As the last echoes of Gern's words lingered and the atmosphere in the bar remained tense, Makino stepped forward at just the right moment, carrying a pitcher.
She gently refilled Gern's empty glass with golden ale, her soft voice breaking the tension.
"Sir, they're still only children."
Her words were like warm sunlight, dispelling some of the chill.
The three brothers seemed to snap out of it as well, recovering from Gern's warning about "devouring the sea." Their youthful refusal to back down immediately took over.
Luffy, still tied to the pillar, struggled especially hard and shouted, "I'm not scared! When I grow up, I'll send you flying! One hundred percent!!"
Ace and Sabo chimed in, making all sorts of bold declarations, trying to drown out that brief moment of fear with sheer volume.
Gern paid no attention to the children's threats. Instead, Makino's intervention turned his attention toward her.
He studied the kind, perceptive proprietress, a slight smile touching his lips. "To speak of your dreams so openly and give everything you have to pursue them...
That alone is proof of being a man."
"And, lovely Miss Makino..." Gern paused.
"I, too, bear a 'justice' that I have no choice but to uphold."
When the word "justice" left Gern's lips clearly,
Makino froze for a moment. Then a flicker of understanding and shock flashed through her clear eyes!
But she did not say it aloud. She merely nodded quietly, her gaze holding a little more understanding and a barely perceptible trace of worry.
After all, talking about becoming pirates in front of a Marine was hardly appropriate.
Meanwhile, Gern lingered no longer and drained his glass in one gulp.
Then he took a stack of Beli from inside his coat, more than enough to cover the lavish meal, and