"Leaving such heavy scars..."
Lily worriedly said, "Is Kaido that strong?"
"Stronger than you imagine."
Sage picked up the bottle on the table, flicked the cork open with his thumb, took several hearty swigs, and finally let out a breath.
"Relax, I didn't come away disadvantaged. That guy has scars I left on him too."
These seven scars he bore belonged to his body, which had fully healed, yet they stubbornly refused to fade. As for why they were in the shape of the North Star Seven Stars, that could only be deemed a coincidence.
Kaido's technique also involved internal destruction; the power of its impact wasn't small, especially the last move... Sage couldn't say he fully withstood it, he could also say he couldn't resist it at all.
As strong as unlimited Haki is, its intensity is fixed. At that time, Sage had gathered all his strength, neglected bodily protection, and took a direct hit. With the substantial depletion of stamina, the fact that he could still stand for a while was already commendable.
He wouldn't just lie flat...
"Never mind, my plan is completed as long as it works."
Sage looked at Lily, "How many people did you bring?"
"Two thousand, but I checked, they're all boatmen."
Lily said, "Additionally, we've lost half of our subordinates."
According to the initial plan, everyone on the island was supposed to be taken away, and through Sage's ability, the ship would be enlarged, allowing all to fit and be taken to Gares. But with Kaido in the mix, Sage couldn't enlarge the ship, resulting in fewer people onboard.
To be able to bring two thousand people on board, was already considered acceptable.
In battles of the strong, weaklings would die just by approaching.
But the principal plan was indeed accomplished.
Sage's plan was to ensure Tias wouldn't compete with him in the shipbuilding industry; everything else was incidental.
As for all those who died on the island...
Not a single person felt any psychological burden.
Neither subjective nor objective factors would cause any.
Even Lily wouldn't feel anything, matters beyond one's ability wouldn't stir her.
They were pirates, not embodiments of justice, nor saviors, essentially acting for their own benefit.
As for oppression...
Under Sage's rule, there was no oppression!
How much work you do equals how much you get, this is the best governance currently!
The storm continued to pour down, only to cease upon nearing Gares, where the tempest finally stopped.
Upon returning to Augustine Castle, everyone in the Gares Kingdom came back, and Sage wanted to hold a banquet, having just obtained a batch of boatmen, including a newly appointed high-ranking officer, Suleiman.
Recruiting new subordinates naturally called for a banquet, and Sage had a particular fondness for hosting them.
Being a landowner, he wished for nights filled with revelry.
Suleiman awoke during the voyage and, without hesitation, pledged allegiance directly to Sage.
No other choice remained; the battle between Kaido and Sage completely obliterated Tias. The only civilians now were the two thousand boatmen on his ship, and there was no use worrying about right or wrong anymore. Suleiman wasn't foolish. Joining Sage was the best option.
At least, according to the stories told by the people on board, these remaining people wouldn't face unfair treatment; they might even live better than they did in Tias.
And the officers wanted to see why their captain was left with scars...
Having undergone so many battles, even facing a three-person team in Water Seven, Sage hadn't been marked with scars despite signs of restraint, each battle being to the death, yet no scars remained.
But after battling Kaido... he was severely injured!
Nightfall.
The banquet hall amassed numerous subordinates, with the doors leading to the courtyard wide open, letting the subordinates gather there to begin the feast.
The expanded cooking team, led by Marika, rolled in catering carts to enhance the banquet with delectable fare.
Inside the banquet hall, a group of high-ranking officers sat at the main table, staring at Sage at the head seat, chest wrapped in bandages.
Bandages served as psychological comfort; whoever was injured would use them. As for effectiveness... Sage felt it was useless, but he couldn't shake the faith his men had in their effects.
"Did you battle Kaido?"
Moriah, who managed affairs in Timadon, returned, barely sipped his wine, and eagerly asked, "How does it feel?"
What he asked wasn't about the wounds—though scars remained, Sage had healed halfway through two days of eating and drinking on the ship, something evident.
He inquired about the battle's feel and odds.
Upon arrival, he heard from Lily that Sage seemed to have gotten significantly stronger, having fought against Kaido, who was apparently much stronger than before!
"Hmm..."
Sage swirled the gemstone wine glass, watching the liquid within, saying, "Full Form twentyfold, I lost. I must admit Kaido is formidable."
Losing is losing, there's nothing unacceptable about it.
Sage wasn't a stranger to defeat, whether in battle or starting a business. He faced risks in storms and infernos.
Losing was fine, as long as the plan was completed.
Kaido's attacks were indeed too much to withstand, knocking Sage out cold, while Kaido... Sage was sure he could still move.
In such a situation, he was dead for sure.
"If developed to thirtyfold, I'd die, he'd be gravely injured."
"Fortyfold would lead to a draw."
Sage drank the full cup of wine and forcefully placed the wine glass on the table, revealing a fierce smile: "Fiftyfold, I could definitely kill him!"