Chapter 49: Blackbeard Pirates.
Walking out of the Navy Headquarters building and strolling through the base courtyard, Blackbeard pondered his next move.
His immediate goal was to gather powerful subordinates and form a pirate crew under his command.
Just as he was considering how to proceed steadily, Blackbeard's thoughts were interrupted by a group of soldiers rushing past.
"Move aside, move aside!"
Despite the soldiers' orders, Blackbeard didn't budge—instead, he deliberately blocked their path.
His massive frame was like a wall. The soldiers hesitated, then grew irritated when Blackbeard remained unmoved.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Seeing the tension escalate, Blackbeard didn't want to cause trouble and simply smiled.
The leader of the soldiers looked at the imposing figure before him, recognizing that pirates inside the Navy Headquarters were hardly ordinary.
"We've been ordered to expel the escort squad of Security Officer Lafitte. He's a violent and abusive naval scum. I suggest you don't interfere."
"Hmm… Indiscriminate violence, huh?"
Blackbeard mused, then stepped aside, watching as the escort soldiers hurried toward the port.
Curious about the Navy's recklessness, Blackbeard followed from a distance.
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At the naval base on Myriken Island in the West Blue, Security Officer Lafitte was enjoying his violent pastime in his office.
Lafitte sat atop a subordinate dressed in a Navy uniform, twirling a crutch in his hand like a magician's wand.
The soldier on the floor was still breathing, panting heavily, a pool of blood spreading beneath him.
Suddenly, the door was kicked down with a bang.
The escort squad from Headquarters stormed in, surrounding Lafitte with their guns raised.
Faced with the intimidating crowd and the black barrels aimed at him, Lafitte still maintained an elegant smile.
"Ah~ welcome."
Lightly springing up, he bent his knees and crushed the neck of the soldier beneath him.
The soldier who had hoped for rescue gasped and died on the spot.
Standing with a crutch in his right hand, Lafitte removed his top hat with his left and placed it on his chest, bowing with a gentleman's grace.
"How dare you kill in front of us! Everyone, prepare to fire!"
The escort captain was furious and ordered his men to ready their weapons.
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Just as they were about to open fire, a strong gust struck from behind.
A massive figure charged in wielding a claw blade.
In seconds, amidst screams, blood, and flying flesh, Blackbeard tore through the ranks, eliminating all Navy soldiers in under ten seconds.
"You can call me Captain Blackbeard. I've heard of your deeds and hope you'll join my pirate crew."
Shaking the stump on his hooked claw, Blackbeard approached Lafitte and extended an invitation.
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Following the escort squad, Blackbeard's ears caught rumors about the "Devil Sheriff."
Outside, he witnessed the squad's swift, ruthless killing style. Deciding to break away from the group, Blackbeard destroyed the obstructing low-level soldiers with ease.
"Although I admire your style, I don't know much about you. Care to share your goals and plans?"
Matching Lafitte's ruthless tone, Blackbeard earned some of Lafitte's respect, though not enough to convince him fully.
Though Lafitte had no grudge about becoming a pirate from the Navy, he clearly needed stronger reasons to follow.
Proud of himself, Blackbeard revealed his shocking plan: to rise step by step to become one of the Four Emperors.
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"It's an honor to receive your invitation, Captain. I'm eager to help you realize your plan," Lafitte said.
Impressed by Blackbeard's ambitious strategy filled with hidden secrets, Lafitte nodded repeatedly, a sinister smile spreading across his pale face.
"In light of your ambition, I want to introduce you to an old friend. Follow me."
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Blackbeard followed Lafitte through corridors and up to a secret room on the top floor of the base.
A guard spotted them and reached for his gun, but Lafitte casually raised a hand, and the guard collapsed, dazed.
Lafitte used a key to unlock the door with a creak.
Inside, Blackbeard noticed the room was more like a hotel suite than a cell, fully furnished and decorated.
In the living room, a tall, thin man in a striped shirt sat on the sofa reading a newspaper, adjusting his glasses from time to time.
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"This is my distinguished guest, wanted by the Navy and currently living here as a bounty sniper—Van Angur."
With Lafitte's introduction, Van Oka looked at Blackbeard, his glasses magnifying his gaze.
"This is Captain Blackbeard, leader of the Blackbeard Pirates, and now one of my associates."
Hearing Lafitte's endorsement, Van Angur's lenses flashed with interest.
"Blackbeard, though you come recommended by Lafitte, show me what you've got!"
Blackbeard smiled confidently and approached, knowing strength was the only measure he respected when gathering comrades.
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To prove himself, Lafitte tossed Van Angur a long sniper rifle.
Van Angur cradled the rifle affectionately like an old friend, pulled back the bolt, and aimed out the window.
A shot rang out, piercing the sky and eardrums alike.
Blackbeard hurried to the windowsill and squinted toward the distance.
About half a kilometer away, atop the lighthouse, a naval flagpole was broken and crookedly hanging.
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