Facing Mu Chen's indifferent attitude, Ace was furious. He had thought a lot about what their next meeting would be like. Though he hated Mu Chen, Mu Chen had always been his teacher. He had even prepared himself mentally, since the Navy and pirates were enemies to the death. If Mu Chen had properly apologized or something, then maybe he could have... But seeing Mu Chen act so shamelessly now, Ace felt that all his mental preparation had been a joke—utterly powerless.
Don't smile and joke around with me! Have you forgotten what you did at Marineford?
Have you forgotten how you killed Pops?
Ace took a fierce step forward. The flames instantly surged, nearly spreading to Mu Chen's feet. His voice grew louder and louder, his rage erupting like a volcano. Fury!
I thought you were a good teacher. I thought you'd apologize for Pops's death, but you actually...
Actually!
Do you know how much I hate you?!
Mu Chen watched his agitated appearance without arguing, simply listening in silence.
He understood Ace's grievances and anger. He had held them in for so long, and now he finally had a chance to say them to his face. But what could Mu Chen say?
After all, Whitebeard himself had asked him not to tell Ace that he was still alive, so now Mu Chen was the bad guy!
Damn it, playing the villain really was miserable!
Since that was the case, Mu Chen no longer wanted to hold back. If he was going to pretend, he might as well make it convincing.
Seeing Ace trembling all over, Mu Chen suddenly grinned and said in a carefree, flippant tone, "Hate me?"
"What use is hating me?"
"Whitebeard is dead. No matter how much you hate me, he won't come back to