Curtain Call (Part Three)

Mary Geoise, Eden.

"Shared property, democratic government, efficiency and fairness, everyone working together..."

"No exploitation, no poverty. People living in peace, happy and content..."

"Haha, hahaha... Interesting. If a country like that really existed, I'd have to see it for myself."

After hearing Reg's story, Imu summed it up and laughed. The mockery in his voice could not have been clearer.

Reg remained unruffled. "Utopia means an imaginary country. I never believed in it either."

"I see. Now I believe you aren't an heir to the will of D. So why did you come?"

Imu raised an arm thoughtfully, and Uranus deftly delivered the straw hat hanging from its branch into his hand. Reg noticed. In fact, he had wondered about the hat since he first saw Uranus: who owned this hat that looked just like the one Shanks wore?

Was it just a coincidence?

Had Joy Boy left it behind?

Or had he once given it to Imu?

There was no point dwelling on it, but any delay helped. That was Reg's goal now. "For selfish reasons."

"Let's hear them..."

Imu gently stroked the straw hat without turning around, though interest had crept into his voice. Reg's expression grew grave at such blatant disregard from an enemy. "Calling it a quest for justice wouldn't be quite right. Uprooting the whole thing fits better. My sister Cristo was once a slave. She's made peace with it, but I can't."

"That cat girl. You must be very fond of her... So?"

Imu's voice dropped, and the air around them grew oppressive. Simply standing there felt suffocating. Crackle!

Reg began turning into lightning, a chilling smile on his face. "If the Celestial Dragons are the roots of slavery and the World Government its leaves, then I'll tear it out by the roots...