#28 The Crowd Changes attitude

The square below the platform was now dead silent…

Countless unconscious pirates lay on the ground, and the remaining few hundred were still in shock and confusion!

Carlo had retracted his Conqueror's Haki, allowing those who withstood it to participate in the recruitment selection.

"It's terrifying…"

"These two are not only powerful, but the captain has an incredible Devil Fruit ability, and now the vice-captain has Conqueror's Haki too?!"

"Why would people like them come to a place like this and choose followers from among us?"

"That's Conqueror's Haki! Someone like that can't be unknown on the seas, so why don't I recognize them at all?"

"A crew with just these two is already so scary. Are we even worthy to be their followers?"

After a while, the pirates gradually recovered and began to murmur in disbelief.

Everyone stared wide-eyed at the two smiling figures on the platform.

This time, no one paid attention to the Devil Fruit in Carlo's hand. The strength and abilities displayed by these two had completely overshadowed the allure of the Devil Fruit!

In fact, many pirates began to doubt themselves.

From initially being dismissive and only wanting the Devil Fruit, they now questioned if they were worthy of becoming followers.

It was a complete 180-degree shift in attitude!

"Wiihahahaha, only a crew like this is worthy of my loyalty! I didn't come to the wrong place!"

Amidst everyone's self-doubt, a loud, boisterous laugh erupted from the crowd.

It was none other than the brash Burgess!

He spoke so arrogantly that people who didn't know him might think he was extraordinary for daring to speak so boldly in front of the two on the platform.

But in reality, he had been just as shocked as everyone else when Carlo unleashed his Conqueror's Haki!

Most people hadn't noticed his reaction, and now that he had recovered, he took the chance to draw attention, hoping to make a strong impression on Blackbeard and Carlo.

Faking confidence was deadly!

Carlo inwardly cursed but showed no reaction on the surface.

Others might not know Burgess well, but Carlo did. If it weren't for Burgess' deep connection with Blackbeard in the original timeline, Carlo would have put him in his place already!

For now, Burgess was just a large but unimpressive fish in a big pond, all show and no substance.

Of course, he was still stronger than most here.

"Since you've chosen to stay and compete for a spot in our crew, passing my first test by not collapsing like the others—"

"I'll give you a heads-up. From now until the end of the selection, no one can choose to quit!"

"Anyone who tries to quit will be dealt with personally by us. I don't think I need to explain the consequences."

Seeing that the pirates below had regained their composure, Carlo announced the recruitment rules from the platform.

"Quit? Don't worry, no one would choose to quit after making it this far!"

"Yeah, I'm determined to succeed and become one of the captains' followers!"

"Haha, it would be an honor to follow these two! Anyone who quits must have had their brains scrambled by that Haki!"

The pirates laughed and assured Carlo that quitting wasn't an option.

This time, no one mentioned the Devil Fruit or had the same discordant attitude as before.

Even those who had previously harbored other thoughts, like running away or rebelling after obtaining the Devil Fruit, had changed their minds.

Initially, many aimed only to get the Devil Fruit and leave.

But now, after witnessing Blackbeard's powers and Carlo's Conqueror's Haki, their primary goal had shifted to joining this powerful crew.

The Devil Fruit seemed less important compared to the opportunity to join such a strong team.

Joining such a powerful crew meant they would likely have access to more valuable resources and a chance to truly make a name for themselves on the seas.

This was the initial dream for most of these pirates.

Even pirates already part of other crews began to reconsider.

Their own crews seemed like child's play compared to this team.

They could only boss around commoners and weaker pirates, lacking the courage to confront the Navy directly.

They'd never have a real shot at fame!

"Is that so?"

Hearing the pirates' responses, Carlo raised an eyebrow, a playful smile forming on his lips. "Very good, I'm pleased…"

"I assume you've heard about the recent major event shaking up the seas?"

Hearing Carlo's question, even Blackbeard was momentarily puzzled.

But then he quickly understood.

A sly smile spread across Blackbeard's face as he grasped Carlo's intention.

He didn't interfere or object; Carlo's approach aligned perfectly with his own plans!

"Major event?"

"Recently… um, what happened?"

"In our line of work, the biggest recent event seems to be the killing of one of Whitebeard's division commanders in the New World."

"Yeah, word has reached us from the New World. Someone dared to attack Whitebeard's crew!"

"Crazy! That person is a role model for us! I wonder if it was one of the new generation pirates who had the guts to challenge Whitebeard's son!"

"Apparently, Fire Fist Ace is seeking revenge. The commander was his friend, and he's out for blood. The culprit is in trouble now."

"For sure! Fire Fist Ace, one of the legendary rookies, has a bounty of over 500 million! He's incredibly strong!"

As they discussed, the pirates became engrossed in the topic.

The news of Thatch, the 4th division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, being killed had already spread to the first half of the Grand Line.

However, no one outside the Whitebeard Pirates knew that Blackbeard was responsible.

Such an event was a major taboo within the "family"-oriented Whitebeard Pirates, a scandal no one would talk about.

So, no one had revealed the true culprit.

"No… no, wait!!"

Suddenly, a loud shout interrupted the discussions, drawing everyone's attention.

A pirate stood there, trembling, eyes filled with fear as he looked at the two on the platform. He stammered, "The biggest event…"

"It's the disappearance of the Celestial Dragons!!"