Golden Lion, Shiki!?
Of course River knew that man. After Pirate King Roger was captured, Shiki had stormed Marine Headquarters alone in a rage, only to be defeated and imprisoned.
But imprisonment had not been the end. Twenty years ago, shortly after River first entered Impel Down, Shiki had boldly cut off his own feet, which were shackled with seastone, and escaped.
"Jahahahaha!"
"River, would a man like you really be content to stay trapped in this sunless prison?"
"I've heard all about the things you've done. You're one nasty bastard!"
"Why not let me leave? Then, on the day you step out of Impel Down..."
"Perhaps we can join forces and turn this world upside down!"
Twenty years had passed, yet Golden Lion's laughter still echoed in his ears, clear and ringing.
"A promise from twenty years ago?"
River murmured.
His gaze drifted toward the sky ahead, then suddenly sharpened.
"I just wonder whether a man like you will still honor what you said that day."
Then he spoke softly into the Den Den Mushi.
"Tell me everything you know!"
"I'm very interested in him!"
Doflamingo laughed. "I knew you'd react like this."
"Right now, you need someone like him-a man who shone brilliantly in the previous era, but has since lost his luster!"
"Fufufufufufu!"
After a brief pause, the amusement in Doflamingo's voice was unmistakable.
"I'll tell you everything I've uncovered!"
"I hope you succeed in one stroke and bring him under your command, Uncle River."
River narrowed his eyes, then hung up the Den Den Mushi.
Standing at the bow of the Ark Maxim, he looked ahead and could clearly see the islands arranged in the shape of a long chain.
According to the information he had just received, the Straw Hat Pirates had already left for