Smoker said with a smile.
At that point, his eyes narrowed slightly, and a hint of apology entered his voice.
"Vice Admiral Stainless is rather upright. He may have offended you with some of his remarks."
"But with so many of the Navy's forces deployed elsewhere, and with the need for someone of suitable rank to receive you, we didn't have many options."
Hearing this, the Vinsmokes felt surprisingly flattered. The youngest son, Yonji, in particular, showed a touch of excitement and delight.
That vice admiral's attitude earlier had infuriated them.
By contrast, this Admiral Candidate, whose future promotion was practically assured, was humble, courteous, and easy to get along with.
"Deployed elsewhere?"
Judge keenly picked up on those words, confusion appearing in his eyes.
This was a critical point in the war against the Four Emperors. The Navy was still sending troops elsewhere? What were those troops being sent to do?
But Smoker did not answer him. Soon, they reached the third floor of the pavilion and saw a spacious area ahead.
Artificial hills, flowing water, and wisps of rising smoke made the third floor's scenery a refreshing sight. A delicate fragrance drifted through the air, soothing the senses.
Judge immediately fixed his gaze on the young man sitting cross-legged before a tea tray.
His face was eerily young, just as it had been in the newspaper photograph.
Nearly twenty years or more had passed since Xia Le's name first resounded across the world, hadn't they?
He should have been somewhere between forty and fifty, a veteran from the same generation as the Three Admirals. Yet his face was far too youthful.
"Have a seat!"
"Mr. Vinsmoke Judge, seeing you in Wano Country is quite an unexpected pleasure!"
Smiling, Xia Le gestured toward the seats in front of him