Pirates are also a high-pressure group, constantly facing battles. Fear is something everyone experiences to varying degrees, so hedonism is quite prevalent among pirates.
The rewards they get are usually spent quickly, with only a few pirates saving their money. Tobacco and alcohol are always popular commodities among pirates, but the upper echelons of the Hundred Beasts are a bit different.
The alcohol is mostly consumed by Kaidou alone, and as for tobacco, apart from Queen who can't live without a cigar in his mouth, others don't have such a preference. The third major consumption is actually snacks.
However, this doesn't affect the ordinary pirates much. Besides the consumption of tobacco and alcohol, gambling is another major interest of theirs.
At least in the Hundred Beasts' betting pools, there is truly no deceit. Kaidou is the sole banker, and the betting pool's existence is purely for his subordinates' amusement.
Compared to regular dice games, the Hundred Beasts prefer two methods: first is the roulette. This is due to the reward mechanism Arceus left behind, aimed at mastering the game of roulette.
The other is combat betting, a method that excites them even more.
Every time someone gains a new ability, they engage in their first matchup under such circumstances.
The arena has been cleared. Hold'em in his lion form and Daifugo in his insect form are brawling in the most primitive way possible.
Though belonging to the same pirate crew, the trash talk between the two never stops.
"Come on, I think you're just a little cat. Watch out or you'll break your teeth."
"Tsk, what's there to brag about hiding behind a shell? If you have the guts, come out!"
Ultimately, it was Daifugo who won. Unlike Maria who thought the insect form too ugly, he is a pragmatist; his extremely hard shell and the extra four arms gave him a great advantage in this brawl.
As long as he protected his soft abdomen, Hold'em couldn't do anything to him. In the end, Daifugo used his six arms to capture Hold'em, claiming victory in this match.
This match wasn't the end; it was just the beginning. After them, it was the gifted ones, and eventually some ordinary pirates joined in. Fighting had become a form of entertainment within the Hundred Beasts.
Any grievances also had to be settled in the arena. Sneaky tricks in private were a serious violation of the Hundred Beasts' rules.
Yamato originally was just there to watch the fun, but in the end, she was directly thrown down by Kaidou.
Seeing Yamato suddenly appear in the arena, the pirates of Hundred Beasts were momentarily at a loss.
But then Kaidou's voice came through.
"Listen up, you lot. Anyone still in the arena can go and take her down. Defeat her, and you'll get the reward you dream of. Don't hold back, give it your all! Don't think of her as my daughter; she's now your enemy!"
He then threw Ajin No. 5, originally placed next to Yamato's seat, down as well. They hesitated for a moment, seeing no obstruction from Arceus and with Kaidou urging them on, someone finally acted.
"Sorry, Yamato-sama, but it's Kaidou-boss's order!"
Then he was knocked down in one shot. Under Kaidou's sadistic training, countering had become Yamato's instinct.
"Fools, that's my daughter. I meant for you to go at her together!"
The somewhat elite rabble were still ordinary members. Without the gifted ones and Divine Favorers stepping in, they couldn't possibly touch Yamato in a one-on-one fight.
Under Kaidou's reminder, they launched a special group assault. Amid Kaidou's satisfied laughter and Yamato's slightly angry and helpless voice of reproach, the celebration on Ghost Island continued.
In the following days, the Hundred Beasts issued new decrees using Kozuki Hiyori as a puppet. Wano Kuni went through earth-shattering changes within just a month.
As King said, everything that Kozuki Hiyori received matched the General's treatment, except for freedom. Even if Kawamatsu and others wanted to see Kozuki Hiyori, they needed his permission.
However, King wasn't too strict in this regard. They could meet Kozuki Hiyori every day, albeit with limited time.
But then one day, the Hundred Beasts Pokemon Center welcomed a patient.
"Kojiro-san? Is there something wrong with your health?"
"Ah... well... hair loss, insomnia, a bit of heart palpitations. I need a full check-up."
Looking exhausted, Kojiro walked in. This month had been eventful for him. When he first became the chief of the Shinsengumi, the remaining elders in his family were moved to tears, seeing it as the greatest proof of the family's resurgence.
After all, it meant that a merchant family had reentered the political arena. But later, Kojiro realized he had been too naive. Under the new policies, his trading company quickly expanded across Wano Kuni under the guise of a semi-national enterprise, leaving many matters for him to personally decide.
The same was true for Shinsengumi matters. A heap of tasks was dumped on him, and at the same time, Hyogoro didn't let him off. Since the day he wounded Hyogoro with an Aerial Ace, Hyogoro had clung onto him.
After Kozuki Hiyori's ascension, perhaps whimsically, he would show up with a sword to spar with Kojiro.
According to Hyogoro, Kojiro's physical condition was too poor; such a powerful sword technique shouldn't hurt the user. To prevent the technique from being lost, he decided to train Kojiro.
Just as King was busy with other matters, and as a samurai, Hyogoro's skills were sufficient, the Hundred Beasts allowed him to train Kojiro.
So under the double pressure of work and training, he felt increasingly exhausted.
The physical examination went quickly, and the doctor concluded that he was overworked based on his physical condition.
"Overworked?"
"Yes, your body is working somewhat in overdrive. You should take more rest lately and let go of what you can."
Thus, the next day, Kojiro, holding the diagnosis report, arrived at Ghost Island and submitted his resignation from the position of chief of Shinsengumi.
"Resign?"
"It's like this, Lord Arceus. I'm really not good at this management aspect. It's too different from business, and my energy is a bit insufficient. This position should be given to someone more capable."
The Shinsengumi matters consumed a lot of his energy, but the results often did not meet expectations, prompting him to make this decision.
"In that case... just keep the title for now, and you won't have to handle the affairs there anymore. A few assistants will take over your work, so focus on your own tasks."
"Understood, I will do my best at the trading company..."