Aokiji was already getting a headache from Yixiao joining up with the Maud Pirates.
He had never expected even the Shichibukai, Tyrant Kuma, to have dealings with the Maud Pirates.
Aokiji tilted his head and calmly stared at Kuma.
Under Aokiji's gaze, Kuma held a small, exquisite bowl of mushroom soup that looked tiny compared to his size. He then picked up a little spoon and leisurely drank the soup.
That utterly unruffled reaction could be said to have directly ignored Aokiji's existence.
From Kuma's standpoint, despite his identity as one of the Shichibukai, there was indeed no need for him to be overly polite to the Marines.
The only force he had always feared was the World Government.
Aokiji did not particularly mind Kuma's reaction. The doubt in his eyes slowly faded as he turned to Maud and asked seriously, "Is there still a seat?"
"No."
Maud rejected Aokiji's attempt to take a seat as quickly as possible.
Had he even looked at the Heart Pirates' crew? Most of them were already scared stiff.
In this situation, if they let Aokiji sit down, they might as well forget about eating.
"It's fine..."
As he spoke, Aokiji looked toward the two nearest members of the Heart Pirates—officers Pekkin and Shakky.
Almost the instant Aokiji's gaze turned their way, Pekkin and Shakky immediately stood up and tactfully tried to give Aokiji a seat.
Or rather, they were taking the chance to get away from Aokiji.
Aokiji suddenly extended both hands and pressed them down on the two men's shoulders.
He clearly had not used his Devil Fruit ability, yet Pekkin and Shakky seemed to have been frozen. Their bodies stiffened, and they did not even dare breathe too loudly.
"Damn it, Pekkin and Shakky have been frozen!!!"
Seeing their companions touched