Chapter 82

Therefore, responding in a stern tone, he said, "How do you expect me to do this? Those people on board can't work, and even if I manage to make them do it, it will take them a week."

They met each other's gaze for a few seconds before Hina looked away and said, "Midshipman Zan, please step outside."

Nodding, the man quickly exited the tent.

Turning to Bill, Hina spoke quietly but seriously, "What I am about to tell you must not leave this tent.

After the reconnaissance team found the stream, they returned at a run. Their incompetence probably saved their lives because after they returned, I personally went to investigate.

I discovered that dangerous unknown creatures inhabit this island. Fortunately, those I saw weren't as large as the crocodile and the python. These two are likely the main predators in this area."

Taking another drag from her cigarette, the captain continued, "The animals I encountered were strange. I saw a bird that set itself on fire before flying away, a giant centipede with mouths on the undersides of its feet, a creature that looked like a cross between an insect and a bear, and much more.

Honestly, it seems that this island is teeming with life forms that only want to devour each other. We are lucky to have been left alone—likely because the other animals don't want to approach the main ones."

As she spoke, Bill stood straight, arms crossed, and said, "If that's the case, shouldn't we build the walls first? We don't know how long those two will keep fighting."

Shaking her head, Hina said seriously, "Precisely because we don't know when the main predators will stop fighting, we need to redirect the water.

Understand, I have capable marines, but they're not warriors. To ask them to fetch water would be sending them to their deaths.

With our current food supplies..." Hina shook her head and then added, "This can't wait, and you're the only one here who can do it."

Rubbing his eyes, Bill softened his tone and simply replied, "I don't think they can work, you've seen their condition. Plus, if it's as dangerous as you say, what happens if we encounter one of those mutated animals? I'm not sure I can protect eighteen running pirates while simultaneously fighting flaming birds and insect-bears."

It seemed Hina anticipated this question, and without hesitation, she answered, "If they don't work, they don't eat. If anyone besides the pirate captain escapes, you will not pursue them.

Your only task here is to protect the pirate captain and finish digging the channel."

Somewhat surprised, Bill asked without thinking, "Why do we need to protect the captain?"

Seeing the confusion on Bill's face, Hina seemed a bit embarrassed but still answered, "I need his ransom."

Before he could ask a question, Bill understood on his own.

The Marines gave their officers a great deal of operational freedom. This applied to every theater of war Bill had seen.

So instead of wasting time administering a single military fund to distribute money worldwide, the organization appointed rewards to encourage these officers to replenish their budgets themselves.

Of course, all Marines received a salary and the most necessary supplies.

But want more crew? Want a better crew? Want better training? Want better ships? Want a better base?

Then catch criminals!

This is also why many Marine officers didn't like bounty hunters.

For Captain Hina, who had been shipwrecked, losing a third of her crew and having another third wounded, it was no exaggeration to say she was in a desperate situation!

The pirate they captured was a man named Hollandez. He was wanted alive, and there was a modest reward of 20 million Berries for him.

20 million Berries isn't much, but Hina had many expenses right now, and every little bit mattered.

Frustrated, Bill could only agree. Although the prospect of potentially sacrificing seventeen pirates didn't please him, he understood it was the best option. After all, these people had chosen their own fate.

"Alright, I'll do it. What will my people be doing?"

Sighing with relief, Hina responded indifferently, "The Scientific Division recruits will help process the timber you cut down yesterday, turning it into wooden logs. We don't have time to dry the wood, but we need at least the illusion of stability. We only have fifty people working, and I hope that number will double in a few days..."

Then, quietly muttering, the captain added, "These Marines will be the death of me."

After that, Hina called Midshipman Zan back into the tent.

Together they discussed the route Bill was to take and handed him a rough sketch.

Leaving the tent with the sketch in hand, Bill looked at the eighteen pirates.

"Today you work with me!"

With these words, their iron shackles dissolved into smoke.

It took very little time to realize that the pirate Hollandez was a foolish and cruel man.

They hadn't taken more than ten steps away from the camp when this man started trying to sway his captor to his side