Night gradually deepened, and darkness shrouded the sea.
The weather was good tonight. No clouds blocked the sky, and the new moon's light spilled across the ocean.
On land, the night was an entirely different state of affairs.
The moonlight was exceedingly faint. Only a dim sheen could be seen upon the sea, scarcely enough to illuminate any specific details. Everything lay in gloom.
The sea breeze swept past, churning and breaking the waves. The moonlight scattered in reflection, and only wave crests glowing with a faint glimmer could be seen.
Two single-masted cutters were slicing through the waves across the sea, utterly unafraid of the night.
This was the vast deep sea. So long as they did not lose their heading or encounter Magic Beasts, there would be no danger.
The Black Pearl and the captured cutter had already deviated from their original course and were heading back toward Bloodsail Raider Ship Island.
Every pirate and sailor aboard the two ships was busy.
They handled the sails, controlled the helm, and scrubbed the decks.
Charles had originally recruited twenty-five sailors. Now, twenty-one remained.
Several had been injured, but after Charles treated them with witchcraft, they were no longer in serious condition. They only needed some time to recover.
Fortunately, none had suffered grievous injuries such as severed hands or feet. Otherwise, Charles could only have sent them on their way.
The atmosphere aboard the ships was excellent because they had won the battle.
Charles rewarded merit without fail, directly handing each of them more than a dozen Golden Shells.
On top of that, he had said before the battle that he would help them advance into Tide Warriors.
All the pirates' morale was now through the roof.
At the same time.
The atmosphere within another pirate crew at sea,