Asie was also an unconventional elder in the Hundred Beasts Pirates. Although his combat strength was low, he had been engaged in scientific research and had achieved significant advancements in the field of material science.
Many of Queen's designs were inseparable from Asie's improvements to the materials, and as an elder, Asie witnessed the development history of the Hundred Beasts.
"Almost thirty years, right..."
"That's about right, time really flies."
With Nightin's reminder, Asie recalled the old days. To this day, Nightin hadn't joined the Hundred Beasts, instead working for them in a contractual capacity, waiting for Wald's return all these years.
This was something the Wald Pirates members insisted on. If there was no news of Wald, Nightin would stay here. But recently, she received a message from Wald's brother Bingjack that Wald had broken out of prison.
With the outbreak of numerous prisoners in Impel Down, this matter couldn't be concealed. However, the World Government hid the specific details, so others didn't know that Wald had regained his freedom.
It wasn't until Wald found Bingjack that the matter was finally confirmed.
After that, Bingjack began to notify other officers of the Wald Pirates, and Nightin received the message, so she planned to leave.
"The Sea now... leaving isn't a good idea, is it?"
Asie also understood that the Sea was dangerous nowadays. In this turbulent era, the safest area in the Grand Line was under the protection of a Sea Emperor.
Especially since Ghost Island was in the heartland of the Hundred Beasts, even the palaces of allied nations couldn't match the safety here.
"You're not a true pirate; there are some things you can't comprehend. If I had met you first, I would have joined here long ago.
But I met Captain Wald first."
"I see... wish you a safe journey then..."
After hesitating for a while, Asie couldn't think of anything else to say, leaving only this sentence.
Nightin also sighed, then left the seniors' gathering, planning to make her intentions clear to Kaidou and the others during the banquet.
At this moment, Kaidou was watching the celebrating pirates, with Maria pouring him drinks beside him. Kaidou said nothing, just drank one jar after another. No one knew what he was thinking.
"Maria, aren't you going to hang out with those young ones?"
Kaidou's drinking time was when others sought refuge; usually, apart from those serving drinks, others wouldn't linger around Kaidou, but Maria was an exception.
"No, Kaidou sir, I prefer staying by your side."
"Ugh-haha-haha. Such a willful subordinate, wouldn't you say?"
Kaidou wasn't asking Maria, but Arceus, who had just arrived here.
"I think you're the more willful captain. Got any plans next?"
"Not really, let's see the Navy's moves. But the next target should be those bastards in the World Government, what about you?"
"Same as always, the World Government should have almost played their cards. Besides, there are only three Plates left. We've come this far, no rush."
As the two leaders talked business, Maria silently left, as matters concerning the pirate crew's future direction were beyond her capacity to discuss.
On the way, she stopped Nightin, signaling her to wait until Kaidou and Arceus finish their discussion before stating her own matter.
...
"It seems things have stabilized over at Tesoro, you guessed right, those old guys in the World Government couldn't refuse the temptation."
"How many can refuse, anyway? That is the power of youth. By the way, Yamato, any plans?"
"Ugh-haha-haha, you hit the nail on the head, I actually prepared a grand gift for her, something she won't forget for life. Don't interfere with this."
Listening to Arceus inquire about Yamato's arrangements, Kaidou revealed a very smug expression. Based on precedent, the more smug Kaidou was, the more likely Yamato would suffer.
"I'm talking about this, actually. I plan to arrange something special for her, to show her the truth of the world.
It's just... her temperament might resolutely want to bash you flying."
"That doesn't matter; if she truly can defeat me, then it means she's qualified to rule. The entire Hundred Beasts would be at her disposal, as only the strong can decide the future, the weak can only rely on charity.
You've thought it through; go ahead first.
Oh, and I should prepare my special training too, targeting the World Government's mysterious weapon."
While others attended the banquet, Arceus and Kaidou had already decided on the future direction, meeting Nightin who had submitted her resignation afterward.
She had always been a contract-based employee, not an official member. Kaidou and Arceus didn't give her a hard time, promptly agreeing to her request, settling her wages and arranging transportation for her.
The only advice was to keep her mouth shut, as no one would care about old ties otherwise.
Afterwards, Arceus' power began to influence Ghost Island, most people immersed in the banquet atmosphere, not noticing what was happening here.
"You're quite meticulous, similar to the space on Fujisan?"
"Similar, but not the same; without mythical creatures, it'd be much simpler."
Arceus, with 15 Plates, was not complete but had regained many authorities, including some small tricks on space and creation.
As Arceus's power continued to spread, Yamato's figure gradually became blurred, and was finally sent to a whole new place.
...
In the venue, Yamato felt dizzy. With her carefree nature, she didn't pay attention, thinking it was just the alcohol. But as she blinked, she found herself outside the banquet hall.
"No way, could I have sleepwalked from drinking too much?"
Patting her face, Yamato hadn't yet figured out the situation. If Kaidou hadn't announced the time, she would suspect someone attacked her.
"Strange, why is Ghost Island's banquet hall joined together again?"
Scratching her head, Yamato felt increasingly puzzled, just as some pirates passed by.
Seeing the confused Yamato, they were first delighted, then looked very puzzled, but eventually, they approached.
"Master Yamato! We finally found you! Lord Kaidou wants you to join the banquet, please come with us...."
"Yeah, Master Yamato, after all, it's Lord Kaidou's order; you'd better go."
"What weird things are you saying? Why call me master? I was just about to return to the banquet hall; does Father have something urgent for me?"