To Vinsmoke Niji, emotions simply did not exist. Even in the face of death, he would feel no fear. But lacking fear did not mean lacking intelligence. On the contrary, he could easily analyze what would happen if he stubbornly refused to talk.
Death could not frighten him, but that did not mean he wanted to suffer excessive humiliation.
Faced with Uchiha Hikaru's question, Niji merely stared at him coldly for a second before answering, "No one ordered me to do it. I wanted to test your strength myself."
A mocking smile curled at Hikaru's lips. He looked calmly at Niji without saying a word.
"You've offended many powerful forces, but in the eyes of the New World, you're merely a newcomer who rose rather fiercely. You still lack the prestige needed to intimidate the New World. Others may dislike you, but they won't take you too seriously," Niji said. "The Germa army came to the New World and happened to pass nearby. I received word and came to take a look, and incidentally test your strength. That was all."
Hikaru did not take Niji's half-truths to heart.
Hadn't the Germa army come to the New World to ally with one of the Four Emperors, Charlotte Linlin, and reclaim hegemony over the North Blue? Perhaps they had already begun making contact by this point, and one of the Four Emperors had sent him to Dressrosa to test the waters.
Hikaru gave Niji a cold glance and asked, "Is your plan to marry into Charlotte Linlin's family progressing smoothly?"
Niji's pupils contracted slightly. "How did you learn of the Vinsmoke Family's confidential affairs? Where did you get this information? Is there a spy within Germa as well?"
Hikaru rolled his eyes at Niji. "Who do you think the Vinsmoke Family can