"To maintain regional peace and stability."
Roger's words were light and airy, but they left everyone on deck bewildered.
The pirates exchanged glances, their hollow eye sockets filled with clear stupidity.
Buck, that simpleton, even directly voiced his confusion.
"Captain, what does... regional peace mean?"
"It means getting rid of all the guys who aren't peaceful, then wouldn't it be peaceful?"
Roger looked at him with an expression that said, "You don't even know this?" and snapped his fingers.
"Alright, everyone, the ideological and moral education class starts now."
He leisurely walked in front of the two prisoners and scrutinized them from above.
"First, this gentleman, Mr. Beckett from the distant West."
Roger's saber lightly tapped Beckett's shoulder, but it made a metallic clang.
Because under his soaked formal wear, he was actually wearing chainmail.
"I didn't realize, Mr. Beckett, you're quite fond of your life."
Roger chuckled.
"Your East India Company has quite a broad business, almost becoming a global supermarket chain."
"I ask you, do you have a business license? Has the board of the explorer approved your operations in the East Asian waters? Have you evaded taxes?"
A series of soul-searching questions about modern corporate management directly stumped Beckett.
He opened his mouth, wanting to say that they had authorization from His Majesty the Eagle King, but seeing the two Great Octopuses behind Roger still picking their teeth with tentacles, he wisely chose to keep quiet.
It was inherently unreasonable to talk about laws and rules with a madman who could twist a fleet like a pretzel.
"Very good, it seems Mr. Beckett has tacitly agreed."
Roger nodded with satisfaction.
"Tax evasion, illegal operations, and also suspected of public brawling."
"Gibbs, write it down. These all require extra payment."
After dealing with one, Roger turned his benevolent gaze to Sam.
"Mr. Sam, it's your turn."
Sam raised his head and met Roger's gaze.
There was no fear in his eyes, only a dead ash.
"I'm very curious."
Roger squatted down, meeting his gaze.
"You worked hard for decades, from a salt peddler to the net-sea king, with thousands of warships and tens of thousands of armored men under your command, but what's the result?"
"Look at you now."
"The Great Ming court sees you as a thorn in its side, wishing to get rid of you quickly."
"The Western red-haired devils use you as a pawn and discard you when they're done."
"And the Japanese pirates under you are fair-weather friends; today they call you brothers, tomorrow they can sell you for a good price."
With each word Roger spoke, Sam's body trembled a little more.
These words were more hurtful than any blade.
Because every word was true, every cut drew blood.
They all pierced Sam's heart.
"What are you trying to achieve, Sam?"
Roger's voice was full of temptation.
"Are you aiming for them to give you a 'Best East Asian Partner' banner at the end of the year? Or are you aiming to leave behind an eternal curse in history as a 'great Japanese pirate collaborator' after your death?"
"Stop talking..."
Sam closed his eyes in pain.
"No, I will speak."
Roger stood up, resuming his cynical demeanor.
"Because I have a better option here. Do you want to hear it?"
He spread his arms, with the ferocious steel beast and the endless sea behind him.
"Switch jobs, Sam."
"Come to me, join our great explorer multinational group."
"I'll give you a platform, resources, and power that others wouldn't even dare to dream of."
Roger pointed to the two Great Octopuses who were curiously studying Jack's monkey.
"I can even lend them to you as bodyguards; taking them out on business trips would be incredibly impressive."
"You, come be my East Asia regional general agent."
Sam suddenly opened his eyes, his face full of disbelief.
"General agent? Do... do what?"
"Do three things."
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