Outside the slave shop, Tesoro's pupils contracted violently. His ears rang, and the entire world seemed to twist around him.
"K-kill a Celestial Dragon... and then join the Navy?" His throat was dry, and he could barely force out a sound.
What kind of choice was that? Wasn't killing a Celestial Dragon supposed to mean going on the run, becoming a criminal wanted by the World Government, with an Admiral sent to arrest him?
But the Navy? Wasn't the Navy on the Celestial Dragons' side?! How did that make any sense?
His thoughts ground to a halt. Tesoro abruptly raised his head and finally saw the face of the man before him.
A black uniform, a stern face, a Black Blade wrapped in white cloth at his waist...
"Heavenquake... Gern?!" Tesoro's heart nearly stopped.
The Navy's monster! "Heavenquake" Gern, the man who had single-handedly defeated "Samurai" Kozuki Oden and unleashed bloodshed across the New World!
He... he had actually attacked a Celestial Dragon?!
Gern frowned at the stunned Tesoro. His voice remained calm, but it carried an unquestionable pressure.
"Of course, you have another choice."
"What other choice?!"
"Well..." Gern leaned forward slightly, an almost gentle smile curling his lips, though his eyes were as cold as ice.
"I kill you all."
Tesoro's breath caught. The blood in his veins seemed to freeze.
This man... had spoken the cruelest words in the most casual tone.
After hearing those words, Tesoro silently lowered his gaze to the Devil Fruit in his palm.
At his feet, Saint Charlos lay helpless on the ground. His glass helmet was shattered, snot and tears smeared his face, and he was cursing hysterically.
"You filthy commoner! You dare touch me?! The World Government will tear you to pieces!
"Your family, your friends, everyone connected to you