"Since none of you have anything to say, I'll say it."
Asking a group of pirates to discuss something like this was clearly asking too much. It was a wonder they hadn't started fighting.
Hades had no choice but to step forward again.
"We all know the situation. For the sake of our collective interests, Hachinosu can't afford unrest in the near future."
Hades knew the worst of pirates all too well. Untold treasure was what so many of them were after.
So he had to keep them in check, at least for a manageable period.
"Let's make that period two months."
"For those two months, there will be no fighting on Hachinosu. We can hold a trading fair where everyone can exchange things they don't need."
"During that time, you're free to leave Hachinosu, recruit men, or bring other members over to your side."
"Once you leave Hachinosu, all bets are off. Whatever happens, you bear the consequences."
"After two months, do whatever you want."
"Two months of absolute peace. You can manage that, can't you?"
Hades narrowed his eyes and slowly sat down.
"Jahahaha! I'm in. My Flying Pirates need time to grow anyway. I don't want my future men killing each other before they even join me."
Golden Lion Shiki laughed heartily, making no attempt to hide his intentions.
"Hmph! Shiki, you don't know whose men they'll be yet. Don't get ahead of yourself," Ochoku sneered. Shiki wasn't the only one looking to expand his forces.
With the Rocks Pirates about to disband, the many pirates on Hachinosu were elite recruits by any standard on the high seas.
Without Rocks holding them back, they could expand their forces and numbers as boldly as they pleased. They were all rivals now.
Captain John, Silver Axe, Nash, Zack, Charlotte