Some prefer to be low-key, while others like to stand out. Setsuna only marked her nail with nail polish, which would be mistaken for a special manicure if not looked at carefully.
But Scotch was different; he was more ostentatious. His strength had almost reached its limit, so to cherish the days when his number was still small, he marked numbers on both shoulders and wrote a large number 8 on his chest and the back of his coat.
The Hundred Beasts Pirates know it signifies status, but outsiders are unaware. To those new to the New World, this behavior even seems foolish.
Only people who often interact with the Hundred Beasts understand this ranking system. Those encountering them for the first time can only rely on guessing.
"Don't be careless; this is the New World. Compared to the First Half of the Grand Line, people here are much stronger."
They had already experienced battles before, gaining some understanding of the New World, but they won that battle against some losers lingering in the New World. They did not appreciate the disparity in power, so their hearts still harbored inflated ambitions.
"Everyone, prepare to dock; this is our first battle. Before becoming Pirate King, let's defeat that so-called Sea Emperor! Let those obsessed with external forces know that the body is the foundation!"
"Oh!"
Under their captain's lead, the pirate ship continued to charge toward the island, and Scotch noticed something amiss.
The coast defense cannons of the Hundred Beasts Pirates have a much longer range than typical pirate artillery, but even the worst cannons at this distance are enough to hit the target, yet the opponent's pirate ship has yet to fire a single shot.
Looking at the pirate flag on the sail, Scotch did not recognize them. There are too many pirates at sea, and so many flags naturally can't be remembered.
This pirate flag seems simpler compared to most pirate crews, depicting a plain skull over two crossed swords.
The pirates on the ship share one characteristic: none are ability users. They are all swordsmen or practitioners of body techniques. They come from an island in the First Half of the Grand Line, formerly black gangs on the island, advocating to tap into the body's power.
Regardless of Devil Fruit powers, firearms, or armor, in the island's customs, these are seen as signs of weakness, and during their voyage, they defeated some ability users, reinforcing this belief.
Not firing cannons is due to this belief; their ship doesn't have cannons at all. Even when encountering others at sea, they choose to engage in boarding battles.
Moreover, since setting sail, they have interacted with people from the Underworld, learning about the Hundred Beasts Pirates' massive procurement of Devil Fruits. Even as natives of the Grand Line, their knowledge is only slightly better than those from the Four Seas.
For instance, this captain warns his subordinates to be cautious yet continues to provoke unbeatable foes.
Relying on their commendable swordsmanship, they have methods to deal with cannonballs, but it has nothing to do with Scotch, who is currently using his abilities.
Upon using his powers, his legs would transform into large magnets - but now the situation has changed. Two additional large eyeballs appeared at the pelvis, allowing for a wide range of motion and providing a vast field of vision, with both leg positions becoming two magnets.
The change in the left hand is similar, with two slender U-shaped magnets, while the right hand maintains a modified revolver machine gun, held high as it emits an unknown electromagnetic wave.
This is the power of Magneton; the area within a one-kilometer radius, centered on Magneton, witnesses a slight increase in temperature due to these special waves.
As temperatures rise, moisture evaporates forming rain clouds, creating an effect akin to a thunderstorm.
Wild Magneton gather to invoke larger thunderclouds, absorbing energy needed from natural lightning.
During battles, thunderstorms also increase the accuracy of lightning strikes.
Among many Pokemon Ability Users, weather has gradually become part of their combat practices; each of them considered a miniature weather weapon.
The range of thunderclouds focused over the ocean, still preventing the opponent from landing.
And as the ships closed the distance to the shore, Scotch flew over.
"This is our territory; state your intentions."
This was his fixed line, as ignoring their warnings and barging in amounted to declaring war, but some attempted to join by showcasing their strength, prompting Scotch's routine inquiry.
And during the inquiry, the magnets on his hands began gathering current. Although a few would voluntarily join, most were there to stir trouble.
This group of pirates demonstrated their intentions through action. The two who previously warded off cannonballs now charged at Scotch wielding swords.
"Communication failed; it seems you've chosen hostility."
As Scotch's scattered thoughts continued projecting peculiar power into the sky, his body consolidated new attacks. Those two noticeably sensed a difference in their weapons - today's swords became extraordinarily heavy.
This is Scotch's reason for not fearing swordsmen. With few exceptions, regular swordsmen facing his magnetism are equivalent to self-severing an arm. Even a person attempting a sneak attack from the side failed; even without Observation Haki, his vision captured everything.
Forget normal sword swings; under strong magnetic influence, some even involuntarily strike at companions.
"Is this your level? In that case, you can leave your last words."
Boom!
A lightning bolt flashed across the sky. Scotch's battlefield had been prepared, but before he could strike, a Sword Qi suddenly flew out, cutting into his chest, causing him to be blown back some distance mid-air.
"Captain!"
"Now you see our captain's prowess, you magnet bastard! Your tricks don't work on our captain!"
Magnetism is just part of his ability; the closer one gets, the stronger his magnetism becomes. Long-range flying slashes are the best way to combat him.
"Captain, push this number-writing weirdo to his limits and beat him!"
Buzz buzz~
The one mocking Scotch's numbers suddenly heard a sound of electric current. Before he could react, several currents came from afar, accompanied by Scotch's deep voice.
"Don't underestimate my honor. When will you newbies learn to hold your tongues?"
Hearing his honor belittled, Scotch's inner anger rose. Watching him remain with just a faint white mark on his chest, these pirates showed incredulous looks.
"No way, the captain long since mastered Steel Cutting..."
"Steel Cutting? Do you think the metal created by Lord Arceus's great power is the same as ordinary steel!"
With thunder booming overhead, electric currents swirled around Scotch's magnets, and the revolver machine gun on his right arm began rotating to heat up.
As electricity was released, the gun started pouring fire, while magnets on his legs began gathering electric spheres.
NO.8 Scotch, full firepower mode activated...