Adventure Group

The fires of the New World were still burning, but another "wind" had quietly begun to rise.

The Navy's suppression had never ceased.

Light flashed.

Ice sealed.

Fire fell.

Fists shattered.

The four forces were like four iron nails, firmly pinning down the map of the New World.

The pirates reveled, yet remained tightly locked in place. They could grow in number, become even more crazed.

But—they could not get out.

Nearly every ship that tried to break out of the New World—

Was intercepted and killed.

Was sunk.

And so, a bizarre new era took shape.

—The number of pirates skyrocketed.

—Yet they were confined within this "cage" called the New World.

They were like beasts, growing ever more numerous and savage, yet never able to leave.

And at that moment, a different voice emerged.

"Freedom—not indulgence!"

"Going to sea—doesn't mean becoming a pirate!"

"Exploring the unknown—that is the meaning of sailing!"

Ports.

Taverns.

Islands.

More and more young people began saying such things.

They had no bounties, no skull flags, and had certainly never done anything like "robbery."

They resupplied—through trade.

They sailed—to explore.

And they gave themselves a new name.

—Adventure Groups.

At first, they were few and far between, and were even mocked.

"Who are you pretending to be so noble for?"

"If you sail without robbing anyone, do you fucking eat air?"

"You'll become pirates sooner or later!"

In many people's eyes, those flying the banner of an "Adventure Group" were merely cowards who did not dare admit they were pirates.

But reality soon struck back.

In a port, an adventure ship docked.

There was no robbery, no threats—only trade.

"These are ores we brought back from an unnamed island."

"Could we trade them for some supplies?"

As soon as the words fell, the port