Xie Wen was so embarrassed he could have dug out an entire three-bedroom apartment with his toes.
It was not as though he had never received a warm welcome. After all, compared with the other Shichibukai, he had both the World Economy News Paper and the World Government building his reputation. His standing among ordinary people was even a little better than that of the "high and mighty" Three Admirals.
Still, this was the first time Xie Wen had encountered something like Drum Island, where practically the entire island had turned out to welcome him...
No, to be precise, something similar had happened when he encountered Baroque Works on Cactus Island. But first, Xie Wen had known they had ill intentions, and second, those people had not specifically welcomed him by name the way these people were doing now.
Most importantly, the banner alone made it clear that Drum Island-or rather, Wapol-was being extremely obsequious...
Just like when Xie Wen used to receive major clients and high-ranking officials back on Earth.
"Wow~ Xie Wen, sweetie, you're amazing, meow~ The people of the Drum Kingdom actually knew you were coming in advance, and even prepared such a huge welcoming ceremony, meow~"
(=ω=)
Shalmeow rubbed against Xie Wen, speaking as though she shared in his glory.
Xie Wen studied the little forest cat carefully and confirmed that she was not being sarcastic...
Right, the cats probably were not that sensitive to this sort of thing.
"Hmph! Why are they only welcoming that idiot Xie Wen, meow?! What about us?!"
(=`н=)
Even Ai Haibara Meow, who always enjoyed mocking him, had not noticed Xie Wen's embarrassment. Instead, she grumbled indignantly.
Still, Shalmeow's words reminded Xie Wen of something...
"How did Wapol know we were coming?"
Although they had not concealed their movements along