Elsewhere, Golden Dagger had just breathed a sigh of relief after delivering his report when a subordinate rushed in.
"Boss, we just got word from our informant. Black Sail and Red Dragon's fleets are heading toward our base!"
Golden Dagger froze.
"Wasn't Black Sail attacking Dragon Cavalry's base? What do you mean, they're heading our way?" he asked with a frown.
"Because... because Red Dragon said he wants to join us!"
Golden Dagger: "???"
One hour earlier.
The pirates watching the spectacle had been scratching their heads, wondering why both sides had suddenly stopped fighting, when the battlefield stirred after more than ten minutes of stillness.
Plumes of exhaust erupted from the Joint Fleet of Black Sail and the Madmen, and the entire fleet began rapidly closing on the Red Dragon Fleet again.
"Flint, we've already backed down. Are you really going to wipe us out?" Red Dragon's furious voice suddenly rang out over the public channel.
"Hmph! Leave the roots intact, and the weeds will grow right back!"
"Fine, fine, fine! Well played, Flint. I hope you don't regret this! Brothers, retreat! We're going to join the Gold Coin Pirate Gang!"
Every pirate watching stared, dumbfounded, as the situation abruptly changed. After a brief clash, the battle quickly turned into a chase.
The Red Dragon Fleet barely maintained formation, fighting as it retreated under the cover of two Legendary Mechas. Black Sail's Joint Fleet pursued relentlessly, explosions flaring along their route from time to time...
"Uh... did their talks break down?"
"Must have. Looks like Red Dragon knew he couldn't win and was ready to bow to Black Sail, but Black Sail clearly wasn't willing to let them go!"
"Hey! Did you hear that? Red Dragon said... they're going to join the Gold Coin Pirate Gang?"
"Hmm... right!