Subdue

Weevil watched as the pale red blood and flesh were covered and swallowed by the churning waves, leaving not a trace behind. It was as though he had lost his pillar of support. His knees buckled, and he fell to his knees on the deck, crying bitterly as tears streamed endlessly down his face.

"Mom, where are you... where are you..."

Buggy glanced sideways at Weevil, who was crying like a child, and changed his mind on the spot. Weevil's words, mannerisms, and actions were far too blunt and innocent—or rather, his intelligence simply did not allow for scheming. If Buggy could gain this man's trust, he could easily control such a powerful fighting force without having to worry about betrayal.

After a brief moment of thought, he paced over to Weevil's side. His tone was sharp, like a disciplinarian scolding a student. "Edward Weevil, what are you crying for, brat?!"

"Go away, go away! It's all because of you that Mom disappeared!" Weevil wailed in utter grief. He had no mind to fight or talk, irritably waving his hand as if swatting away flies.

"Didn't you see? Mom has gone to heaven!"

Buggy extended a finger toward some point on the sea, slowly lifting his head as though staring at something drifting farther and farther away. His gaze stretched into the distance, his expression solemn. He seemed to be listening to something, then nodded to himself.

Drawn in by Buggy's convincing words and expression, Weevil temporarily forgot to cry. Following the direction Buggy pointed, he looked out over an empty stretch of sea, then raised his head toward the sky, only to find that he could see nothing at all.

He blinked hard, and his tears subsided somewhat. Wearing a confused, helpless expression, he asked, "Mom... why can't I