Negotiations

"Boss, what brings you here?"

Caesar had been conducting research with Judge when someone reported that Ye Chen had arrived. The two immediately set their work aside and left the laboratory.

Looking at Caesar and Judge, Ye Chen headed toward the prison. "I'm going to see Aokiji," he said as he walked.

"Oh, then we won't keep you company, Boss."

Seeing that Ye Chen needed nothing from them, Caesar and Judge said their goodbyes and returned to the laboratory. But Caesar seemed to remember something and called Ye Chen back.

"Boss, stop by the laboratory later. We've made some progress recently."

With a chuckle, Caesar raised his chin, looking thoroughly pleased with himself.

"All right."

Unbothered by Caesar's smugness, Ye Chen nodded. Then, led by an officer, he soon arrived outside the cell.

"You wanted to see me?"

Ye Chen looked through the bars at Aokiji inside.

"Let me out. I want to see whether this kingdom really is what Gion and Smoker say it is. If it is, I'll join."

Aokiji wasted no words and went straight to his decision. He neither appealed to their past ties nor tried to act tough.

"Why should I trust you? Or do you think I'm desperate to have you join my kingdom?"

Ye Chen's gaze was indifferent, his face betraying neither sorrow nor joy.

"You..." Anger stirred in Aokiji. He could hear the mockery in Ye Chen's words, despite his calm delivery.

"During the Summit War, you called me a liar and accused me of betraying my word. Call it what you like, but I did nothing wrong. The promise I made then still stands, even now."

"Your promise? It might have had some value before, but it's worthless now. I hate people who go back on their word!"

Unmoved, Ye Chen