On Floating Island, the banquet was still going.
The battle to decide their boss had ended. River had won, determining Golden Lion's future allegiance.
The pirates under his command sat in the hall, stealing glances at the man seated opposite Golden Lion.
"Someone even stronger than Captain Shiki!"
"Who exactly is he?"
"I think I've seen him in a newspaper somewhere."
Quiet murmurs passed among the pirates.
"Hey, River!"
Suddenly, Golden Lion Shiki's eyes flashed, and he set his bowl of liquor on the floor.
"I believe you once said you could restore my legs?"
As he spoke, Golden Lion's gaze turned deeply solemn.
He had lost his legs escaping Impel Down. Their loss had weakened him and tormented him for twenty years.
Losing his legs and becoming disabled had been far more painful than growing old.
"Of course I can!"
River smiled at the question.
"Have you forgotten? Besides my other titles, I'm also known as the world's most incredible doctor!"
Golden Lion's eyes flickered, but he did not rush him. "You really are a man of many talents!"
"Hahahahaha!"
River burst out laughing.
Then they raised their bowls, clinked them together, and tipped their heads back to drink.
Neither rushed to bring up restoring his legs. As a legendary pirate leader, Golden Lion naturally understood that River would not restore both his legs so easily.
River, too, knew perfectly well that a stronger Golden Lion would probably be harder to control and less willing to serve beneath him.
Simply put, they did not yet trust each other enough.
"What are you planning next?"
Golden Lion asked another question.
"The Marines will be making a major move soon!"
River spoke softly.
Then he looked up at the top of Golden Lion's head.
"That wheel on your head really does