"Sister Drake, is it necessary to make things this complicated?"
Watching Drake settle their opponents for the next two days with a kind tone, Iscariot couldn't quite understand. Hundred Beasts was a rather complex group of pirates. Even with the rules set by Arceus, they only regulated daily life.
When it came to the Plate, Hundred Beasts could carry out nation-destroying events, yet Drake's approach now was vastly different from before.
"Emmalyn usually teaches you what?"
Drake didn't answer directly, instead asking about how Emmalyn taught Iscariot. Ordinary orphans studied in the Monastery, but those who were more special were often cared for by some officers.
Iscariot was brought back by Shaina and Emmalyn, but Shaina was usually busy, so Emmalyn acted as her temporary parent.
"Just normal stuff..."
"True, that person does everything by the book. Some things are simple. If it were something else, after the tournament, just grabbing it wouldn't be out of the question."
"After it ends?"
"This is the New World, and the tournament is called the New World Central Martial Arts Tournament. This tournament has been ongoing for some time, and the person hosting it has complex relations here in the New World.
We do have a lot of business, so we need to show some respect."
The New World is a complicated sea region where the strongest gather. Even the Navy wouldn't act here without thorough preparation.
Now, the territories of the three great Sea Emperors overlap, and Shanks is rising quickly. The situation of the Four Emperors is taking shape. Because of the partitioned forces, the Underworld's middlemen have room to act within the New World.
On normal days, when peace prevails, everyone gives each other some respect.
"Sister Drake, are you sure... threatening competitors at night is giving them respect?"
"That's why I'm threatening them secretly. The situation is different. That guy treasures the Plate, and you heard his boast in the arena. He's a 'fool' looking to challenge the Sea Emperors.
Even if this kind of guy risks his life, he might not hand it over. Getting rough here would break the rules."
With a more comfortable posture, she continued to monitor the other's actions.
"And this guy's information is too limited. We don't know if he's made contact with any other forces since entering the New World. The thing is presumed to be a Plate, so the safest method is to call someone stronger to handle it.
If I could be 100% sure, I would contact Lord Arceus directly. By the way, Iscariot, remember, when uncertain, don't report beyond your level."
This is where Drake differs from Emmalyn. Emmalyn joined Hundred Beasts early as a regular member, while Drake joined later as a captain from another pirate crew.
Unlike the corporate-like Mandfeish, she's an old hand, content with her current position, with no grand visions for the future, just wanting to live freely.
If it were genuine, there's no problem contacting Arceus directly, but she can't verify it with absolute certainty.
Getting a fake and then reporting it beyond her level would embarrass her superiors. Credit is solidly hers and can't be taken, so she chose to notify King instead.
Before King arrives, all she has to do is keep an eye on the target. She came here for the tournament and didn't bring many people. If she acts and something goes wrong, allowing the opponent to escape in the chaos then hide, it would be a big problem.
"Some things can be solved simply and bluntly, but in this case, being cautious is better."
...
Drake didn't anticipate that her caution would not only be effective but also indirectly save her wallet.
Gaponov won inexplicably and remained on the tournament's hosting island until King arrived.
"Where's the item?"
"Still with that person."
"Well done, the credibility of the New World Central Martial Arts Tournament must be maintained."
King transformed, landing on the rooftop. His pitch-black form blended into the night. Most didn't notice, but one more person had appeared on the island.
"Brother King, you're quite interested in this tournament, huh?"
"You didn't know?"
"Huh? Know what?"
Drake asked, puzzled, having no idea what King was referring to.
"It seems I overestimated you. Can't you learn from Mandfeish and be more informed about these things?"
"Then that wouldn't be me. Brother King, what's it about?"
"Nothing, it's just that Tesoro joined this tournament last month, and we're one of the co-hosts. If you really cause trouble and ruin the brand here, you might have to say goodbye to your year-end bonus."
King assumed Drake knew about it since she was the only one in Hundred Beasts enthusiastic about such high-prize tournaments. Hearing she was monitoring the target's actions didn't seem strange, and he hadn't specifically warned her.
At that time, he found it odd that his deputy had changed behavior so irrationally, but now it seemed it was just his overthinking.
....
The New World Central Martial Arts Tournament didn't last long, with the finals on the second day. Drake successfully claimed her fourth consecutive title, and after the tournament ended, participants on the island began to swiftly leave.
During the tournament, an unknown force maintained order on the island, but this order was broken once the finals ended. At this point, any grievance could be handled personally; no one would intervene.
Now, even Hundred Beasts has a share in this tournament, so King wouldn't ruin his own business' reputation, waiting until the tournament ended. Credibility, once lost, isn't easy to regain.
Compared to acting prematurely and dealing with the fallout, waiting became the most prudent approach.
Gaponov's results weren't particularly outstanding, but reaching the finals earned him a prize. As he was leaving, King's figure appeared before him.
"I'll give you a chance. Leave that Plate, and you can leave here unharmed."
"Dream on, this is my stuff. You'll never take it!"
When he first arrived in the New World, he encountered people trying to snatch the Plate. It was the toughest battle since he went to sea, but relying on the Plate's indestructible trait, he defeated that enemy. Since then, he's been entirely captivated by the Plate's Defense Power.
And he's determined to collect Plates to become the new Emperor...