As Sengoku spoke, the atmosphere in the office grew heavier, almost suffocating, and everyone's expression turned serious in an instant.
"A joke?"
Only after a long pause did River raise his head and ask mildly.
"You know I've never been good at joking!"
His eyes fixed on River, the sternness on Sengoku's face gradually eased. "In other words, you're willing to take part in this war against the Whitebeard Pirates?"
"Why wouldn't I? Roger and Whitebeard were both old rivals of mine from the last era!"
"Given Edward Newgate's age, he can't have many years left, can he?"
"With an opponent that outstanding, if I don't fight him again now, I might never get another chance!"
River smiled faintly.
Tsuru's expression tightened slightly. She had been watching the man's eyes and the smallest changes in his expression, but to her disappointment, she found nothing.
It was as though everything he said was true!
Yet deep down, her instincts told her clearly that he probably meant none of it-that everything he said was a lie!
The River of twenty years ago had not been this easy to deal with. Unless he had suddenly changed his nature.
Listening to River, Sengoku fell silent for a moment. This was not the situation he had prepared to handle.
"You should know that we've captured Ace!"
At that, River finally raised his head. "I know."
"So, what do you intend to do with him?"
Sengoku's eyes flickered. After exchanging a glance with Tsuru, he made no attempt to hide anything. "Under orders from the World Government, Fire Fist Ace will be sentenced to death."
"And!"
"The entire execution will be broadcast live to the world."
His voice was low and grave. Even Sengoku grew wary, afraid that the man before him might be unable to