Three-Way Talks (23)

Grand Line, Marine G-10 Branch port.

"What a, what a... rare guest!"

Ron led Dorte and Ain forward to greet him, a cigar clamped between his teeth. "Kuma, I never thought you'd come visit me."

After all, he was a pirate. None of the Shichibukai truly had deep ties with the Marines. The only exception, Doflamingo, had long since been brought down by Ron.

"You flatter me, Vice Admiral Azure Dragon. The Five Elders asked me to go to Century City to help verify some matters. Since I happened to be passing through G-10, it was only natural that I paid you a visit."

On the blue-gray stone steps, Kuma still wore his ever-present black coat and light-colored paw-print casual pants. With his long limbs and oversized head, he carried the air of an upright brown bear.

"Going to Century City to verify some matters?"

Ron silently mulled over those words.

It seemed Tesoro's misdirection had worked?

Fujitora would never do something like setting someone up, so it could only have been left to Tesoro. Besides, he was the culprit to begin with, making the arrangements much easier.

"Regardless, a guest is a guest..."

After a moment's thought, Ron put the matter aside and spread a hand behind him.

"Please! I've prepared some humble food and drink. Eat first. You need a full stomach to have strength for the day."

As soon as he finished speaking, Dorte behind him held the hilt of Clear Spring Sword with one hand and slashed downward with his right.

"Fire the cannons!"

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The ceremonial gunners received the order and lit the fuses, sending colorful shells bursting beneath the clear blue sky.

After all... the other party was a Shichibukai!

They were a special class that answered only to the highest ranks