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This encirclement came without warning. Many pirates had fought for an entire day and were still bewildered.

They had no idea where the Marines had come from.

A few veteran pirates spat and said, "What rotten luck. I chopped off two heads today, and one of them got crushed underfoot!"

"Hey! Kid, what are you hiding there for?"

"Ah, are you talking to me?"

"Who else would I be talking to? You look like a fool. This isn't child's play!"

Several veteran pirates nearby had stopped to rest for a moment, and they were already used to such things.

Veterans scaring rookies was the most common thing in any corps.

To make it here, you either needed strength or seniority.

Adams politely said, "Thanks for the reminder. I'll be careful."

Two years later, the boy who had once run away from home was now dark-skinned and powerfully built, with none of his former scholarly air remaining.

He worshipped Swain deeply and regarded him as his mentor in life.

He had even secretly kept Swain's bounty poster, using it as encouragement.

He had traveled all the way to Hachinosu just to catch a glimpse of his idol.

But by sheer bad luck, he had missed the attack on the Holy Land and instead arrived in time for this even more dangerous defensive battle.

"Hey! You still look pretty weak. Get out of here. This isn't a place for you."

Adams showed the rank insignia on his arm. He was already a platoon commander, and he smiled. "Don't treat me like a child!"

The veterans exchanged glances, then burst into laughter.

They were among the earliest people to follow Swain and formed the strongest foundation of this group.

Forget a platoon commander—even a battalion commander would not be able to order their