On Fingrinli Island.
Ryan stared silently at the bustle and fireworks across the island. Pirates held banquets and drank, while others discussed their plans for the next day.
After all, the World Expo opened tomorrow.
With banquets, gambling, and trading everywhere, Fingrinli Island had become one enormous gathering place.
Among the crowds were a few furtive figures. If Gaban had been there, he would have recognized their scent.
Cipher Pol, the World Government's agents!
With so many people around, it was no surprise they had slipped in. Ryan had no intention of hunting them down. It would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Someone sat beside Ryan.
Marine Admiral Aokiji!
Aokiji had actually woken up two days earlier. His injuries had been so severe that they had kept him unconscious for nearly a full day.
He had endured more than any one man should have had to bear.
Garp's fists, Ryan's sword, Sengoku's shockwaves, Akainu's magma—he had taken all of it.
When he woke, everything had changed. Pirates surrounded him. Aokiji could have sworn he had never seen so many pirates in his life.
What the hell? Had he landed in a pirate den? Only after Ryan explained did he learn that the Pirate Expo was being held here.
So he abandoned any thought of escape. Ryan had not restricted his movements, but going out and mingling with those pirates was out of the question.
"Well? Have you made up your mind? My patience has limits!" Ryan turned to Aokiji.
Ryan had tried to persuade him twice over the past two days. Both attempts had failed.
He had told Aokiji what he intended to do and explained the harm the World Government had done to the world. He could tell Aokiji was wavering, but it clearly was