The presence of Shaina and King in the sky instilled fear in many people. Their bestial faces and wings in flight seemed beyond the realm of humanity to many.
The residents of the New World are not necessarily well-informed. The New World also has many weaklings, and the dangerous seas and battles between pirates from all sides make communication between the New World's islands more isolated.
The worldview of many islanders depends on the level of their occupiers. Some islands still live in primitive tribal ways, where those with abilities are even worshiped as gods.
John, though an ability user, never exposed his abilities in front of outsiders. Moreover, during his life, he was a notorious Great Pirate, so few dared to invade his territory, and most islanders had never seen a few ability users in their decades of life.
Moreover, they were just ordinary civilians. To deal with them, ability users weren't needed. A few ordinary pirates with knives and guns were enough to intimidate them.
Ability users rely on their bizarre abilities and are usually officials in the pirate crew. These individuals hold more crucial positions within the crew and only act when a large-scale rebellion erupts among residents in the territory.
However, whether it was the man named Gable or the village chief here, neither was unfamiliar with ability users. A significant reason they became leaders on the island was that they had wider knowledge and better capability in handling matters than the islanders.
"Hundred Beasts Pirate Crew... are you new?"
The war on the island had been raging for a long time, and during this time, the News Bird hadn't approached. Those News Birds knew how to avoid danger and wouldn't deliver letters to places where life was threatened as soon as they approached.
Therefore, the islanders lacked some understanding of the outside world's happenings during this time and were unfamiliar with the newly renowned Hundred Beasts.
Kaidou's previous way of acting didn't provoke the Navy and was focused on heading to the New World. It was a drunken mistake entering a Navy Base that brought the newborn Hundred Beasts Pirate Crew into public view.
According to past habits, the Hundred Beasts Pirate Crew could also be seen as an emerging pirate crew. If not for Kaidou's long-lasting pirate career, he would have been the undisputed Super Rookie among this batch of pirates.
Even if they did not understand the Hundred Beasts, Gable and others knew one thing. Previously, there was no pirate crew named Hundred Beasts, and the pirate flag they held was also a brand new design.
"This island really seems jinxed. If you've got the ability to take care of the other pirates, we can accept your rule..."
"But we'll never lay down our weapons!"
Before the village chief could finish speaking, Gable interrupted with this statement, gripping his short gun tightly. In his view, the island's safety couldn't be entrusted to an outsider. They had to have sufficient armed force to prevent pirates from doing something more outrageous.
"Gable! Shut up! Gentlemen, he isn't..."
"You seem to be mistaken about something. We're not here to discuss or negotiate with you but to notify you. You have only two choices: accept or be forced to accept."
Arceus's request was for them to stop resisting, with the added condition to be somewhat gentle in approach. Otherwise, just based on their earlier cannon fire, it could already be considered a declaration of war.
But a gentle approach didn't mean sitting down to negotiate. A moderate military deterrent was indispensable.
So Shaina's gaze turned toward the huge cannon, her flaming right leg kicking its body. The massive weapon used to intimidate the earlier pirates flew away under her kick, and even in the winter chill, traces of melting could be seen on the barrel.
"The technology for casting cannons on this island is indeed impressive. No wonder that fellow Queen praises the mechanical level of this island so much."
"I thought you were holding back."
"I didn't use full force, but it didn't achieve my expected outcome either. I originally thought I could kick the cannon to pieces."
King and Shaina commented softly on the island's technology, while the people on the island, except for the still stubborn Gable, those who initially supported him also put down their weapons.
Shaina and King were on a completely different level from those earlier pirates.
But in King's eyes, this was just the last thorn in the side.
In just over a year, King, who had excellent nutrition, grew quickly. For a normal person, growing over ten centimeters a year was quite remarkable, but King's height increased by more than a meter in this year, transcending ordinary human boundaries and surpassing the three-meter mark.
Shaina's height didn't change so dramatically. Now at about 1.9 meters, even within the same race, there was significant genetic variation among individuals. At 15 years old, they still had substantial room for growth.
Although many had exaggerated heights, the overall majority remained of normal human size. Size didn't necessarily equate to strength, but it did imply more significant intimidation.
Furthermore, King in his black attire appeared much more menacing than Shaina. Unlike the Blaziken who naturally had a mask, the Aerodactyl's features, though altered in Human-Beast Form post-modification, still bore original traits.
King, just like in the original timeline, opted for a specially tailored, impenetrable outfit.
"Gable, let it go. Didn't we always get by like this before?"
"True, these guys are just like the monsters under John's command back then. We can't beat them..."
Those around him urged Gable, whose resolve was never very firm. They decided to stand up and resist only under his persuasion.
These kinds of people would naturally recoil when faced with what they perceived as an irresistible force, especially when Shaina and King left them plenty of room to retreat.
Being ruled by pirates isn't something unforgivable in the New World. Some even willingly pay a high price to enter certain Great Pirates' territories as it promises a safer living environment.
For example, the territory of Big Mom in Totto Land—the Tottland Kingdom. Although Big Mom has not yet conquered several islands, the basic foundation is there.
Due to the abilities of the Soul-Soul Fruit, she requires those residing in her territory to offer a month's lifespan every six months as a unique protection fee. Coupled with her sporadically occurring Anorexia Nervosa, the main islands in her territory pose extreme danger.
Big Mom prohibits people from leaving Tottland. So far, those wishing to leave usually find their lifespans drained. However, in rough calculations, a longer survival can be expected in Tottland compared to the outside world, for under Big Mom's protection, few pirates cause trouble within the territory.
This Winter Island is similar. While the flames of resistance exist, most people choose to accept things as they come.
If not for the prior pirate skirmishes leaving these people barely able to survive, the thought of resistance would never have crossed their minds.
King's steps did not halt due to their hesitation. By this time, he had already stepped in front of them.