"Have you gotten something wrong?"
As Yas's cold, utterly emotionless words swept across the sea that had just endured an apocalyptic battle like a wind from the far north, Roger's face, brimming with a bold, fervent smile, slowly froze for the first time.
"An adventure game... like playing house?"
Roger unconsciously repeated those words. He felt as though he were hearing things.
Finding Laugh Tale and uncovering the truth of the world was the greatest dream and adventure of his life, one on which he had staked his entire life and the lives of all his companions!
Why did it sound so utterly insignificant coming from this man's mouth?
"Isn't it?"
The mockery on Yas's face deepened. He looked around at the pirates aboard the Oro Jackson whose faces had filled with anger at his words, and a cruel curve lifted the corner of his mouth.
"Gathering a rabble, sailing a broken-down ship, and blundering aimlessly around the sea."
"Fighting now and then, stealing things, throwing feasts, and then calling yourselves 'free' adventurers?"
Yas gave a disdainful sneer, the sound stabbing into the heart of every member of the Roger Pirates like the sharpest of knives.
"How laughable."
"What is such childish, foolish behavior if not playing house?"
"You bastard!!"
"Don't you dare insult our dreams!"
"Say that again if you've got the guts!"
Aboard the Oro Jackson, the hotheaded young pirates could no longer contain themselves. One after another, they drew their blades and glared at Yas, desperate to charge over and tear this insolently outspoken marine to pieces.
But Roger raised a hand and stopped them.
"Stand down, all of you."
Roger's voice was lower than it had ever been. His eyes, always burning with fire, had now grown as dark as an abyss.
He stared fixedly at