His words silenced the people beside him, leaving them unsure how to respond.
Xia Le turned to look at Kizaru, Bartholomew Kuma, and Jewelry Bonney, the ten-year-old girl who had just recovered from a serious illness, and chuckled softly.
"This is a reunion between old friends for you, too."
"Why not look a little happier?"
At that, both Kizaru's and Kuma's expressions changed.
"You really are frightening, Fleet Admiral!"
Kizaru replied with a smile.
Given his current position, he was naturally no longer worried about certain private matters from his past.
Of course, what mattered most was that the Marines now truly deserved to be called just, and aligned with his ideals.
Kuma evidently felt the same way, which was why he had stayed with the Marines.
"We did have some contact with Dragon."
The honest Kuma answered readily.
Kizaru covered his forehead, looking speechless.
"Fleet Admiral Xia Le knew about this a long time ago."
Kuma then added.
That surprised Kizaru. He had no idea where Xia Le got his intelligence.
"It looks like this trip to the Lulusia Kingdom will be quite interesting."
"It'll be a warm, lively reunion between old friends!"
Xia Le said with a smile.
He did not mind that the people beside him had ties to the enemy.
Such things were hardly uncommon among the Marines. After all, Dragon was Garp's son and had once been a Marine himself, while Luffy was Garp's grandson.
He had personally looked after Ace as a child, and even now, he still sent Rouge gifts on holidays.
"Heh, heh."
"Now that's a meeting to look forward to—and dread!"
Kizaru sighed.
"Fleet Admiral Xia Le is a generous man. He won't make life difficult for you, Borsalino!"
Bartholomew Kuma said with conviction.
The corner of Kizaru's eye twitched at