Near Drum Island, the Dark Moon drifted leisurely on the sea. Beneath a sunshade on deck, Carlos relaxed as he read a book.
"Captain, something feels off." Shiryu walked over to Carlos, his expression somewhat grave.
"What is it?" Carlos asked with a faint smile.
"Drum Kingdom's attitude is strange. They neither agree nor refuse. Over the past two or three days, they've been evasive in negotiations with us. Some matters they had already agreed to have been reneged on, brought up again and again."
"Hm? Something like that?"
"That's right, Captain."
"What do you think?"
"I think they're stalling for time. They're probably plotting something..."
"What do you think they're plotting?"
"My guess is that they don't want to accept our terms. Instead, they want to use force to seize the medicine and supplies back. In any case, they're definitely targeting us!"
"That makes sense. I'd say Drum Kingdom is waiting for Marine support, while gathering troops and warships within the country."
"Then we should leave. We won't lose anything anyway."
"No rush, and don't panic. As long as the Marines haven't sent an admiral, we can handle it."
Click. The lighter flared to life. Carlos picked up a cigar from the table, lit it, then handed one to Shiryu.
"Captain, from the look of things, it seems you anticipated Drum Kingdom's reaction long ago?"
"Heh... It wasn't difficult. Drum Kingdom never had many choices. Combined with certain signs, it was only natural to guess what they would choose."
"Our Divine Eye Pirates have been absent from the seas for a long time. If we want to restore our reputation, how can we do that without making a big move?"
"The forces of a World Government member nation joining with the Marines make an excellent target for establishing our