Truth and lies were hard to tell. Rumble, rumble.
The chaotic, heavy footsteps rapidly receded down the dark passage, until finally they vanished completely.
Inside the Funerary Temple, after a brief yet brutal uproar, deathly silence returned once more.
In the vast, empty hall.
Now, only Momonosuke, Hiyori Kozuki, and the fallen Jace remained.
"Heh heh heh! Elder Sister! The strength you just displayed was truly incredible."
Watching Shanks flee completely and confirming that it was safe, Momonosuke immediately threw away the madness from moments ago and shamelessly scurried over to Hiyori Kozuki's side.
Like a mangy dog begging its master for credit, every wrinkle on his face squeezed itself into a fawning expression as he excitedly rubbed his hands together.
"Look... look, I cooperated pretty well, didn't I? We said before that from the moment I drew my blade to the end of the fight, I wouldn't waste too much time. See? We've already captured him alive."
In truth, if judged by age, he was older than Hiyori Kozuki, so he should have been her elder brother.
But for the sake of a wonderful life in the future, seniority meant jack shit.
Forget about not letting him call her sister—as long as he could ride the World Government's coattails, he would call her Mom or Grandma if he had to.
"Hmph. That sneak attack of yours was passable, I suppose."
Hiyori Kozuki sheathed her blade.
She could not even be bothered to give this tail-wagging, pity-begging rat a proper glance. Her stunningly beautiful face was filled with coldness and disdain.
But she still used an indifferent voice to put an end to today's little play.
"Cuff him with Seastone and escort him back to Marine Headquarters. As for the rest of the script, someone else will naturally continue writing