Ye Chen had been right. Genzo had called the Marines during the day, and they had done nothing.
The Marines had finally come, and they were fighting Arlong's crew, but only because of Colonel Nezumi's treasure. They hadn't come to protect the villagers.
Still, the Marines had stepped in, and that gave Genzo a glimmer of hope. Arlong and his crew had gone too far. If they were all arrested, it would be wonderful.
Then Genzo turned toward Ye Chen and stumbled several steps back in fright. He had only just remembered: Arlong was dangerous and deserved to be arrested, but what about Ye Chen? Wasn't he the pirate who had killed a Headquarters Vice Admiral?
"What are you doing here?" Genzo asked, summoning his courage.
"I went to get the Marines for you. See? They're here." Smiling, Ye Chen pointed toward the Marines fighting nearby.
"That's not what I asked! Weren't you handed over to the Marines?"
Genzo's face went pale. Ye Chen might not look frightening, but he was still a pirate who had killed a Vice Admiral.
Worse, he had been taken away, yet here he stood beside Genzo, smiling. It was almost impossible to believe.
It was like seeing a dead man suddenly get up and walk. Who wouldn't be scared?
"Look... I know you all want the Marines to catch me. You'd probably prefer it if they killed me. But..."
Ye Chen gave a disdainful snort. "They'd have to be capable of it first!"
Seeing that Genzo was afraid to come near him, Ye Chen shrugged irritably and headed straight toward Arlong.
"Ow..."
Colonel Nezumi was sent flying by another vicious punch and landed right at Ye Chen's feet.
"Well, well..." Ye Chen smiled down at Nezumi's bruised face and battered body.
"Ah... It's you...