"We're already allies of the Land of Light!"
Borsalino was every bit the wily old Navy hand. His words were slick, but he still managed to salvage a little of the Navy's dignity.
Admiral Kizaru dispelled his Giant of Light form. Surrounded by scattering motes of light, he flew through the air and came to a stop in front of Salino.
"Looks like you still remember the terms of our treaty. That frightening show just now had me thinking the Navy was going to declare war on us behind the World Government's back and wipe out all us 'sinners'!" Kizaru said with an amused, teasing lilt.
"Young people don't know any better! Don't take it to heart!" Salino said with a strained smile, cold sweat running down his face.
Hashirama, standing nearby, heard their exchange—especially Salino's last remark—and found himself with a lot to say. For the sake of the bigger picture, however, he could only force himself to hold it in.
Salino's words amused Kizaru too. He glanced at Hashirama, the elder, with interest, then turned his smiling face back to Salino. "Young people don't know any better? Your new Fleet Admiral is getting on in years. He doesn't know any better either?"
After speaking, Kizaru looked toward the Navy fleet in the distance. Salino understood the unspoken warning perfectly: Kizaru was calling out the Navy for its hostile posture.
"Sakazuki was concerned about the young people in the Navy. We don't want to start another war either." Salino finished speaking, then glanced at Hashirama's warship, which had yet to leave the waters nearby. "Besides, haven't you already rescued them? I think we should leave things here."
Kizaru had stepped in for three reasons. First, Rayleigh had called for help. Second, Kuja Island had become an ally of the