The deck of the explorer was now noisier than the busiest market.
Two meritorious Great Octopuses were diligently performing the task of "salvaging fallen assets."
Each time their massive tentacles plunged into the sea, they would haul up a string of screaming "human grapes."
"Gently! All of you, be gentle with them!"
Roger, holding a tin megaphone, was exactly like a foreman directing unloading at the docks.
"Those are our gold coins!"
"If they're broken, dented, or if their resale value is affected, it'll be deducted from your food allowance!"
The two sea monsters also seemed to understand the keyword "deduct money," and their movements instantly became much gentler.
They carefully sorted and stacked the rescued captives on the deck.
The Japanese pirates and ordinary pirates flying the Chinese plaster flag (Gao Yao Qi, a flag with a plaster-like design, referring to the Japanese flag) were in one pile, and the red-haired devils wearing East India Company uniforms were in another.
Distinctly separated, very professional.
"We're rich, Captain!"
Gibbs, clutching a jewel-encrusted compass just pulled from the water, was flushed with excitement.
Under Hector's command, the pirates, armed with various weapons, guarded the dejected captives, their excitement impossible to hide.
This battle was too exhilarating!
The whole process was like watching a show!
Watching the Captain's new toys creatively crush the enemy!
"I declare!"
"the explorer's corporate culture construction has achieved a phased victory!"
Roger cleared his throat and delivered an important speech.
"However! We must not be arrogant! We must not be complacent!"
"Winning a battle is only the first step!"
"How to maximize the transformation of the fruits of victory into our profits is the moment that tests our professional capabilities!"
Just then, two special "packages" were brought up.
Sam and Cutler Beckett were each carried by Buck and Billy, respectively, and tossed at Roger's feet.
Sam, the former "net-sea king," now had disheveled hair, and his luxurious flying fish robe was wrinkled from being soaked in seawater, with a few strands of kelp still clinging to it.
He looked up, staring blankly at the ship.
The cold steel deck, the menacing Gatling turrets, and the pirates walking around him, grinning at him… Lord Beckett, on the other hand, was even more disheveled.
His iconic white wig was nowhere to be found, revealing a shiny bald spot.
He struggled to stand, trying to maintain a gentleman's last shred of dignity.
But when he saw the two Great Octopuses in the distance handing "trophies" onto the ship, his last bit of dignity also collapsed.
"Alright, two distinguished guests."
Roger pulled over a chair and sat down imposingly.
"Let's discuss the compensation for the reputational and property damage caused to our company by this illegal armed parade."
"First, Mr. Sam."
Roger toyed with a stolen Japanese sword, the tip gently tapping Sam's face.
"I am very curious, what gave you the courage to stand me up for a month, and then bring a group of red-haired devils to cause me trouble?"
Sam's body trembled violently.
Not out of fear, but out of anger and humiliation.
He wanted to curse, but the words turned into a sigh full of powerlessness.
"To the victor go the spoils. Do as you please, whether to kill or torture."
"Oh, quite spirited."
Roger was amused.
"I, for one, love making friends with spirited people."
"Buck, get a hammer. I want to see how hard his bones are."
"Don't!"
Sam instantly cowered.
------------------------
There are already 70+ chapters available on my Patreon!
The story will continue to update 1 chapter per day on Webnovel,
while early access chapters are posted on Patreon.
Maybe it's not worth it today but it could be later
[email protected]/Kazenova223
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"