Just as Rock headed for the Holy Land.
Onigashima's main hall.
The lanterns swayed.
The stench of alcohol, blood, and roasted meat mingled together, making it nearly impossible to breathe.
The members of the Spade Adventure Group were dragged one by one into the center of the hall.
Ace was dragged to the other side of the hall in Seastone chains, his face pale and his breathing heavy.
But the moment he saw his companions being brought out as well, his gaze darkened instantly.
"Kaido..."
Above them.
Kaido sat upon a massive throne, one hand propping up his face and the other holding a gourd of liquor.
He had already run out of patience.
The final week he had promised meant nothing to him.
An Emperor of the Sea would never waste much patience on a brat unwilling to bow his head.
"Brat."
Kaido looked down at Ace.
"I'll ask you one last time."
"Join the Beasts Pirates."
"You live."
"They live too."
The hall fell silent, every gaze settling on Ace.
Ace slowly raised his head, the Seastone chains hanging heavily from his body.
But there was not the slightest hesitation in his eyes.
"Impossible."
Kaido's smile gradually vanished, and the air in the hall grew heavy with it.
"Is that so?"
He set the gourd aside and slowly sat upright.
"Then let me show you first."
"Just how fragile so-called companions are in the New World."
Kaido raised a hand.
A Beasts Pirate immediately stepped forward with a cruel grin, drawing a long blade and standing behind Deuce. The edge gleamed coldly in the firelight.
Deuce was forced to his knees. He raised his head toward Ace, his face covered in blood, but there was not a trace of blame in his eyes.
"Don't look at me."
He