“You’ve got some skills, huh?”
“Well, of course. You better stay put in your own position.”
“Don’t get too happy yet. Your No. 40 position will be mine sooner or later!”
The numbers on their bodies were proof of their status within the Beasts Pirates. They were the Numbers of the Beasts Pirates, currently among the strongest in the Beasts Pirates besides the 3 Calamities and other high-ranking officers.
Kaido had plans for the top All-Stars, but it was difficult to make detailed classification for the larger number of Gifters. In the end, Arceus chose a simple numerical system.
Those with powerful strength had the qualification to be numbered. The smaller the number, the stronger the individual, and the higher their status within the Beasts Pirates.
The method of determining a number is quite simple – through battles.
Whoever wins, the number would belong to them, and even if they become one of the Numbers, others still have the qualification to challenge them.
Every month, there is a fixed time for position battles, and the winner can replace the loser’s position.
However, to reduce meaningless time wastage, regular members were limited to challenging within a 10-number range. Only those with numbers 91-100 could challenge those with numbers 81-90.
Having a single-digit number granted the qualification to challenge the All-Stars.
As for the original titles like Shinuchi, Tobiroppo, and other complex titles, they were abolished in the internal restructuring of the Beasts Pirates. Below the All-Stars are the 101 Numbers, and unlike the Calamities serving as the Tridents’ blades, these officers are the ultimate foundation.
Blessed Ones and Gifters were their means of acquiring power, while the Numbers determine their status.
Of course, there were special officers like Shayna, Zeraora, Greninja. Although they don’t have a Number and aren’t one of the Calamities, being directly under Arceus grants them status and strength no less than the 3 Calamities and single-digit Numbers.
“What’s 40 and 41 they are talking about?”
“Those are their numbers. Those people are the crew’s officers.”
Yamato explained to them what the Numbers mean. This time, Ulti didn’t say anything but listened attentively. This style was more like a true pirate crew.
“The position battles aren’t over yet. Do you want to go watch them in the afternoon?”
Kaido had given them an early break, and Yamato, intending to build a closer relationship with the new friends, suggested this idea seeing that they were interested.
After finishing their meal, Yamato led them to the second floor of Onigashima. This was her observation deck; the entire first floor below had been transformed into a massive arena, where a new round of duels was taking place.
“Rotooom! Next round, NO.16 Daifugo challenges NO.4 Babanuki! Rotooom, the match begins!”
Babanuki didn’t care that his assistant was challenging him; it was a common occurrence within the Beasts Pirates. The two almost simultaneously used their abilities, turning the arena into a battlefield between Slaking and Golisopod.
In the end, Babanuki defended his Chief Warden position, overpowering Daifugo with overwhelming strength. Daifugo’s shell was ultimately only one layer thick, and it was not of much use against a brute-force type fighter like Babanuki.
Though his ability had its benefits; it at least allowed him to concede defeat directly before suffering fatal injuries. Nevertheless, he was still taken to the Pokémon Center for physical examination.
Besides the Blessed Ones, the Gifters also contested for the Numbers. Ulti, overwhelmed by the dazzling abilities, was left unable to close her mouth. Luckily, the mask spared her the embarrassment of being discovered.
For those proficient in Haki but with limited natural talent, the impact of abilities was significant. Those ranked higher were mostly Blessed Ones, followed by Gifters. Individuals without any ability relying solely on physical prowess to obtain a rank were rare.
Because people with such skills had long acquired special abilities through their battle achievements. This competition led to an increase in the number of people joining the Arceus Cult.
As there were those who successfully defended their ranks, there were also those who couldn’t. This was when Smeargle made its appearance. Aside from occasionally drawing tattoos for Yamato, its main role now was to draw numbers on them.
Smeargle’s paint doesn’t fade, has many varieties, and could be easily modified, making it ideal for the Numbers who keep changing.
“Do numbers determine status?”
“Of course, but there are always some special cases.”
Watching the duels between “Devil Fruit users” and the significance of the numbers in determining status, Ulti seemed to have some new ideas. When Kaido reached Onigashima, he intentionally or unintentionally revealed a lot of information to the siblings.
“Kaido, Rotom says you’ve granted access to the newcomers.”
“Yeah? Well, Weston’s children are supposed to have some good things.”
“I should remind you; those two modified fruits are quite powerful.”
“I know, but fruits are meant to be eaten by people. As long as one is human, they can eventually train their Haki and become strong, but powerful abilities are also important.”
Onigashima’s things weren’t easy to steal. Not to mention the current heavily-guarded Onigashima, even the original timeline’s Onigashima was the same.
Without Kaido’s approval, neither Yamato’s Okuchi no Makami, nor Ulti and Page One’s Ancient Zoan, would have been so easy for them to obtain.
Especially considering that Ulti and her brother managed to steal two Devil Fruits shortly after arriving here, but they faced no punishment, instead they were able to climb to the position of Tobiroppo smoothly, which would have been almost impossible without Kaido’s approval.
This is a completely different concept from infiltrating Onigashima with fifteen thousand enemies. Setting aside other factors, if Kaido hadn’t disclosed information, even figuring out where the fruits were located would have been a big challenge for Ulti.
Which is even more so now. If Kaido didn’t grant permission and didn’t give Ulti a hint on the way, she simply wouldn’t be able to pull off such a feat.
As for why Kaido did this, even though he is the rule maker and can freely alter rules, he still adheres to the internal rules of the pirate crew. He may add some extra rewards based on preferences, but he won’t suppress them.
Those capable of obtaining these things will inevitably acquire them. The privileged receive additional benefits, and absolute fairness is almost non-existent. As long as their own interests are not affected, most people can be accommodating towards others.
You can give more to others, but you cannot give away what rightfully belongs to me.
The information Kaido shared with Rotom naturally did not escape Arceus’ notice; after all, those creatures were created by him.
Soon, Ulti and her brother received their ID cards. Their residence was also in the large building. However, as night fell, new conflicts arose.
“He’s a boy; he should stay in the same room as me.”
“He’s my brother! He should definitely stay with me!”
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