"This is really troublesome. I actually got taken hostage by a little girl."
Though he sounded furious, Cifer's expression did not change in the slightest. He paid no attention at all to the blade held against his neck.
"Little Nolan! Put the knife down! Do you know who this man is?!"
The captain, on the other hand, was already soaked through with sweat. The man before them could not possibly be held hostage by anyone, much less by a fifteen-year-old girl!
He had clearly seemed ready to let them go, but if Nolan pulled something like this and angered him, they would be finished!
"Mm!"
She gripped the dagger tightly, pressing it against Cifer's neck. Her voice was quiet, but filled with resolve.
"Mm?"
Cifer found himself looking at her in a new light. She knew exactly who he was, yet still dared to hold him hostage at knifepoint?
He did not know whether to call her fearless through ignorance or brave enough to challenge authority.
"I know you! You're the Shichibukai who's become famous recently! I've always wanted to meet you. Let me become your companion!"
The sudden shout and request left everyone present dumbfounded. Even Enel, who had remained expressionless all along, was so startled that his jaw nearly dropped.
Cifer's mind crashed. He rubbed his eyes, and after confirming that there really was a knife at his throat, he asked a soul-searching question.
"What did you just say?"
"I said! Let me become your companion, Shichibukai!"
Apparently afraid he still had not heard clearly, Nolan shouted with all her strength.
"Is this how people ask others for favors these days?"
Cifer lightly flicked the dagger with a finger, and it shattered like glass in an instant.
Nolan was frightened by the sight. She stumbled backward again and