"How interesting! Absolutely fascinating!" Kaidou laughed heartily, tearing the wine gourd from his waist and taking a large swig of strong liquor. Amber droplets of alcohol dripped from his chin, glistening in the sunlight. He casually wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, his eyes sparkling with excitement: "Kid, how about joining me at sea? Let's see the vastness of this world and challenge the truly strong ones!"
Bullet narrowed his eyes, meeting Kaidou's gaze without fear. He straightened his back, a confident smile curling at the corners of his lips: "Alright!"
The wind on the battlefield suddenly grew fierce, whipping at the edges of their clothes as if witnessing this fateful encounter. Kaidou grinned, revealing his stark white teeth: "Excellent! From today onward, you're my crew member!"
Just then, a trembling voice interjected: "Mr. Kaidou, Bullet is an indispensable force under my command..." General Clayton stood timidly nearby, his face etched with fear yet mustering the courage to speak these words. His hands unconsciously twisted together, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
After hearing Clayton's words, Kaidou's lips curled into a contemptuous arc, his eyes filled with disdain. He slowly turned his head, looking down at Clayton from his superior position, his voice low and oppressive: "The weak have no right to negotiate with me!" His tone suddenly turned cold, "Or... do you wish to make an enemy of me?!"
As Kaidou's words fell, the atmosphere on the entire battlefield instantly froze. King, Queen, Sebastian and others simultaneously turned their gazes toward Clayton, the air thick with tension.
Clayton immediately broke out in a cold sweat, hastily waving his hands and retreating two steps: "N-no... I wouldn't dare!" His voice clearly trembled, his face filled with terror.
"Good, then immediately prepare a banquet. I want to welcome my new member. Wororororo...!" Kaidou said directly.
General Clayton acted as if granted amnesty, quickly turning to shout at the soldiers behind him: "What are you all standing around for? Hurry and prepare the banquet! Bring out the best wine and meat!" The soldiers then snapped out of their daze, dropping their weapons and rushing toward the camp.
"Wororororo!" Kaidou tilted his head back for another drink, "King! Queen! Sebastian! Come meet your new comrade!"
King and Queen exchanged glances before walking over slowly. King maintained his elegant posture, slightly nodding: "Welcome to the Beasts Pirates." His voice carried a hint of scrutiny beneath its calmness.
Queen, meanwhile, chewed on his cigar, looking Bullet up and down: "Kid, it's quite something that Boss Kaidou thinks so highly of you." He blew out a smoke ring, "Hope you don't disappoint Boss Kaidou in the future."
Bullet raised an eyebrow: "Want to test that right now?"
"Hey now, no need to be so impulsive~" Queen waved his hands exaggeratedly, though a flicker of fighting spirit showed in his eyes.
Kaidou watched their confrontational attitudes and laughed even louder: "Interesting! Absolutely fascinating! But now's not the time for fighting!" He threw an arm around Bullet's shoulder, "Come! Let's drink first!"
At that moment, Sebastian approached and bowed respectfully. "Lord Kaidou, the supplies on the pirate ship are ready. We can set sail at any time."
Kaidou nodded. "Hmm... Then we'll depart after the banquet ends." He turned to Bullet. "Kid, do you have anything to pack? Or any subordinates from your army that you've taken a liking to?"
Bullet shook his head. "Everything I have is on the battlefield. As for those who only know how to hide behind me, none are worth noting."
"Good! Straight to the point!" Kaidou laughed heartily in approval.
As night fell, a massive bonfire was lit in the clearing at the center of the military camp. Soldiers brought barrels of fine wine and whole roasted lambs, filling the air with an enticing aroma. Kaidou sat in the main seat, drinking heavily and eating large chunks of meat, occasionally bursting into boisterous laughter.
Bullet sat beside him, equally unrestrained in enjoying the feast. Though the surrounding soldiers dared not approach, they couldn't help stealing glances at this newly recruited monster.
"Come! A toast!" Kaidou raised his wine bowl. "To our new comrade!"
"Cheers!" the crowd echoed in unison.
After several rounds of drinks, Kaidou's face had turned red, but his eyes remained clear. He suddenly set down his bowl and looked at Bullet. "Kid, tell us your story."
Bullet was silent for a moment before speaking slowly. "I grew up on the battlefield, knowing only combat and victory. My goal is to become the strongest in the world."
"Urororo! Ambitious!" Kaidou slapped the table in approval. "But becoming the strongest isn't so simple."
"I know." Bullet clenched his fist. "That's why I need stronger opponents."
Kaidou looked at him meaningfully. "If you follow me, you'll encounter many powerful enemies. But first..." He pointed at King, Queen, and Sebastian. "You must prove you have the right to stand beside them."
Bullet rose to his feet in understanding. "I'm ready anytime."
King elegantly set down his wine glass. "Now?"
"Of course." Battle intent ignited in Bullet's eyes.
Queen spat out the cigar in his mouth. "Interesting. Let me test your skills first!"
Kaidou watched them with great interest. "Good! The match will be held right here! But hold back—I don't want to lose fighting strength before we even set sail!"
The soldiers quickly cleared an open space. Queen picked up a large blade and said, "Don't cry, kid~"
Bullet didn't respond, only assuming a fighting stance. The next moment, the two charged at each other simultaneously!
Queen's free hand suddenly pulled a small cannon barrel from behind his back, revealing its dark muzzle. Bullet's eyes sharpened as he swiftly sidestepped, the cannonball grazing the edge of his clothes and exploding into a large crater in the distance.
"Not bad reflexes!" Queen whistled, while his other hand swung a sharp longsword toward Bullet.
Instead of dodging, Bullet met the strike head-on with his steel-covered fist, forcibly blocking the attack. Sparks from the clashing metal shone brilliantly in the night.
"Not bad at all!" Queen excitedly intensified his assault.
The fight between the two grew increasingly fierce, stunning the surrounding soldiers. King stood beside Kaidou and asked quietly, "Lord Kaidou, what do you think?"
Kaidou stroked his chin, his eyes gleaming with appreciation. "Not bad, truly promising talent."
Just then, Bullet seized an opening in Queen's defense and punched him squarely in the abdomen. Queen grunted, stumbling back a few steps, but quickly regained his footing.
"Enough," Kaidou suddenly interjected. "Any further and blood will truly be spilled."
Hearing this, both men halted. Queen wiped the corner of his mouth and grinned. "Kid, you've got some skill."
Bullet was breathing slightly heavily, but his gaze remained sharp. "You're not bad either."
"Wororororo!" Kaidou rose to his feet. "It seems my judgment was correct! Bullet, from today onward, you are an Executive of the Beasts Pirates!"
King frowned slightly. "Lord Kaidou, isn't this a bit..."
Kaidou waved his hand dismissively. "The strong rule—that is our way. He has the strength for it!"
Bullet dropped to one knee. "I won't let you down."
The feast resumed, the atmosphere growing even more lively.
As night deepened, the feast gradually wound down. Bullet stood alone at the edge of the camp, gazing up at the star-filled sky. King appeared behind him unnoticed. "What's on your mind?"
"Thinking about future battles," Bullet replied without turning around.
King chuckled softly. "Following Lord Kaidou, battles will never be in short supply. But remember, the Beasts Pirates have no use for lone wolves."
Bullet turned to face him. "I understand. As long as you all remain strong, I will be your most reliable comrade."
The two locked eyes for a moment before King gave a slight nod. "I hope so."
The next morning, the Beasts Pirates' warship slowly departed from the harbor. Bullet stood on the deck, watching the receding coastline, his heart filled with anticipation for the future.
Kaidou walked over to him and handed him a bottle of liquor. "A new journey begins, kid."
Bullet took the bottle and took a large swig. "I won't let you down, Captain."
"Wororororo! That's more like it!" Kaidou's hearty laughter echoed across the sea. "Set sail!"
"Aye!"