"Pizarro, Loka, I think it's time I told you why I rescued you from Impel Down. You must be eager to know."
Ye Chen picked up a glass of rum, drained it in one gulp, then set it firmly on the dining table.
The sharp sound made Pizarro and Loka look up at him.
Pizarro stroked his beard. Beneath his nose, it curved like a long crescent, thick and bristling, every hair stiff as a steel needle. Like a lion's mane, it made the already fearsome man seem even more dangerous.
Though he wore handcuffs, none of Ye Chen's companions dared go near him except Ye Chen and Lucci.
Slob Loka was another matter. He was ugly, filthy, and foul-smelling, as if he had gone moldy. He was unpleasant, but at least he did not seem frightening.
"Go on, then. I'm curious... meow..."
Pizarro always drew out that meow when he spoke.
"My companions and I are still weak. We want to get stronger, and you two can help us. It's simple: stay aboard our ship and spar with us for two years. After that, I'll set you free."
Ye Chen paused, deftly twirling his chopsticks between his fingers. "When the two years are up, I mean truly free. I hope we can get along. Of course, if you refuse... heh, that's fine too. Your lives are in my hands. Don't forget who got you out of Impel Down."
"Tsk, tsk..."
Loka kept stuffing food into his mouth as he listened. When Ye Chen finished, he narrowed his eyes and nodded with a smile. "Fair enough. It's only two years. At least I won't be stuck in Impel Down waiting to die. I've got no objection."
Ye Chen nodded. Loka knew what was good for him, at least on the