At this point, the scar-faced pirate decided to go all in. After all, he was a pirate; what did he care about a reputation for righteousness?
As long as he had enough wealth and power, his fleet would grow like a snowball rolling downhill.
Hearing the scar-faced pirate, Locke seemed relieved and calmly said, “Isn’t it just that treasure map? Why didn’t you say so earlier instead of pretending to be a good person!”
The scar-faced pirate’s mouth twitched, the scars on his face looking even more menacing as he shouted in a fury, “Cut the crap, tell me where it is, or I’ll shoot you!”
“The treasure map is hidden in the captain’s quarters, behind the third wooden plank on the right side of the entrance. Now, leave me alone!”
“Damn, this idiot even knows how to use hidden compartments!” the scar-faced pirate cursed; seeing Locke’s impatient face, he couldn’t help but curse again, “Madman!”
But Locke didn’t care. He turned to Rougishuand said eagerly, “Major, can I leave now?”
“Take him away,” Rougishuinstructed the soldiers escorting Locke.
The scar-faced pirate noticed that since Locke revealed the treasure map’s location, the surrounding pirates had started to get restless. Alarm bells rang in his head, and he hastily said, “Let’s go!”
“Hold on, aren’t you forgetting something?” Rougishucalled out, stopping the scar-faced pirate in his tracks.
“What do you mean, Longinus?” the scar-faced pirate asked warily.
“You can leave, but first, release those civilians.”
“Ha! Do you think I’m stupid? These people are my shield now. If I let them go, you’ll throw me in prison the next second. I can’t trust you navy guys,” the scar-faced pirate sneered.
“And why should I trust you? Pirates are notoriously unpredictable. Handing these civilians over to you is the height of irresponsibility!” Rougishuretorted righteously.
“But you have no choice but to trust us, do you?” the scar-faced pirate said arrogantly, feeling he had the upper hand.
Rougishuwas silent for a moment before firmly saying, “I refuse! Not only is it impossible to trust you, but even if you do release these civilians on an isolated island, they wouldn’t survive to make it back here. That would cause an even greater tragedy.”
The scar-faced pirate panicked and quickly said, “Calm down, I never said I would abandon them on an island!”
“Once word gets out, you’ll be facing enemies besides the Navy, including other pirates eyeing the treasure. In such a situation, would you really risk exposing yourself and being attacked to drop these civilians off on another island?” Rougishuargued sharply.
The scar-faced pirate opened his mouth but could not argue against Longinus’ logic.
The atmosphere grew tense. Just as the scar-faced pirate’s fear was about to peak, Rougishutossed two pairs of handcuffs and a set of keys over them.
“What are you trying to say, Longinus? Do you expect me to handcuff myself and surrender? Don’t kid yourself. I’m not scared of you, don’t compare me to that cowardly captain!” the scar-faced pirate snarled.
“Check them yourself, these handcuffs are made of Seastone.”
The scar-faced pirate was uncertain of Longinus’ intentions but picked up the cuffs. He tested them on a crew member who had eaten a Devil Fruit and saw that he immediately became powerless.
“They really are Seastone. So, your goal is to show off the Navy’s strength and wealth?” the scar-faced pirate asked with hostility.
“Since you know about Seastone, you should understand its hardness surpasses even diamonds. Not even the legendary Supreme Grade Blades can cut through it,” Rougishucontinued.
The scar-faced pirate began to grasp Longinus’ plan. His face remained expressionless, but his mind was racing.
“Throw the Seastone handcuffs back to me.”
“Are you planning to…”
“Use me as a hostage in exchange for the civilians. You might not have the courage, so these Seastone cuffs are actually for me.” Rougishupicked up the cuffs, locking one pair around his ankles, then binding his wrists.
“Although I’m not a Devil Fruit user, with my hands and feet bound, my strength will be reduced to almost nothing. In this state, you shouldn’t still be afraid, right?”
His words shook the civilians, Marines, and even the pirates. Living on the edge of the law, they couldn’t understand why someone would risk so much for a group of strangers.
Even the pirates, though enemies, couldn’t help but admire him.
The Marines following Rougishustrongly opposed his decision, “Major Longinus, please don’t take such a risk! These guys are ruthless pirates with no sense of honor!”
Even the civilians held hostage couldn’t help but plead with gratitude, “Major Longinus, please stop. You’ve done enough for us already. Let us face this on our own!”
But before they could finish, Rougishulocked the cuffs, calmly looking at the pirates. “Release the civilians, and I’ll go with you. As a Navy Major, having me as a hostage will even help you evade future captures. And if you manage to capture me, it will greatly enhance your reputation.”
The scar-faced pirate was tempted. A rising star in the Navy referred to as the Light of the Navy, was far more valuable than any old, weak, or sick hostages. And with Rougishualready bound, they had no reason to fear a “helpless” man.
Seeing Rougishustruggle to move forward, the scar-faced pirate decisively ordered, “Release the civilians and take our Navy Major with us. I’ll be sure to give our Navy friend a proper welcome, hahahaha!”
“Damn it! Major Rougishuis always willing to make such great sacrifices for us, even though we are just burdens!” a rescued hostage sobbed.
“Major Rougishuis truly great! Even back in West Wind Town, he ventured behind enemy lines to save captured soldiers, taking dozens of bullets to ensure their rescue!”
“Damn pirates, remember this: if Major Rougishuis harmed in any way, our entire G-2 base will never let you go!”
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