"Looks like we're a step too late."
As they approached Loguetown, Ye Chen looked at the Marines drawn up in orderly ranks along the shore and shook his head with a smile.
Kuro rolled his eyes. "Actually, I think this is exactly what you wanted. Don't forget, you were hoping Bastille would tell the big shots at Headquarters where we were."
Ye Chen did not explain. He might as well have admitted it. But even if he had never said those things to Bastille, would Bastille really have kept quiet instead of reporting to Headquarters?
Ye Chen had done nothing wrong. Whether he made a show of himself or deliberately provoked them, the Marines were bound to come after him.
"Listen up, everyone. I'm sure this little reception won't be a problem for you. Put on a good show. Let the Marines see just how strong the Grim Reaper Pirates have become after two years out of sight. This is your chance to put your training to the test."
"Hey, I haven't been training!"
Nami's face went pale with fright, and she hurriedly raised her hand to correct him.
"When the fighting starts, you'd better keep me safe. Remember, the Navigator's safety always comes first. It's important, so I'll say it three times: protect me, protect me, protect me!"
Ye Chen did not know whether to laugh or cry, but he quickly agreed. Bellemere, meanwhile, felt a knot of unease in her stomach. "Ye Chen, are we really going to fight the Marines?"
Bellemere was a staunch Marine. Strictly speaking, she ought to have been on the opposite side from Ye Chen.
But her daughter Nami had become Ye Chen's companion. He had saved Cocoyasi Village and the lives of her whole family. She could not bring herself to attack