Even in the cold, they didn't hesitate. Stripping off their uniforms, they rushed straight to Sengoku, pleading with unwavering determination.
Sengoku was momentarily stunned as he looked at the group before him.
"Why are you acting like this?! You have no idea how terrifying the New World is. With your current strength, it would be suicide."
He sounded frustrated and helpless. He couldn't understand what these female soldiers were thinking. Did they truly not grasp how dangerous the world outside had become?
The New World was a place that devoured the unprepared.
Vice Admiral Momonga stepped forward, trying to stop them. "You have no idea what you're walking into. We understand what's driving you right now, but once you set foot in the New World, you'll understand just how brutal it really is."
He couldn't help but try to talk some sense into them.
But the female soldiers stood firm. They knew how rare an opportunity like this was—to go undercover in enemy territory.
Many of them had lost loved ones to pirates. Some saw their fathers killed, others watched their hometowns reduced to ashes. They all had their reasons. And all of them burned with hatred.
That hatred brought them here.
Yet once they joined the Marines, reality hit them hard. Without enough strength to qualify for front-line duty, they were reassigned to the Technology Division.
There, lacking any specialized training, they could only operate machinery.
Modern Marine battleships required skilled operators, and female soldiers were deemed particularly suited to this task.
So, after undergoing intensive training, they were assigned to battleships as gunners or ship controllers.
But that wasn't the justice they were seeking.
They didn't just want to support—they wanted to fight. To face their enemies head-on.
Unfortunately, Marine training required four or five years before deployment. They had only been enlisted for a few months.
Though they had already learned the basics, available warships were limited, and assessments were complete. Others had already gone to the battlefield.
All they could do was wait.
Until now.
Esdeath's sudden arrival was their unexpected chance. She offered them a way into the New World—not as Marines, but as undercover agents posing as pirates.
They would finally get to confront pirates face-to-face.
It was exactly what they'd been hoping for.
They could sharpen their skills while taking vengeance with their own hands.
This was their dream.
And now nothing could stop them from accepting.
Esdeath hadn't expected such a dramatic shift in their attitudes. A small, amused smile played at her lips.
She stepped forward and addressed the others in the room. "I want them."
Even Sengoku was surprised. He looked at her in disbelief. "Are you sure?"
"What's there to be unsure about?" Esdeath replied with a casual shrug.
The girls were overjoyed. They never expected Esdeath to look past their earlier outburst.
It felt too good to be true.
Though they all carried hatred in their hearts, some were still hesitant—worried that their lack of power would hold them back.
Esdeath noticed several of them hadn't shown any emotion. She paused, a thoughtful look in her eyes.
Then, understanding them better than anyone, she walked up to one of the girls and gently touched her cheek.
"What's wrong? What are you afraid of?"
The girl hesitated, then finally spoke. "Ma'am… will our lack of strength be a burden in the New World?"
Esdeath laughed. "You're overthinking it. I don't expect you to fight on the front lines. Your job is just to help steer this steel monster of a ship."
"If it comes to a fight, I'll handle it myself. I don't need you for that."
She spoke plainly. She was a powerhouse on the level of the Emperors, and these women were just ordinary soldiers. She never expected them to fight beside her in battle.
Her words stung, but the girls knew she was right.
Their strength wasn't nearly enough. As blunt as Esdeath was, there was no denying the truth.
"Fine," Sengoku finally said with a sigh. "If she insists on taking you, then I won't stop her. With her abilities, you should be safe."
He didn't want to argue further. Esdeath had the power to protect them, no doubt about it.
The girls exchanged looks. Then, after a moment of silence, they nodded in agreement.
They still didn't fully understand how strong Esdeath was, but since she had accepted them, they were ready to join her.
But two of them remained unconvinced. Still unsure about Esdeath, they chose to refuse—for now. They wanted to preserve their lives and wait for another chance to fight on a larger scale.
Esdeath didn't even spare them a glance.
At that moment, Momonga stepped forward. "This woman is incredibly strong. Even Marshal Sengoku was defeated by her. So trust that she can protect you—but be careful not to make her angry."
"Her personality... isn't exactly easy to deal with."