Cricket sat on the bed and spoke with utmost seriousness, as though he were desperately trying to prove that his words were true, rather than a lie meant to erase his ancestor's disgrace.
"Huh?"
Despite what Cricket said, Sanji still questioned him. After all, he had grown up hearing the story of Liar Noland, but Cricket's account was completely different from what he remembered.
Cricket continued.
"In the picture book, this was what Noland said in his defense before he died."
"'I understand now! Those mountains of gold must have sunk into the sea!'"
"The illustrations made him look like a fool... but I heard his face was streaming with tears, and he died weeping."
"Because right up until his death, he believed the island he had brought the king to was the site of the golden city he had visited before-Jaya Island."
"It was definitely not something he imagined!"
"Noland said movements in the earth's crust had caused the ruins to sink to the seabed..."
"Anyone who heard that would think it was just an excuse to save himself before he died! In the end, Noland was beheaded amid everyone's laughter and curses!"
Cricket finished those final words heavily. The cigarette in his hand had burned out, leaving only ash...
"So that's why you're risking your life diving for gold? You're searching for the golden city that sank to the seabed to wipe away the Mont Blanc Family's disgrace?"
Usopp stepped forward and said something that practically begged for trouble.
But at Usopp's words, Cricket suddenly went wild. He raised his gun and pointed its black muzzle straight at Usopp's head. Almost instantly, the cowardly Usopp backed into a corner with both hands raised high!
"M-mister..."
Cricket lowered his gun, then roared.
**"Whether he was an honest, upright ancestor,