Labor Uprising Army, various strongholds.
Following Captain Gabul's call to arms, laborers armed with rifles gathered to join the main force, yet their morale was not as high as before.
Many hesitated, their faces clouded with doubt.
Previously, they had fought relentlessly against the Pirates, their minds fixated only on victory. But recently, with the Pirates ceasing their pursuit, their feverish excitement had cooled.
And then there was the enemy's promise.
"Have you all heard? The Pirates say they'll pardon our uprising if we lay down our arms."
"They must be lying!"
"But my wife told me the new group of Pirates seems decent enough."
"My old woman's been begging me to come home too."
"I want to go back as well."
"Are you out of your minds? Do you want to return to that hellish factory? How can you face our fallen brothers?!"
The Pirates' offer of amnesty had sown division among the laborers. Some were ready to surrender, while others vowed to fight to the bitter end—arguments even broke out over it.
"Those damned women!"
Many laborers cursed bitterly.
Their wives longed for peace, but the cost would be borne by them—the men who had endured inhuman torment in the weapons factories, where failure to meet quotas could mean being beaten to death.
They were no better than slaves!
"Trust Captain Gabul!"
"As long as Captain Gabul leads us, we will prevail!"
"Once we drive out the Pirates, our lives will improve!"
Now, the laborers could only pin their hopes on Captain Gabul—the "Son of the Revolution."
Thousands swiftly assembled, and under the captain's impassioned speech, their fighting spirit was reignited. They marched toward the town in high spirits.
Meanwhile, by the seaside outside the town...
A large canopy had been set up on the beach.
Charcoal grills, skewered meats, and vegetables bought from the villagers were laid out.
Gurd was camping with a few women.
His crew, too, were scattered about, mingling with the villagers—helping with odd jobs or flirting with the local wives.
After following Gurd for so long, the Pirates' once-volatile tempers had mellowed, their behavior gradually aligning with his.
After all, under Gurd's leadership—
Money was never an issue!
A lean, agile man darted out of the forest and onto the beach, gasping for breath as he bent over in exhaustion.
"Captain Gurd!"
"Wheeze—wheeze—"
"Antelope, you really need to work on your stamina. I'm afraid you'll run yourself to death one day."
Gurd couldn't help but tease.
This was one of his subordinates, nicknamed Antelope for his incredible speed—though his endurance was abysmal. Every time he delivered a message, he ended up wheezing like this.
"Sorry—wheeze—Captain Gurd."
Antelope straightened up with difficulty, then pulled out a comb to smooth his flamboyant golden locks before delivering his report with a fawning grin.
"Captain Gurd, the Labor Uprising Army is on the move!"
"Got it. Go tell them I'll be waiting right here."
Gurd waved him off.
"Eh? I have to run back?!"
Antelope's eyes widened in dismay as he reluctantly assumed a starting stance.
"So... I'm really going?"
"Get lost already!"
Gurd laughed and cursed.
These brats were getting spoiled under his command.
An hour later, the Labor Uprising Army appeared in force outside the town. The villagers, hearing the commotion, stepped out of their homes.
"They're right over there!"
The labor force quickly spotted Gurd and his companions enjoying a barbecue on the beach, along with the villagers who had come out to watch.
The peaceful and harmonious scene was clearly unexpected for the laborers. Not only was there no tension of an impending war, but their families were also mingling with the Pirates.
It looked more like a casual gathering.
When one laborer saw his wife blushing and snuggling up to a Pirate, his eyes immediately turned red.
The woman also noticed her husband and quickly distanced herself from the Pirate, pretending nothing had happened. She awkwardly smoothed her disheveled long hair.
Then, she glared angrily at her husband.
What was the big deal about holding hands? There was no reason to get upset!
The Pirate had given her so many gifts and even helped with household chores. She just wanted to repay his kindness—what was wrong with that?
She needed affection too!
The laborer, filled with grief and indignation, buried his face in his comrade's shoulder. He no longer wanted to revolt; he just wanted to go home and guard his wife.
The labor leader approached Gabul.
"Captain Gabul, what should we do?"
"Wait for now."
Gabul was equally bewildered.
In just a few days, how had the Pirates managed to get along so well with the villagers? It made them look like the villains.
No, this had to be fake!
A petite elderly woman stepped forward and handed Gabul a basket of food containing his favorite meat cutlets.
"Gabul, you're finally back."
"Grandma?"
Gabul numbly accepted the food, feeling somewhat flustered with so many eyes on him.
The old woman sighed and earnestly advised, "The Pirate is a good man. You should talk things out with him instead of resorting to violence."
"Grandma, I—"
Gabul opened his mouth but hesitated.
His grandmother was old, and explaining the revolution to her would be difficult. Besides, the current situation was undeniably complicated.
The laborers' families were watching, including some children. Launching an attack under such circumstances would be undeniably cruel.
Taking a deep breath, Gabul walked alone toward the beach.
"Wait here for me!"
"Captain Gabul, it's too dangerous!"
The laborers looked anxious. If their captain faced the Pirates alone and they turned violent, the consequences would be unthinkable.
Without Captain Gabul, how could they muster the courage to resist?
"Koala, let's go too."
Sabo followed Gabul, with Koala close behind.
Beach, campsite.
Tea had been brewed on the dining table, accompanied by delicate pastries and fruits.
But there was only one seat for a guest.
Gurd gestured politely.
"Have a seat, Mr. Gabul."
"..."
Gabul glanced at Sabo. In the Revolutionary Army, Sabo held the position of Chief of Staff, a higher rank than his own. At a moment like this, Sabo was clearly more suited for negotiations.
Sabo gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head.
Gabul took a deep breath and sat down.
"Have some tea."
Gurd poured Gabul a cup and then studied him closely.
Similar—very similar.
According to the intelligence he had received, this Son of the Revolution was weak in strength but possessed a unique charisma capable of awakening hope in the hearts of the oppressed.
More powerful than the Encouragement Fruit.
Abilities had their limits, but as long as this man lived, he would naturally become the banner of hope for the people.
Killing such a talent would be a shame.
Gurd's eyes showed admiration as he sincerely extended an invitation: "Mr. Gabul, I truly admire you. Would you like to join my crew?"
"Eh?!"
Gabul spilled the tea in his hand.
This Pirate wanted to recruit him?