"Let him think whatever he wants."
A finger rose, pointing straight at the building deep within the city, its outline like an enormous upturned pot. "Our objective won't change-take out whoever runs this island and plant our flag."
That was true.
Whatever schemes he had, they only needed to storm his lair and topple the leader stationed there. Every problem would solve itself.
On these seas, things were often that straightforward.
"Ah-!"
"Watch out!"
The instant the screams rang out, a dark figure burst from the shadows of an alley on all fours, lunging straight at one of the Mink Tribe children in the group.
Bang!
Before the figure could even brush the child's clothes, a side kick slammed him into the wall, sending dust flying.
"You dare lay a hand on them?"
A sharp shout erupted alongside a flash of steel.
An unusually long sword traced a silver arc, pressing precisely against the shadow's shoulder-it was a man.
He wore a sailor's uniform faded almost black and tattered like rags, his hair tied into filthy little braids.
Deep grooves scored his face, loose skin hanging from his bones. Beneath his open shirt, every rib protruded. His age was impossible to tell.
Even after the kick made him cough up bloody foam, his cloudy eyes remained fixed greedily on the food in the Mink Tribe children's hands.
"Food..."
His Adam's apple bobbed violently. He instinctively reached forward, only for the blade on his shoulder to press down hard!
Thud.
"You scum. Got a death wish?"
With only one hand pressing down on the long sword, its wielder pinned the stick-thin man firmly to the ground.
The swordsman gave an impatient snort.
Diamante's blade still rested on the man's shoulder.
If Rossi hadn't repeatedly warned them not to cause trouble before