Several days passed in the blink of an eye.
The weapon factory on Zebra Island resumed operations once more, with a large number of laborers returning to their posts and working diligently.
When they realized the Pirates truly no longer deliberately tormented them for amusement—even thoughtfully providing drinking water and free lunches—the laborers' enthusiasm for work soared.
The situation on Zebra Island quickly influenced the other uprising islands. Coupled with the appearance of the "hero" Gabul, the fervent Labor Uprising soon quieted down.
There was even more uplifting news for the laborers.
To prevent the Pirates from going back on their word and enslaving the laborers of the islands again, Captain Gabul decided to stay and keep a constant watch over the Pirates!
Moreover, to celebrate the victory of the revolution, Captain Gabul announced the merging of the islands that had initiated the Labor Uprising into a single nation, named the "Nation of Labor."
A nation without kings or nobles—one that belonged solely to the laborers!
In less than a week, the streets and alleys of every island were cheering Gabul's name, hailing him as the savior of the Nation of Labor.
Captain Gabul, the "Hero"!
"The results are good."
Gurd looked at the propaganda posters, quite satisfied with the current situation. It was at least ten times more effective than violent suppression.
"Propaganda efforts must not stop. Find every possible way to praise labor—put up banners in every district!"
"And create a few exclusive holidays and vacations for the laborers. Hold one every three months or so, with themes related to labor, and organize festive celebrations."
"Make it lively!"
"In a few days, we'll add some labor competition events!"
"Let me think some more..."
Antelope took notes beside him and couldn't help but mutter in admiration.
"Captain Gurd, you're truly despicable!"
"Hmm?!"
Gurd's brows shot up.
Antelope quickly backtracked, fawning shamelessly: "Captain Gurd, what I meant was that you're incredibly brilliant!"
"Brilliant?"
Gurd rubbed his smooth scalp, narrowing his eyes.
"Are you mocking my bald head?"
"No, absolutely not!"
Antelope shook his head frantically.
Damn it, how could he have forgotten?
Captain Gurd was extremely sensitive about his baldness.
"Get out!"
"Yes, sir!"
Antelope bolted. The moment he opened the door, he spotted Speed but didn't even greet her before vanishing in the blink of an eye.
Speed was baffled. When she entered the room, she saw Gurd staring into a mirror, touching his bald head.
Huh?
Was Gurd troubled by this?
Next time she saw Lady Ulti, she'd discuss buying Gurd a bottle of hair growth tonic. Lady Ulti had great taste in cosmetics.
Though it might not work.
Actually, being bald wasn't so bad. It felt nice to hold—smooth and slippery, not prickly at all.
Blushing slightly at the thought, Speed quickly cleared her throat to get Gurd's attention.
Crunch!
Gurd bit the mirror in half.
"Oh, Speed."
Gurd grinned at her, his teeth smeared with blood.
It was kind of terrifying.
"How's the recruitment going?"
"We've recruited most of them already. We'll soon hit the target of 5,000 laborers."
Speed reported with amusement.
Thanks to Captain Gabul's endorsement, the recruitment of construction workers had gone smoothly—after all, the wages were double those at the weapon factory, with additional benefits.
"Good!"
Gurd wiped his mouth, very pleased.
He didn't want to stay on this wretched island a moment longer.
"Contact Umit and have him send ships to transport the laborers to the construction sites on each island."
"Understood."
Speed nodded and prepared to leave, but her gaze subconsciously lingered on Gurd's head, unable to look away.
Gurd grew slightly nervous.
"What's wrong?"
"N-nothing."
Speed shook her head, her face flushed as she climbed onto Gurd's lap and wrapped her arms around his head.
"Lord Gurd!"
"Huh?!"
Gurd's mouth fell open.
In broad daylight—what kind of nonsense is this?
"The door isn't closed yet."
Click!
The door slammed shut instantly.
The Teleportation Fruit sure is handy!
Night fell.
Gurd sat on the balcony, enjoying the breeze.
"Chikara, make me some tea!"
"Extra goji berries, and use a thermos."
"Right away, my lord."
Soon, Chikara brought the tea.
"Phew~~"
Gurd blew on the steaming liquid before taking a sip of the Special Goji Berry Tea. The ritualistic act instantly made him feel revitalized.
He could go another eighty rounds!
Chikara handed him a newspaper.
"My lord, the latest issue."
"Hmm."
Gurd took the paper, inwardly pleased.
The headline featured Kaido clashing with the Red Hair Pirates on a deserted island—half of which had already sunk into the sea.
Good. That'll teach them a lesson.
Aside from the clash between the Four Emperors, the establishment of the Nation of Labor also made the news, along with a photo of the "hero" Captain Gabul.
He wondered how the Revolutionary Army would react when they saw this.
Closing the newspaper, Gurd sipped his tea in thought.
"It's about time."
According to Caesar's estimates, the blockade around Punk Hazard would soon be lifted. With the Labor Uprising settled, it was the perfect time to make a move.
That fruit had to be secured.
At his current strength, he was still lacking against opponents at the level of the Four Emperors. Even if he could exchange a few blows, it wouldn't mean much.
Losing wasn't the issue—but at the very least, he couldn't afford to lose too quickly.
Otherwise, it'd be downright embarrassing.
He couldn't keep relying on Kaido to bail him out. What kind of grown man calls for backup like a kid tattling to his parents?
"Whoosh~~ Whoosh~~"
The wind howled.
Chikara spoke softly.
"Lord Gurd, the wind is picking up."
"Hmm, go inside and rest."
Gurd waved her off, his gaze sharpening.
This wind… something's off.
Tap!
Just as Chikara stepped inside, leaving Gurd alone on the balcony, a man with a shoe print on his face appeared before him.
Gurd raised an eyebrow, sneering. "What kind of wind blows the Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Army back to me?"
"..."
Dragon didn't react to the taunt.
Truthfully, he'd never left.
He'd intended to speak with Gurd the day Red Hair departed, but the drastic changes in the Nation of Labor had caught him off guard.
So he'd observed in secret for a few more days.
And the more he saw, the more unsettled he became.
In just a short time, the laborers' outlook on life had transformed—from struggling in despair to embracing hope.
They still feared and despised Pirates.
But the presence of the "hero" Gabul had given them a sense of security, rekindling their hope for the future.
Then there were the construction teams from Hachinosu Island. When he learned the workers were all prisoners, his shock was indescribable.
All of this was the work of the man before him. The way he manipulated hearts sent a chill down Dragon's spine.
"Mr. Gurd."
Dragon bowed deeply, his tone earnest, like a student seeking guidance. "I'd like to ask for your advice on revolution!"
"Consulting me?"
Gurd's eyes lit up.
"Consultations aren't free. Do you have money?"
"Huh?"
Dragon opened his mouth.
He wanted money?