Meeting and Targets

Brutal training began. On Hachinosu, such behavior made them stand out from the other members.

After all, what those pirates had been through was nothing in Hades's eyes.

For now, no one paid them much attention.

Time was running short. The Rocks Pirates' counterattack would soon begin.

If they wanted to survive, they had to grow stronger.

The grand celebration lasted a full three days.

Hades acted swiftly and brought four more pirates under his command.

Contrary to what Hades had expected, the other officers of the Rocks Pirates seemed in no hurry to recruit talent.

Each of them had their pride.

Most waited for others to come forward and pledge themselves.

Hades understood that approach, but he did not agree with it.

When building a force, early recruitment was especially important.

The Rocks Pirates had too many young pirates with potential. Most officers would not make a move until those pirates had grown strong and famous enough to catch their eye.

By then, those pirates would have more confidence—in choosing whom to follow and in refusing an offer.

Those who had not eaten a Devil Fruit might even rise rapidly after obtaining one with a powerful ability.

In the New World today, where could anyone have a better chance of obtaining a Devil Fruit than among the Rocks Pirates?

Nowhere!

The path chosen by the future Pirate overlord known as Blackbeard, Marshall D. Teach, was commonplace among the Rocks Pirates now.

There were simply too many ambitious people here.

Hades only learned this later.

Many young pirates who had just joined the Rocks Pirates were in no rush to serve under an officer, either. They were still watching.

They needed time to learn enough about the officers before choosing the one who suited them best.

Every Great Pirate had