"Is this the Central Combat Tournament of the New World? Are all the participants brainless?"
Gaponov found it very strange. Even as a lone wolf, he had encountered many opponents along the way. Those people often used their numerical and firepower advantages. Faced with a barrage of bullets, he had to crouch down to avoid getting hit in the legs.
At the same time, he had to deal with sneak attacks from behind. But in this Central Combat Tournament, each of the contestants attacked him head-on. No one tried to ambush him, allowing him to easily pass the preselection rounds.
The preselection was a melee, and no one noticed that everyone who planned to sneak attack Gaponov was ambushed by Iscariot. This newcomer displayed combat strength far beyond the average level of the preselection rounds.
The semi-unrestricted competition limited attack methods rather than target areas. As long as no one was killed, there were no restrictions. Relying on her high speed and Bullet Punch power, Iscariot dealt heavy blows to most of the participants in the arena.
The chaotic semi-unrestricted melee preselection was not about finesse. Hair pulling, eye-poking, all sorts of bizarre tactics were abundant. The purpose of the preselection was to eliminate those trying to fish in troubled waters.
It was inevitable to be attacked in the melee, but Scizor's Steel Armor was nearly the hardest armor, so Iscariot wasn't much affected.
At this moment, she had already retreated near Drake. The insect wings on her back vibrated rapidly to alleviate the heat generated inside her body from the combat.
Drake's fists were already stained with blood. She was much more ruthless than Iscariot. Even just using her fists, she left many with broken heads and bleeding wounds. Those unstable alliances had long stayed away from Drake.
Those truly powerful had some pride hidden inside and were reluctant to team up with others at this moment. They wanted to take down opponents solo to claim the championship. The remaining people weren't enough to cause a qualitative change.
"How was the testing?"
Drake's smile was genuine, showing she enjoyed such battles. The scars on her face looked grim under her smile, but Iscariot didn't find it terrifying.
Compared to fierce appearances, people with human faces but beastly hearts were more chilling.
"Almost done, but that person feels a bit silly. I think he might not get through the individual battles."
"No worries, we can help him out. But for that, some arrangements are needed."
....
After the preselection ended, Drake went to a taller building on the island, relying on binoculars and her perspective ability to monitor Gaponov's movements.
There were free accommodations prepared for the contestants on the island. The organizers behind the scenes were not short on money. The Central Combat Tournament of the New World itself was an avenue to make money. On this sea, everything related to the tournament could be linked to money.
Compared to the profits brought by these contestants, other things were just a drop in the bucket.
"Good evening, King..."
While monitoring Gaponov's movements, Drake sent intelligence to King. She didn't have the ability to be 100% certain, or she would have reported it up the hierarchy, contacting Arceus directly.
"You've already advanced on two months of salary. Don't even think about advancing more."
Drake's approach to money was the opposite of Mandfeish. If Mandfeish was the ordinary person with the most savings in the Hundred Beasts Pirate Crew, Drake was the sharpest contrast.
Yamato and people like Tesoro and Kojiro were no longer ordinary people. Yamato was a second-generation heiress, and the other two had extra income from business ventures.
Mandfeish's savings often came in handy during emergencies, and the top-ranked Numberers were all considered Drake's creditors. Her year could be divided into borrowing money and repaying it. The competition's prize and the income from bets were what she needed.
"King, don't be so heartless, okay? And it's not a salary advance, oh, nor is it borrowing money."
"Cut the BS, you have one minute left."
King was also accustomed to Drake's quips. If she weren't reliable at getting things done, he would have hung up already.
"Seriously, King, you're still so dull. You'll be single for life this way. I think I've found a suspected Plate of Arceus."
"Really?"
"Above seventy percent. We just used that basic method to identify it."
"Wait there, keep an eye on that thing, and next time, start with the important stuff. Don't talk so much nonsense."
"But you..."
Drake was about to retort—it was King who steered the conversation this way—but he didn't seem interested in hearing her and hung up the call. Judging by that, he was already on his way.
He knew the schedule of the Central Combat Tournament of the New World and where Drake was.
Arceus and Shaina had just set sail not long ago, so Yamato remained in Wano Kuni. Therefore, King didn't contact anyone else. Instead, he swung his wings and transformed into Beast Form, flying to the distance.
The flames on his back had disappeared. King flew toward the target island at top speed. At Aerodactyl's full speed, he could reach Drake's location within two days.
As for Drake, who had her call hung up, she was visiting someone else's room rather ungraciously.
...
"What... what exactly do you want to do?"
"Nothing much, just wondering if I could trouble you to forfeit tomorrow's match? There's still a consolation match; you can try your best then."
"Are you kidding? Do you know how long I've been preparing for this match? Even if you are the reigning champion, don't think you can..."
At this moment, there was a sudden clatter in the room as Drake accidentally knocked some items to the ground. It wasn't a bomb or anything, just an ordinary scroll.
And as she picked up the scroll, she accidentally unlocked the clasp on it. When the scroll opened, it conveniently revealed the image of a Pirate Flag—specifically, the Pirate Flag of the Hundred Beasts.
"Oops, sorry, what were you saying again? I didn't quite catch that. Would you mind giving us a little face?"
Drake brushed off the dust on the scroll and slowly rolled it up in front of his face, making sure he could clearly see the flag.
"Uh, I just suddenly remembered, I'm feeling a bit under the weather. Yeah, I really won't be able to compete tomorrow..."
"That's it, isn't it? Cooperation benefits everyone. Just remember not to spread this around. I'm quite informed about your situation."
"Ha... yes, you're right, I've never even seen you before..."
Drake's smile gave him no comfort. That flag reminded him of another aspect of Drake's identity. Aside from being a champion, she was also an officer of the Hundred Beasts. Displaying the Pirate Flag meant it wasn't just her personal affair.
Offending the Hundred Beasts over a match wasn't worth it. It was better to opt for a shot in the consolation tournament instead.