"Um, should I step out?"
Jinbe asked, forcing himself to speak.
He was quite curious about why the Navy had come looking for the Black Prince, but he also understood that his position was awkward. The Shichibukai were ultimately an unofficial organization recruited by the World Government, entirely different from the Navy, the legitimate direct force of the three branches. There were many secrets they had no right to know.
"It's fine. It's nothing confidential. Just stay seated, Jinbe."
Garp waved his hand carelessly.
Jinbe, who had half-risen from his seat, sat back down. He glanced at the Navy Rear Admirals, whose expressions were clearly unpleasant, their anger restrained only because they dared not voice it. He paid their dissatisfied looks no mind whatsoever. Among this group of Marines, only Garp could make him bow his head and obey.
Those three Navy Rear Admirals—
To put it bluntly—
Jinbe could crush all three of them with one hand.
No matter how honest and disciplined he was, how strictly he followed the rules, deep down he was still a pirate—a pirate who scorned law and revered freedom. If he had not come to understand the meaning of responsibility, things might have turned out completely differently.
In any case, since Vice Admiral Garp had said it was fine—
There was naturally no need for him to hurry off.
"So, what is it exactly? Vice Admiral, you're not still going to keep me guessing, are you? At this hour, rather than chatting with an old man who can't sleep, I'd much rather go back and get some rest!"
Aleus yawned.
His drowsiness was half real and half feigned.
It was already the middle of the night. The desire for sleep was both a biological instinct and a habit cultivated over many years—that was