The killing on the island didn't catch more people's attention, which is the usual norm after a competition ends. It's common for people with grievances to settle scores, which is why most choose to leave quickly when the competition ends.
They don't want to get embroiled in trouble, much less run into some unknown AOE attack resulting in inexplicable casualties. Once order on the island is gone, the only one ensuring their safety is themselves.
If not for the prestige and prize money, alongside the stable order during the competition, the Central Fighting Tournament of the New World wouldn't proceed so smoothly.
King had already returned with the items first, while Drake and Iscariot also started their journey back. At this moment, Drake was silently counting money.
"Paying back Emmalyn, paying back King, paying back Babanuki....."
A large stack of prize money already had its creditors. After deducting this portion, little would be left. She valued the champion's prize money; it was now a new significant means of repaying debt in her life.
"Alright, what's left should be enough to enjoy life for a few days. Boys, set sail quickly. Once we return to Ghost Island, I'll treat you all to drinks!"
"Oh!!"
Except during banquets, drinks aren't free. Their boss being willing to treat them is good news to them, but Iscariot didn't understand Drake's behavior.
"Drake sister, should you... maybe save a bit?"
"Hmm? Nearly forgot about you. Come along then. Pirates can't not drink; it's a good time to train your alcohol tolerance. No tipping over after a single cup in the future."
Others had advised her before, but to no avail. She squandered most of her money on these treat days. Her subordinates did treat her too, but not on the same scale.
"Drake sister, I'm talking seriously!"
"Don't take it so seriously. There's the Ghost Island cafeteria, and I won't starve. Treasure, when placed there, just molds and grows fur. Only by spending them do they exist for a purpose."
Different values led to this lifestyle choice. Rather than continuously piling treasure in a warehouse, she preferred treasure that disappeared like fireworks.
She pursued the flamboyance in life, enjoying the thrill in the moments of emptiness after a whirlwind. Spending money brought her more happiness than saving it.
"I've informed King as well, you will definitely get a reward. Just think about what you want, it's a rare opportunity."
While Drake was still on the return journey, King had already returned to Wano Kuni with the Plate. However, Arceus hadn't returned yet. After placing the Plate, King left the place.
A few days later, Drake returned, and the surrounding pirates looked at her with eyes full of envy and jealousy.
But Drake didn't boast or anything. Like previous years, after clearing her debts, she started treating her subordinates and people she got along with to drinks at Wano Kuni's tavern. In the past, she might have been dragged back to work by King, but this time King gave her a long vacation.
After some time, the Origin finally returned to Ghost Island. As it approached Wano Kuni, the Plate inside Ghost Island shone with radiant light.
When returning to Ghost Island, King had already informed Arceus. The toughness confirmed the authenticity of the Plate. Since they've brought it back to Ghost Island, no unexpected incidents could occur. Hence, Arceus didn't return earlier.
Arceus's sailing route was already charted. Returning early might miss out on instinctively found things.
...
"Fighting Power, impressive."
With the Plate's return, Arceus emitted a special aura, and even King and Shaina beside him felt it was unusual. Each time a Plate returned, Arceus's aura would briefly change.
The overwhelming malice of the Dread Plate, the brilliant vitality of the Meadow Plate, the endless life of the Splash Plate, and the peculiar aura of the Pixie Plate. But this time, Arceus's aura became exceptionally distinct.
Instead of a change in atmosphere, there was merely a suppression by the aura of the physique. Being the Fighting Type Punch Plate, the ability it brought was very unique.
At this moment, Arceus's body had reclaimed the Iron, Punch, and Blank Plates.
The convergence of Iron, Fighting, and Normal Types produced an entirely new quantitative change. This isn't a Pokemon world; most human attacking methods are executed from the body.
Unlike beasts, humans use tools. Yet, regardless of the metal used to make weapons, they'd be negated by the Iron Plate's power, and normal attacks would be purified by the Blank Plate. The current Fighting Plate signified the invalidation of Fighting Skills.
Haki represents the power of the heart and is the special martial art individuals can use after training. The emergence of the Punch Plate means that Armament Haki's attacks can no longer harm Arceus.
Simple physical attacks will be immune. Arceus now has this buff, only a few elemental attacks can still cause slight effects.
The Fighting Plate encompasses all Fighting Type skills, and now for Body Technique experts, Arceus is an ultimate boss with locked health. No matter how long a martial art is honed, it would yield no effect.
If it were in a game, there'd be a guessing scenario, betting if the next punch is a Normal Type or Fighting Type punch. Unfortunately, this isn't a game, and every Plate adds a new immunity facet.
No matter how strong your attack, it's meaningless if it deals no damage. This influence is far larger than merely missing the target.
"Drake and Iscariot, where are they?"
It's time for rewards for contributions. While it was ultimately King who acted, being the discoverers, they deserve first honors. This was a long-standing rule.
"I've already notified them, they should be here soon. Please wait a moment, I'll check."
King responded, as Drake was his subordinate. He had already contacted Drake, and the reaction of the Plate was mutual. Not only did Arceus know they had results, but King also knew Arceus was already nearby.
Soon, the two arrived, seeing King waiting for them. Drake, however, still smelled strongly of alcohol, looking somewhat hungover.
"You..."
Symbols of anger appeared on King's forehead. He had given Drake a long holiday considering her discovery, aware that she would enter this state once given time off. Yet, he hadn't expected her to be so heavily intoxicated.
"Iscariot, you go ahead. The Sacred Beast Lord is waiting for you. I'll sober her up first."