"This place, Wano Kuni... really makes one wonder, what exactly is attracting them?"
Carefully comparing the illustration and confirming that he didn't mistake the fruit, Queen couldn't help but marvel at the uniqueness of Wano Kuni. Zoan fruits are not rare; just transforming into an animal, most people can't really utilize this ability well.
Not having understood their own body, let alone developing an animalized body.
In recent years, the most famous Mythical Zoan types known to the outside world are Kaidou's Fish-Fish Fruit·Azure Dragon Form, Sengoku's Human-Human Fruit·Great Buddha Form, and Marco's Bird-Bird Fruit·Phoenix Form.
Besides these three, there aren't any other notably renowned Mythical Zoan abilities on the sea. Even though the Beasts Pirates are now said to be a gathering place of "Mythical Zoan types," those are Arceus's abilities, not ordinary Fruit Ability Users.
Wano Kuni is different; in recent years, the mythical creatures found in the local area include Onyudo and Yamata no Orochi. The appearance of these fruits here always feels a bit strange.
According to not entirely certain claims, Devil Fruits are products of whim, each fruit symbolizing people's fantasies of the past. Because some people fantasized about similar abilities, similar fruits were born.
Wano Kuni, having been isolated for hundreds of years, harbors a unique geographical environment birthing a slew of myths and legends. This could be the reason for the emergence of many Mythical Zoan types here.
However, these have nothing to do with Queen, whose primary research subject was originally viruses.
Back then, all MADS members were like this. Besides Vegapunk, Queen was passionate about virus research, Judge crafted his spear and battle suits, while Caesar undertook the research of Artificial Fruits.
Now relying on the database's literature and real-world needs, Queen is becoming increasingly versatile, but pondering this metaphysics is obviously meaningless, scientific problems he can still handle.
When it ascends to theology, theoretical issues find Misu, practical issues turn to Arceus. That's the most practical approach.
Ordinary fruits are sufficient to be registered into the database casually, upgraded to rare Mythical Zoans, he still needs to make a special trip, of course, he also wants to ask about the implementation of population identity registration.
In the decade since coming to Wano Kuni, it's Queen's first time caring about the livelihood issues of Wano Kuni.
Those CP0 find it hard to achieve their objectives, but Queen doesn't want to be inexplicably stabbed in the back.
Bringing along the fruit and a new report, Queen once again headed to Ghost Island in his pig car.
.....
"Yamata no Orochi? Did such a thing really emerge in Wano Kuni?"
"Not sure, anyway, this thing was found by Kojiro's dog, but Lord Arceus, about the identity card distribution issue..."
"You handle it yourself, you know the procedure norms, it just takes a bit of time to collect personal information."
At this time, Hundred Beasts' reputation in Wano Kuni is full, the advantage of non-terror rule is evident, due to a significant improvement in living conditions, they all comply with the new policies of Hundred Beasts, things like this aren't very troublesome.
Just that the statistical information needs to be gathered bit by bit, since Queen is so enthusiastic about this, it's just the opportunity for him to arrange it himself.
Everyone knows why Queen does this, letting him handle it is precisely a way to eliminate accidental factors; besides Kaidou, few would gamble with their own safety.
Compared to this, what to give Kojiro needs consideration, although found by Kouka, Kouka is ultimately Kojiro's pet; it's hard to separate one man and one dog completely.
"It's about time, let them evolve together then, Shaina, afterward you take them to Kojiro's place, give him this thing, and remember to tell him how to use it."
"As you command."
Receiving Arceus's instructions, Shaina quickly memorized the simple usage method, leading the newly appeared Pokémon towards Kojiro's residence.
...
Not long after, a batch of new faces appeared at Kojiro's residence, a few Bisharp arrived at Kojiro's home with a Fire Stone.
The Fire Stone is for Kouka; to evolve Growlithe into Arcanine, it requires this stone, which brims with fiery energy, capable of activating the genes within Growlithe, facilitating its evolution into a stronger Arcanine.
Bisharp are Kojiro's next opponents and future new subordinates, essentially his personal guard, able to supplement the martial strength of the commercial association, dealing more conveniently with the likes of thieves.
The evolution of Bisharp is quite unique, these Bisharp have come to assist him in completing this evolution.
Bisharp's evolution differs from ordinary Pokémon; it requires combat to achieve the final evolution.
Bisharp and Pawniard are gregarious legion-type Pokémon, most groups are led by one of the strongest Bisharp.
Yet in this magnificent legion, only the Bisharp that stands atop can evolve into Kingambit.
When a Bisharp defeats three other Bisharp carrying the Leader's Crest, it can evolve into Kingambit, a Pokémon with a large sword on its head and mustache blades, resembling an ancient Japanese general.
Kingambit will lead the army into battle, but such Pokémon are not adept in complicated tactics, relying solely on brute strength and physique to suppress their opponents.
What Kojiro lacks isn't technique; it happens to be this brute strength and physique.
"You know the specific method, you can fight with them later, for someone with your ability this should be easy. Oh, by the way, where's your Kouka? The Sacred Beast Lord has prepared something for it."
"Please wait, at this time it should be back."
Saying this, Kojiro whistled, and a bark could be heard from outside the door.
Kojiro hasn't become arrogant, though his status has risen, he's aware of his situation. The development of his commercial association needs to rely on Hundred Beasts, but he isn't their only option.
Thus, he always maintained a respectful attitude toward high-level officials, further solidifying his position.
"Woof?"
Looking at Shaina, Kouka tilted its head humanely and started wagging its tail curiously. The dog and its owner here shared the same character, and Shaina wasted no time, directly placing the Fire Stone on Kouka's head.
"This is a reward from the Sacred Beast Lord, remember to bring similar items back if found in the future."
The moment the Fire Stone and Kouka touched, it seemed to melt. The dissipating red glow directly merged into Kouka's body, and that familiar dazzling white light also shone on Kouka's body.
The body size started to swell, from the original build, it expanded to a size similar to that of a pony. Though the appearance didn't change much, it was worlds apart from the previous Growlithe.