Kaito finished speaking and then calmly laid out the welfare system that had just been discussed during the meeting.
The moment his words fell, ripples spread through the ranks of the Marines. Several of them were visibly shaken. After all, why had they joined the Marines in the first place, if not to secure a better future for their families.
"I always keep my word," Kaito continued steadily. "These are only your basic wages. In the future, you will still fight. If you die in battle, there will be death compensation. That compensation will be enough for your wife and children to live without worry for the rest of their lives."
He paused briefly before adding, "And if you do not wish to be separated from your families, you can bring them here to live with you. We will arrange work for them as well, and they will be paid."
Kaito explained the system clearly, step by step. It was similar to structured organizations of the past world, and to the Marines listening, it sounded almost unreal. Several young Marines were already visibly moved.
"Is what you are saying really true?" one Marine asked hesitantly. "You are really not going to rob people like other pirates?"
"I will do exactly what I say," Kaito replied calmly. "And once you join, you are free to watch and judge for yourselves."
"I'll join," a young Marine suddenly spoke up.
"Guys, what are you doing?" another Marine shouted anxiously. "How can you betray the Marines? Betray Fleet Admiral Sengoku?"
The young man named Guyys fell silent for a moment before speaking in a low voice.
"One reason I joined the Marines was so I would never go hungry," he said. "Another was to become stronger, to protect my village from pirates. But most importantly, I wanted my mother and my younger brother to have a good future."
"I have been in the Marines for three years," Guyys continued. "Training, patrols, missions. I am still just a low ranking sailor. We are not paid any wages. If someone like me dies in battle, at most my name is carved into the Garden of Martyrs. And then what? Nothing."
"My family's life will not change at all. Even my burial costs would come from their savings. That is not what I want."
He looked up, his eyes firm.
"Kaito sama said it himself. They will not continue living as pirates."
"And you believe pirates?" another Marine snapped back.
"Believe it or not, I will see it with my own eyes," Guyys replied. "If they continue robbing people, I will leave. But if they do not…"
"A monthly salary of thirty thousand Berries, food and housing provided," he said quietly. "I can send all of it home. My mother and brother can finally live better."
"And if I die," he added after a pause, "at least they will be left with enough money to live properly. That is enough for me."
"Guyys…" the Marine who shouted earlier opened his mouth, but no words came out.
Everyone made different choices. Once Guyys made his decision, there was nothing more to say.
Kaito was naturally pleased. One breakthrough was enough. From there, the rest would follow.
"Just now, I spoke about the benefits of joining us," Kaito said, his voice calm but sharp. "Now, let us talk about the Marines you believe in."
"It has been three days since the Battle of Berenhalt. In those three days, has Fleet Admiral Sengoku contacted me even once? Has he shown any intention of redeeming you?"
"What does that tell you?" Kaito asked. "It tells you that you have been abandoned."
"That is impossible," a Marine shouted, though panic flickered in his eyes. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku would never abandon us."
"Do not rush to deny it," Kaito said evenly. "Ask yourselves honestly. If Sengoku truly cared, he would have contacted me on the first day. Not now."
"You have consumed a massive amount of our food in these three days," he continued. "If he truly valued you, he would have acted already."
The words struck like knives. Several Marines turned pale. Even those who firmly believed in the Marines began to hesitate as cracks formed in their convictions.
"I will give you one day," Kaito said calmly. "One day to think."
"If you join us, then from tomorrow onward, we are brothers. As long as you follow me, you will never lack food."
"If you refuse," his tone cooled slightly, "there are too many of you. I will sell you to slave traders in exchange for funds."
"Do not blame me," Kaito said flatly. "Blame Fleet Admiral Sengoku for never coming to redeem you."
After speaking, Kaito turned to the young man beside him.
"Your name is Guyys, correct?"
"Yes, Captain Kaito," Guyys replied nervously.
"Relax," Kaito said. "You are family now. Go change your clothes later. I will pay you this month's salary in advance."
"Really?" Guyys' eyes lit up instantly.
"Of course," Kaito replied. He pointed to a nearby pirate. "Take him to clean up and show him around the island."
"Understood, Boss Kaito."
"Let's go," the pirate said cheerfully. "Brother."
"Thank you," Guyys replied sincerely.
"We have other matters to attend to," Kaito said to the remaining Marines. "If anyone makes a decision today, inform the guards outside. They will handle the arrangements."
With that, Kaito led the others away, leaving behind Marines filled with doubt, fear, and hesitation.
As they walked, Kaito's mood was light. He knew it was only a matter of time before the rest followed.
These captives were Marine elites. On average, they were stronger than ordinary pirates. Their addition would greatly strengthen his forces.
After dismissing the larger group, Kaito kept only those capable of planning and sent the rest, including Bullet, out on patrol.
Back in the room, Kaito, Dragon, and Mondor began drafting new rules.
They were like victors after a revolution. Everything needed to be rebuilt, uniforms, emblems, systems, and ideology. It was tedious work.
A day later, Bullet rushed in, excitement written all over his face.
"Boss Kaito. Those Marines have joined us."
"Forty thousand elites, just like that," Bullet laughed. "When we fight the World Government, we will finally have confidence."
"Arrange them properly," Kaito said. "Tell them the rules are still being finalized. I will address them personally once everything is complete."
"Understood, Boss."
Bullet left in high spirits.
Kaito shook his head with a faint smile.
"We continue," Kaito said. "We will establish order within two days."
"Agreed," Mondor nodded.
Gollum. Gollum. Gollum.
A Den Den Mushi rang.
Kaito picked it up, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
"Sengoku… did you finally remember them?"
He activated the call and said casually, "This is Kaito. Does Fleet Admiral Sengoku have business with me?"
"The forty thousand Marine captives, and the captured Marine Vice Admiral," Sengoku's voice came through. "What do you intend to do to release them?"
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