"I will grant you... the possibility of evolution. Of course, it could also mean... death."
When Yas's voice, so cold it held not a trace of emotion, rang out across the entire fleet through the Amplifying Den Den Mushi, the pirate-like revelry on deck instantly froze.
The smiles stiffened on the soldiers' faces. Gold coins and bottles slipped from their hands, clattering to the deck in a series of crisp sounds.
An icy chill replaced the heat of wealth and victory, shooting from the soles of every man's feet straight to the crown of his head!
Evolution?
Death?
Those two words together sent a chill through the depths of everyone's soul.
They were no fools. They had witnessed the downfall of "Dark King" Rayleigh, witnessed the world-shattering battle between the Pirate King and the Devil's Heir, and witnessed Vice Admiral Yas's terrifying, godlike power that could effortlessly wipe everything away!
They knew the "evolution" their commanding officer spoke of was certainly no gentle training! It had to be a trial of endless pain and enormous risk, with only the slimmest chance of survival!
Deathly silence fell over the deck.
The soldiers exchanged looks, their expressions shifting from ecstasy to hesitation, fear, and a trace of longing tempted by power.
"What? Scared?"
Yas's voice rang out again, filled with undisguised mockery.
He slowly descended from the bridge and walked through the crowd, step by step. Wherever he went, the soldiers instinctively backed away to either side as though avoiding a plague, clearing a path for him.
"Did you think following me would be as simple as grabbing treasure and fighting battles you were sure to win?"
Yas stopped, his cold gaze sweeping over everyone.
"Look at yourselves!"
He kicked an empty bottle away from his feet, his voice suddenly turning stern.