Yamato somehow acquired the title of Oni Princess. While she was accepting this new title, Kaido and Arceus were busy with another matter.
From all across Onigashima, the females among the adopted orphans and the children of the crew members were gathered together. They shared a common trait – they were mainly younger than Yamato.
They were in the process of selecting a team for Yamato. Although Maria and Jack were familiar with Yamato, they were being groomed as current officers of the Beasts Pirates, and it was the same for Ulti and Page One too.
Even the weakest like Isuka and the least noticeable, Perona, were her friends of the same generation. However, for the heir of a force, they need not only friends but also subordinates.
At this moment, Yamato needed her own team of subordinates. They didn’t need to be exceptionally strong, as they couldn’t surpass Yamato in strength anyway. It was merely to cultivate her approach to handling matters in advance.
Jack, Maria, and others were quite young. Once Yamato took over Kaido’s position, they would be readily available as her team. These people are simply there to help her become familiar with the management style.
“Worororo, that nun did a good job training them, don’t you think?”
Misu continued the convent style from before, personally designing the uniform for the monastery. However, the symbol of Thousand Arms on the chest was quite conspicuous.
However, this uniform received strong support from Shayna. Generally, many internal affairs of the Beasts Pirates were delegated to others, and they didn’t bother reporting such minor matters.
Coupled with Misu’s fanatical personality, the children raised in the convent naturally developed a sense of reverence for Arceus.
“Forget about that; isn’t this about selecting Yamato’s team? You go first; after my selection is over, these people won’t have any strength left.”
Arceus’ assessment criteria were relatively simple compared to Kaido’s—just an exam, such as how to deal with sudden situations, and what to do if Yamato is stubbornly carrying out a dangerous task.
He didn’t demand that Yamato’s Vice-Captain be exceptionally strong; at least, they should learn to report information back.
The expressions of the children below were quite excited. Those who were orphans, raised under Misu’s preaching, have developed a special reverence for Arceus. Only the descendants of pirates did so due to their parents’ instructions.
Most of their parents were the old pirates who initially fought alongside Kaido. Some even had both parents as pirates. According to their mindset, they saw nothing wrong with their children becoming pirates just like them.
Kaido has treated these surviving old subordinates quite well. Previously, as part of Arceus’ arrangement, many of the leaders in charge of security and military departments within Wano Country were these retired frontline pirates of the Beasts Pirates.
This time, he explicitly told these old pirates that he wanted to select a few confidantes for Yamato.
For them, this was no different from an exam that decides their fate. If they succeed, they will achieve success overnight and avoid a lot of hard work. Being a low-ranking official in front of the prime minister’s door, even if it was just a clerk, was much more comfortable than being a low-level officer outside.
“Work hard, no matter what the cost,” Their parents repeated this advice to them many times over.
Arceus’ assessment proceeded quickly and half of the people were eliminated just like that.
Many people’s answers were not satisfactory. For example, how are you going to handle the Oni Princess’ impulsive actions? Some people’s answers were surprisingly taking the lead, which could be understood. However, the subsequent questions, such as what to do when the Oni Princess encounters an unbeatable opponent, received less than ideal answers.
Surprisingly, some replied that they will lend help. This displayed a serious ignorance of strength. At their level, most of the time, they wouldn’t even qualify as meat shields against enemies that Yamato couldn’t handle. Even if they went, they would only cause trouble; seeking help was the only viable outcome.
Simultaneously, there were also those who only provided a single answer regardless of the question. For example, following Oni Princess’ orders. While these individuals might be loyal and withstand tests of loyalty, their lack of initiative naturally led to their exclusion.
Then, after another round of interviews, only a dozen or so people remained.
“That’s enough. You can pick from these people.”
After selecting a rough group, Arceus handed the rest of the matter to Kaido. It was only then that they realized how much gentler Arceus’ exam was compared to Kaido’s selection process.
“Come, let the battle begin.”
Looking at the remaining dozen or so individuals, Kaido simply stated his requirements.
“Yamato doesn’t need so many people around her. Umm…three should be enough. Now, you can start fighting until only three people are left standing. The final three can accompany Yamato.”
Although their strength wasn’t crucial, Kaido’s ingrained thinking still hopes that they can be relatively stronger, at least they should be among the stronger competitors.
This was also why he had Arceus go first. Otherwise, after this fight, they wouldn’t have the energy for the exam.
“What? Can’t understand what I said? No weapons allowed; start now!”
As Kaido gave the command once again, someone with a quick mind finally reacted and punched the person next to them, who they usually had a normal relationship with.
The upbringing of pirate descendants was destined to be different from ordinary people, and combat training was a common occurrence. With the first person taking action, a melee ensued.
Kaido also watched with interest. For him, this was truly a children’s fight, but he admired those who fought for their goals, provided they were his own people.
Determining one’s worth through strength has always been one of the things he appreciates the most.
People with closer relationships began to form alliances, and the dozen or so individuals split into several factions, all fighting for the ultimate goal.
“Is there a meaning to it?”
“Of course, although they can’t compare to Yamato, it’s best if they can fight a bit. However, in this melee, it’s hard to predict who will come out on top.”
Kaido’s childhood was spent battling on the battlefield. Initially, he didn’t have the powerful physique he has now, so he understood that in a melee where strength was almost equal, victory couldn’t be achieved solely through strength. This was also a test of their combat mindset.
He didn’t have high expectations for the group fighting the fiercest right now. Even though they had the most members, their intentions were too obvious.
Their goal was clear—to deal with external threats before internal competition. If others were smarter, they would unite and attack them. Without overwhelming strength, doing this on the battlefield is tantamount to seeking death.
The trial ended quickly. In the end, only three people remained on the field. Two were a team that had stuck together, and the other was a lone wolf who had persevered through the melee until the end.
“Well done, Solitaire, Speed, Mizerka, the three of you are selected.”
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