The crowd was silent.
Over a thousand soldiers were once part of Captain Roy's private forces.
They knew Captain Roy often executed subordinates who offended him or disobeyed his orders for various reasons.
But Roy's actions were like those of a tyrannical pirate captain, only instilling a sense of cruelty and fear.
This time was different.
This public execution gave the soldiers a feeling that was entirely different from what they experienced with Captain Roy.
Just like when they witnessed Roy's killings, the soldiers still felt afraid.
Some even considered fleeing.
But seeing the five sharp blades on the man's right hand in the black suit beside Major Hailan, they abandoned any thoughts of escape.
Some soldiers were so terrified after seeing Sergeant Verner's beheading that their legs turned to jelly.
Even if given the chance to escape, they might not have had the strength to run.
But in the hearts of the soldiers, the difference between Major Hailan's execution of the sergeant and Captain Roy's random killings out of anger was profound—a deep shock.
The setting sun stained the sea a blood-red hue.
Ninety-eight soldiers' bodies were laid out neatly before everyone. It was the first time the East Blue Navy formally faced the bodies of their fallen comrades.
Especially for the hundreds of wounded warriors, they felt it the most.
They realized that if they had made even a small mistake or if their teammates had not saved them in time, they, too, might have been lying there.
Hailan planted his blood-stained sword into the ground.
He looked at the assembled soldiers sternly: "Soldiers, first, let me congratulate you. Through your relentless efforts, the Sam Pirate Fleet and the corrupt Navy Captain Roy have been successfully defeated."
"Each of you is a hero. Each of you will receive the recognition you deserve."
"But, who are the true heroes?"
"Is it Private Kuro, who worked behind the scenes, weaving our plans together?"
"Is it Lieutenant Wagner, who led the charge, bravely facing the enemy?"
"Or is it Lieutenant Bellemere, who led the special operations team to sink several pirate ships of the Sam Fleet?"
Hailan proclaimed the merits of Kuro, Wagner, and Bellemere uniquely.
Then he changed his tone: "No, it's none of them!"
"The true heroes are the ninety-eight brave souls lying there. They were our comrades, who gave their lives for justice. They are the real heroes."
"Everyone, listen to my command. Salute the heroes!"
Swish!
Led by the well-trained soldiers from Roguetown, the other soldiers demonstrated extraordinary discipline.
Nearly two thousand soldiers stood silently, paying their respects to the ninety-eight fallen heroes. No one spoke.
Although many couldn't fully grasp the Major's intricate words, the scene profoundly impacted them.
At that moment, many felt an indescribable, overwhelming emotion.
It was as if a weight was pressing on their chests, eager to be released.
Some nobles, merchants, and civilians from the Victoria Kingdom gathered away from the military.
Usually, after driving away pirates, Captain Roy demanded a "military maintenance fee" from them, supposedly to replenish ammunition and recruit new soldiers for future battles.
They were prepared to hand over supplies to this Major from Headquarters but were unexpectedly witnessing this unprecedented, moving scene on the coast.
Earlier, Nami had been petrified when she saw Major Hailan behead Sergeant Verner.
The soldier holding Nami had just managed to build some positive feelings towards the Major in her young mind, only to be overshadowed by that terrifying act.
But seeing this solemn scene, though she didn't fully understand, she felt a glimmer of comprehension about the Major's actions.
Children's emotions are easily swayed.
Perhaps linking the ninety-eight fallen soldiers to the slaughtered villagers or simply feeling sorrow for the naval heroes, three-year-old Nami couldn't hold back her tears.
"End of ceremony!"
The solemn silence felt eternal.
Wagner didn't know how long it had been when Major Hailan finally gave another command.
"Lieutenant, take two squads and carefully identify these heroes' bodies."
"Those with families will receive a pension of one million Berries each. Those without will be brought back to Roguetown and personally buried in Roguetown's Heroes' Cemetery."
Hailan established the Heroes' Cemetery in Roguetown over the past month. It was not yet complete but sufficient to bury these naval warriors.
"What's the use of money for the dead?"
In the crowd, a discordant voice sounded.
It wasn't loud but enough for the surrounding soldiers to hear.
"I think I heard someone with a differing opinion?"
Under the soldiers' gazes, Hailan quickly pinpointed the dissenting soldier.
"What did you just say?"
"N-nothing…"
"Soldier, answer my question!"
"Sir, I'm sorry!"
"I asked you to repeat what you said! Do you want to be court-martialed like Sergeant Verner?"
"Reporting, sir! I said, what's the use of money for the dead!"
"Good!"
Hailan turned to the soldiers watching the scene. As he turned away, the dissenting soldier slumped to the ground in fear.
"Did you hear that? He said the money is useless."
"If that's the case, let's cancel this benefit for him. Kuro, note his name."
"Understood."
Kuro adjusted his glasses. Hailan finally understood why he used his palm instead of his fingers—to avoid the blades of his cat claw glove.
Hearing Hailan's words, all the soldiers looked at the dissenting soldier as if he were an idiot.
It's not about having little but worrying about inequality—happiness comes from comparison.
"All soldiers, listen up! Those who followed Lieutenant Bellemere to pursue pirates can collect a reward of one hundred thousand Berries from her. Those who followed Sergeant Verner, your merits and demerits cancel each other out; there will be no rewards this time."
"Dismissed!"
…
After the soldiers' attention shifted, Kuro led the dissenting soldier to a secluded corner.
"Well, Mr. Kuro, how was my performance?"
"Quite good, I must say. If nothing unexpected happens, you'll likely be on the list to return to Headquarters with Major Hailan."
"Thank you, Mr. Kuro."
"No, thank Major Hailan."
"Yes, yes, of course. My apologies…"