"I don't believe it."
"Oh, not even a little hesitation?" Arceus straightforwardly left Kaidou momentarily stunned. Although he hadn't talked about such things with others before, generally, people would hesitate a bit, right?
"No, prophesies and destiny are the most illusory of things. You can't change the past, and you're powerless about the future; it all depends on the present.
When you know something about the future, whether you accept it or not, grasping the present is what you should do."
However, he didn't say it definitively. After all, the Power of Space-Time was one of his abilities, but that was his full-strength power. He couldn't change time right now.
Moreover, changing time isn't necessary unless absolutely needed. Who knows what terrifying consequences little actions in the past might trigger decades later?
And not to mention this rule-based power, the Psychic Type indeed has this foresight skill, but it only predicts the opponent's movement trajectory, letting you set attacks in the place they'll appear later.
It's different from the true Power of Space-Time. Once Observation Haki is developed to the Future Sight level, the strong ones here can do such things too.
Two people both able to foresee the future might appear to exchange blows for a mere second, but in their hearts, it's like layers of games being played out.
"Are you contemplating life after drinking? Do you, of all people, really believe in that so-called destiny?"
"Mugh-haha, of course I don't believe it! That's why I set out to prove that so-called destiny is nonsense! I was born in the Vokka Kingdom, where they strongly believe in prophecies.
Back then, someone predicted I'd die on a battlefield, so by the age of ten, I became the kingdom's strongest soldier, and I'm still living fine till now."
Kaidou lay by the railing, assuming the demeanor of a grand philosopher.
"So you went to the Navy Base... just to court death?"
"Haven't I survived? Don't worry; I won't die in a place like this. Even if I were to die, it has to be a grand exit. But you're right; illusory prophecies aren't worth believing."
"As expected of my partner, mugh-haha."
Saying so, he somehow pulled out a gourd of wine, planning to indulge in another round.
When a person is drunk, actions are controlled by the subconscious mind. Kaidou's seemingly self-destructive actions are actually within a controlled range. Whether it was mixing on the Prison Ship for food and drink or running to the G4 Base for a drink, it's all within his capabilities.
This place isn't too far from Marinfanto, and if he really wanted to die, he could plunge straight into the Navy Headquarters or dive into the sea or eat a Devil Fruit.
On one hand, it expresses his disdain for prophecies, and on the other, it's also a form of self-training. Beasts' abilities grow stronger when faced with sustained attacks.
Some beasts truly awaken when they get beaten.
But when he raised the wine gourd high, he found the wine wouldn't drip no matter what.
"Stop wasting time. If you hadn't inexplicably delayed for two days, we would've already completed our coating and have entered the New World. Continue your drinking after we've conquered that Mechanical Island."
Kaidou's actions had indirectly delayed his plate-searching process. The main component of wine is water, which is naturally within his control.
"Forget it; I've had enough this time. I can drink more next time."
He'd already had enough at the Navy Base, so a little delay wouldn't make a difference.
"Guys! Get ready, we are setting sail to the New World!"
"Oh!"
The dangers of the New World need no words, but these pirates face the unknown future with nothing but exhilaration, with a trace of excitement in their words.
"I heard you have to pass through Fishman Island to get to the New World."
"Yeah, it's full of Mermaids there, beautiful Mermaids. If only we could..."
"Shut up! The big sister hates things like that the most. Do you want to catch a kick from her?"
Kaidou's ship rules are obvious: strength speaks. If Arceus wouldn't let him drink, he could accept that. Apart from him and Arceus, the strongest was Shaina at the moment.
Plus, King is her only kin, and Olga lives with her apart from studying and training, leaving few women on the ship.
There are currently only four cadres on the ship, and Kaidou understands the importance of technology. Hence, Asie is also receiving special cadre treatment, and, nominally, Olga is an intern but also a reserve cadre.
The newly recruited underlings aren't truly regarded as crew members and are more like affiliates.
Regarding life and worldviews, Queen is indifferent, having little regard for life, King holds a similar attitude but doesn't actively murder and only acts according to Arceus and Kaidou's intentions.
Shaina respects life except for her enemies, and Asie follows the same reasoning, so there are quite a few rules currently for the Hundred Beasts Pirate Crew.
Traffickers, Navy, World Government agents, and traitors are the things Shaina detests most.
Initially, these submitted pirates weren't this obedient and even made minor reports to Kaidou, claiming Shaina wanted to seize his captain position.
But he made two mistakes. First, he reported to the wrong person since Shaina, though a cadre on the ship now, follows Arceus. If Arceus decided to leave someday, she would respond first.
Arceus joined Kaidou mainly to act under his banner and thus let Shaina temporarily join him.
Secondly, Kaidou doesn't care about such matters and offers a simple solution: fight it out. Win against Shaina, and the cadre position is yours.
Then he became the example, the chicken being warned off, making the people on the ship considerably more obedient afterward.
Regarding Queen's opinions, he doesn't care; as long as he's not at the bottom, he's satisfied. Unable to fight those above, he just bullies those weaker.
Even though he worked at an illegal research facility, he was a legal citizen outside until MADS dissolved, leading him onto his wanted path.
Though their improper thoughts of Mermaids were dispelled, it didn't stop them from fantasizing about Mermaids—the most beautiful creatures in The Sea.
However, just as they dreamt of a beautiful Fishman Island, Kaidou dashed their hopes, lifting the enormous ship skywards with flame clouds, and the Hundred Beasts Pirate Crew soared into the sky.
"Captain, aren't we going to Fishman Island?!"
"Go to Fishman Island for what? Of course, we're flying straight over!"