Alistair lowered his arm, listening to their cheers, smiling gently.
Victory was intoxicating, like fine wine or a delicious meal, captivating and overwhelming.
When he lowered his hand, the two months of training instilled discipline, silencing them instantly to listen.
This control was terrifying, making Van Augur and Lafitte's eyes gleam—this was what they followed Alistair for.
With this army, they would be invincible, the strongest on the sea.
Not just them; which ambitious pirate wouldn't desire such an army? Who wanted disorganized, dirty, undisciplined pirates?
But they didn't know how such an army was created.
First, a soul; second, faith; third, a clear goal; fourth, iron will; fifth, absolute discipline; and finally, a secret ingredient…
This would create a monstrous army.
"Form ranks!" Alistair shouted, his right hand outstretched.
Everyone's smiles vanished; within seconds, they found their units and positions, forming ranks.
Gaps appeared in their formation.
They noticed the casualties.
But everyone was stunned by their speed. Such organization—was this army invincible?!
"In this battle, we eliminated 122 enemies, with 15 of our own dead, 20 wounded, and 35 total casualties."
"That's a third of our force."
Some trembled, sensing something.
"But our enemies numbered over five hundred. Eliminating 122 was only a fifth of their number."
"Why did we win?"
"Discipline! Discipline! Discipline!" Alistair raised his hand, repeating three times.
"Normal armies rout with 10% casualties; battle-hardened armies collapse at 30%; even the strongest armies surrender at 50% casualties."
"But you endured the test!"
"You can proudly tell everyone that you are the world's most elite soldiers!"
Everyone raised their heads, chests out. If Alistair said so, it must be true.
Their spirit was visibly changing.
"But can we relax now?" Alistair asked coldly.
"No!" The revolutionaries shouted, shaking Mock Town.
"Good!" Alistair nodded. "Thanks to your efforts, we've taken Mock Town!"
"We captured fifteen pirate ships, with treasures and Berries totaling around 200 million Berries."
"Wow…" someone whispered.
Though in formation, the atmosphere was relaxed. In a formal setting, Alistair would use terms like "attention" and "at ease," meaning conversation was allowed—quietly, of course.
Although their captain had a 50 million Berry bounty, inflation hadn't hit yet; 200 million Berries was a fortune, especially in the early Grand Line. Later, the amounts would be even more staggering.
In the Grand Line, most pirates couldn't hide their treasures on islands; it was a major thoroughfare, and any treasure could be stolen.
They usually carried it on their ships, or spent it on a good ship in Water 7—like the Straw Hats.
This was the Grand Line's pirate economy.
In the early Grand Line, 200 million Berries could do a lot.
Everyone was excited; they knew a great cause required funding.
"Over four hundred and twenty prisoners. The biggest gain is Mock Town's resources; we can resupply and exchange goods here."
"Of the over one hundred pirates killed, thirty-six were saved by our medics. Let's applaud them."
No one clapped; most were medics. But quiet applause came from the pirates—comrades, friends, brothers, captains…
The medics' methods were rough and inexperienced, but they saved lives.
Even the enemies applauded those who saved their friends.
Their pride grew; they were transforming, becoming radiant.
Even Van Augur, Lafitte, and Nico Robin noticed.
"Finally, the last question: why did we cross the Calm Belt and come here?"
Everyone focused on Alistair—the revolutionaries, the pirates, Van Augur, even Hancock.
He pointed to the sky.
"Skypeia. We're going to Skypeia."
"There's plenty of gold waiting for us. 200 million Berries is nothing!" Alistair smiled brightly.
After two months, he had finally reached this point!
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