171 Fishman island : Spiel of hate (2/2)

A group of burly Fishmen had come over as soon as they had seen the ship. That was only the first wave.

First came the officials, they were easily dealt with. As soon as they saw the medallion that the crew had received enroute they grudgingly left, issuing a few papers to allow anyone on the crew to enter the city.

Within minutes of their departure came the second group. A collection of concerned locals with pitchforks.

The captain dealt with them too, showing them Whitebeard's insignia seemed to calm them.

The third group however was the most damning. A group of ruffians, with a man whose pointy jagged teeth jutted out of his cheek in the lead. As they drew closer Rein had been able to hear stanzas of hate, the man in the lead roared it out while those who followed him hooted or cheered. At the very back a group of children walked grinning with malevolence as they glared at any and all civilians around them.

When they had neared the ship, Rein could hear the man in the lead beginning to chant. Rage and vitriol in his eyes as he came to a halt in front of the ship.

His spittle had flown as he regarded everyone on board with disdain and tempestuous rage. Then his men had drifted to the side letting the children take the stage.

The second stream of rage and hate had begun to flow then as the children roared in their high pitched voice.

The captain had seen them for a moment, then ignored them.

He could not care less, and Rein understood that. However, he could not help his heart go out to them who had been subject to sermons of hate all their lives.

As if reading his mind Lorean had turned to him then, but before he could open his mouth the soldiers from before had returned.

They had chased away the mob, but Rein could not forget that sight.

A row of people glaring at them with hate had fear, while a smaller group on the outside either with indifference or with catharsis.

What excitement had flooded Rein's veins had disappeared. He was drained.

A pat on his back broke him from his revere. It was Lorean, a bemused smile on his face.

”Why?” Rein croaked as he looked at his captain.

What that word meant he did not know. Was it, 'why did you do nothing?' or was it, 'why do those people take so much joy in their hate?'

Rein did not know.