Chapter 16: The Bandit King’s True Ambition!

Sige stood frozen as the bald zealot recounted their “achievements”—a swelling army, rival factions absorbed, whispers of King of Goa echoing through the Gray Terminal.

How did it spiral this far?

His mind reeled. I hid in mountains to avoid attention. Now I lead an army?

“...total bounties exceed 20 million berries!” The bald bandit concluded, tears of pride glistening. “All for your glory, Boss!”

Sige’s soul withered. Two hundred men. Six-million-berry lieutenants. Marine-trained drills. This wasn’t hiding—this was a bonfire screaming “Arrest Me!”

“You’re… talented,” Sige deadpanned, KING’s glare masking his inner scream. I’ve adopted a lunatic.

The zealot preened. “Just doing my duty! Did I mention I was a Marine drill instructor?”

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Dragon’s eyes sharpened.

Revolutionary Mind: Confirmed. Marine infiltration.

“Enough.” Sige cut him off. “Dismiss the men. Now.”

As the crowd dispersed, whispers followed:

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“Who are Boss’s guests?”

“That hooded guy looks familiar—”

A mountain gust掀翻了 Dragon’s hood, revealing his tattooed visage.

“Dragon!” A scarred bandit recoiled. “World’s Most Wanted Criminal!”

Panic erupted. A hundred blades rasped from sheaths.

Shit.

Sige’s Emperor Engine revved. THUD-THUD-THUD

“Stand down.”

The order cracked like a whip. Bandits froze mid-step.

Dragon observed quietly, noting Sige’s iron grip over the mob. Even exposed, they obey instantly. This man’s control… terrifying.

——

Inside the Hideout

Ivankov dabbed glittery sweat from his brow. “Darling, your little fan club’s adorable! But~♪ if word leaks we’re here…”

“It won’t.” Sige’s growl brooked no argument. “They’re loyal.”

Loyal? Half joined yesterday! His gut churned. One drunkard blabs to a Marine spy, and I’m World Government target numero uno.

Dragon leaned forward, steepling tattooed fingers. “Our goals align, Sige-san. The Celestial Dragons’ tyranny must end. Join us.”

“No.”

The refusal hung like a guillotine blade.

Kuma’s Bible pages rustled. Ivankov’s smile strained.

“Why?” Dragon pressed.

Sige met his gaze, KING’s aura boiling. “You play revolution. I wage war.”

A lie. A glorious, suicidal lie. But the only card left.

Dragon’s lips twitched—the ghost of a smile. “War requires armies. Allies. Supply lines.”

He slid a map across the table. Red X’s marked Marine bases, noble estates, even a Celestial Dragon’s summer villa.

“Pick your opening move.”

——

Outside, Bandit Camp

“Boss is negotiating with Dragon!”

“They’re planning to topple the nobles!”

“The Bandit King’s finally making his move!”

Gilman sharpened his cleaver, eyes alight. “Hear that, lads? We’re storming Mary Geoise!”

A rookie bandit paled. “B-But that’s suicide!”

The bald zealot cuffed him. “With the Boss leading? We’ll carve our names in Red Line’s stone!”