Julian waited for the crewmen to seize the ships. They were all merchant vessels, capable of carrying plenty of cargo, with no need for weapons or cannons. They were meant entirely for transporting goods.
Julian looked over the personnel who had already been assigned and waited for Herbert to return that evening. Julian had six warships and six merchant ships. The merchant ships were already packed full, while two warships had been sent out to seize more vessels. Some of the slaves did not even have ships to stay on, so Julian gave each of them ten thousand Berries and told them to buy necessities, clothes, and the like in the city. Once all the slaves had changed clothes, they looked no different from ordinary people.
Julian watched the slave crewmen head into the city without sending anyone to follow them. He was not worried that they would run away. These slaves were deeply grateful to Julian for saving their lives and feeding them well. If they left, they might very well be captured and sold into slavery again. Following Julian meant earning wages. Which option was better? If they had not wanted to come, they would have left long ago.
Pablo still arranged for some Elite Crew Members to lead the slaves to the market to buy supplies, preventing other Slave Traders from capturing the newly freed slaves. The slaves all said, "Mr. Flame Dragon really is the kindest man on the seas."
Julian waited on the deck for Herbert and the others to return. In the afternoon, eight enormous merchant ships and four warships sailed toward the Flame Dragon Pirates' dock. Seeing that the massive ships flew no pirate flags, Julian knew Herbert had succeeded.
Julian looked toward the bow of the leading ship, where Herbert was still waving. Julian laughed. "What a haul! Hahaha!"
As Herbert's fleet slowly came to a stop, Julian heard Herbert shout, "Captain, we seized twelve ships! Two warships and eight merchant ships!"
Julian looked at the eight merchant ships before him. Each was over 140 meters long and more than 80 meters wide, all double-masted sailing ships. Their black paint gleamed brightly. Julian asked, "First Mate, how many brothers did we lose?" Herbert shook his head. "We charged into the West Coast docks. The merchants and pirates ran as soon as they saw the Flame Dragon Pirates' flag. But a pirate crew called the Blood Hand Pirates resisted. We wiped them out, then attacked every pirate crew and Slave Trader ship in those docks."
"We brought all the spoils back," Herbert finished in one breath. Julian thought to himself, Damn, this was a massive windfall. Nobody has to squeeze together anymore. Julian began issuing orders. "Have Pablo arrange people to take over the ships. Herbert also captured more than four hundred low-level pirates. Split those little nobodies up and assign them among the other Division Captains. Don't let them form their own cliques."
Julian said to the other crewmen, "All Division Captains, come over here. Squadron Captain Cleo, Squadron Captain Doronsa as well." After calling out the names, the Division Captains followed Julian toward the meeting room.
All the Flame Dragon Pirates' officers sat gathered around a huge round table. They all sat respectfully in their chairs, waiting for Captain Julian to speak.
Herbert sat beside Julian, waiting for him to begin. Julian swept his gaze over all the Division Captains and slowly said, "We have a lot of crewmen now. We need to strengthen the other divisions and establish two new divisions."
Julian continued, "I believe Bob Cleo has united the crew aboard our ships, cared for his fellow brothers, and conducted himself with great sincerity. He has contributed greatly to the Flame Dragon Pirates. I now appoint you as the Eighth Division Captain of the Flame Dragon Pirates. Everyone, applaud."
After Julian finished speaking, all the Division Captains began applauding in approval. Cleo stood up, bowed deeply to Julian, then bowed to the First Mate and the other Division Captains as well.
Cleo shouted, "I will not disappoint Captain's expectations! I swear to protect the Flame Dragon Pirates to the death. I am willing to give my life for this!" Julian smiled in satisfaction, thinking, Now this is what you call a worker with dedication.
Julian said to Herbert, "Old Sen, do you think this young man is up to the task?" This was high emotional intelligence. Julian had to save face for Herbert, the First Mate, while also making him work hard, so he had to give the First Mate some dignity. Besides, Herbert was a kind-hearted man, and these young men had all studied swordsmanship under him. There was a bit of a teacher-student bond between them.
Herbert said with a pleased expression, "Cleo usually trains very diligently. He desires strength greatly, so he can protect our Flame Dragon Pirates." Herbert continued, "I also fully support Cleo becoming the Seventh Division Captain."
All the Division Captains agreed. "We agree as well. Cleo really is outstanding." George also said in full support, "Cleo trains extremely hard. Captain has a sharp eye for talent and judges people very accurately." Allison thought to himself, That bootlicking bear. He stole my line again.
Julian continued, "The entire crew approves. Then congratulations, Cleo." All the Division Captains and First Mate Herbert applauded Cleo, and the meeting room erupted with enthusiastic applause. Cleo said gratefully, "Thank you, Captain, First Mate, and all you big brothers."
Julian said to the Division Captains again, "My second recommendation is Randy Doronsa. Take a look at this young man." Julian continued, "He has also trained diligently aboard our ships and has never complained about hard work. His strength has improved very quickly. He has already mastered Soru and Finger Pistol from the Marine Rokushiki. He is diligent and eager to learn. I intend to appoint you as the Eighth Division Captain." The reason Julian wanted this kind of democratic centralism was to give all the officers a sense of collective honor.
Herbert said, "Doronsa is modest and eager to learn. He is also very low-key in how he treats others and handles matters." Herbert continued, "Doronsa has performed exceptionally well before, and his strength is sufficient for him to serve as the Eighth Division Captain."
George said, "I think Doronsa can serve as the Eighth Division Captain." Allison said, "I also support Doronsa becoming the Eighth Division Captain of our Flame Dragon Pirates."
Julian said, "Does anyone else have any objections?" Sixth Division Captain Pierre said, "I also support Doronsa becoming the Eighth Division Captain. He is usually proactive in learning and trains hard. He can lead the Eighth Division well." The other Division Captains echoed, "Doronsa is a young man who can endure hardship. He will definitely lead the Eighth Division well."
Julian directly handed Doronsa the Bird-Bird Fruit, Ancient Zoan, Archaeopteryx Form Devil Fruit. Julian said, "Doronsa, continue training hard. Lead the Flame Dragon Pirates' Eighth Division well. Grow bigger and stronger, and create new glory." Doronsa said emotionally, "Thank you, Captain. Thank you, First Mate. Thank you, big brothers, for supporting me. I will keep working hard and make the Flame Dragon Pirates flourish." Then he went aside and began eating the Devil Fruit.
Julian said to the officers, "You need to expand your divisions. The logistics department does not need so many people either. Add one squadron to each division, making four squadrons per division. Each squadron will have five squads. That means adding fifty more people to each division. Each squad will have ten people, so every division will have two hundred people, with four Squadron Captains as the standard configuration."
Julian said, "If you can recruit even more people into your divisions, that is fine too. Go build them yourselves. But every crewman's strength has to improve."
Julian first had the Seventh Division Captain and Eighth Division Captain take their squadron crewmen to establish their divisions. George also went to Pablo to ask for people. Many logistics personnel desperately wanted to join the divisions, where the pay was high, the benefits were good, and they even got two days off each week—the standard dream job.
Julian also told the Division Captains, "In the future, two outstanding Squadron Captains will be selected and promoted to Captain Commander to assist the Division Captains in managing their divisions." The grand promises Julian painted had the Squadron Captains eating it up.
Julian looked at his twenty-two ships. There were exactly eight warships and fourteen merchant ships. He thought to himself, We are seriously powerful now. Julian also had Pablo arrange ships for the newly freed slave crewmen. The female crewmen were assigned to Julian's Flame Dragon.
Julian ordered everyone, "Any women who have partners, or who want to get married, may go to their partners' ships." All the Division Captains replied, "Understood, Captain."
Julian thought to himself, Most of those crewmen with partners are senior crewmen or Elite Crew Members. Ordinary crewmen and trainee crewmen have basically never even been aboard my Flame Dragon. They usually stay on their own Division Captains' ships.
After Julian gave the order, some ship doctors, female musicians, and female logistics crewmen left the Flame Dragon one after another, heading toward the ships of First Division George, Second Division Pekki, Third Division Allison, Fourth Division Rekdon, Fifth Division Leo, and Sixth Division Pierre.
The largest number went to Leo's Fifth Division ship. Aside from Julian, Leo had the most girls chasing after him. Julian thought to himself, Sure enough, girls love middle-parted hair. I used to wear one too. No wonder.
Julian saw that some people were still hesitating and said, "If you want to go, then go. It is perfectly normal for girls to pursue their own happiness. If anyone bullies you, come complain to me. I'll castrate him for you. What do you think?"
Some female crewmen said, "We would rather stay with Captain." Julian said, "It is fine. We can still see each other often when we reach the next island." A blonde nurse said, "I like Captain." Once no one else was preparing to change ships, Julian directly ordered, "Everyone, set sail! Head upstream, toward the nobles' territory."
The nobles upstream had their own private docks. Julian planned to leave this place quickly and head to the next island to shake down some wealth. The twenty-two ships set sail, advancing mightily toward the kingdom's upper reaches.
Julian said with great ambition, "My fame will definitely spread throughout this world." About an hour and a half later, all of Julian's ships arrived upstream on the island. The docks there were enormous, and after Julian's fleet docked one after another—
Julian ordered, "Everyone, charge! Seize the treasure!" All the crewmen rushed into the city, led by the Division Captains. Julian transformed into his Fire Dragon Form and accelerated toward the city. The hundred-meter dragon began roaring amid the nobles' castles.
The nobles had long fled after hearing such a huge commotion. Julian saw that they were carrying gold, silver, and jewels as they fled, so he intercepted them directly. "Everyone, drop your money if you want to live!" Seeing that several people did not react, Julian unleashed a massive Flame Jet. The terrified noble Earls screamed and threw down their valuables before running away.
Julian wrapped all the valuables in mud and stored them within his body, then went to plunder the nobles' castles for more wealth. This was Julian's purpose in training the troops. Could pirates still be called pirates if they did not rob things? Just going on adventures was not enough. Julian visited every noble territory and cleaned out every noble castle, leaving nothing behind.
King Rockies called the Naval Branch and reported that he had been robbed by pirates. Gilmi answered the Den Den Mushi and said, "Your Majesty, we will send support as soon as possible. Are there any Marines stationed near your island?" King Rockies said angrily, "We are a World Government member nation! My palace was robbed by the captain of the Flame Dragon Pirates, and he did not leave me even a single Berry. They are practically vampires!"
"Your Marines must take action, or I will complain about you to Lord Gorosei of the World Government!" King Rockies began threatening Major General Gilmi of the South Blue Naval Branch.
Gilmi looked helpless. He thought to himself, Last time it was Julian of the Mud Dragon Pirates. Now they have upgraded into the Flame Dragon Pirates. I heard he is a Flame Dragon more than a hundred meters long, and a Mythical Zoan at that. Gilmi was powerless, so he could only take out his Den Den Mushi and contact Fleet Admiral Kong at Marine Headquarters.
Before long, Fleet Admiral Kong's voice came through. "Moshi moshi. Hello, Rear Admiral Gilmi. What happened?" Gilmi said, "Fleet Admiral Kong, Flame Dragon Julian and his crew are still attacking the Kingdom of Rockies. King Rockies' palace has already been raided by Flame Dragon Julian. There is not even a single Berry left in the palace." Fleet Admiral Steel Bone Kong spoke with a troubled expression. "Damn it, Julian is attacking World Government member nations again."
Before you continue