Just as Iceburg and Kokoro looked at each other in bewilderment, unable to make sense of things, Longinus smiled and said, "Looks like someone mistook me for a pirate. Still, this shows that everyone cares about you."
"Cares about us?" Iceburg's expression was complicated. "If that were true, no one would have stood up for Mr. Tom in the end!"
"They were ordinary people, after all. Even if they were grateful for Mr. Tom's contributions, how could they possibly have the courage to oppose the government?" Longinus asked with a gentle smile.
Iceburg suddenly understood. Yes, everyone was just an ordinary person, after all.
Keeping their distance from Mr. Tom in front of those CP5 agents had merely been their way of protecting themselves.
With that thought, some of the resentment in his heart toward Water Seven finally faded.
"Let's go out and take a look."
The three of them walked outside. A large crowd stood beyond the door, holding wooden clubs, pitchforks, kitchen knives, and bricks. At their center stood a judge dressed in black like a priest.
"H-Hand Iceburg and the others over!"
"We're not afraid of you!"
"Everyone in this city has benefited from Tom's kindness!"
Longinus smiled and asked the person beside him, "Well? Was I wrong?"
"Mm!" Iceburg's eyes brimmed with tears. If Mr. Tom knew about this, he would definitely be happy, wouldn't he?
At that moment, the stunned judge came back to his senses and asked in alarm, "Y-You're Admiral Shirozou of Marine Headquarters?"
The crowd around them abruptly fell silent. The only sound was people swallowing.
A moment later, deafening cries erupted.
"A-An Admiral?"
"A Marine Headquarters Admiral, one of the world's Top Combat Power?"
"I remember now! Wasn't this Marine officer the one who gave that oration on Justice two years