News About the Giants

Fleet Admiral's Office.

The sea breeze outside swept past the high eaves, white curtains rising and falling gently as sunlight was broken into soft, scattered patches across the carpet and bookshelves.

Rock sat on the sofa, looking utterly at ease.

The kettle hummed softly and steam rose as he leisurely warmed the pot, added the tea leaves, and poured the water, every movement meticulous.

Behind the desk, Kong lowered his head over the paperwork. His fountain pen glided across the pages with a steady, rhythmic scratch.

Everything seemed unusually calm.

Until—

"Slap."

The scratching of the pen stopped.

Kong closed the last document, raised a hand to rub his brow, then stood, walked around the desk, and took the seat of honor.

Almost at the same time, Rock finished brewing the tea. With a flick of his wrist, the bottom of the cup touched the table softly as he steadily pushed a cup of hot tea before Kong.

"Please."

Kong glanced at him, then picked up the cup.

He took a sip.

The tea's fragrance was understated, yet its aftertaste lingered long.

He nodded faintly. "Not bad."

The cup landed on the tabletop with a crisp sound.

Kong's gaze sharpened and focused, and his tone returned to that of a Fleet Admiral.

"Rock."

"Regarding the Rocks Pirates' attack on the International Charity Alliance Temple's Fotocoloni—"

"What do you think?"

Rock picked up his own tea and took a sip.

"This so-called charity alliance temple."

His tone was flat, even somewhat indifferent. "They're nothing more than a bunch of gluttonous monks lining their own pockets."

He set down his cup. His eyes were calm, but he did not mince words. "Dead is dead."

"Honestly, I think they did a pretty good job."

"Cough—cough cough cough!!"

Kong nearly sprayed out the tea