He watched Kaku's severed upper body fall into the cold sea like a piece of trash.
Kizaru Borsalino's body gave a violent shudder, like the instant someone stepped out of their home wearing only a T-shirt in the bitter winter.
A chill from the depths of his soul instantly spread throughout his body.
His face, which always wore a sleazy smile, now held nothing but unprecedented seriousness.
"Now... this really is frightening." His voice had lost all its usual laziness. "CP0's second-strongest fighter, killed in an instant just like that. Looks like that eight-billion bounty of his is genuine."
Kizaru slowly turned to look at the enormous Buddha beside him, whose golden radiance had dimmed considerably. He knew Sengoku's heart was even colder than his.
"Mr. Sengoku," Kizaru said, his tone turning utterly grave, "we really might die here today."
Sengoku remained silent for a long time before speaking in a low voice filled with exhaustion and resolve. "I'll hold him off in a moment. Borsalino, take the chance to run. There's nothing we can do for the Marines below. Let's hope he isn't the kind of pirate who enjoys slaughtering innocents."
Listening to what they thought were their "whispers," Pero wore a faint, playful smile.
"Hey," he said to the two of them, "stop whispering. I can hear everything."
He folded his arms and spoke patiently to them, like an officer recruiting soldiers.
"I happen to need some people working under me right now, to help deal with some of this world's trash."
"Old Billy already told you earlier. Have you calmed down after that fight? Have you thought it over? This is your last chance."
Sengoku considered for a moment, forcibly suppressing his fear, then asked in a low voice, "What... exactly are you trying to do?"
Pero