Chapter 38: Relentless Resolve

"Issho is incredibly powerful, effortlessly taking down Burr Jamie," exclaimed a camp resident in awe.

"Of course, the meat in the camp back then came from the fierce sea beasts in Colebury that Issho personally defeated," added an elderly man in the camp.

"At first, I considered gathering information before taking action, but now it seems a swift decision is necessary," Roja remarked.

[Jamie Burr's arrival likely follows orders from his captain. It would be a setback if he caught wind of their plans and escaped.]

With this in mind, Roja gave a direct order, "Jimmy, tie up Burr Jamie."

"Team 1, come with us. Our goal is to take down the Ruby Pirates. Team 2, stay behind!" Roja commanded.

[Initially, there was some apprehension in the eyes of the once-feared Ruby Pirates, but after days of rigorous training, the 100-strong army quickly rallied behind Roja.]

[The first team consisted of those who joined the camp earlier, generally dedicating more time to training, making them more combat-effective.]

Now, under the guidance of Roja and Fujitora, they set out toward the seaside stronghold of the Ruby Pirates.

Kaido: The time for battle has finally arrived. I bet this bunch of rookies, who've never seen actual combat, won't stand a chance against those pirates. As long as Fujitora and that Roja kid don't intervene.

Dragon: You underestimate the determination and consciousness fueled by ideology. It's the very losses they've endured that fortify the hope they've gained. The awareness of this group surpasses what you might think.

Fujitora: I agree. Their will is certainly not merely driven by a thirst for blood.

Fujitora's expression grew more complex at this moment.

It felt odd to witness oneself in a different world.

Observing another version of himself leading a more fulfilling and content life was unsettling.

Fujitora now yearns to swap places with his counterpart in that alternate reality, but unfortunately, it's an unattainable desire.

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Yet, it must be noted that the Fujitora in the alternate world mirrors his character and determination almost identically, amplified by the unparalleled authenticity of observing movies.

In a certain sense, Fujitora has immersed himself in this alternate reality and holds an unexplainable confidence in Roja.

He can't tolerate the pirates defaming the army he and Roja painstakingly built.

Zephyr: The convictions of these people are unbreakable. I can see that many of them are even willing to sacrifice their lives.

Zephyr, drawing from his experiences, holds a judgmental authority, surpassing others when it comes to cultivating recruits.

[The Revolutionary Army swiftly navigates through the garbage dump at remarkable speed.]

[In no time, they arrive at the stronghold of the Ruby Pirates.]

[At this moment, the Ruby Pirates' ship is docked in a suggested port location, and most of the pirates are resting in this temporary stronghold.]

[Being pirates accustomed to the harsh life of the seas, they still maintain basic vigilance.]

[Upon realizing Roja and the others had arrived, the previously relaxed pirates instantly gathered together.]

[The Ruby Pirates constitute a small group, around fifty or sixty members, led by a fierce individual known as Blue Mr.5, boasting a bounty of 12 million Berries, armed with a long knife.]

[The late Burr Jamie served as the second-in-command, and there was a third-in-command with a bounty of 5 million Berries.]

"Issho, you're here. If any of our soldiers are in danger, feel free to intervene. As for the captain, leave him to me," Roja declared, holding a water pipe.

[Fujitora nodded silently.]

Without much ado, Roja took the lead and charged forward.

Observing this, the Ruby Pirates on the opposite side displayed no signs of fear.

Having faced battles before, these pirates wielded more sophisticated weapons. How could they be frightened by a group armed with water pipes and dressed in simple attire?

[A cold-weapon battle with this number of people results in a direct clash.]

[As soon as the confrontation unfolded, the Revolutionary Army seemed to draw the short straw. The pirates possessed superior equipment and were even more relentless—a true band of desperados.]

[Considering that the Revolutionary Army was, just two months ago, essentially garbage, a total underdog.]

[Blood splattered, comrades fell, causing a palpable tremor.]

[For a moment, the better-equipped pirates seemed on the verge of overwhelming the larger Revolutionary Army.]

[Faced with fiercer and more desperate pirates, many soldiers displayed fear on their faces. Training and fighting in desperation are indeed distinct endeavours.]

[When confronted with death, everyone believes they possess enough courage.]

[However, at this critical moment, a voice resonated, instilling determination in all the soldiers.]

"Don't you guys want to return to the old life?"

"Exploited, oppressed, cast aside by normal society and relegated to the garbage dump?"

[The individual shouting these words was visibly frightened, their voice trembling in the face of bloodshed.]

[However, despite the fear, they did not opt for retreat.]

[Initially, in the capital, he suffered silent oppression and exploitation, anticipating that days would pass by.]

[Subsequently, stripped of his human rights, he found himself discarded into the uncertain object's terminal, becoming part of the garbage, witnessing his own gradual decay as he blended into the mountain of refuse.]

[Suddenly, one day, with mixed emotions, he joined the camp and underwent a transformation from being considered trash to becoming recognized as human once again.]

[The camp thrived, thanks in part to his efforts. The land where seeds were initially planted saw him painstakingly clearing away the garbage and levelling the ground.]

[He never imagined he could escape the life of a discarded Yamanaka and return to a semblance of normalcy.]

[To return to a life of being considered trash, he would prefer death.]

[Hence, in the face of vicious pirates, he won't allow himself to take even half a step back—never.]

"No way."

[Those standing shouted, and even the injured, lying down, seemed to forget their pain, joining in with hoarse voices.]

[When a hundred voices merged into a torrent, Roja understood that victory was inevitable.]

[Victory is certain.]

[The Revolutionary Army outnumbers the Ruby Pirates, and their basic quality is superior.]

[Over the past two months, priority has been given to the meat of ferocious beasts and sea beasts, rich in energy. Coupled with rigorous training, the physical fitness of the Revolutionary Army has improved significantly, on par with this group of pirates.]

[Moreover, under Fujitora's personal guidance in swordsmanship, whether in terms of numbers, basic quality, discipline, or combat skills, the Revolutionary Army surpasses these pirates.]

[In a brief moment, the Ruby Pirates were steadily defeated.]

[As for Roja, he swiftly resolved the battle.]

[The 12 million bounty pirates were much weaker than he had anticipated.]

"What a formidable army," Fujitora praised wholeheartedly.

[Blind, yet he could see things clearer than the sighted—his vision rooted in an incredibly steadfast belief.]

"This is the essence of our revolution," Roja declared passionately beside him.

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