Just before Van Augur, Jesus Burgess, and Shiryu encountered Hawk-Eye, elsewhere, in an area relatively close to the coast.
"Curse Doctor" Samuel Kronos slowly rose from a heap of rubble wrapped in mycelium, which had cushioned most of the impact.
An eerie green glow flickered around him as the mycelium swiftly withdrew into his body, repairing his minor injuries from the shock.
Only after collecting himself did he notice Kuzan standing quietly not far away.
"Kuzan!" Samuel immediately called out. "Are you all right? Come on, we need to hurry and help Captain Teach!
"That Straw Hat brat's strength is off the charts. The captain might need backup!"
As he spoke, he walked toward Kuzan, mycelium extending slightly from his body again, seemingly scouting the path and watching for danger.
Yet Kuzan remained unmoved by Samuel's urging and suggestion.
He did not even turn his head fully, merely giving Samuel a bland glance out of the corner of his eye.
Then he slowly spoke in a flat tone that sounded almost conversational.
"Samuel Kronos..."
Kuzan's voice was quiet, but it reached Samuel's ears clearly, making him stop in his tracks.
"Hm?"
"You seem a little too enthusiastic."
"As I recall..." Kuzan continued unhurriedly.
"Like Shiryu, Catarina Devon, and the others, you only 'joined' Blackbeard Marshall D. Teach after getting out of Impel Down."
"That doesn't add up! You shouldn't be acting like this."
"You already possessed a fairly powerful ability from the Mushroom-Mushroom Fruit.
"So Blackbeard never went out of his way to hunt down and seize another Devil Fruit for you..."
"By all rights." A barely perceptible hint of amusement entered Kuzan's tone.
"You should be like Devon, the Corrupt King, and the others who got out of Impel Down, maintaining a certain attitude toward Blackbeard...
"Hmm, one that's