Judgment

When Ye Tong saw the notebook Hina handed over, he took it.

"Thanks, Hina. It's great having you here."

After saying that, Ye Tong began reading the information inside.

Meanwhile, Hina's face had turned red.

Could it be...

The more she thought about it, the redder Hina's face became. But when she remembered what Gion had told her, she became conflicted again.

Ye Tong had no idea that one sentence from him had made Hina think so much.

He was simply studying the documents in his hands seriously.

After reading through them, Ye Tong let out a soft sigh.

Sure enough, most of these people had once been commoners, even paupers.

Their reasons for joining the pirates were simple: they could eat their fill aboard the ship and would not be bullied.

"Phew..."

After taking a deep breath, Ye Tong walked to the center of the square.

"Alright, I will now pass judgment on your crimes."

"You joined pirates and went around burning, killing, and looting."

"You are hereby sentenced to lifelong service in the Pildac Kingdom, contributing to this place."

"If you pass the assessment, you may become citizens of Pildac and receive new identities."

Ye Tong stated it directly.

Upon hearing Ye Tong's words, Hina was stunned, the pirates were stunned, and Kakajero was stunned.

Leaving the pirates here—wasn't he afraid they would revolt?

Moreover, the Marines did not have enough manpower to remain here and protect the civilians!

"If you have any objections, stand up, and I'll send you to prison."

Seeing that no one spoke, Ye Tong felt a little awkward.

So he spoke again.

Why was this different from what he had expected? Shouldn't they be cheering his wise judgment right about now?

"We're willing to serve here, but can this kingdom really accept us?"

At that moment, one pirate asked uncertainly.

Though doubtful, he did not stand up.

Because when people were in despair, as long as there was even the slightest hope, they did not want to give it up.

"King Kakajero, it's your turn to speak."

"I'm helping you. Just follow my lead!"

As he passed Kakajero, Ye Tong whispered to him.

"Everyone, you may have seen me many times before."

"I recognize some of you as well."

"As king, I can promise you this: as long as you behave yourselves, I will do as Colonel Ye Tong says!"

Kakajero spoke directly.

He did not know what Ye Tong was planning, so he did not say anything more.

After saying only that, he stepped back.

He was a wise and benevolent king, and he knew who was truly in charge.

"Alright. From now on, you are personnel serving here. Make this place strong within ten years, and I will give you identities."

"So you can live openly and honorably."

Ye Tong said once more.

"We're willing!"

At last, one pirate stood up.

"Yes, we're willing!"

Soon, one pirate after another rose to their feet and shouted excitedly.

It wasn't that they did not want to work, nor was it because they were lazy!

It was because they could no longer afford the crushing taxes in their own countries.

In some countries, they even had to pay taxes to eat or walk.

With no other choice, they had become pirates.

But their wrongdoing and their misery could not cancel each other out.

Therefore, Ye Tong would not release them for no reason. Since they had committed crimes, they had to pay a certain price!