Hanson and his dozen or so pirates stood anxiously on the deck of the explorer.
This was their first time stepping onto this ship.
Beneath their feet, they felt the solid, smooth touch of wooden planks, and the air was filled with the unique scent of tung oil mixed with new timber.
Every detail on the ship, from the gleaming brass railings to the neatly coiled ropes, exuded an aura of professionalism and meticulousness.
Looking at the eight dark cannon muzzles on both sides of the hull, it sent a shiver down their spines.
This ship was full of power.
It was like two different worlds compared to the lifeless, despair-filled sea serpent they had just left!
Roger stood before them, his gaze calmly sweeping across each person's face.
The pirates he looked at instinctively lowered their heads, not daring to meet his eyes.
They felt that under the young man's gaze, their little schemes seemed to be seen through clearly.
"Do you want to join my ship?"
Roger finally spoke, his voice not loud, but clear enough for everyone to hear.
"Yes, Big Brother Roger!"
Hanson, as their representative, stepped forward and said respectfully.
"Captain Barraba… he is no longer suitable to lead us."
"We want to follow you, a true Pirate King who can lead us to a future!"
"Well said!" Billy echoed loudly from the side.
"Follow Big Brother Roger, and you'll have meat and rum every meal, win battles, and get a big share of the riches!"
"Following that old madman Barraba, you'll just rot away!"
Hanson and the others listened, all nodding in agreement.
Roger looked at them, his mind as clear as a mirror.
These guys, to put it bluntly, were fair-weather friends.
They followed Barraba before because Barraba could give them money.
Now that they saw more prospects on his side, they didn't hesitate to switch allegiances.
But then again, pirates are all like that.
Loyalty, in the face of gold coins and rum, was worthless.
What he needed now was manpower.
Especially these experienced old sailors, who would save him a lot of training effort.
Building a team from scratch was too slow; directly taking over a well-trained, existing team was the most efficient way.
Barraba, you're truly a diligent and responsible quartermaster. Not only did you send money and equipment, but now you've even sent people to me.
Roger was overjoyed in his heart, but he deliberately showed a troubled expression on his face.
He sighed and said:
"Brothers, I understand your feelings."
"However, you are, after all, Captain Barraba's men."
"What you're doing makes things very difficult for me."
"If word gets out, people will say that I, Roger, stole from my own brother, and that reputation is not good."
Hanson immediately grew anxious.
"Big Brother Roger, please don't think that way! This is our own choice, it has nothing to do with you!"
"That's right! That old geezer Barraba hasn't been our captain for a long time! From the moment he tried to monopolize the treasure, we cut ties with him!"
"Our lives are our own! We'll follow whoever we want! He can't control us!"
The pirates clamored, pledging their loyalty, afraid that Roger wouldn't take them in.
Seeing their eagerness, Roger knew the timing was about right.
He pondered for a moment before slowly nodding.
"Alright."
"Since you brothers have put it this way, if I, Roger, were to refuse again, I'd be disrespecting everyone."
"From today onwards, you are all part of my explorer."
"However, I have my rules here."
Roger's expression became serious.
"Once you're on my ship, you must absolutely obey orders."
"Anyone who dares to feign compliance, or play tricks behind my back, don't blame me for tying him to a cannon and setting him off like fireworks!"
"Yes! We understand!"
Hanson and the others responded in unison, their faces filled with ecstasy.
"Very good." Roger waved his hand.
"Gibbs, take them to register, then arrange their quarters and work."
"From tomorrow onwards, they will be your colleagues."
"Yes!" Gibbs excitedly accepted the order.
He led Hanson and this group of "old colleagues" away, beaming with joy, to make arrangements.
Seeing the number of his crew members more than double, Roger was in a great mood.
He now had an armed-to-the-teeth warship, and a crew of over thirty experienced sailors who were full of awe for him.
He finally had the capital to establish himself in these waters.
However, just as he was rejoicing, an angry roar came from the direction of the dock.
"Roger! You treacherous villain! Get out here!"
It was Barraba's voice.
It seemed he had already discovered that his ship was about to become empty.
Roger's lips curled into a cold smile.
The show had just begun.
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