บท 44: Chapter 44: War of the Red soil

Beast Pirate's Factory Island, New World

On a watchtower overlooking the island's coastline, two guards sat casually, chatting to pass the time.

"Man, what kind of pirate crew did we even join? I left my nation, and now I'm just stuck here on guard duty," one of the guards groaned, leaning back and staring into the sky.

"Shut it, will you? If Master King hears you whining, we're both dead," the other guard snapped back, his voice trembling slightly. The mere mention of King's name sent a shiver down their spines.

They both fell silent, recalling how a man with such a handsome face could unleash such terrifying cruelty. They'd seen what King did to those who failed or questioned orders.

"Yeah, well, at least life's more stable now. Back home, every man had to join the army. People were dying like cattle," the first guard muttered, his the first guard muttered, his voice softer, more resigned.

"Then why did you even become a pirate if you hate war?" the second guard asked, raising an eyebrow.

"When did I say I hated war?" the first guard grinned, his eyes gleaming with a darker memory. "When I was young, my old man took a knife to protect me. He was killed by some arrogant kid, the son of a local noble. So, when I grew up, I got stronger, killed that noble brat and his whole family."

They exchanged glances before bursting into laughter, finding dark humor in the horrors of their past lives.

Suddenly, the alarm echoed through the watchtower.

" This alarm, it's different from the usual alarm!" one of the guards yelled, recognizing the signal.

"That's the second-level alarm!" his companion cried in panic, grabbing a telescope.

Peering through the scope, their expressions drained of color. "Oh no... we're dead."

Meanwhile, on the Coast

First-level defense ships were patrolling the island's waters when one of the lookouts spotted something unusual on the horizon. At first, he thought it was just another arrogant pirate ship coming to fill the vacancies at the factory.

The Beast Pirates' factory had been attacked many times by jealous pirates when it first opened, all hoping to plunder its riches. Kaido had quickly set a policy: defeated pirates could either rot in prison forever or work five years in the factory to redeem themselves. This strange offer had fueled the Beast Pirates' enthusiasm, as capturing enemies meant a hefty salary bonus-thirty percent of the wages earned by each captured worker.

The lookout grinned at the thought of another potential payday. But as more ships appeared-one, two, then three, until ten three-mast-bearing war ships with massive cannon loomed on the horizon- his grin faded. Sweat trickled down his forehead. This wasn't a routine raid; this was trouble.

With trembling hands, he pressed the second-level alarm button-the highest alert he could send.

At the Command Post: Samuel's Perspective

Samuel had been a Pirate since the days of the Rocks Pirates, but he had never truly known Rocks D. Xebec. Back then, he was just another small-time pirate on Pirate Island, killing when told and looting as ordered. When the Rocks Pirates fell, he didn't know where to turn. However, his love for war kept him from falling into despair. Kaido's infamous love for fighting was something known to everyone so when he got chance , he didn't hesitate to board the ship and over time, he grew to admire the towering monster's strength and ruthless ambition.

Samuel's loyalty and power had earned him respect, and when Kaido assigned him to oversee Red Soil Island, he saw it as his greatest opportunity. If he could manage this post well, Kaido would recognize his worth.

But as he watched the ten ships appear on the horizon, Samuel's expression grew dark. His instincts told him this was no ordinary skirmish. This was a serious threat.

"Send word to Shirakawa Island. Report the situation immediately," Samuel ordered his assistant. "And make sure those workers and prisoners don't pull any stunts. Infact open one of the route, they are not important if they want to run let them run , but if anyone try to make chaos leave no one alive "

"Yes, sir"The assistant nodded and hurried off.

Turning to his crew, Samuel's voice boomed across the shore. "We're pirates! Pirates are not afraid of death! So what if the enemy has more ships? We're the Beast Pirates! Let's show them what we're made of! Kill!!!"

The crew erupted in cheers, their bloodlust ignited. "Kill! Kill! Kill!"

Samuel grinned at their ferocity. This is what he lived for-the thrill of battle, the chaos of war.

He raised his arm, signaling to the gunners. "Cannon teams, FIRE!!!"

Cannon fire echoed across the island, as the Beast Pirates braced themselves for the incoming battle.

On the other side

Alan stood on the deck of the main ship, his eyes fixed on the distant silhouette of the Red soil island island. His fingers gripped the railing tightly as he thought about the upcoming fight. This wasn't just another raid-it could be the defining moment of his life. He had led his men through countless battles, but today felt different. There was a heaviness in the air, the kind that foreshadowed a brutal, decisive conflict.

As his gaze shifted to a Beast Pirate patrol ship on the horizon, Alan took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. He knew full well that this battle might be his last. But the thought didn't frighten him-it steeled his resolve.

Turning to his crew, his voice rang out across the deck, clear and commanding. "Everyone, our goal is right in front of us! You know Kaido-when he hears his territory is under attack, his arrogance will bring him here without backup. He thinks no one can touch him, but with our brothers from the underworld hiding in shadow we will surround him, and we will bring him down. Together, we'll kill Kaido, and all his wealth, power, and prosperity will be ours to rule!"

The crew roared in response, their morale surging as they gripped their weapons, ready for the battle to come.

Alan raised his hand, his voice sharp as he gave the final command. "Let's break though, Fire!"

Cannons blazed to life, the booming sound echoing across the sea as the Alan fleet advanced on the island. The battle for Kaido's territory had begun.