Under the admiring gazes of countless Marines ahead, Lorne strode straight toward Marineford's central plaza.
With both hands in his pockets, Kizaru followed beside Lorne with a slow, splay-footed gait.
"My, my, Ensign Lorne, that presence of yours hardly belongs to a rookie who has only just put out to sea."
Kizaru glanced sidelong at Lorne, his tone full of teasing.
Lorne looked straight ahead, his voice steady but confident. "You flatter me, Admiral Kizaru. I'm only doing what a Marine should. Since I have a mission, naturally I have to give it my all."
Kizaru pursed his lips and spread his hands. "That may be true, but the trouble you've stirred up this time has even given Fleet Admiral Sengoku a headache. The World Government has been putting pressure on us, demanding that you be dealt with severely."
"Dealt with severely?"
Lorne gave a cold laugh, a trace of disdain flashing through his eyes.
"Because I arrested a Shichibukai who was committing atrocities, I have to be dealt with? If the Marines punish even soldiers who protect civilians, then I'd rather not be a Marine at all."
Kizaru sighed. "What a frightening young man. If Sakazuki heard that, he'd probably agree with you wholeheartedly."
Behind them, Doflamingo was being escorted by two Marines, bound in Seastone chains.
Though bedraggled, he still let out a low, cold laugh.
"Fuffuffuffu... Lorne, do you think the Marines can protect you? In the World Government's eyes, you're nothing more than a dog they can discard at any moment."
Lorne did not even turn his head, merely replying flatly, "Doflamingo, you'd better worry more about your own fate. Once we reach headquarters, whether those secrets of yours can save your life is still an open question."
Doflamingo's expression instantly darkened. He stared fixedly at