Chris looked unperturbed as he asked casually, "Are you here for Ochoku too?"
Katakuri paused briefly at the question, then nodded. "That's right."
"We want Ochoku to join us."
Even now, Katakuri remained neither servile nor overbearing.
Although he feared Chris's strength, he wasn't so frightened that he lost all composure.
After all, they had grown up under the intimidating presence of Big Mom, Charlotte Linlin.
They were used to situations like this.
Chris continued, "I'm not an unreasonable man."
"Ochoku lives here in seclusion, which naturally makes him a resident of my territory."
"Since you've already missed your chance with him, leave!"
Chris wasted no time in ordering them out.
He was still being relatively polite to Katakuri and the others.
He hadn't attacked them outright.
But Katakuri frowned slightly at those words.
If he went back empty-handed, he would have no way to explain himself.
Big Mom's anger was no laughing matter.
But the man before him was just as dangerous when angered!
For a moment, he found himself caught in a dilemma.
He didn't know what to do.
Soon, Katakuri's gaze hardened, as though he had made his decision.
He said evenly to Chris, "We fully acknowledge that this place has become the territory of the Chris Pirates."
"I can also guarantee that we will never set foot here again without permission."
Katakuri was clever enough to make his position clear first.
But the inevitable qualification followed.
Katakuri continued, "However... finding Ochoku is a crucial mission for us."
"Please make an exception, Captain Chris, and let us complete this mission."
"I can guarantee that we won't disturb anyone here."
"Nor will we damage a single inch of land!"
"All we ask is that you accommodate us, Captain Chris."
Every word Katakuri spoke showed Chris ample respect.
Despite