Thinking about the treatment after rising in rank, and that his subordinates would increase significantly, William Adams felt a surge of excitement, casting aside his worries. He turned around and shouted sternly, “Assemble!”

A few of the pirates were reluctant to leave the women, so William Adams flew into a rage and killed one with his blade, only then managing to gather everyone.

“There are government soldiers on the main road.” William Adams encouraged his men, “Defeat them, and afterward—women, money… whatever you want, you’ll have it.”

A wild and greedy look appeared in all their eyes.

“Attack!”

William Adams was able to lead a team deep into the interior not because of connections, but because of his ability.

He was one of the few samurai among the pirates who understood military strategy. If not for his mediocre relationship with the chief John Adams, and the fact that he had no one above him to rely on, he would have risen in rank long ago.

So he ordered his men not to slack off, and they rushed forward at full speed.

The Ming soldiers were timid; if he advanced slowly, it might boost the enemy’s morale.

But by charging forward, giving the enemy no time to hesitate, and relying on the pirates’ fearsome reputation, he could win without a fight.

“Kill!”

William Adams expected there to be several hundred Ming soldiers, but when he saw only two youths standing alone on the main road...

“Nani?”

Robert Bennett stood with his legs slightly apart, shoulder-width, both hands gripping a long sword—borrowed from a soldier.

Dozens of pirates halted and assembled, with half-moon haircuts, single-layered clothing, and only loincloths below, nearly naked. They held spears, bows, and Japanese swords.

The sight made Robert Bennett's eyes narrow.

These were the infamous pirates of legend.

But at this moment, he had no way out... If he ran, he was confident he could survive in the deep mountains as a wild man.

But he’d rather die than do that.

Going to Taizhou Prefecture would also mean death.

This was his only chance.

For years, the pirates had ravaged the southern Ming lands, always victorious, and the soldiers were terrified at the mere mention of them.

That was why Robert Bennett dared to take the risk.

“Young master.” George Foster glanced at his young master. “Let’s run!”

Robert Bennett said, “Run where? I’m not becoming a wild man.”

“Then what do you want to be, young master?”

“A man above men!”

George Foster fell silent, gripped his sword tightly, and planted his feet firmly. “I’ll follow you, young master.”

The pirates stopped.

In the woods, David Brooks squinted as he watched. Behind him, a soldier whispered, “You can feel that murderous aura from far away. I’m scared. But that James Bennett can still stand firm. Truly, a scholar is a scholar.”

“Among scholars, if even one in ten thousand is like James Bennett, it’s a blessing from the ancestors,” said another soldier with some talent.

“Shut up!” David Brooks was a bundle of nerves and waved his hand. “Get ready.”

He was worried the pirates would charge, but even more worried that Robert Bennett would kneel and surrender, revealing the true situation of his forces to the pirates.

If that happened, he was doomed.

Not far behind, the convicts, urged on by several soldiers, dragged branches and prepared to run.

“Two youths!” William Adams was suspicious.

The smarter a person thinks they are, the more suspicious they become.

Robert Bennett thought about the Japanese he knew, but it all seemed a bit provocative. He laughed, “Why not fight?”

The pirates behind him grew restless.

They’re not running?

The pirates were baffled.

All along the way, no matter who they encountered, everyone ran as if they’d seen a ghost.

This...

This isn’t right!

Could it be a trap?

William Adams hesitated for a long time, then gritted his teeth, “Go test them.”

A pirate approached slowly with his sword.

Sure enough, the pirates suspected an ambush... Robert Bennett was overjoyed, but put on an impatient face, stomping his long sword. “That guy, hurry up and come die!”

“Grandpa’s getting impatient!” George Foster shouted along.

This kid’s got potential... Robert Bennett praised inwardly, but didn’t notice that George Foster was genuinely looking forward to it.

The pirates drew closer, becoming more cautious.

Suddenly, Robert Bennett raised his hand.

It was a signal.

In the woods, David Brooks gave a low command: “Run!”

“Start running.”

Dozens of convicts began to sprint, dragging branches.

The woods instantly filled with dust and smoke.

“James Bennett, if this works, you’ll be my benefactor!” David Brooks muttered, completely forgetting himself.

If it worked, he’d earn merit!

The coastal regions were in turmoil, but in the capital, there was peace and revelry. In times of peace, where could one earn military merit?

People are greedy by nature. With a bit of hope, David Brooks wished the pirates would just retreat on their own.

He stared hard at that pirate, and when he saw the pirate speed up, his heart sank.

That sickly kid would surely run, or be cut down if he didn’t.

It’s over!

David Brooks grabbed his horse’s reins, ready to mount and flee.

If it were any ordinary youth, seeing the pirates charge, the first reaction would be to run.

But who was Robert Bennett?

In South America, he’d led anti-government forces, daring to challenge small squads of American troops—a minor warlord!

He grinned fiercely, “Shitou, follow me!” In that instant, Robert Bennett cast aside all hesitation.

He charged at the pirates.

That fearless posture left the Ming soldiers in the woods dumbfounded...

“James Bennett...”

“What courage!”