"Looks like you have no intention of going to Whitebeard."
Ignis chuckled. He wasn't curious; he could more or less guess why.
Stussy's expression didn't change at the mention of that name, and she offered no explanation.
But a flicker of disdain crossed Salama's eyes.
As Whitebeard's biological son, Salama occupied an awkward position where the Whitebeard Pirates were concerned.
Whitebeard's habit of calling people his sons had always drawn criticism.
And once Salama was old enough to understand, he felt no affection for the father he had never met. He didn't hate him, either.
Whitebeard was like a stranger to him.
Salama had no desire to suddenly acquire so many brothers. What made them worthy of that?
"Well, now that we've gotten acquainted, let me introduce myself properly. My name is Ignis. Welcome to NESTS."
Ignis rose and extended the invitation with due formality.
"NESTS?"
Salama looked puzzled.
"It's an organization I founded myself. It's been about eight years since I started it."
"I think you'll be pleasantly surprised."
"We may be unknown now, but one day we'll shake the entire world."
Ignis had every confidence in both NESTS's current strength and its future.
"Hey, Ignis! How old are you?"
Salama called out the question.
"Twenty-three."
"Really? That's amazing! You started building your own organization that young?"
Ignis's answer left Salama staring wide-eyed in astonishment.
He no longer felt any hostility toward Ignis. If anything, he admired him.
After all, Salama was still a child at heart.
Their brief clash had already shown him the gulf between them.
Even the strength he took such pride in couldn't match Ignis's.
Now he couldn't wait to leave with him and see more of the world.
"Haha! I'll introduce you to a few friends when we get there. I'm sure you'll get