Ronglin suddenly laughed. Under Momousagi's puzzled gaze, he stood up and walked over to the nautical charts. Looking at the plotted data and markings on the maps, he burst into loud laughter.
"Boss, what's wrong?" Jazz asked anxiously.
"Nothing." Ronglin slowly reined in his laughter and composed himself. "Since the World Government enjoys playing chess so much, then we'll play them in a life-or-death gamble. Let's see who has the greater nerve, and who gets the last laugh."
Jazz did not understand. When he turned to Momousagi for an answer, he found the same baffled look on her face.
"Where's Hawkins?" Ronglin turned to Shiryu at his side. "It's been an hour already. Is it not settled over there yet?"
Shiryu replied, "All targets have been defeated. They're currently rounding up the prisoners and sorting through the supplies and spoils."
"No need!" Ronglin gave a cold laugh. "Those prisoners are all heinous pirates. From now on, the Star Alliance no longer needs pirates. Kill them all!"
Everyone's expressions changed. Ronglin had killed people before—pirates and ordinary civilians alike—but his declaration that the Star Alliance would no longer need pirates meant that the Star Alliance had completely abandoned piracy as an occupation. From this day forward, the Star Alliance would no longer accept the surrender of any pirate.
This meant that whenever the Star Alliance encountered pirates in the future, it would have only one response: Kill!
Upon receiving Shiryu's message, Hawkins was utterly shocked. He had no idea why Ronglin had suddenly become so brutal.
Though filled with speculation and confusion, Hawkins did not hesitate. Ronglin's words were an imperial decree, and he did not dare disobey. Even if the Star Alliance's actions would stir up colossal waves in the New World, he would carry them out to the end.