Luffy gave an indignant huff and shot Shanks a resentful glare before storming out. No one else thought much of it, but Ye Chen admired Luffy's courage.
After hurriedly finishing his meal, Ye Chen went to pay, then froze. He scratched his head awkwardly and gave Makino an apologetic smile. "Sorry, I didn't bring any money."
"That's all right. Pay me when you have some." Makino seemed neither surprised nor angry.
Ye Chen flushed with embarrassment. "Don't worry. I'll get you the money soon."
He hurried out of the bar and wandered around town, unsure where he could find any money.
The next day, while roaming the streets, he ran into the Mountain Bandits he had seen yesterday at an intersection.
To his surprise, Luffy was there too. He was in a sorry state, pinned beneath the foot of their leader, Higuma.
"Luffy, need a hand?"
Ye Chen walked over with a smile. Luffy shook his head and answered stubbornly, "My fists are as fast as bullets. I'm going to send this guy flying!"
"All right..."
Ye Chen shook his head and walked on. Luffy stared after him. He hated admitting defeat, and despite his brave words, he was no match for Higuma, who had a bounty of eight million Beli.
He had not expected Ye Chen to leave without even trying to help. Luffy wanted to call him back, but he was too proud. Besides...
"Hahaha! I thought that brat was going to stick his nose in. Looks like he knows better. If he dares get involved, he'll lose his head on the spot."
"At least he's smart. Boss Higuma has a bounty of eight million Beli, you know. That brat... Hmph, good thing he stayed out of it. Otherwise, he'd die horribly. Boss Higuma would chop his head