"Interesting! Most interesting!" Kaido roared with hearty laughter. He yanked the gourd from his waist and took a large gulp of potent liquor. Amber liquid dripped from his chin, sparkling in the sunlight. He casually wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, excitement gleaming in his eyes. "Brat, want to sail with me? To see the vastness of this world, to challenge the truly strong!"
Bullet narrowed his eyes, meeting Kaido's gaze without a hint of fear. He straightened his back, a confident smile curling his lips. "Yes!"
The wind on the battlefield suddenly grew fierce, whipping at the hems of their clothes, as if witnessing this fateful encounter. Kaido grinned, revealing his gleaming white teeth. "Good! From today, you are my crewmate!"
Just then, a trembling voice interjected. "Mr. Kaido, Bullet is an indispensable asset to my forces..." General Clayton stood timidly not far away. Though his face was etched with fear, he had mustered the courage to speak. His hands were unconsciously wringing together; fine beads of sweat dotted his forehead.
Hearing Clayton's words, a scornful curve appeared at the corner of Kaido's mouth, his eyes filled with disdain. He slowly turned his head, looking down at Clayton from his height, his voice low and oppressive. "The weak have no right to negotiate with me!" His tone turned icy cold. "Or... are you saying you want to be my enemy?!"
As Kaido's words fell, the atmosphere on the entire battlefield instantly froze. King, Queen, Sebastian, and the others simultaneously turned their gazes toward Clayton. Tension filled the air.
Clayton immediately broke out in a cold sweat, hurriedly waving his hands and taking two steps back. "N-no! I wouldn't dare!" His voice clearly trembled, his face a picture of terror.
"Good. Then prepare a banquet immediately. I'm going to welcome my new crewmate. Wororororo!" Kaido stated directly.
General Clayton, as if granted a pardon, immediately turned and barked at the soldiers behind him. "What are you all standing around for? Go prepare the banquet! Bring out the best wine and meat!" The soldiers, jolted awake, scrambled to drop their weapons and run toward the camp.
"Wororororo!" Kaido tilted his head back for another swig. "King! Queen! Sebastian! Come meet your new partner!"
King and Queen exchanged a glance before walking over slowly. King maintained his elegant posture, giving a slight nod. "Welcome to the Beasts Pirates." His voice was calm, carrying a trace of scrutiny.
Queen, meanwhile, sized up Bullet with a cigar in his mouth. "Kid, Boss Kaido really thinks highly of you." He blew a smoke ring. "Don't disappoint him 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, but a flicker of fighting spirit flashed in his eyes.
Kaido watched their confrontational exchange and laughed even louder. "Interesting! Most interesting! But now's not the time for fighting!" He threw an arm around Bullet's shoulders. "Come! Let's drink first!"
At that moment, Sebastian walked over, bowing respectfully. "Lord Kaido, the supplies on the pirate ship are ready. We can depart at any time."
Kaido nodded. "Hmm... then we'll set off after the banquet." He turned to Bullet. "Brat, do you have anything to pack? Or are there any subordinates in your army you've taken a liking to?"
Bullet shook his head. "Everything I have is on the battlefield. As for that bunch who only know how to hide behind me, none are worth a second thought."
"Good! Straight to the point!" Kaido laughed with satisfaction.
Night fell. A huge bonfire blazed in the center of the military camp. Soldiers brought over barrels of fine wine and entire roasted lambs. The air was thick with enticing aromas. Kaido sat in the seat of honor, drinking heavily and tearing into large chunks of meat, his hearty laughter ringing out frequently.
Bullet sat beside him, equally unabashedly enjoying the feast. The surrounding soldiers, though not daring to approach, couldn't help stealing glances at this newly recruited monster.
"Come! A toast!" Kaido raised his wine bowl. "To our new comrade!"
"Cheers!" everyone echoed in unison.
After a few rounds of drinks, Kaido's face was flushed, but his eyes remained clear. He suddenly set down his bowl and looked at Bullet. "Brat, tell us your story."
Bullet was silent for a moment before speaking slowly. "I grew up on battlefields. All I know is fighting and victory. My goal is to become the strongest in the world."
"Wororororo! Ambitious!" Kaido slapped the table in approval. "But becoming the strongest isn't that simple."
"I know," Bullet clenched his fist. "That's why I need stronger opponents."
Kaido looked at him meaningfully. "Following me, you'll encounter many powerful enemies. But first..." He pointed at King, Queen, and Sebastian. "...you have to prove you deserve to stand beside them."
Bullet understood and stood up. "Anytime."
King elegantly set down his glass. "Now?"
"Of course," fighting spirit ignited in Bullet's eyes.
Queen spat out his cigar. "Interesting. Then let me test your mettle first!"
Kaido watched them with keen interest. "Good! A spar right here! But keep it friendly. I don't want to lose combat strength before we even set sail!"
The soldiers quickly cleared an open space. Queen picked up a large sword. "Kid, don't go crying now~"
Bullet didn't answer, simply assuming a combat stance. The next second, both charged at each other simultaneously!
Queen's empty hand suddenly pulled out a small cannon barrel from behind his back, revealing a dark muzzle. Bullet's eyes sharpened as he swiftly sidestepped. The cannonball grazed the edge of his clothes, exploding in the distance and creating a large crater.
"Not bad reflexes!" Queen whistled. Simultaneously, his other hand transformed into a sharp blade, slashing toward Bullet.
Bullet didn't dodge or evade. Instead, he met the strike head-on with a fist covered in what seemed like steel, solidly blocking the attack. Sparks from the metal collision shone brightly in the night.
"You've got some skill!" Queen grew excited, intensifying his assault.
The fight between the two grew fiercer. The surrounding soldiers watched, dumbfounded. King stood beside Kaido, asking quietly, "Lord Kaido, what do you think?"
Kaido stroked his chin, a look of appreciation in his eyes. "Not bad. He's definitely promising."
Just then, Bullet seized an opening in Queen's defense and punched him squarely in the abdomen. Queen grunted, staggering back a few steps but quickly regaining his footing.
"Enough," Kaido suddenly called out. "Any more and it'll draw real blood."
Both immediately stopped upon hearing him. Queen wiped the corner of his mouth, grinning. "Kid, you've got some skills."
Bullet was breathing slightly heavily, but his gaze remained sharp. "You're not bad either."
"Wororororo!" Kaido stood up. "Looks like my judgment was right! Bullet, from today, you are an officer of the Beasts Pirates!"
King frowned slightly. "Lord Kaido, isn't that a bit..."
Kaido waved his hand. "The strong rule supreme. That's our way. He has the strength!"
Bullet knelt on one knee. "I won't disappoint you."
The banquet continued, the atmosphere growing even more lively.
Late into the night, the banquet gradually wound down. Bullet stood alone at the edge of the camp, gazing at the star-filled sky. King appeared behind him at some point. "What are you thinking about?"
"About future battles," Bullet replied without turning.
King let out a soft chuckle. "Following Lord Kaido, battles will never be in short supply. But remember, the Beasts Pirates don't need a lone wolf."
Bullet turned around. "I understand. As long as you are strong, I will be your most reliable comrade."
The two looked at each other for a moment. King gave a slight nod. "I hope so."
Early the next morning, the Beasts Pirates' warship slowly departed from the port. Bullet stood on the deck, watching the receding coastline, his heart filled with anticipation for the future.
Kaido walked up beside him, handing him a bottle of wine. "A new journey begins, brat."
Bullet took the bottle, tilting his head back for a large gulp. "I won't let you down, Captain."
"Wororororo! Now that's what I like to hear!" Kaido's hearty laughter echoed across the sea. "Set sail!"
"Yes, sir!"