"Jihahahaha!"
Loud laughter echoed through the first-floor hall, which now felt empty and somewhat tense.
The pirates who could still stand trembled as they watched the two men, quietly swallowing. Sweat had long since soaked their backs.
Indigo looked grave and felt tense. He immediately fetched two jars of liquor, then brought large bowls and set them before the two men.
Thump!
Golden Lion Shiki dropped onto the floor and sat cross-legged, the tips of his two gleaming blades pointing to either side.
River slowly sat cross-legged as well, watching the man opposite him before breaking into a broad grin.
"Hahahahaha!"
"Jihahahaha!"
Golden Lion laughed too.
Their laughter carried far, easing the tension in the pirates around them.
At the same time, they cautiously watched the man sitting opposite Golden Lion, filled with questions.
Who exactly was this man?
He could actually sit as an equal with a legendary pirate!
He knocked out so many powerful fighters with his presence alone. This guy was no ordinary man!
Indigo stepped across the floor and held his breath as he poured liquor into the bowls before them.
The clear liquor splashed into the bowls, forming a string of bubbles.
River studied it, then nodded in praise. "Good liquor!"
Golden Lion laughed. "It took me quite some effort to find this strong liquor in the East Blue. It'll definitely suit your taste!"
"Then I'll help myself!"
River reached out and raised his bowl.
Golden Lion raised his own bowl opposite him, and the two clinked them together hard.
Clink!
A crisp sound rang out. Then both men tipped their heads back, sending a bowlful of strong liquor down their throats and into their stomachs.
A few moments later, they set their bowls on the floor, exchanged a glance, and burst out laughing again.