Uchiha Hiko had sent dozens of people flying with a single burst of force, and they were all notable figures in the New World. That alone showed just how powerful he was.
The people around them immediately retreated. Although they had already witnessed Uchiha Hiko's fleeting display of power inside the auction hall, experiencing it from such close range gave them a far more direct understanding of his strength.
"Ahaha!" Burgess flipped himself up from the ground, with no sign of anger on his face. "Don't get angry! We came with good intentions. We wanted to discuss something of real significance with Your Excellency..."
Before Burgess could finish, Hiko had already flatly refused. "Sorry, I don't want to become a pirate, nor do I want to form an alliance with pirates."
Burgess still wore a smile. "Perhaps you don't understand. The Blackbeard Pirates have now risen among the Four Emperors. Compared to before, our strength has crossed an immensely vast gulf! Your Excellency probably has no idea of the power we possess!"
This time, Hiko turned to look at Burgess and gave him a cold glance. "Not interested."
The cold contempt in his eyes was like a vicious stab through Burgess's dignity. The pain bored into his bones and reached his soul, stripping away every shred of Burgess's pride.
The smile gradually faded from Burgess's face, and his tone turned hostile. "It seems that you..."
"Get lost!" That was Hiko's only reply.
Clang!
Shiryu, standing beside Burgess, suddenly drew his sword. His already fierce, savage gaze burned even hotter, and an excited smile appeared at the corner of his cigar-clenched mouth.
Just as everyone tensed, thinking Shiryu of the Rain was about to attack Uchiha Hiko, Burgess stepped forward, reached out to grab Shiryu, and gently shook his head to