Golden rays of light dyed the vast sea Red, and the sky seemed to be scorched by flames.
After a day and a night of fierce fighting, there was not a single intact piece of land on the entire deserted island; it was full of pits and scars.
Kaido took a big swig of sake and tossed the gourd to Redfield.
Redfield's robes were torn, his face was covered in grime, and his silver hair, which should have been neatly combed, was now slightly disheveled.
"You are very strong, Kaido. I lost."
Redfield looked at the rising golden-Red sun, his eyes reflecting the firelight.
He had drifted on the sea for many years, experienced hundreds of battles, seen many strong individuals, and fought with several of them.
He had killed pirates, killed Marines, and also killed ordinary people who made him feel dirty and disgusted.
Redfield, alone, drifted on the sea without a fixed abode, and he had always believed that truly strong individuals were accustomed to and enjoyed solitude.
Kaido sat on the dilapidated coastal Rocks; this island could shatter and sink into the deep sea at any moment.
"That's not like you..."
Kaido shook his head and chuckled. Redfield was a very suspicious person. Precisely because he had seen too many betrayals and duplicitous intentions, he maintained a considerably high level of wariness towards anyone who approached him.
Kaido did not hide his thoughts, openly showing his inner feelings to Redfield, leaving the judgment of right and wrong and the choice to Redfield.
In fact, Kaido also made considerable concessions; rather than concessions, it was more like a huge gamble.
Redfield and he were not far apart in strength, which was similar to how Rocks dealt with powerful figures like Whitebeard and Golden Lion in the past. Leading a group of monsters not much weaker than oneself could easily lead to internal strife and infighting.
It was like a combat camp where a squad leader led a dozen difficult individuals with different agendas; it would be hard to avoid trouble.
Moreover, Rocks was indiscriminate when it came to combat power; as long as it made him stronger, he didn't care if his subordinates were all scheming against each other.
When Whitebeard, following Rocks' orders, invited Kaido to join the Rocks Pirates, Whitebeard and Linlin had repeatedly warned Kaido that Rocks was not to be trusted and that he should never let his guard down.
Kaido had been betrayed by his kingdom, and after joining the Rocks Pirates, he engaged in infighting with a group of old hands, completely losing any goodwill he had for friendship.
However, Kaido still had a bit more friendship with Whitebeard and Linlin than with others.
"You want to change this world... such a dream is too absurd."
Redfield shook his head, his eyes filled with a sense of regret.
Even though he styled himself as the "Redfield," not putting the Marine in his eyes, he knew it was too difficult to take on the colossal World Government alone.
But he surprisingly found himself holding a certain anticipation for the World Government being pulled down from its pedestal.
Redfield's expression was grim, but his words were full of sincerity: "Let this old man help you, Kaido... This is my promise for losing to you, but let me make one thing clear beforehand: if one day I find that you no longer uphold this initial resolve, don't blame me for drawing my blade against you!"
Kaido hadn't expected Redfield to join him so readily; besides the surprise, there was overwhelming joy: "Woro-ro-ro-ro, rest assured, Red, I will definitely not disappoint you... This is a historic change, destined to be recorded in history, and we will be remembered forever!"
Kaido stood up and extended his thick, calloused hand. Redfield smiled slightly and clasped Kaido's large hand: "First, let's be clear, you are only temporarily taking over the Captain's authority."
"Haha, Red, let's change this world together!!"
Kaido burst into laughter.
Night fell on Winter Island, at the Royal Palace.
Kaido brought Redfield to Winter Island and immediately summoned all his subordinates for a grand banquet.
Bullet, King, Roya, and Hiber were on an overseas expedition, working as mercenaries on battlefields across the New World, so they couldn't attend the banquet.
Binjack led 10 intelligence department squad leaders, Wald brought 19 pirate Captains, along with Naqin, Sebastian, Gairam, and Hanafuda, who brought three Zoan Type Devil Fruit users, his ace hunters. Queen, Judge, Caesar, and others sat in two rows.
Kaido had Redfield sit to his left and introduced him to everyone: "I'm sure you all know who this is beside me. From now on, Red will be your comrade. The only rule under my command is absolutely no betrayal. Any problems, everyone?"
Kaido's gaze swept ominously over everyone present, lingering on the 19 Captains who had recently joined and the three Beetle Brothers brought by Hanafuda.
Instantly, the 20 felt as if they had daggers at their backs; they exchanged glances, each feeling the invisible burden upon them.
Squard and MacGuy breathed a sigh of relief. During this time, they had traveled extensively with Wald, gaining a general understanding of the Beasts Pirates' industries and influence.
They knew very well that the Beasts Pirates, in terms of both financial resources and influence, were far superior to ordinary pirate crews. If there was anyone in this world most likely to overthrow the World Government and unify the seas, Kaido was undoubtedly one of the best candidates.
Precisely for this reason, they solidified their resolve to follow Kaido.
Wald proactively stood up to express his approval of Redfield's joining.
Redfield's reputation was indeed much greater than his, but Wald knew very well that this was not the time for resentment. Ever since he learned about the existence of the World Government's God's Knights, Wald understood that relying solely on Kaido or himself to overthrow the World Government was simply too difficult.
"Red, welcome to our Beasts Pirates! From now on, we are brothers. If you have any difficulties, just tell me, haha!"
Wald laughed heartily, his green beard resembling a cauliflower.
Binjack also stood up, holding a honey pot: "I'm in charge of intelligence and finances, Red. If you have any questions, just communicate with me. I guarantee you'll be satisfied."
A glint flashed in Judge's eyes. He had long heard of Redfield's great name, and moreover, many years ago, he had been fortunate enough to witness Redfield single-handedly battling several Marine warships.
The terrifying scene at the time made Judge one time doubt if such frightening power truly existed in this world.
It wasn't until he later met Kaido that Judge realized how narrow his worldview had been.
Furthermore, the current cohesion of the Beasts Pirates far surpassed that of ordinary pirate crews. This massive team was destined to shine brilliantly in the future!
Now, with Redfield's addition, this group became even more solid and powerful.
Judge trembled with excitement, his eyes filled with uncontrollable fervor!
His dream of unifying North Blue was within reach!
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