After all, being on an island steeped in hostility was bound to make anyone uncomfortable.
It was as beautiful as Sky Island, but it lacked Sky Island's easygoing atmosphere. Kuta did not want to stay long.
Standing at the bow, Kuta looked down once more at Jinbe and Ace on the shore. There was nothing to say. Strictly speaking, they were not even friends.
He had shown them goodwill all along, but they did not seem to welcome it.
What had caused that?
His identity?
After all, he was a powerful pirate with the world's fifth-highest bounty. Once he entered the New World, there was more than a ninety percent chance he would clash with one of the Four Emperors.
The Four Emperors had carved up the New World, while the Marines controlled only a small stretch of sea. No one knew what would happen when a newcomer like him—one who had defeated Garp—plunged into waters that were peaceful only on the surface.
No wonder Jinbe and Ace had been wary of him.
They were both members of the Whitebeard Pirates, after all.
And the Whitebeard Pirates belonged to one of the Four Emperors of the New World.
Kuta shook his head, withdrew his gaze, and looked up.
The gate out was closed, and the two lobsters guarding it were nowhere to be seen. He did not know whether Hody Jones had killed or imprisoned them. In any case, he had not found them at the New Fish-Man Pirates' base.
If they could not leave through the gate, they would have to fly out.
It made no difference.
With that settled, Kuta tapped his right foot against the deck.
Thoom!
Space sounded like a drumhead, making a noise only he could hear.
An invisible layer of transparent space instantly enveloped