The Man Who Ended an Era (Continued)

At those words, Kuzan's expression darkened.

Clearly, he knew his old friend well enough. He also knew that if Xia Le chose to act, the Straw Hat Pirates' voyage would likely end here.

"So you're going after them?"

"They're just kids!"

Kuzan sighed.

"Sympathy for pirates? That's not like you, Kuzan."

Xia Le smiled.

"Straw Hat Luffy is Teacher Garp's grandson."

Kuzan tried again.

"So what? Garp has a son too, and he's apparently in the Revolutionary Army!"

Xia Le chuckled.

Kuzan fell silent. He turned to stare at his old friend, unable to tell what Xia Le was thinking.

Before he could speak, the Straw Hat Pirates arrived in front of them.

"Huh? There are two weird guys here!"

Luffy grinned and looked at them curiously.

They had encountered PX-5 on Sky Island and finally won after a grueling battle. But none of them dared venture deeper into that forbidden area.

After the battle, Robin had told them that the area was connected to an extraordinarily powerful Marine.

"You're the weird ones!"

Kuzan's face darkened.

Xia Le sat on a rock, studying the group with keen interest.

"I recognize you."

"I've seen your wanted posters."

As he spoke, he produced a stack of wanted posters from his coat as if by magic.

Then he held up the first one.

"Straw Hat, Monkey D. Luffy. Bounty: one hundred million Beli!"

"What a promising, energetic, frightening Rookie!"

Xia Le spoke with a smile.

Beside him, Kuzan's expression grew darker. He could no longer tell what his old friend intended to do.

He also realized why Xia Le had insisted on riding his Bicycle: he must have spotted the Straw Hat Pirates already.

That meant Xia Le had come for them.

"Hahahaha!"

"That's my wanted poster! Thanks for the compliment!"

Luffy leaned