One Piece: I'm not Roger

The atmosphere between both sides became extremely tense. Aether slowly scanned the remaining members of the Beasts Pirates, most of whom were familiar faces from the Grand Line.

The one who caught his attention the most was not the massive Queen, but the towering Black Maria.

Standing nearly eight meters tall, she was comparable to a small giant. Her figure was mature and seductive, her long blonde hair tied into an elegant style while her revealing black kimono emphasized her overwhelming curves. Her beauty carried a dangerous charm that easily drew attention.

Even compared to Shirahoshi, Black Maria did not fall short in that regard.

Unfortunately, the fear in her eyes ruined the appeal.

Aether glanced at the remaining enemies. There were fewer than thirty people left capable of fighting. Against his current strength, this force could be crushed effortlessly. Once Kaido fell, the price the Beasts Pirates had to pay was no longer theirs to decide.

As Aether stepped forward, Queen hurriedly raised both hands and forced out an awkward smile.

"Roger, we admit defeat! Whatever ransom you want, we can negotiate it. As long as Boss Kaido is released, we can discuss anything."

The usually vicious Queen actually looked somewhat pitiful now.

But Aether remained unmoved.

He knew exactly what kind of person Queen was. The so called Plague was a cruel and twisted scientist beneath that cowardly appearance.

"No, you don't," Aether replied indifferently. "You want to test whether I have the strength to force you into submission. Since that's the case, I won't disappoint you."

Queen's expression stiffened.

"No, no, that's not what we mean at all."

Aether ignored him completely.

His figure shot forward like a violent storm.

The pressure alone caused everyone's expressions to change dramatically.

"He's attacking! Everyone, move together!"

Queen instantly transformed into his Brachiosaurus hybrid form. His massive mechanical body activated at full power as lasers erupted from his mouth, shoulders, and tail simultaneously.

"Black Spark!"

The destructive beams were far stronger than those of the Pacifista.

At the same time, several All-Stars and Gifters launched attacks together, trying to overwhelm Aether through numbers.

Aether did not dodge.

He calmly unsheathed Ace, dark red flames wrapping around the blade as terrifying Conqueror's Haki surged outward.

His crimson eyes narrowed.

Then he swung.

"Divine Departure."

The dark red slash tore through the battlefield with unstoppable force.

The incoming lasers shattered instantly.

Queen's pupils contracted in horror before the slash slammed directly into him.

Boom!

The gigantic Brachiosaurus body crashed into the ground, shaking the area violently.

A massive wound stretched across Queen's chest, deep enough to expose bone. Blood sprayed everywhere as smoke rose from the injury.

The remaining fighters were also blown away by the residual force, several collapsing instantly with their fate unknown.

Silence followed.

Nobody dared move.

Even making eye contact with Aether felt terrifying.

Aether stepped onto Queen's enormous body and looked toward the remaining pirates.

That single glance forced many of them to retreat unconsciously.

Even Queen, one of Kaido's strongest commanders, had been defeated in one strike.

How were they supposed to fight?

Under Aether's foot, Queen's monstrous recovery ability had already begun repairing the wound. Ancient Zoan users truly possessed absurd vitality.

Still, after regaining consciousness, Queen wisely chose to remain motionless.

Pretending to be dead was safer.

Aether did not bother finishing him off.

Although Queen's strength was close to the level of a Yonko Commander, that monstrous durability meant little to him. Against Aether, Queen was nothing more than a sluggish target.

Compared to him, fighters like Doflamingo would actually survive longer due to their versatility and combat instincts.

Soon, Aether shifted his gaze toward another figure.

Who's-Who.

As a former CP9 agent, his strength was already close to Commander level, making him one of the strongest members of the Tobiroppo. If he fought Gecko Moria, the outcome would be difficult to predict.

Back then, the loss of the Gomu Gomu no Mi had forced him into ruin after it was stolen by Shanks.

Without protection from powerful figures within the World Government, he had become nothing more than a disposable pawn.

The moment Who's-Who realized Aether was looking at him, he immediately raised both hands.

"Lord Roger, I surrender!"

His reaction stunned everyone nearby.

"If you allow it, I can even join your crew. I know many secrets about the World Government, including hidden government facilities."

The surrounding members of the Tobiroppo immediately glared at him.

Sasaki looked furious.

Black Maria's eyes turned cold.

Even Ulti openly showed disgust.

Unlike Who's-Who, their loyalty to Kaido was genuine.

Several remaining subordinates nearby also began reconsidering their own positions. If Kaido truly lost, then survival naturally became their first priority.

"Who's-Who, you bastard!" Sasaki roared angrily. "Lord Kaido treated you well, and now you betray him?"

"You're shameless," Black Maria added coldly. "Do you think Kaido will spare you for this?"

Who's-Who merely sneered.

"As if loyalty matters now."

His gaze swept across them mockingly.

"I followed Kaido because he was strong enough to protect me from the World Government. I never planned to die with him."

Then he looked toward Aether.

"As for releasing Kaido, do you really believe that? Once Kaido loses, his territory belongs to the victor."

"Only fools fail to understand reality."

He spread his arms slightly.

"The future ruler of the seas will be Pirate King Roger."

The others fell silent.

No matter how unpleasant his words sounded, nobody could deny the reality before them.

Aether quietly observed the internal conflict without interfering.

This was exactly the outcome he wanted.

Division weakened the Beasts Pirates more effectively than brute force.

Even if Kaido later learned about it, there would be nothing he could say.

After all, Aether never forced anyone to betray him.

Who's-Who stepped forward cautiously.

"Lord Roger, I believe I've shown enough sincerity. Will you allow me to join your crew?"

Aether simply looked at him for a moment before shaking his head.

A man who had betrayed both the World Government and the Beasts Pirates was not trustworthy.

CP agents were trained from childhood to deceive others.

Nobody could say whether a person like that was truly surrendering, or simply waiting for another opportunity to stab someone in the back.