Gamenio's sigh had yet to fade when countless shadows appeared deep among the flowers.
Pirates carrying blades, marines draped in coats of justice, civilians clutching crude weapons... they closed in from every direction, their eyes tempered with cold hatred.
Several faces at the forefront stood out with particular clarity-they belonged to powerful pirates and marine officers who had once fallen at his hands.
"You waited here especially... just to lose again?"
Before his words faded, ten cold flashes abruptly tore through the air! Clawlike trails swept through the gathered souls, shredding those illusory figures.
Behind the scattering motes of light, a boy's silhouette emerged: short, pale blond hair and silver-gray eyes.
"My lord."
"Ricardo?!"
Gamenio rushed forward several steps almost instinctively, then stopped short.
His Adam's apple bobbed a few times before he finally bowed his head deeply.
"I..."
A hand supported his drooping shoulder.
A familiar voice sounded beside his ear:
"There's no need to apologize."
"Every choice was my own.
"Whether it was staying behind to cover the retreat or waiting here."
Gamenio wiped his face hard. When he looked up again, his mouth had stretched into an almost twisted curve.
"Hah... I really am a fool."
He stared into those silver-gray eyes, enunciating every word:
"Ricardo, the Silver-Eyed Lion King-are you still willing to follow me?"
"Always, my lord."
Gamenio turned and stepped deeper into the sea of flowers.
"Let's go."
Off the coast of Dressrosa.
Cannon fire dyed the entire stretch of sea dark red.
Countless ships encircled the harbor in an iron ring, their masts piercing the smoke-filled sky like a forest of dead trees.
On decks, among the waves, even in midair, clashing figures and splashing blood were everywhere.
Among these fleets flying pirate flags were quite a few formations of strict discipline.