"Defeat is defeat."
The woman stood with her arms folded, her tone level as she looked beyond the ship's rail.
There, seawater poured down with sky-toppling force, forming an abyssal waterfall that blocked their view. "I'm not narrow-minded."
"I'm just a little surprised... that such magnificent sights exist in this world."
There was no dejection in her voice, only a tremor bordering on excitement. "And so many powerful fighters.
How could anyone possibly get bored?"
It seemed the concern had been unnecessary.
There was not a trace of discouragement in her words, only burning fighting spirit leaping between them.
On reflection, that was only natural-how could someone who had fought her way from a bar's menial worker to the Grand Line be weak-willed?
"Next time,"
Her mask turned toward the man in the haori. "Doflamingo won't win again."
Then her gaze locked firmly onto him.
"You'd better be ready too, Rossi.
The moment I defeat you will be the moment we switch places."
Her fighting spirit was like a blade drawn from its sheath.
"Good."
His haori swayed slightly. "I'll be waiting for that day."
Competition bred motivation, battle exposed flaws, and only then could one hone oneself accordingly-he understood that better than anyone.
"Want to beat me?"
Another voice cut in.
Beneath red sunglasses, the corners of his mouth curled upward. "You're improving, but do you think I'll stand still? Let's see who moves faster."
"That's exactly how it should be."
"A bunch of monsters..."
Not far away, the Navigator adjusting the Log Pose could not help muttering.
She glanced at the small Sea King towing their ship, then at the three figures excited by battle, and finally shook her head.
She simply could not understand them.
Forget it. Perhaps that was precisely why these oddballs were so strong.