124 Growing Tension

Blackbeard gave an order, and more than a dozen of crews on the high platform followed Blackbeard down the platform.

At that moment, Blackbeard instructed the captains around him to gather the crew at the edge of Beehive Island. All the commoners and pirates hurriedly moved inland.

He wanted to make Beehive Island appear completely deserted from the outside, with no signs of life visible at all.

This would give the impression to the Big Mom pirates that no one inhabited Beehive Island, leading them to believe that Blackbeard had already fled upon learning of their arrival to attack.

This is merely to create an illusion, enticing the Big Mom pirates to march in, enabling them to ambush and subdue these pirate ships.

Soon, under the guidance of several captains, the people at the edge of Beehive Island were persuaded to move towards the center of the island.

From the outside, Beehive Island appeared deserted, devoid of any signs of life. At that moment, the messenger sent by the Fourth Emperor, Big Mom, arrived and landed on Beehive Island.

Seeing the deserted appearance of the island, they felt a sense of relief. Of course, based on the information they received, it seemed that everyone on Beehive Island had fled.

Such signs demonstrated the power of Big Mom and her pirate crew.

The messenger didn't go far inside, so he went back and reported what they saw to Big Mom.

"Mother, what can I say? These people are simply terrified. They knew we were coming and fled long ago. If they dare to remain here, aren't they just courting death?"

Now that Perosperro said this and the spy's inspection confirmed it, Big Mom seemed to believe everything before her.

"Blackbeard is truly strange. Why did he provoke this conflict again? Does he genuinely intend to show respect to me and give up on Beehive Island? If he can't, then I truly want him"

"Mama-mamaa, I've truly tried my best to find no one here, and all my efforts have been in vain. Beehive Island seems to belong to me as well"

"Yes, Mother, Blackbeard knew he couldn't compete with you, so he fled early. I think we've truly wasted our efforts bringing so many people"

"Order the bow of the ship to sail quickly. Today, we will dock at Beehive Island. Everyone, our territory has expanded once more. Mama-mama, I believe that the reputation of my Big Mom Pirates has reached its peak in this pirate world" 

Having eliminated another strong opponent, Big Mom was naturally very happy.

With the sea breeze in her face, Big Mom led her pirate ship swiftly towards Beehive Island.

...

"Captain, what's our plan? Are we really going to surrender Beehive Island to Big Mom?"

Laffitte stood there, deeply dissatisfied. Beehive Island was their stronghold, the result of tireless effort from everyone involved.

Moreover, on this island, they have their own relatives and friends. They live here peacefully, enjoying a rich and healthy life.

But now Blackbeard actually wants to surrender this island to the Big Mom pirates.

If Big Mom discovers that there are some of Blackbeard's allies and subordinates on the island, the consequences will be severe.

It's conceivable that Big Mom won't spare their allies and subordinates.

"Captain, if we're going to evacuate, let's do it quickly. Or, allow me to go back and gather my subordinates and family."

"I can't leave them behind to face this danger alone, and wasted half year effort of training" 

Laffitte said, seeking Blackbeard's advice.

He didn't want his family and well-trained subordinates, who had become good at spying, to become casualties in this conflict.

Regarding Blackbeard's move of leading everyone to evacuate quickly.

No one present could understand Blackbeard's intentions, nor did they know what he was planning.

As the ship of the Yonko Big Mom approached the island, the residents and pirates of Beehive Island faced a dire situation.

With everyone in disarray, Blackbeard had not yet organized them for battle.

An army without a leader is like a ship without a captain.

"Where are you going to escape to? Have you had enough of this Beehive Island?" 

Blackbeard frowned and looked at Laffitte.

"Captain, I can't put them in danger because of me. If Big Mom finds out that some people here are my subordinates and family, she'll surely harm them" 

Laffitte expressed his concerns. At that moment, Blackbeard was surprised by Laffitte's perspective.

"Showing defeat before the battle even begins? Every warrior, every pirate needs self-confidence. But you've lost that fundamental belief. As your captain, I can't accept this. Let's move out now." 

Blackbeard's disappointment in his subordinate was evident.

As a pirate, you must be bold, confident, and ambitious.

Laffitte in front of him appears to have lost all fighting spirit.

"I may not have to be the captain, but for the sake of my family's lives, how long will we keep retreating like this? Will we be safe if we retreat to the middle of the island?"

Usually, Laffitte wouldn't dare to speak to Blackbeard in such a manner. But today, Laffitte feels like he's run out of options.

Even in a life-or-death situation, why should he suppress his thoughts?

"How can you be sure this place isn't safe, or predict the final outcome of the battle?"

After a few words, Blackbeard walked alone towards the high platform. Standing there alone minimized the risk of exposure. The dozen or so captains behind him watched as Blackbeard's figure retreated.

"What's going on with our captain?"

"Do you think he can fight on Big Mom's pirate crew alone? He might be overestimating his abilities."

"We have to trust our captain. He'll find a way, for sure."

"Despite overcoming the enemy by any means, he remains unfazed."

Laffitte and Shiryu next to him appeared extremely dissatisfied with Blackbeard's approach.

Without Blackbeard's orders, they remained in a state of uncertainty, unable to take any action. All they could do was wait while Blackbeard departed.

They didn't give any instructions for the others to follow, so all they could do was stand there and discuss Blackbeard's actions.

"Even though he's strong , facing off against a Four Emperor isn't child's play. That title carries weight. We've fought with one before, we know it's strength."

"But Captain Blackbeard doesn't seem to care. Despite our warnings, he continues to take it lightly and doesn't seem to learn from his mistakes."

Laffitte was burning with frustration.

Only when he saw Blackbeard leaving did he dare to let out his frustration.

"Ah, we're at a loss here. If we pick up our weapons now, I believe we can still salvage something."

.

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TO BE CONTINUED

Noted: IDK what happened to the original author, but since CH 123 the pattern of mtl seems changed, having less words like 500 or so (so i have to combine chapters together), and also some dynamic between the crew. But will see…..