The initial plan to have Magikarp expand outward was to increase sources of information.
The tenacious vitality and strong adaptability of Magikarp quickly helped them establish themselves in The Sea, but over the years, there hasn't been much news. Instead, it's led to a pilgrimage movement among Magikarp across The Sea.
Especially as time passed, some Magikarp from the Four Seas found it very dangerous to cross the Windless Zone and started to reverse course up the currents of Inverted Mountain, just like pirates.
This phenomenon occurs about three days a year, and those three days have become the death days for newcomers. Anyone unfamiliar with the conditions of The Sea who tries to traverse Inverted Mountain on these days is likely to have their path blocked by hordes of Magikarp.
If they attempt to attack, they will face assaults from Gyarados, representing the greatest trial for newcomers.
One Magikarp is not scary, but due to the environment of the Grand Line, they gradually developed a swarm consciousness, similar to Wishiwashi.
This makes the groups of Magikarp, led by Gyarados, truly terrifying.
The Plates from years past scattered across the world, from Sky Island to the deep sea; they could be anywhere, making the location very complex over the hundreds of years.
The particular Gyarados couldn't find it initially, but it led other Gyarados to gang up on a Sea King Type in the deep sea. During the battle, a Hyper Beam went astray, crashing into the seafloor, shattering a coral reef.
Then, out came a peculiar stone, distinctively pristine compared to those shattered corals. It was the gene etched into the bones of the Gyarados; discovering it was their birth mission.
Thus, this Gyarados took that Plate and began its new pilgrimage journey. Now, their pilgrimage has become increasingly safe because the creatures of The Sea have acknowledged the status of Gyarados.
The Magikarp, weak and toothless, only consumed to aid in digesting other food, would mostly be ignored by Sea King Types unless those leading them were the dangerous "Sea Beasts."
Despite their average size, they possessed unique attack methods. Regular Sea Beasts would actively avoid Gyarados, and even the Sea King Types wouldn't dare provoke them, as the Gyarados have elevated their status in the ocean's food chain.
Crossing treacherous waters, the Red Gyarados gradually reached the "Holy Sea" of Wano Kuni, a region the Gyarados considered a Holy Sanctuary, recognizing that entering such potentially dangerous territories meant reaching their sacred ground. Yet this time, its entrance into Wano Kuni was unique.
Upon just spotting the outer barrier of Wano Kuni, the surrounding seawater changed suddenly, and a water dragon ascended to the sky, unveiling a brand-new passage before the Gyarados.
Within the flow, it felt that familiar aura and immediately swam along this watery path toward Wano Kuni.
This passage was naturally the handiwork of Arceus. As soon as the Plate appeared within range, its aura had already been sensed. He could easily retrieve the Plate but wanted to see who had brought it back.
"Foster Father, is something the matter?"
At this time, Arceus's expression was filled with delight. Arceus's face rarely showed such intense emotional fluctuations, piquing the curiosity of Yamato beside him.
"Of course, something good has happened. Let's go, come with me to see this time's 'big contributor'."
...
The gigantic Gyarados living near Wano Kuni also gazed at the younger kin above. In other species' eyes, the expression of a Gyarados only conveyed "fierceness," but its kind could sense much more.
They recognized a strong sense of "glee" from the younger one and understood why it was so smug—because it had received an honor bestowed by Arceus.
On the shoreline of Ghost Island, the Red Gyarados placed the Plate it brought by the shore, emitting an excited growl.
"Hmm, I see, this is indeed what I want."
"Roar!"
"Calm down, you're a good girl, let me think about what I should give you."
"Roar~"
"No, refusal isn't an option; this is something you deserve. You're the first little one in years to complete this task."
"Wait, Foster Father, it, no, she is a girl??"
Listening to Arceus's address, Yamato sensed something off, as Arceus referred to this Gyarados as a girl.
Wielding the Power of the Evergreen, she could communicate with Pokémon, understanding what the Gyarados was saying to Arceus and distinguishing the different Pokémon's voices. However, she hadn't expected this vocal outcome.
The voices of the other Pokémon beside her were much more melodious compared to the Gyarados.
"It's a racial trait. Gyarados' voices are generally rough. Look at her whiskers. Male Gyarados have whiskers that match their scales, but regardless of color, female Gyarados have white whiskers."
After explaining how to differentiate a Gyarados's gender to Yamato, the abilities of the remaining Plates commenced operation, and a small crown appeared in Arceus's hand of energy.
"From now on, you are the queen of all Gyarados. This is your testament. With it, you can command all the Gyarados across The Sea."
A rock crown embedded with a gem-like object appeared atop her head.
This wasn't any ordinary crown but one set with a Gyarados Mega Stone, a King's Rock.
A Mega Stone is usually required for regular Pokémon to achieve Mega Evolution, differing from those with abilities, whereas a few exceptional Pokémon can evolve without external assistance.
Most Pokémon require this external force, but this Arceus-created Mega Stone didn't need a trainer.
The King's Rock is a tool some Pokémon require for special evolution, and carrying it can impart special effects to their attacks.
Currently, as the name implies, it's the identification proving she's the queen of all Gyarados.
Different Gyarados groups naturally have their own kings, determined through power competition. However, she is different now; with this, she is the undisputed queen of the group, her status entirely unshakeable.
This special King's Rock stands as her proof of royal heritage.
Then the King's Rock merged into the crown-like mark on her head, incessantly channeling unique power into her body.
"My lord, I wish for a name, one you've bestowed upon me."
Though the Gyarados couldn't close her enormous mouth, she clearly conveyed her request using human language.
"A name... let me think, you stay here with your group for now. I'll prepare some other things for you."