Chapter 57: Douglas Barrett

"General, should we initiate an attack?" Douglas asked, his fists sweating.

In the New World, the Rocks Pirates' reputation was enormous. Additionally, Li Yuan was not only a cadre of the Rocks Pirates but also a powerful swordsman who had defeated the former Navy Admiral, Zhi Kai. Their nation had no means to deal with such a formidable force.

"No, we can't open fire or provoke him. Maybe he's just resupplying after a long voyage." General Abu Clayton, seeing that Li Yuan hadn't attacked upon arrival, held a glimmer of hope that Li Yuan bore no ill will toward the kingdom.

Over 30,000 kingdom soldiers at the port anxiously watched Li Yuan's arrival. They feared this mighty and fierce pirate might suddenly unleash terrible power and kill them all.

"Honored cadre of the Rocks Pirates, Li Yuan, welcome to our kingdom. Is there anything we can assist you with?" General Abu Clayton approached politely, showing none of the authority or arrogance of a general.

"My ship is low on supplies, just stopping by to resupply and see what the so-called 'Endless War Kingdom' looks like," Li Yuan said casually.

His gaze swept the area, eventually settling on Douglas but quickly moving away. Before his arrival, Xiaqie had already investigated Douglas, and Li Yuan recognized him from photos as Barrett's superior.

"Is this the power of a Rocks Pirates cadre? Terrifying. Just a glance made me feel like I'm on the brink of death, utterly powerless," Douglas thought. It felt as if a cold military knife was scraping against his soul, making him shiver.

"Rest assured, Swordsmaster, we'll deliver the supplies you need as quickly as possible. We're honored to have you visit our kingdom," General Abu Clayton said, relieved that Li Yuan wasn't there to destroy the kingdom.

"My ship needs some kids as laborers. I heard your kingdom has many child soldiers. I want to recruit a batch of boys from here," Li Yuan said, looking at Douglas. "You, yes, you seem like a captain or something. Bring your kids over here for me to see."

"Douglas, do as the Swordsmaster says, quickly," General Abu Clayton whispered, glaring at the trembling Douglas.

"Yes, yes, I'll do it right away!" Shaken by General Abu Clayton's scolding, Douglas finally realized his paralysis under Li Yuan's gaze.

"Swordsmaster, we have many child soldiers in our kingdom. Should I gather them for you to see?" General Abu Clayton asked cautiously, seeing an opportunity to curry favor.

"Alright, gather them all," Li Yuan agreed, thinking it was a good idea to recruit more boys. Those with potential could be trained and cultivated, as those raised personally were the most reliable.

"Sir, I've brought them all," Douglas said quickly, bringing all his child soldiers within five minutes.

Li Yuan glanced over at the 26 boys but didn't know which one was Barrett. Barrett had been given his name after showing extraordinary potential and strength.

"Codename, yes, that's it. Barrett's codename used to be 'Number 9,' later known as the kingdom's ninth bullet." Li Yuan's gaze settled on the child with the '9' badge, seeing determination in his eyes, unlike the confusion and apathy of the others.

Barrett had just joined the army and hadn't yet experienced betrayal from comrades or his country, so he remained a mentally healthy child.

Suddenly, Li Yuan's aura leaked out, not as Conqueror's Haki, but as his killing intent. Even a fraction of it sent shivers down Douglas's spine.

General Abu Clayton stood tensely beside Li Yuan, fearing he might suddenly erupt. Fortunately, after a moment, he realized Li Yuan wasn't angry but was observing the 26 child soldiers.

Even though they had been on battlefields, they were no match for Li Yuan's killing intent. Just a hint of it made them feel like they were in hell, their fear overwhelming as they gritted their teeth and fell one by one.

Only the child numbered 9 remained standing, fists clenched and tongue bitten, refusing to fall. He didn't understand what was happening, but his innate resilience wouldn't allow him to give in.

"Very well, what's your name?" Li Yuan asked, pleased that only Number 9 persisted.

"Sir, I have no name, only my number, 9," Barrett replied. Though he didn't know Li Yuan, seeing his superior Douglas so submissive indicated Li Yuan was not to be trifled with.

"And what's your name?" Li Yuan asked Douglas, pretending not to know.

"Sir, I'm Douglas Rain," Douglas replied, trembling, regretting not taking the day off to avoid the port.

"Since your superior is Douglas Rain, from now on, you'll be Douglas Barrett," Li Yuan said, satisfied as he looked at Barrett.

"Soldier Number 9, I declare, as the kingdom's general, that you are no longer a soldier of our kingdom. You are now under the command of Rocks Pirates cadre, Swordsmaster Li Yuan!" General Abu Clayton announced promptly.

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