequently got Karl into trouble.

Sengoku would call him via Den Den Mushi every few days, urging him to restrain himself.

Although Karl hadn't openly criticized the Celestial Dragons or the World Government, the scholars under the Red Church often hinted at such topics—a favorite pastime of intellectuals.

This naturally infuriated the Celestial Dragons.

But Karl remained unbothered. At worst, I'll sever ties and give up my status as a Celestial Dragon, he thought. The literacy campaign can always continue underground.

In the end, the World Government would still suffer the loss.

Furthermore, for some unknown reason, the Five Elders couldn't take direct action against Karl, leaving them to vent their frustrations on Sengoku.

As for Kong, the former Fleet Admiral...

He was no longer in Marine Headquarters and thus avoided the mess, much to his relief.

Sengoku, the ever-reliable scapegoat, bore the brunt of it. Even Karl couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for him.

Still, pity aside, Karl remained steadfast in his plans. Reform needed a strong foundation, and the people were key to that.

Even in a world ruled by might, ordinary citizens were not without value.

But the Celestial Dragons and the World Government failed to grasp this, content with enjoying the privileges left to them by their ancestors.

As a transmigrator, Karl knew exactly what needed to be done.

For now, however, his influence was still limited. He had to bide his time and act cautiously.

Thus, Karl stayed in the West Blue, serving as the Red Church's shield to prevent any mishaps.

He was wary of the possibility that CP agents or Marines might target Capone Bege.

With Karl present, the Five Elders and the Celestial Dragons dared not act recklessly.

What Karl didn't expect, however, was the arrival of an unexpected visitor.

Standing before him was a man wearing a dark green cloak, a conspicuous sandal-shaped imprint on his face.

Karl couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! Dragon, what's with the sandal mark on your face?

Was that your old man, Garp? Or did someone else give you a good beating?

When I was under house arrest, I heard you and Garp had a falling out, and then you disappeared.

Did you two actually fight?"

Karl raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with mockery, which made Dragon's mouth twitch in irritation.

"You Navy types really like spreading rumors, huh? Be careful, or I won't be so polite!"

Nearby, Ivankov couldn't resist butting in, chastising Karl for his peculiar tone.

Karl ignored him, keeping his gaze fixed on Dragon.

"Dragon, your son has grown up. He's doing quite well—he even calls me 'Dad.'

Doesn't that make you proud?"

"Karl, are you trying to piss me off?"

Dragon's expression darkened.

He had barely spoken since arriving, and Karl had already antagonized him twice. Even with their close relationship, Dragon couldn't help but feel annoyed.

Karl, however, merely chuckled and gestured to a nearby seat.

"Just trying to lighten the mood—no need to get so serious. But hey, we're sworn brothers, right? Having your son call me 'Dad' isn't too much to ask, is it?"

"Ha! I'm not even going to entertain that!"

Dragon flicked his cloak dramatically as he sat down. Ivankov, still fuming, took a seat nearby, glaring daggers at Karl.

Capone Bege, standing at Karl's side, didn't sit. Instead, he stared blankly at Ivankov, his disdain evident.

It was clear Bege wasn't fond of Ivankov, likely due to his unusual appearance.

"Karl, I've heard about your literacy campaign. I'm not highly educated myself; most of what I know, I learned from you.

But I can't replicate your methods, and the Revolutionary Army has hit a bottleneck.

I hope you'll reconsider joining me. Together, no one could stand in our way.

With our combined strength, even Garp couldn't say a word against us. Think about it, will you?"

Dragon's visit was clearly to recruit Karl once more.

Karl wasn't sure how Dragon had learned of his location on the Ohara refugee island, but it underscored the Revolutionary Army's formidable intelligence network.

Still, Karl had no intention of joining him.

Though their ideals were similar, their methods were worlds apart.

After a moment of thought, Karl shook his head, offering Dragon a smile that sent shivers down his spine.

"My answer hasn't changed. I won't join you.

Besides, I have no desire to walk around with a sandal imprint on my face. That's just too humiliating."

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