When Violent Tiger Boris withdrew of his own accord, Bartholomew Kuma and the others gave slight nods.
This was exactly the outcome they wanted.
Their reason for coming here had been fulfilled.
Ochoku glanced at Violent Tiger Boris beside him and said flatly, "Don't think I'll owe you for this."
Violent Tiger Boris shrugged and shook his head helplessly.
Those two really were friends and enemies at once!
Ochoku looked toward Chris and smiled. "Shall we continue?"
Their eyes met, and the pressure radiating from both men surged.
Their auras pressed together, gradually forming an immense field around them.
At that moment, the Seven Warlords Alliance, Violent Tiger Boris, and the others all stepped back without needing to be told.
They left Chris and Ochoku plenty of room to fight.
Doflamingo gave a sinister chuckle. "The real fight hasn't even started, and Ochoku's already lost his nerve."
"I'm genuinely curious how strong that guy really is."
Judging by Ochoku's attempt to join forces with Violent Tiger Boris, he had no confidence in this fight.
Otherwise, he would never have sought Boris's help.
Naturally, that made people question how strong he truly was.
Bartholomew Kuma said without expression, "He's getting old. It's only natural that he'd be more cautious."
"Ochoku isn't like Whitebeard or Kaido. That kind of caution is understandable."
"Otherwise, the Four Emperors wouldn't be who they are today."
Jinbe stroked his short beard and nodded. "They chose to live in seclusion, which means they've long since begun seeking a peaceful life."
"So it's understandable that he'd want a safer way to win this fight."
"But that doesn't mean Ochoku is weak!"
"He fought alongside Whitebeard and Kaido, after all. He can't be far behind them."
Clearly, neither Bartholomew Kuma nor Jinbe thought Ochoku's reputation was undeserved.
They were