"That's true." Roger thought for a moment, then nodded.
After all, the Marines had made such a massive show of their attack on Amazon Lily. There was no way they would send just one Marine warship.
That meant the ship ahead was most likely one of Shakky's admirers coming to reinforce her.
But as the speedboat drew closer to the ship and its outline became clear enough, Roger's and Rayleigh's expressions froze at the same time.
The flag flying over that ship bore the Marine insignia, proof enough that both Rayleigh and Roger had guessed wrong.
"It really is the Marines." Rayleigh couldn't keep the surprise out of his voice.
"That's not so strange. The main force probably wanted to launch a surprise attack on Amazon Lily as quickly as possible, and this ship couldn't keep up and fell behind," Roger promptly offered his interpretation.
Rayleigh said nothing, but his brow remained furrowed.
He stared at the warship slowly growing larger in his field of vision, as though searching its course for some kind of clue.
A moment later, he slowly spoke, his tone slightly grave. "If that's really the case, fine. What worries me is that this ship deliberately slowed down to cover the rear, specifically to intercept forces coming to reinforce Amazon Lily."
Roger's gaze darkened slightly, then lifted again, as though that assessment had only made him more determined. "Whether it is or not, we're not backing down."
At the same time, aboard the Marine warship.
Ron had just finished washing up. He took off his dirty, torn clothes and changed into a clean Marine uniform.
He stood before the mirror and took a look: a white uniform with crisp shoulders, with that Coat of Justice draped down his back.
He had to admit, it fit