A Group That Traveled Through Time!

New World, G-11 Branch.

"Mr. Kin'emon, this attitude of yours—refusing to say anything—doesn't put us at ease!"

Inside the cluster of Marine buildings built around what had once been Whole Cake Island, Lord Smoker sat in a spacious office, biting down on his cigar with a slight frown.

Across from him, Foxfire Kin'emon sat awkwardly on the sofa, dressed in a light kimono with black-and-orange patterns on the left and a plain right side. His expression tightened at those words. He placed both hands on his knees and bowed.

"My deepest apologies, Lord Smoker! Please forgive me, but I truly have reasons I cannot speak of!"

"..."

Smoker looked at him speechlessly. After a moment, he waved a hand helplessly.

"I understand... Since you have your reasons, I won't press further. After all, none of you are wanted criminals."

"Yes! I am deeply grateful!"

Kin'emon's stiff manner of speaking gave Smoker quite a headache. Rubbing his brow, he continued, "However, you cannot leave for the time being. I've already informed Marine Headquarters, and someone will soon arrive to take over this matter."

Hearing that, Kin'emon looked rather displeased. "Forgive my bluntness, Lord Smoker, but is it because we are from Wano Country? That is a grave injustice!"

"Indeed, although Wano Country is not one of the government's Affiliated Nations and has remained isolated for centuries, it is still a sovereign nation... Treating citizens of another country this way greatly damages the government's image."

"But just as I understand that you have your reasons, please try to understand ours as well, Mr. Kin'emon."

Smoker fixed him with an imposing gaze. "The Beasts Pirates have been hiding in Wano Country for years. Kaido is undoubtedly one of the Marine's greatest threats!"

"We cannot afford to overlook any information connected to him. It