Pirates in the New World were arrogant and unruly. They thought little of the Marines, and to them, the Marines' so-called "Absolute Justice" was a joke.
But things had begun to change. The Marines were becoming a force to be reckoned with.
Wuli's recent actions had restored the Marines' authority. Whenever pirates saw or heard of a Marine warship nearby, they fled as fast as they could.
"What's going on with the Marines lately? They've captured so many pirates that everyone's on edge. This is the New World!"
"Any pirate who attacks a town or slaughters civilians gets hunted down by that Marine commodore. You'd better pray you don't run into the Marines!"
This stretch of sea had once been overrun with pirates. Now, whenever pirates stirred up trouble, Wuli tracked them down, captured them, and took them to a Marine Base in exchange for supplies.
Ordinary people in these waters had long resented the Marines for their weakness. Rather than ask them for help, they sought protection from a famous pirate or took up arms against the pirates themselves.
Now pirates had begun to fear the Marines. Those who refused to believe the warnings were defeated and captured, and peace gradually returned to the troubled waters.
The townspeople who had suffered under the pirates could finally breathe easy. Their opinion of the Marines changed, and gratitude filled their hearts. Some raised their fists and shouted "Marines! Marines!" whenever they spotted a Marine warship or a Marine.
The simple, warmhearted people even brought Wuli and his crew gifts. The Marines' reputation soared!
The Marine rear admiral who had struck a deal with Wuli had been in high spirits lately. One well-known pirate after another had been delivered to his base in bonds.
"I never thought Wuli would be this capable.