The base buried deep within the volcano was unbearably hot, yet hundreds of pirates still worked at a furious pace inside. They smelted the mined ore into molten iron, forging it into suits of armor and weapons.
Seeing Ron's astonished expression, Ryokugyu smiled.
"Orik did intend to do that at first, just as you said—a public execution... But later, he decided it was far too unreliable."
Ron narrowed his eyes.
"Don't tell me... you're afraid? Afraid of me, even as I am now?"
"That's right!"
Ryokugyu nodded without hesitation.
"We are afraid!"
"This is a war over who rules the world, not some petty squabble between pirates... We're afraid of any unexpected development. If possible, we must stamp it out before it can take root!"
Under Ron's grave gaze, Ryokugyu reined in his agitation and spoke calmly.
"Blame yourself for being too dangerous, Marine Azure Dragon."
"Personally, I truly wanted to publicly execute you and use it to declare war on the World Government!"
"But if doing so means taking unnecessary risks, perhaps even undermining Orik's plans and preparations, then my personal wishes are insignificant."
What was this?
Lifting a rock only to smash his own foot?
Ron narrowed his eyes slightly and gave a self-mocking grin.
If he looked easier to bully, perhaps he might have found a sliver of hope.
The more elaborate the ceremony, the more preparation it required—and the more openings it would leave for him.
"You can't be killed, Marine Azure Dragon, so we won't be foolish enough to think the ocean can drown you..."
The cage was placed atop a cart. Ryokugyu walked over, drove the pirates back, and personally took hold of the cart's handles.
"But magma is different. Its heat can incinerate everything. Even Kaido cannot survive in magma; he can only