The scene changed significantly. Just as Mandfeish flipped the table, each member of the Rebel Army grabbed their weapons. Jeff, originally a regular teacher, led marches after oppressive taxes shattered his family.
He inadvertently became the spiritual pillar for this Rebel Army. They felt tense when Mandfeish flipped the table, knowing current battle circumstances didn't allow them more enemies.
Yet now the situation seemed somewhat comical.
"Of course... anything in this room you fancy, feel free to take..."
Jeff had no clue what was happening. Despite the Hundred Beasts' bounty notices for collecting Plates, not even the World Government's posters were universally known, let alone Hundred Beasts' channels.
The plate-like stone was simply dug up during construction of a wall and used as a tabletop for its smooth surface.
Next, in the view of the Rebel Army, Mandfeish made a strange move, pounding repeatedly on that stone. The stone remained intact, but a smile grew on his face.
This odd behavior made the Rebel Army suspect him of being a masochist.
Mandfeish didn't care. In the Hundred Beasts' merit evaluations, finding a Plate alone was considered a special achievement, securing his post-retirement goal as a High-Level Official.
As for the weapons expenses, not to mention half-price, even for free if you have a Plate doesn't matter.
Mandfeish, preferring no trouble, contacted his men to deliver the remaining weapons.
When Mandfeish wanted to leave, an incident occurred; cannon fire sounded through the camp, and distant shouts drew closer, heralding the arrival of West Kael Kingdom's army.
"Wishing you good fortune in battle, hope we receive your order again."
Strapping the Plate on his back, Mandfeish planned to leave with his men. The weapons were taken at half-price, knowing these people couldn't afford mercenary fees.
Nonetheless, his wish to leave didn't mean the kingdom's bombardment would spare them; their all-out assault included Mandfeish. He was not upset, knowing cannons can't strike with sniper rifle precision.
Yet in a sense, a single, powerful, decisive blow, well-aimed, could be a large caliber sniper hitting a group.
The issue arose when, wishing to leave, Mandfeish and his men were encircled by West Kael Kingdom's army.
"I'm saying, we're just merchants. Could you please clear the way?"
"By order of His Majesty the King, no one is to leave, all rebels must be eliminated."
"We're not rebels. Can't you see this insignia? You're provoking the Hundred Beasts Pirates."
Mandfeish pointed to the pirate symbol on his attire, avoiding conflict since fighting meant sharing Rebel Army firepower, essentially providing them with free mercenary support.
In response, a bullet flew his way.
"I've never heard of this 'Hundred Beasts' nonsense, only know this to be orders from West Kael V."
At the gunshot's echo, red scale armor enveloped Mandfeish, deflecting the bullet.
"That's why I despise Paradise. It's guys like you, ignorant of the situation, continually causing trouble on the road."
In the New World, banners like Hundred Beasts, BIG MOM, and Whitebeard wield deterrence more potent than the World Government and Navy, especially in the later sections, where Hundred Beasts' banner grants free passage.
Closer to the First Half of the Grand Line, trouble appears increasingly.
"Boys! Break through!"
Beast-transformed, Mandfeish charged ahead. Despite reluctance to reward the Rebel Army, circumstances compelled action. As Scout Captain, his pirate crew were elite, unable to thwart with Mandfeish leading offense.
News reached West Kael V, confronting the rebels personally to swiftly resolve the uprising, driven by desperation.
West Kael Kingdom's top fighter, tasked with royal protection, was found by West Kael IV. However, bound by conditions with West Kael IV, he defends royals only against foreign threat, declining involvement with domestic issues.
Considering this rebellion not foreign infiltration, he refused to act. Forced by desperation and led by West Kael V's strategy, he agreed, knowing should he himself charge, his protector accompanies him.
His prior investments now realized, declaring the urgency as a pre-world conference directive; thus, he ventured into imminent danger.
"Full assault! Capture Jeff, that Rebel!"
"Sire! East Coast guards report a breakthrough attempt, unable to intercept!"
Misjudging the Rebel Army's plan, thinking Jeff sought ship escape, West Kael V pursued swiftly with guards.
Bound to his agreement with West Kael IV, the royal protector followed, realizing West Kael V's ineptitude compared to West Kael IV.
"Elder, break your codes but once. Since you're intervening, collaborate with Your King?"
"...."
"I assure it's a one-time affair."
"Only this once. Should betrayal follow, my accord with your father ends."
To hinder further rash actions, agreement was reached for one-time assistance, preventing reckless forcing of his hand.
...
"Boss Mandfeish, these folks are numerous."
"It's kingdom's army, don't underestimate them. Non-Adhering Nations in Grand Line have their strengths."
Non-Adhering Nation signifies independent military might, necessary for maintaining existence in Grand Line's harsh environments, often surpassing Adhering Nations' forces in strength.
Navy disregards these nations, regardless of Navy Base proximity.
At that time, Mandfeish sensed danger. His scale-armored arm blocked to the side, yet incurred a superficial wound.
Seeing fractured scales and approaching reinforcements, Mandfeish's demeanor grew solemn.
"Steel Cutting swordsman... troublesome..."