"So, which of you two dies first?"
At Werther's words, Neptune looked at Pekoms with something like admiration in his eyes.
"Mr. Pekoms, I'm sorry. I couldn't keep you safe, and I even brought such a dangerous enemy into Ryugu Palace."
Pekoms lay on the ground, struggling to breathe.
"Neptune, you're a loyal man. You didn't sell us out. If I survive today, I'll never forget what you did for me."
Werther looked at them in surprise. Who would have thought his arrival today would forge a bond between two men on the brink of death?
Not that it mattered. They were both about to die.
Purupuru, purupuru, purupuru.
A faint Den Den Mushi ring sounded. Werther was surprised that one had survived the heat.
Click. Someone picked up.
The sound came from Pekoms. He had pulled a Den Den Mushi out of his shell.
That was why it had survived, though it looked utterly listless.
"Moshi, moshi. Pekoms? How did it go? I can't wait to taste the sweets from Fish-Man Island. I've been looking forward to them."
Pekoms took several labored breaths.
"Mama, I failed. We ran into the Thunder Swordsman on Fish-Man Island. This may be the last time I speak to you, Mama."
Silence fell on the other end.
"Pekoms, is the Thunder Swordsman nearby? Put him on."
Pekoms looked at Werther.
Werther narrowed his eyes when he heard Big Mom's voice. She was probably his most powerful enemy.
He walked over to Pekoms and took the receiver from his hand.
"Heh. What do you want with me, Big Mom? You're not going to stoop to threatening me over a Den Den Mushi, are you? That would be a disappointment."
On the other end, Big Mom was all smiles as she held a Tea Party on