A campsite was rebuilt on the beach.
"Lord Gurd, please don't move."
Chikara carefully wrapped bandages around Gurd, her hands trembling at the sight of the bloody wound on his chest. It felt as if the injury had been inflicted on her own body.
"That damn Red Hair! If you've got the guts to provoke me, then don't run away! My big brother will be here soon, and so will my underlings!"
Gurd cursed incessantly.
"What Divine Departure? I refuse to dodge!"
"Gurd, you just couldn't dodge it."
Yamato couldn't help but tease.
That Red Hair was incredibly strong—just as powerful as her father. It was the first time she had seen someone other than her father who was that formidable.
She wanted to fight Red Hair too.
"Huh?!"
Gurd glared at Yamato.
Damn brat, whose side are you on?!
"Urorororo!"
The winds howled, and thunder rumbled.
A massive Azure Dragon emerged partially from the storm clouds, its furious gaze bearing down on the people on the beach.
"Seems like it's over."
"Big Brother Kaido!"
Gurd quickly stood up and waved, eager to take credit. "You're late! I already drove off that insignificant Red Hair!"
"..."
Kaido fell silent.
Insignificant Red Hair.
You little brat, at least check the wound on your chest before boasting. This doesn't look like the aftermath of driving off an enemy at all.
And that damn Red Hair brat!
How dare he lay a heavy hand on his people!
Flames of anger burned in Kaido's eyes.
"Which way did Red Hair's ship go?"
"Due east!"
Gurd's eyes lit up as he immediately pointed in that direction. To the east lay Elbaf, one of Red Hair's strongholds.
The Red Hair Pirates were different from the other Four Emperors—they didn't stay in one place and often traveled around.
But because Red Hair had captured the Giant Prince Loki, he had earned the friendship of the giants, making Elbaf his most important supply base.
"Urorororo!"
Kaido let out a low growl and flew off toward the east without another word.
Gurd watched as Kaido left, then sat back down, his mood significantly improved. Half of his anger had dissipated.
But the other half remained.
"Hmph, Red Hair Shanks!"
Gurd's eyes gleamed with malice.
Even if Big Brother Kaido was stepping in for him, this wasn't over. This was exactly the outcome he had wanted, and he had already planned how to get back at that bastard.
But before that, he needed to strengthen himself. Only with enough power could he wreak havoc on the enemy's turf.
For now, though, he had to deal with the labor issue.
"Gabul, it's your turn!"
"Yes, Lord Gurd."
Gabul nodded bitterly and turned toward the crowd of laborers. Before he could speak, the laborers dropped their weapons to the ground.
The earlier battle had taken place far from them.
But the terrifying aftershocks of the fight, along with the colossal red monster, had completely shattered their will to resist.
"We're sorry, Captain Gabul."
"We give up."
"There's no way we can win."
How could they muster the courage to march forward when they knew death awaited them? Even if it meant returning to the hellish Weapon Factory, at least they would still be alive.
Gabul remained silent for a long time before slowly raising his gun.
"This uprising—we succeeded!"
"What?!"
The laborers froze in shock.
Succeeded?
Had they misheard?
Gabul raised his voice and shouted, gun held high.
"Brothers, through negotiation, I've convinced the Pirates. From now on, we won't have to live in fear of death and violence like before!"
"Though we'll still need to work hard, it won't be under the Pirates' oppression. We'll strive for our families and a brighter tomorrow!"
"We shall live with dignity!"
"We've won!"
The laborers' minds buzzed as if in a dream.
Had they... truly won?
Gabul silently set down his weapon and wearily returned to the village.
"Go home now. I'll share the details of the negotiation before evening."
"Captain Gabul."
The laborers watched Gabul, sensing an inexplicable loneliness in his retreating figure that tugged at their hearts.
Yet his declaration of victory also kindled hope within them.
"Home first!"
As night fell, Gabul gathered labor representatives from various villages at the tavern to explain the negotiation terms.
The laborers could earn money by working at the Weapon Factory, renting land, or mining—multiple options available.
Land rent was exorbitant, requiring over seventy percent of harvests—insufficient to feed a family, necessitating extra work.
The Weapon Factory and mines operated on twelve-hour shifts with half-day weekly breaks. Though wages were modest, combined with farm yields, it could sustain a family of four, albeit at a low living standard.
For higher earnings, overtime was available—two extra hours daily at 1.5 times normal pay, plus performance bonuses, attendance rewards, and outstanding worker incentives.
Moreover, laborers had upward mobility.
Technical roles paid significantly more than general labor. They could obtain certifications in trades like commerce or navigation, even become honored warriors.
With subdued spirits, Gabul relayed Gurd's message: "One more thing—Mr. Gurd is recruiting construction workers at double the Weapon Factory's pay, but it requires overseas travel. Sign up if interested."
"Captain Gabul."
After exchanging glances and a brief silence, the laborers raised their mugs in heartfelt celebration.
"Captain Gabul, thank you!"
"You're our great hero!"
"Haha! We never dreamed you'd make the mighty Pirates compromise! Truly the Son of the Revolution!"
"A toast to our Captain!!!"
Compared to their former precarious, near-enslaved existence, Captain Gabul's terms seemed miraculous.
Through hard work, they could support their families. With extra effort, they might live better and earn more.
Beyond that, their children could study, secure brighter futures, even become warriors protecting their homes.
What bliss!
This was their ultimate dream!
The laborers rushed to Gabul, lifting him skyward.
"Long live Captain Gabul!"
"Hero Captain Gabul!"
"Hero! Hero! Hero!"
As he was tossed repeatedly amidst his comrades' joyous cheers, Gabul's mind grew increasingly dazed.
Why... why thank him?
When he was but the devil's lackey.
In past revolutionary victories, the oppressed masses would storm noble estates, seizing wealth and dividing lands.
Though it felt wrong, they couldn't stop it—because ultimately, it wasn't the Revolutionary Army that would govern the country, but the victorious citizens. The new king would also be chosen by the people.
Overthrowing tyrants is what revolution truly means.
Yet at this moment, when the outcome was clearly a compromise with Pirates, hardly a successful revolution, why were the laborers here so happy?
As if he... truly was a hero.
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