He had never expected the man to come here of his own accord. And how was he supposed to describe the expression on his face?
It was just like the young Marines at Marine Headquarters when they saw him. Nervousness, apprehension, awe, admiration, longing—all those emotions were plain at a glance.
"Gild Tesoro, Tesoro?!"
The others beside Xia Le also noticed the man who had suddenly arrived. They turned around, looking at him in surprise.
"Having such distinguished guests visit Gran Tesoro truly honors this place!"
"But this is no place for a conversation. I hope Fleet Admiral Xia Le will give me the opportunity to host you properly."
Tesoro spoke expectantly.
Sharing a meal with his lifelong benefactor and idol would surely be a delight. It was something he had always dreamed of.
After all, who had never been young? And who had never had a role model or an idol to admire in their youth?
Tesoro was no different. Even at his age, he still remembered his youthful idol vividly. In fact, those feelings had only grown more fervent over the years.
After all, who was the man standing before him?
The greatest human in the world, the strongest human alive. A man who had single-handedly defeated two Emperors of the sea, personally sent three legendary Great Pirates to Impel Down, and brought an era to an end.
Who could suppress their emotions in front of someone like that?
"Of course!"
Xia Le was a little surprised.
Because he actually saw anticipation in the man's eyes.
This was not how someone looked at a Marine authority figure, a Fleet Admiral. Nor should a man of Tesoro's status and standing have been so humble.
Yes, humble was exactly the word!
His expression and behavior were more like those of