Listening to the loud snores coming from the ship's cabin, the marines exchanged glances and then all looked at the captain.
The captain pursed his lips, unable to empathize with the masked man. He withdrew his gaze and gave the order to turn back.
The mission was over.
He had to return quickly to report what he had seen and heard to Sengoku.
"Half a month?"
Gazing at the sea ahead, the captain muttered to himself, "I hope for peace and that this doesn't really ignite a world war!"
Having climbed from the bottom to this position, he certainly understood the brutality of war.
Moreover, though he wasn't at the core of this war, he could already feel the world in turmoil.
Within this turmoil were the Revolutionary Army, pirates, countless righteous individuals, and even the Marines.
From the perspective of the Marines, their role was naturally to stop the silver-haired group.
However, the series of inexplicable actions by the Marines during this period had given him a sense of something unusual. Therefore, upon his return, he would not only report the process and outcome of this incident to Fleet Admiral Sengoku but also inquire about the Marines' stance in the impending world war.
There was another point that puzzled him.
Given the World Government's power, why did they insist on having the silver-haired man go to Mary Geoise?
Did the World Government not worry about the countless Celestial Dragons living in Mary Geoise?
Or did the World Government have some unknown secret weapon in Mary Geoise that could trap the silver-haired man's instantaneous movement and kill him?
All these doubts would only be revealed when the war truly began.
After all, he was just a junior admiral in the New World; he was not qualified to know the true secrets of this world.
...
Half a day later.
At the bow of the Freedom, Kong Tai stared blankly at the newspaper in his hand, speechless.
He had been wondering why the Marines were looking at him so strangely. It turned out the problem lay with the World Economic News, and with Morgans, who was solely bent on creating sensational news.
To him, what could be bigger news in this world than pirates invading Mary Geoise?
Nothing.
Making Kong Tai a hero served the interests of many people and many factions. Therefore, this time, the news was supported by the entire world, except for the World Government.
"Mr. Kong Tai, I never expected you to be such a great being."
Fied and Krisna also held newspapers, their gazes towards Kong Tai filled with respect.
It was not admiration for his strength, but for the courage to overthrow the World Government.
Furthermore, they knew that with the young man's strength, he could indeed achieve this grand feat.
After all, the experience of being within the Void Insect Beast's body was too fantastical. Even without the external newspapers, they knew Kong Tai was a powerhouse beyond their imagination.
If Kong Tai couldn't overthrow the World Government, then this world was truly beyond saving.
"Half a month."
Holding the newspaper, Fied looked at Kong Tai, a hint of anticipation on his aged face, "Mr. Kong Tai, can we come along then?"
"Although our strength is not what it was in our prime thirty years ago, we can still contribute."
As he said this, he straightened his back and raised his arm, showing off his withered muscles.
Upon seeing his emaciated arm, he awkwardly raised his hand over his head, scratching his head, a blush appearing on his aged face.
"You two should just stay out of the excitement!"
Putting down the newspaper, Kong Tai looked at Fied and Krisna and shook his head helplessly, "There are already enough people going. There's the Revolutionary Army, the Red-haired Pirates, even the Marines, and countless aspiring individuals who have heard the news."
As he spoke, he stood up, walked to the ship's railing, and looked up at the emerging outline of the island ahead, continuing, "Sometimes, when you want to do something, it's not about having more people."
"Although I am very confident in my strength, there is still an unknown individual in Mary Geoise. More people will only hinder me. You two should just stay home and watch the live broadcast."
From his understanding of Morgans, for such a significant event, one that would undoubtedly be recorded in history, that fellow would surely be there to broadcast it live.
And perhaps the World Government itself would broadcast it.
After all, Kong Tai's existence was a direct challenge to their authority. They would also use his death to signal to the world that they remained the absolute rulers.
Turning back, Kong Tai smiled at Fied and Krisna, "The world belongs to the young. While you have the passion, your age has caught up with you. From now on, enjoy your lives and witness how this world gradually improves, becoming a testament to history."
Kong Tai was unsure how much this world would improve after the fall of the World Government, or how long that improvement would last.
After all, human greed and desires dictated that the world could not remain peaceful forever; war and conflict were the true nature of humanity.
This was something no one could change.
But despite this, he was certain of one thing: no matter how the world changed, there would always be a group of great individuals who wanted to be heroes and lead humanity to glory.
War and conflict were, in fact, the nutrients for human evolution and growth.
And another point was, could it get any worse than this era, where the common people were at the bottom, and in the eyes of some, no better than dogs?
"Alright!"
Fied and Krisna clearly still harbored some unwillingness, but they knew that they truly could not go to Mary Geoise now. While their strength was still present, they were already close to their final moments. If they went, they would only be a burden, becoming mere spectators.
"Ahead is Kona Island, the only commercial island in this sea. Marines, pirates, and merchants gather here. You two should disembark here!"
Kong Tai, as if he hadn't noticed Fied and Krisna's reluctance, turned to look at the increasingly approaching island ahead and said calmly, "With your strength, no one on this island can threaten you."
"Kona Island?"
No longer thinking about Mary Geoise, Fied and Krisna stepped forward, placing their hands on the railing, gazing at the island ahead, a hint of nostalgia flashing in their eyes.
This island was very clear in their memories.
It was the last island they had visited before entering the Void Insect Beast's body.
Recalling the laughter and joy of the past, both old men felt a sense of melancholy at how things had changed.
However, being able to come out was already heaven's greatest fortune for them.
They had no grand expectations. Although they had gained a deeper understanding of the world through their experience within the Void Insect Beast's body, their bodies prevented them from pursuing their ambitions and desires with the same fiery passion as before.
As Mr. Kong Tai had said, they were old. From now on, they would live their lives well and be witnesses to the historical improvement of this world.
Therefore, the hint of melancholy flashed by. The two old men exchanged glances, their lips curving upwards, a genuine smile on their faces.