The clown tilted his head and grinned, his narrowed eyes seeming to greet the Navy.
He even spread his arms as if waving to them, showing no awareness at all that he was the prey.
Grant wasn't imagining things.
Buggy really did feel that way.
He was greeting the companions who would bring chaos to this tranquil world.
The night sky was like a black curtain, with a half-moon hanging above it.
Rows of dark green warships churned the waters around the island into a frenzy.
The few pirate ships hemmed in near the harbor were like prey caught in a trap. There seemed to be no way they could escape.
But to Buggy, this was the opening trumpet of a game.
He reached up to touch his shoulder, and a fluffy head nudged him.
"Our game needs a backdrop. Hmm, one that brings out the essence of the game. That's a pretty important factor in how enjoyable it is, too."
He tilted his head and spoke to the Dream Tapir behind him.
For a Phantom Beast like the Dream Tapir, even a natural barrier like the Red Line was no obstacle.
"Moo—"
The Dream Tapir rubbed against his palm a few times, well aware of its place as a Tool Beast.
It gave a soft snort, then melted into the night.
It liked foggy environments.
And Buggy needed it to give his game a backdrop that would make people suspicious deep down.
Hmm, suspicion.
An interesting word.
As for starting the game...
Of course, he had to do it himself.
Buggy didn't want to miss such a delightful moment.
His gaze roamed over the dark green warships surging through the water.
"Come on, a little closer. Just a little closer."
Buggy murmured, his eyes seeming to measure the distance