“Boss Shayna has been maintaining her ability for several years now, so as long as I’m strong enough, this isn’t a problem at all.”
“Boss Mandrell, did you understand what I said?”
Seeing Mandrell feigning ignorance, Pierman directly stated his intentions. He did want to see his boss living a fulfilling life, but if this lie were to be exposed, the outcome wouldn’t be pleasant.
“Let’s talk about it later. Some things are hard to let go of. But having Whitebeard’s flag should make this place safer, right?”
Mandrell also understood what he was trying to tell him, but he wasn’t sure what consequences revealing his identity might have. After all, a large part of the Fishman Island’s residents are wary of humans and keep their distance from them.
In Mandrell’s view, Whitebeard’s flag was a good thing, as it meant more interaction between Fishman Island and humans.
Afterward, Mandrell didn’t respond further on this topic. This was, after all, Mandrell’s personal matter, and he was also Pierman’s immediate superior, so there wasn’t any reason for him to inquire further.
While Mandrell was still floating up, Shayna had already returned to Onigashima.
“Amalee, take charge of the team. I’m heading back first.”
“Don’t worry, boss. We’ve already made it this far; there shouldn’t be any other issues.” This is a special maritime area within Wano Country, and the surrounding islands have all fallen under the control of the Beasts Pirates. As the main stronghold, Wano Country is truly the heart of their territory.
You can’t use conventional methods to bypass the outer defenses to reach here.
That’s why Shayna felt at ease leaving the ship. With a flap of her wings, she was already flying in the direction of Wano Country. As per her usual habit, she would return to Wano Country in advance to report the situation.
After Shayna left, Amalee raised her head. These female officers all follow Shayna from the bottom of their hearts.
Due to physiological differences, it was easier for males to become strong. Aside from Charlotte Linlin’s natural monstrous physique, almost all the top-tier fighters on the seas were male.
Unlike Olga, who often uses tricks in battle with her illusions, Shayna was all about close combat. Among the current female powerhouses, she was second only to Charlotte Linlin.
The philosophy of “strength above all” remained unchanged within the Beasts Pirates. While the framework established by Arceus limited the extent to which this principle could lead to chaos, the core of the crew still revolved around determining one’s status based on their strength.
Though Yamato is currently enjoying a high status, if she couldn’t demonstrate corresponding potential matching the status, Kaido wouldn’t treat her as his daughter but make her demote to a lower status and let her fight to earn it.
In such an environment, it naturally gave rise to this reverence for strength.
“Isuka, have you remembered everything I told you?”
Once they entered the ocean currents of Wano Country, the people on the ship began to lower the sails and steer cautiously. Even though their helmsmen were experienced, they had to be extremely careful in this sea region.
Meanwhile, Amalee was instructing Isuka on what to pay attention to.
“You must show utmost respect to Lord Sacred Beast.”
“That’s right. Remember this, as long as you don’t make mistakes in this regard, don’t go where you shouldn’t, Boss Shayna won’t get too angry. But if you break this rule, you’re done for.”
Amalee wasn’t trying to intimidate her but stating the objective facts.
“You’ve seen the posters in the boss’ room as well. So, remember to be careful.”
“Umm.”
Onigashima
Shayna landed on the rooftop. Because most of the officers could fly, Onigashima’s roof often served as a landing area. After tidying herself up a bit, Shayna entered a room on Onigashima.
“Lord Sacred Beast, I’m back. I’m truly sorry, but I didn’t find anything of value.”
“It’s alright. The more plates we find, the harder it becomes to find the rest. This was to be expected, right? Yamato has been eagerly waiting for your return.”
“Miss Yamato, waiting for me?”
“Yes, after all, when you return, she can change her teacher. She complains about Kaido’s training every day. Didn’t you come down from the roof? Didn’t you see them?”
“No, Mr. Kaido and Miss Yamato are not over there.”
Shayna was wondering why they weren’t at the location Arceus had mentioned. However, the corner of her eye caught something outside the window. It seemed like there was a fire on the coast of Onigashima. When she turned to look, the whereabouts of Yamato and Kaido became quite obvious.
“Do you understand now?”
“I understand.”
She used to think she was strict, but compared to Kaido, her behavior was incredibly gentle.
“By the way, Lord `Sacred Beast, Amalee brought a child back this time.”
“You don’t need to report such trivial matters.”
Bringing a child back was not uncommon among the Beasts Pirates. Not only officers but even ordinary crew members might bring back a few orphans. There were already Beasts Pirates Orphanage on some of the islands outside.
However, these orphanages weren’t entirely altruistic. Beasts Pirates weren’t a charity organization. While they took care of the orphaned children resulting from various incidents, they also had their own purposes.
Most of the children who grew up there became potential recruits for the Beasts Pirates, while those with weaker physiques were assigned to subsidiaries like Beasts Fruits.
“This child is quite special. She may not be exceptionally talented, but she possesses a great deal of determination.”
During the return journey, Shayna had subjected Isuka to some tests. The training intensity was something a child her age shouldn’t have been able to endure, but she had persevered until she fainted without ever giving up.
Perhaps she lacks talent, but she has enough determination.
“She’s a bit naïve, though. Maybe Miss Yamato can get along with her.”
Shayna was referring to Isuka’s so-called dream; wanting to alleviate the suffering of others rather than pursuing her own goals. Shayna felt that these words were incredibly naive coming from a child.
“How old is she?”
“A little over five years old, still malleable.”
“Then take her to play with Miss Yamato. She could use more normal company around her.”
Not that there’s anything wrong with the current people around her, but Yamato’s current peers are…
Jack, who is often silly, Robin, who is mature beyond her years and a bit devious, and while Maria doesn’t have any particular issues, because of her identity, Maria has an added sense of obedience towards Yamato. That’s why a child from outside can be a more ordinary friend to her.
And this way, Yamato also wouldn’t be the youngest anymore, which could help develop her sense of responsibility.
“Yes, I understand.”
While Shayna was reporting almost everything, her ship entered Mogura Port. With the help of gears and chains, the ship slowly ascended. When the sunlight once again illuminated the deck, Isuka had entered the territory of Wano Country for the first time.
As the ship returned to port, the accompanying crew members also began to return to their homes by inland river boats.
“Isuka, be mentally prepared. There are many strange things here.”
“Strange?”
Before she could grasp the meaning of this word, a gigantic dragon spewing flames towards the inland river appeared before her eyes. At the same time, she seemed to hear a cry for help.
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