The sky was a dim grey in the early morning.
Even before the sun had climbed above the horizon, Ba Da and his subordinates were already on the riverbank of Spring Island.
He couldn't help but feel a shock as he looked at the countless severed limbs and dismembered bodies on the distant street.
From the nature of the wounds, it was evident that every single one of them had died from a single blow.
Even their fallen postures were remarkably uniform.
"Wow! This is too brutal!"
"Brutal? What's brutal about it!"
"These guys have been a menace to Bass Island for two to three years!"
A subordinate, looking at the corpses with glee, exclaimed, "Now that they're all dead, we should be happy."
"Yeah! These guys should have died long ago!"
"I wonder who they provoked! To be completely wiped out, that's truly satisfying."
The commotion from his subordinates drew Ba Da's attention. He turned his head, "Alright, stop making noise here. On the island now, only Brother Silver Hair has this kind of power. I'll go see if Brother Silver Hair has woken up. You guys clean up these bodies."
As he spoke, he looked towards Winter Island, "Since all the pirates are dead, after you clean them up, go and call them all out!"
"After so many years without feeling the warmth of Spring Island, I imagine they must miss it dearly!"
"Understood!"
The subordinates replied in unison and excitedly rushed into the street. Seeing the corpses everywhere, they felt no fear but rather a surge of excitement.
Among these bodies were many pirates and bounty hunters who had bullied them.
Now that they were all dead, how could they not be happy?
Freedom.
On the middle deck, A Hua, the other two, and Kuina were each training.
For ordinary people to become stronger, it required countless accumulations. Moreover, with A Hua's "robber" around, they no longer harbored their former lethargic aspirations.
On the deck at the bow, Kong Tai was reclining in a lounge chair, sipping morning tea and reading a newspaper.
Beside him, Firebird Ace stood quietly with his arms crossed.
"Brother Silver Hair, how is it?"
"Hmm! Not bad."
Kong Tai put down his teacup and nodded.
The newspaper in his hand was the latest edition rushed out overnight by the World Economic News Agency.
On the front page, prominently displayed, was a photo of him slaying a thousand people with a single sword last night.
It had even given him a new nickname: "The Elegant Moonlight Swordsman."
It looked plausible.
But as he read it aloud, it felt rather strange.
"Sailor Moon, the beautiful soldier of love and justice—Sailor Moon, I will represent the moon to destroy you!"
Kong Tai quickly shook his head, "He's not some beautiful girl warrior!"
Then, he flipped the newspaper over.
The content on the back of the newspaper detailed his transaction with Morgans.
It clearly described the farce in the Bass Kingdom three years ago, accompanied by a photo of that Celestial Dragon, and the burning Bass Royal Palace.
He figured these news articles should have been written three years ago, just not published.
But it wasn't too late now.
If it had been published three years ago, it might have only spread to a small audience. Now, the world had probably forgotten all about it.
But alongside his news, it was different.
His news wouldn't just be sold in a small area; it would be distributed worldwide. And as his fame grew, even if the world wanted to forget about Bass, it would take many years to do so.
After finishing the newspaper, Kong Tai set it aside and turned his gaze towards the riverbank, where he saw Ba Da and his group.
Seeing Ba Da walking towards him, Kong Tai picked up his teacup and took a gentle sip.
These fellows were quite early. He had thought they would emerge only after the sun had fully risen, having been excited all night.
Firebird Vance, following Kong Tai's gaze, looked towards the riverbank and met Ba Da's imposing stare.
His pupils contracted.
"A strong one, another strong one."
He looked intently, and when he finally got a clear view of Ba Da's attire and appearance, he couldn't help but exclaim.
"Bass · Ba Da!"
Three years ago, this name belonged to the strongest on Bass Island and the surrounding seas.
Of course, excluding the Marines.
Three years ago, this name ensured that no pirate crew dared to act recklessly on Bass Island.
Three years ago, this name, along with Bass Liquor, had appeared on the front pages of various newspapers more than once.
He lowered his head and pondered why he had forgotten this fellow before.
If it weren't for the Celestial Dragon, or CP0, this man's fame would likely be even greater now.
He couldn't understand why he had forgotten "Bass · Ba Da."
But there was one thing he understood.
That this fellow was back, and it seemed he was with Silver Hair. This meant big news was coming.
Thinking of this, he shivered all over, his face quickly flushing red, as if he were drunk.
Happiness had arrived too suddenly.
"Hehehehe..."
"What are you laughing at?"
Kong Tai turned to look at Firebird, a puzzled expression on his face.
"Nothing, nothing."
Firebird quickly shut his mouth, his shoulders shaking uncontrollably. His excitement was like that of a lecherous man seeing a beautiful woman, indescribably lewd.
"If you want to laugh, laugh out loud. Acting so lewd, go away."
"Yes, yes, yes, I'll move aside, move aside."
Kong Tai watched Firebird retreat to the side and crouch by the ship, feeling speechless.
"He's nuts."
Ba Da leaped onto the ship and couldn't help but glance at Firebird.
Mainly because the man's pink mohawk was too attention-grabbing.
Ba Da lost interest after just one glance and quickly walked to Kong Tai's side.
"Brother Silver Hair, your subordinate didn't come late, did he?"
"No, you're not late."
Kong Tai looked at Ba Da, no longer correcting his address. This guy had completely latched onto him.
Saying this, he downed the morning tea in his hand, placed the teacup down, picked up the newspaper beside him, and handed it to Ba Da.
"Well, take a look. This is the capital for your Bass Kingdom to remain safe in the coming days."
Ba Da took the newspaper after hearing this.
He was startled when he saw it was about Kong Tai's news.
"The back, you idiot."
"Oh!"
He quickly turned the newspaper over and looked closely. When he saw what was written, he suddenly trembled with excitement.
On this day, three years later, he saw the Bass Kingdom again, which made him incredibly excited.
After the excitement, came contemplation.
He pondered for a moment, then his eyes lit up. He looked up at Kong Tai, his eyes filled with gratitude.
Although he didn't know how Kong Tai managed to get the World Economic News Agency to report on the events of the Bass Kingdom three years ago, he assumed it hadn't been easy.
Ever since the destruction of the Bass Kingdom, news organizations worldwide had fallen silent. In the past few years, he hadn't seen a single piece of news about Bass.
Kong Tai looked at Ba Da, a smile forming on his lips.
"Since you understand my intentions, take this Firebird reporter and go take more photos!"
Kong Tai thought for a moment, and though he felt reluctant, he had to do it, "Go take more pictures of the island's ruins, and the children and elders in the cellars."
"The more pathetic you appear, the safer you will be in the future."
"Yes! I understand."
Ba Da nodded firmly.
He understood Kong Tai's intentions.
No matter what, he was the king of a nation, and he understood the power of public opinion.
It was one thing if news of Bass remained unknown. If it became common knowledge, the World Government would hesitate to act.
At least they wouldn't act openly.
As for covert actions, with his strength and Kong Tai's protection, he believed he could safeguard Bass.
As for Kong Tai's strength...
He glanced at his subordinates who were moving corpses in the distance.
With strength like that, it was truly reassuring.