"I request to leave the crew!"
The moment Tagore said that, everyone in the Gu Ding Pirate Crew was stunned. Only Gu Ding remained calm. Though he had anticipated this outcome long ago, his heart was no less unsettled.
"Captain, I'm leaving the crew with Boss Tagore too!"
Blue darted over to Tagore's side and spoke to Gu Ding with an apologetic expression.
Tagore gave him a deep look. "Have you really decided?"
"I have. Wherever you go, Boss, I'll follow! Being with the Captain and the others is happier, but you're all alone, Boss. I can't rest easy." Blue nodded with utmost resolve.
"If our strength becomes great enough, will you come back?"
Gu Ding took a deep breath before asking them. His gaze still held hope.
"If we're still alive by then, probably..." Tagore lowered his head in silence for a moment before finally looking up and giving that answer.
Blue said nothing, only nodded hard. Tears were already welling up in his eyes, turning his azure pupils glossy with moisture.
"That's good. I agree to let you leave the crew!" Gu Ding agreed just as decisively.
"Gu Ding, how can you..."
Liliath wanted to stop this from happening, but Bigge beside her pulled her back and shook his head.
"Sister Lily, with our current strength, we're no longer qualified to be Tagore's companions. Staying with them will only hold them back. It would be better to let them pursue what they want to do, while we wait until our Combat Strength improves and reunite with them!" Though Miko explained it that way, tears still streamed uncontrollably down his face.
"Thank you for understanding..." Tagore reached out with a paw and patted Miko on the head. "Grow stronger. Don't hold everyone back in the future!"
"Mm!" Miko nodded