"Sage, someone is coming," Lily said in a deep voice, her eyes flashing with the same color.
"I sensed it..."
Sage put down his wine glass, revealing a sinister smile, "It's been a long time..."
"Zehahaha!"
Under the flickering light of the bonfire, several burly men emerged. The leader wore a black captain's coat over a bright red shirt, a green beaded necklace around his neck, and gemstone rings on his hands, laughing boisterously as he strode forward.
"Long time no see, Sage! I never thought you'd get out, too bad!"
"It's you, the toothless guy," Renedia glanced up briefly before continuing to eat.
Lily also relaxed and no longer watched him.
But Urouge stood up immediately, full of alertness.
"Blackbeard?"
Urouge chuckled, "The new Seven Warlords of the Sea, huh? Saw you in the newspapers. No bounty, yet you became a Warlord, a guy with unknown powers."
"No need to be tense."
Sitting by the bonfire, Hawkins pulled out his Tarot cards, saying calmly, "He's no threat, not here to cause trouble."
"Alright, continue with your celebration!"
Sage grinned, "This guy is my partner in the New World!"
"Zehahaha, that's right!"
Teach laughed heartily, unceremoniously taking a piece of meat with a bone from the food cart and biting off half before standing across the long table.
"You've got quite a few new allies... two Super Rookies, hmm, and some others who look like they're with the government, working with the World Government?"
Just after he spoke, cold sweat dripped down his forehead as he stared intensely at two Heavenly Celestial Dragons tied up next to the Death Star, by the gangway, "Hey, you..."
His mouth twisted into a grin, "You're really my kind of person, Sage! That's something only you would do! Those are Heavenly Celestial Dragons!"
"Do I need to cater to your tastes? But you've been doing well recently, even regaining a few teeth."
Sage waved his hand, "Hey, bring over some chairs and barrels of wine!"
He looked at Teach, laughing, "Since you're here, why not join the feast! Hohohoho!"
"Zehahaha, that's what I thought too! Boys, the cataclysm invites us to feast, let's get lively!" Teach laughed loudly as well.
"Wahaha, a feast as soon as we arrive, awesome, Captain!" Bashas laughed heartily, raising his fist.
"All is a gift of fate," Van Augur said softly.
"Hehehe, can't be giving them any apples..." Doc Q, slumped on his diseased horse, muttered weakly.
"Good evening."
A man wearing a black top hat, dressed theatrically, with bright lipstick removed his hat, slightly bowing to Sage, "I've heard the Captain mention you often. I'm Laffitte, and I look forward to working with you. May we have a pleasant cooperation."
"Hmm? Who are you? Teach's new partner?" Sage asked.
"Security Officer from the West Sea."
Lucci appeared nearby at that moment, glancing at Laffitte, "Expelled for excessive law enforcement, known as the 'Demonic Sheriff' Laffitte."
"Zehahaha, he's an old buddy of mine. Back in Demon Valley Town, he wasn't there because he was helping me propose the Seven Warlords of the Sea idea to the World Government!"
At this time, subordinates brought over another wooden barrel, letting Teach sit down, "Hey, Sage, at a time like this, why are you still at Shampodi? Do you want to take a hand in the war? Why not lend me a hand? I truly envy you for having so many allies!"