"The big sister has maintained her power for several years already. As long as you're strong enough, this isn't a problem at all."
"Brother Mandfeish, you understand what I really mean."
Seeing Mandfeish playing dumb, Pierman directly laid out his point. He wanted to see his brother lead a happy and fulfilling life, but if this lie was exposed, the result wouldn't be pretty.
"We'll talk about it when the time comes. It's hard to let go... But with Whitebeard's flag here, it should be safer too, right?"
Mandfeish understood his point, but he didn't know what consequences would follow if he revealed his identity now. After all, a large portion of Fishman Island's residents feared humans and kept their distance.
From Mandfeish's perspective, Whitebeard's flag was a good thing, at least it meant more connections between Fishman Island and humans.
After that, Mandfeish didn't continue the conversation on this topic. This was originally Mandfeish's personal matter, and besides, he was Pierman's direct superior, so Pierman had no reason to press further.
While Mandfeish was still ascending, Shaina had already returned to Ghost Island.
"Emmalyn, you lead the team; I'm heading back first."
"Don't worry, big sis. We've already reached here, so there won't be other issues." This area was already the special sea current region of Wano Kuni, and several surrounding islands had already become territory of the Hundred Beasts; as the main base, Wano Kuni was already at the heart of its territory.
Conventional methods couldn't bypass the outer defenses to reach here.
This was why Shaina felt comfortable leaving the ship. With a flap of her wings, she flew towards Wano Kuni. According to protocol, she would return early to report certain situations.
After Shaina left, Emmalyn looked up. These female officers all instinctively followed Shaina from the heart.
Due to physiological differences, it's easier for men to train to become strong. Apart from Charlotte Linlin's naturally monstrous physique, nearly all top fighters at sea were male.
Unlike Olga's Illusion Realm that often takes shortcuts in battle, Shaina purely engaged in hand-to-hand combat. Among current female fighters, she was nearly second only to Charlotte Linlin.
The principle of survival of the fittest remained unchanged within the Hundred Beasts. While Arceus' framework prevented this from spiraling out of control, the core still determined status by strength.
Though Yamato currently enjoyed a high position, if she couldn't display matching potential, Kaidou would never treat her as his daughter but would instead let her fight her battles below.
Such an environment naturally fostered this admiration for strength.
"Iscariot, did you remember what I told you?"
After entering the sea current bound for Wano Kuni, the crew began furling sails and steering the ship carefully, as even experienced helmsmen had to be cautious in this sea region.
Emmalyn was advising Iscariot on the matters to pay attention to.
"Show utmost respect for Lord Sacred Beast..."
"That's right, remember this. As long as you don't falter on this point or go places you shouldn't, big sis won't really get mad. But if you break this rule, you'll be in trouble."
Emmalyn wasn't trying to frighten her, but merely stating objective facts.
"You've seen the poster in big sis's room, just keep that in mind when the time comes."
"Understood."
...
On Ghost Island, Shaina landed on the rooftop. Since most of the officers had flying abilities, the rooftops of Ghost Island often served as a helipad. After tidying up her appearance, Shaina entered a room in Ghost Island.
"Lord Sacred Beast, I'm back. I'm very sorry; I didn't find anything significant."
"It's alright. The more plates we find, the harder the remaining ones are to locate. This was expected, I suppose. Yamato has been eagerly waiting for your return."
"Miss Yamato... waiting for me to return?"
"Yes, because when you return, she can switch teachers. She complains about Kaidou's training every day. Didn't you see them when you came down from the rooftop?"
"No, Mr. Kaidou and Miss Yamato weren't there."
Shaina was puzzled as to why they weren't where Arceus said they'd be, but out of the corner of her eye, she noticed something out the window; it seemed the coast outside of Ghost Island was on fire. When she turned to look, Yamato and Kaidou's location became very clear.
"Do you understand now?"
"I understand..."
She used to think she was somewhat strict, but compared to Kaidou, her actions were practically gentle.
"By the way, Lord Sacred Beast, Emmalyn picked up a child this time."
"You don't need to report such trivial matters."
Bringing back a child was not uncommon in the Hundred Beasts. Not to mention the officers, even a common person might bring back a few orphans. External islands already had Hundred Beasts orphanages.
However, these orphanages weren't purely philanthropic. The Hundred Beasts Pirates were not a charity; while they took care of orphans from various accidents, they also had their own objectives.
Most of the children raised there became reserve members of the Hundred Beasts; those with weaker physiques would be assigned to companies like Hundred Beasts Fruit.
"This child is quite unique, not particularly outstanding in talent but very determined."
On the way back, she subjected Iscariot to some tests—training intensity impossible for kids of her age to endure; yet she gritted her teeth and endured until she passed out without giving up.
Perhaps not as gifted, but she had an adequate mindset.
"Though a bit naive, maybe Miss Yamato will get along with her."
She was referring to Iscariot's so-called idealism. Wanting others to avoid suffering, rather than acting out of self-interest, seemed incredibly naive to Shaina when coming from a child.
"How old is she?"
"Just over five years old, there's still some potential for molding."
"Then let her play with Yamato. She needs more normal people around her."
Not that there was anything wrong with the people around her, just that the peers around Yamato right now...
Jack was often silly, Robin was mature and manipulative, Maria had no particular issues but due to her status was particularly deferent to Yamato. This newcomer could be a normal friend for her.
Also, this way Yamato wouldn't be the youngest, and could develop a sense of responsibility.
"Understood, I get it."
After Shaina reported nearly everything, her ship also entered the Hidden Port. As gears and chains pulled the vessel upwards, sunlight once again shone on the deck, marking Iscariot's first entry into the territory of Wano Kuni.
The ship docked, and the accompanying personnel began boarding riverboats to return to their residences.
"Iscariot, be mentally prepared; many things here are quite peculiar."
"Peculiar?"
Before she could understand this word, a giant dragon appeared before her, spewing fire at the Inner Sea. At the same time, she seemed to hear cries for help...