The one who spends the most time with these Charizards is King, who understands them better in terms of habits.
He left notes for Queen when he took over the shift, not because he was worried about the Charizards doing something to Queen.
In King's view, Queen is as sturdy as ever now. With long-term training, his health bar rivals that of the Lunarians; at most, he'd just get burnt black.
In such a situation, not only wouldn't King worry, he'd mock him face to face.
King just didn't want Queen to act foolish and cause problems for the Charizards.
[When the flames on a Charizard's tail burn intensely and swing up and down at a certain frequency, it means they're full of battle spirit, seeing the person in front as a strong opponent, wanting to duel with them.]
"Oh, so this guy thinks I'm strong too, huh? Seems like these years of experience weren't in vain..."
A series of flashbacks ran through Queen's mind, as life hadn't been easy since leaving MADS.
The burdens have piled up, his Haki has grown stronger, and even his brain capacity has involuntarily increased thanks to the library's knowledge infusion.
[One Charizard has broader wings and a tail with unique patterns; it's the leader of Charizards, decently strong, and, like Big Brother Kaidou, loves to fight.]
"Fighting..."
Exchanging glances with the Charizard in front, Queen seemed to see its burning battle spirit, and the flames brewing in its mouth indicated its intent.
"Why... do I have to fight while working overtime?! That interrogation maniac never mentioned this early!"
The daily grind as a corporate slave has even given Mandfeish more idle time. As a top board member of the Hundred Beasts, Queen's goal was clearly to enjoy life freely.
There was no lack in food or treatment, and it keeps improving. Leveraging Shaymin's special power, his plantation had long been rejuvenated, even yielding higher quality land.
However, his workload also keeps rising with his treatment, having to handle possible unexpected issues, like those involving Kaidou or those connected to him.
Personality similar to Kaidou implies that fighting is hard to avoid. So while the pirates below are busy clearing levels, Queen engaged in a brief scuffle with the Charizard in front.
The Charizard realized that Queen in front of it, like an ironclad turtle, didn't want to fight head-on and was avoiding attacks in various ways, losing interest.
After burning futilely, hitting only Stands or Defend Barriers, or vine-made decoys, the bulky body seemed as slippery as an eel.
This fighting style successfully deterred the Charizard, sending it back to the central island valley for its nap.
...
Since the island's periphery consists of tropical rainforests, the dense forests obstruct the view of those within; they have no idea what's happening above.
Even if they knew, it wouldn't concern them, as they're striving for their future at this moment.
A few pirates, pairing up after defeating competitors, entered the jungle and saw the "Inspector" carrying the token mentioned by Queen.
A dinosaur-like creature was drinking by the water's edge; though its body was wet, the flame on its tail burned vigorously.
This is the island's Charizard's chick—Charmander, whose tail flame indicates its good health.
Like the Charizards, the flame tail is a symbol of the life force of Charmander, and the flickering flame suggests this Charmander is in a good mood.
The tag around its neck is indeed the essential item the pirates need to clear the level.
"Idiot, what do you plan to do?!"
Seeing a pirate beside him wanting to step out directly, his companion immediately scolded him.
"To get that tag, otherwise, how do you join our team? That little one doesn't look so tough."
"Fool, this is the rainforest, remember that python from earlier? How could this little thing be weak if it survives here?!"
Lowering his voice, he berated his companion. Just then, another more dinosaur-looking Pokemon emerged, with pieces of unidentified meat on its claws.
This is Charmander's evolved form—Charmeleon.
The biggest difference between them and Charmander is the additional crest on their heads and their reddish color.
Compared to Charmander and Charizard, the intermediate form Charmeleon has a much more volatile personality, often tearing enemies apart with claws.
If Charmeleon's intimidation isn't enough, the Charizard landing right after would surely startle these pirates, making them realize it's a wise decision not to act rashly.
Over these three days, some pirates failed in internal conflicts, while others, lacking strength in seizing tokens, were taught a lesson by the Charizard family.
A few exceptionally strong ones managed to take a token from Charmander or Charmeleon and cleared the level smoothly.
And some extremely lucky ones triggered the hidden conditions mentioned by Queen; due to special circumstances, they got along well with Charmander and were directly sent to the endpoint by Charizard.
...
Meanwhile, Sengoku received new intelligence.
"Did the dispatched ones lose contact again?"
"Yes, Marshal Sengoku, they seem to have suddenly been exposed, possibly betrayed by someone, but nothing's confirmed yet."
"Got it, you may leave."
"Yes!"
Tapping the table with one hand, Sengoku fed a document to his goat.
After a moment of contemplation, Sengoku pulled out a Radio Snail again, equipping it with an anti-eavesdrop White Phone Worm, then dialed a number and spoke a code, finally getting a response.
"Marshal Sengoku?"
"Junior Admiral Drake, there's a special mission. Set aside your current tasks and come directly to the Headquarter to find me."
"Yes!"
.....
There had been several intelligence leaks within the Navy recently, and Sengoku had long suspected this, yet had no direct evidence proving any insider betrayal.
Coupled with the external threats from the Four Emperors, and unstable internal and external environments, the special unit Sword was born to secretly infiltrate the Four Emperors' forces.
Some time later, following Sengoku's orders, Drake arrived at the Headquarter and directly entered Sengoku's office.
"Reporting to Marshal Sengoku, Drake reporting as ordered."
"Mm, our recent infiltration attempt failed again, Drake, it's time for you to step up."
"Marshal Sengoku, you mean..."
"Your abilities fit well with the needs of the Hundred Beasts Pirates. The Ancient abilities can integrate well into them. For the Navy's justice, we need someone inside them. In terms of identity, ability, and trust, you're the best choice I can think of."