Yamato inexplicably gained the title of Ghost Princess, and while she was accepting this new designation, Kaidou and Arceus were engaged in another task.
Throughout the range of Ghost Island, female orphans and children of the pirate group's members were gathered together. They shared a common trait: they were generally younger than Yamato.
Their aim was to select a team for Yamato. People like Maria and Jack were familiar with Yamato, but they were being nurtured as current cadres of the Hundred Beasts, even Ulti and Page One were the same.
Even the weakest Iscariot and the most inconspicuous Perona were of the same generation as her friends. However, for the heir to a force, they needed more than just friends; they needed subordinates.
At this moment, Yamato needed a batch of her own team of subordinates. They didn't need to be very strong, because no matter how strong, they couldn't surpass Yamato. This was only to prepare her on how to manage things in advance.
Jack, Maria, and others were all young; by the time Yamato took over Kaidou's position, they would be her ready team. These people were merely to familiarize her with the mode of management.
"Ohohoho, that nun trained them well, don't you think?"
Misu continued with the style of the monastery, designing uniforms for it. However, the emblem of the Thousand Cosmos Bracelet on the chest was conspicuous.
Nonetheless, this uniform received strong support from Shaina, as many things within the Hundred Beasts Pirate Group were handed over to others to handle, and such trivial matters were never reported.
In addition, Misu's fanatic personality imbued the children raised in the monastery with a kind of natural worship for Arceus.
"Enough of that, isn't it about selecting a team for Yamato? You go first, after my selection, these people would be too tired."
Arceus's assessment was relatively simple compared to Kaidou. It was merely a test, for example, how to handle sudden situations, or what to do if Yamato stubbornly pursued a dangerous task.
He did not require Yamato's deputies to be particularly strong, just competent enough to report back news, at least.
The children below seemed excitable, as orphans who were imbued with a special reverence for Arceus due to Misu's preachings, while the children of the pirates were motivated by the words of their parents.
Their parents were mostly the older pirates who initially followed Kaidou, with some families being entirely pirate-based, and them seeing nothing wrong in their children becoming pirates like themselves.
Kaidou treated these old subordinates who survived to this day quite well. In Arceus's previous arrangements, many of the security and armed department leaders in Wano Kuni were these retired outfront pirates from the Hundred Beasts.
This time, he even explained to these veteran pirates that they were to help select a few close aides for Yamato.
To them, it was akin to a fate-deciding test; succeeding would be a shortcut to success, surely cutting out many detours compared to fighting their way themselves. It's notably more comfortable even if they're just orderlies, compared to being a small leader outside.
Farewell messages such as striving hard and at all costs were nagged repeatedly by their parents.
Arceus's assessment progressed quickly, eliminating half of the candidates in the process.
Many answers were unsatisfactory, like how to handle Lady Ghost Princess's impulsive actions; some suggested leading the charge, which was understandable. However, responses to other issues, such as what to do when facing an undefeatable opponent, were problematic.
Some proposed to help, demonstrating a grave lack of understanding regarding power. At their level, facing an opponent Yamato cannot confront, they wouldn't even qualify as a shield most of the time; intervening would only disrupt, with seeking reinforcements being the only result.
There were also others who just filled in one answer for every question like 'follow Lady Ghost Princess's arrangements.' While such loyalty could withstand testing, their lack of autonomy naturally led to elimination.
After another round of reexamination, only a dozen candidates remained.
"That should be enough. You can select from these ones."
After picking out a general group, Arceus handed over the remaining work to Kaidou, and that's when the candidates realized how gentle Arceus's test was compared to Kaidou's selection.
"Come now, fight."
Looking at the remaining dozen candidates, Kaidou succinctly stated his demands.
"Yamato doesn't need so many people around her. Hmm, three will suffice. Now you can start fighting until there are only three left standing. The final three will get to stay by Yamato's side."
Although their strength was not crucial, Kaidou's fixed mindset still hoped for some relative toughness, at least among the more capable competitors.
This was also why he let Arceus go first, otherwise, if they fought first, they might not have any strength left for examinations.
"What, didn't you understand what I said? No weapons allowed, start now!"
With Kaidou issuing the command again, those with quicker minds reacted, swinging a punch at those with whom they'd merely maintained a superficial relationship.
The upbringing of pirate offspring was destined to differ from ordinary people, with fighting practice being a common occurrence. Once someone made the first move, the brawl naturally commenced.
Kaidou watched with interest; to him, this was just like kids fighting. He appreciated those who fought for their goals, given they were on his side, of course.
Determining one's value with strength was something he always admired.
Those with closer relations began forming alliances, dividing the dozen into several factions, each battling for the ultimate goal.
"Is this meaningful?"
"Of course it is, although they cannot possibly compare to that girl Yamato, it's best that they have some fighting ability. However, this kind of brawl... it's hard to say who will win."
Kaidou's childhood was spent battling on the battlefield. Originally, he didn't possess a strong physique, so he understood that in a multi-combatant skirmish, just relying on strength wouldn't prevail, and this also tested their combat thinking.
Among the fiercest group now, he didn't favor, despite their larger numbers, they were too overt in their actions.
Their goal was clear: eliminate external enemies first and compete internally later. If others were smart, they would get ganged up on; lacking the strength to overwhelm others, on the battlefield, such an approach is begging for death.
The trial ended quickly, leaving only three individuals on the field. Two were in a team, surviving by supporting each other, while another stood alone, persisting to the end of the melee.
"Very well, Sorlithia, Speed, and Mizerka, you three are selected."