Fate was always full of helplessness. No one knew what would happen at the next crossroads in life.
After the prewar meeting ended, River walked alongside Sengoku for a while, witnessing a rare moment when the Fleet Admiral revealed his true feelings.
People were emotional creatures, after all. Often, memories of the past brought guilt, helplessness, and sorrow.
What would tomorrow bring? What would become of the relationship between two men who had once been friends?
No one knew.
For the next stretch of their walk, both fell silent. Perhaps they sensed something coming, or perhaps they had already said everything they needed to say.
"River."
They were approaching a turn when Sengoku suddenly spoke.
"Hmm?"
River smiled.
"Take care."
Sengoku spoke softly, but his tone was solemn.
River paused, not understanding why Sengoku had suddenly said that. By the time he recovered, Sengoku was already out of sight, quickly walking away.
His eyes flickered. After standing there for a long time, he suddenly laughed.
"Interesting. Very interesting."
"Are you trying to warn me about something?"
Too many rumors had been circulating around Marineford lately, leaving many unable to distinguish truth from fiction. One claimed that after the battle at Marineford, the World Government would move against River to eliminate a future threat.
"It seems some rumors might actually come true."
River wore an amused expression.
"In this world, truth and lies are hard to tell apart."
"That's what makes it exciting!"
With a smile on his face, River walked on. When he reached the junction ahead, he took the opposite turn from Sengoku and left.
But after only a few steps, another figure blocked his path.
"Vergo."
River called out his name with a smile.
The man blocking his way-or rather, waiting for him-was none other than Vergo.
"Admiral