"You heard, right? Kizaru's here."
"Heard."
Kid slammed his glass on the table, splashing liquor over the rim.
"And he brought someone with him."
"Naruto Uzumaki."
Luo picked up the thread. "The one with the five-hundred-million bounty that got withdrawn."
"Personally escorted by a Marine Admiral."
Hawkins turned over a card, his voice even. "That alone says plenty."
"Says what?"
Bonney grabbed her fifth slice of pizza.
"That the Marines don't want him as an enemy."
Hawkins turned the card upright. "Or they want everyone to think he's on their side."
"Bullshit."
Kid gave a cold laugh. "Since when have the Marines treated a pirate so politely?"
"They drop a five-hundred-million bounty just like that, then send an Admiral to play escort."
"Either he's strong enough to make the Marines bow their heads, or they're after something else."
"Which do you think it is?" Apoo asked, tilting his head.
"Don't know."
Kid narrowed his eyes.
"But I know one thing."
"If he really can steal Devil Fruits, every ability user is prey to him."
The table fell silent.
Bonney swallowed her pizza and wiped her mouth. "I don't want anyone taking my fruit."
"Anyone who wants to can go looking for him. I'm staying away."
"And if he comes looking for you?" Luo asked.
Bonney paused, then snorted.
"Then we'll see who wins."
Drake turned from the window and finally spoke. "I was in the Marines."
"Kizaru doesn't play guide for just anyone."
"Anyone Kizaru personally escorts has to be at least Admiral-level."
"Admiral-level?"
Apoo laughed. "You make it sound easy."
"I don't need to remind you what Admiral-level means, do I?"
"That's why I said at least."
Drake looked at him. "He could be stronger."
"Stronger?"
Bonney stopped chewing. "Stronger than an Admiral? What kind of monster is that?"