"Hiss!"
Shane drew a deep breath.
He immediately recalled his battle with Golden Lion. Back then, he had been at a disadvantage, afraid of nothing and willing to pay any price.
Golden Lion had had much to consider, including the threat of the Marines.
Now that he had encountered Roger, Shane had become the one in that position.
Their roles had reversed.
Roger, instead, fought without regard for anything.
"Are you wondering whether the Marines will come?"
He had seen what Shane was thinking.
Roger's eyes shone, blazing with brilliant light.
He laughed heartily. "Who cares who comes? As long as I, Roger, have a breath left in me, there's nothing they can do!"
"If I lose, so what if they capture me? Even if they lock me in Impel Down, I'll still leave whenever I want!"
That's right!
Shane abruptly came to his senses. Why had he suddenly started worrying about victory and defeat?
He had also begun fearing the consequences. A life lasted only a few decades, yet merely gaining a chance at something close to immortality...
...had made him start fearing what would happen after the battle ended.
Never mind that he had yet to win-even if he won and had no strength left, what did it matter if the Marines arrived, even if Garp and Zephyr joined forces?
If he could not beat them, he could not beat them. If he could not win, he could not win.
Was he supposed to shrink back and admit defeat right now?
A pirate's life was a gambling table. Who could win forever?
Was he supposed to refuse to act just because he feared losing?
Roger was that kind of madman, and so was Rocks.
That was why they pressed forward without hesitation.
"Don't worry about winning or losing.