"A reconnaissance radius of one kilometer..."
Arceus wasn't satisfied with this outcome. This distance was far inferior to his own perception range. Asie and Queen also realized the results were quite ordinary, but they were at a loss for solutions.
"There's nothing we can do, Lord Arceus... Even though you helped us solve the reconnaissance fluctuation issue, the core component of this radar is made of pure gold, only the properties of pure gold can allow this device to function smoothly.
However, the pure gold we have on hand is limited. Asie and I have tried our best to extend its size, but this is the limit of what we can achieve at the moment."
To attempt making a feast without flour is futile. A prototype was developed and improved upon, Asie addressed the core component issue, yet without raw materials, even with complete technology, they couldn't proceed.
This is all they could deliver.
Even if they weren't satisfied, there was nothing more they could do. Over several months, not only did they overcome technical hurdles here, but they also discovered several things, such as some materials having vanished off the face of the earth, even unavailable in the black market.
Now the Hundred Beasts need to search for something besides the Plate—another target is the Ancient Island, as it's likely the only environment where preservation is possible.
During this time, they even tried using the pure gold to fish, to see if the Sea King Type had any luck surviving, as it turns out, it did not.
Still, it's better than nothing. With this radar, at least they can operate on two fronts in searching for the Plate.
"This... Lord Arceus, actually with the remaining materials, we can barely make another, smaller one. A one-kilometer perception range is ideal, balancing value and performance. Increasing the range would require more pure gold.
The remaining pure gold can't expand the range further, but with some modifications, it could make a... smaller radar with a range of a few hundred meters."
"You mean... remove the precise positioning feature and keep only a general sensing capability?"
"Exactly. Even though it lacks precise positioning, the smaller scope of a few hundred meters can be scrutinized thoroughly—digging three feet should certainly reveal something."
Following Asie's suggestion, the dual operation was upgraded to a tri-operational strategy. Arceus wasn't particularly interested in precisely pinpointing a location; he just wanted general information and notifications.
He proposed dismantling the initial model to create two lower-end versions, but due to the gold ratio, it was impossible to make two, thus ending up with one large and one small radar as the final products.
"Where's Kaidou off to?"
"Kaidou seems to be expanding territory lately. Nearby islands are almost all under our control. Asie's policy is effective; the islanders are cooperative, and their enthusiasm for work has significantly increased."
"Of course, mere exploitation leads only to accumulated conflict. Even if it doesn't erupt at once, when reaching a critical mass and our forces falter, internal strife is inevitable.
Using part of the profits to foster a sense of belonging among island residents ensures better governance. By the way, Lord Arceus, Shaina wishes to cast a statue for you, your thoughts on this..."
"No, thank you. I'm not interested in such matters. How are the newly recruited pirates?"
He had no interest in statues or the like; he had no need for faith or anything similar. He was more concerned about the recruited pirates, as they were the ones venturing out to gather information compared to the island's residents.
Even without radars, sheer numbers might uncover Plate evidence, albeit relying heavily on luck.
"About those pirates... they aren't very disciplined, but overall it's not too bad."
"That's to be expected, Asie, you still don't quite understand pirates." Queen responded to Asie in the same manner, despite internal policy not being his strength, he knew more about pirates.
"As long as they acknowledge your power, even if your will or views don't align with theirs, they'll still heed your orders. Your plan proceeds smoothly thanks to Boss Kaidou. You treat them too well, and such kindness erodes authority."
"Regarding those mining laborers, yes, but for our people, we should be kinder; you wouldn't want subordinates constantly plotting rebellion, right?"
Queen dismissed the idea, but Arceus countered the argument. According to Arceus, enemies or captives could be handled as one pleased, but one's own people shouldn't merely be viewed as expendables.
Even if they are essentially expendables, their treatment should reflect that of regular subordinates.
Pirates who utterly disregard their subordinates' lives usually meet grim fates. Looking back, John serves as an example; had he not been so ruthlessly, leading to widespread betrayal, his end wouldn't have been so tragic.
During the Wano Kuni War, substantial rebel factions emerged from Hundred Beasts subordinates. Blame can be partially attributed to Tama's Fruit Ability—the Millet-Millet Fruit enables her to control animals.
Caesar's poorly crafted Artificial Devil Fruits are another aspect. These flawed Artificial Devil Fruits cause those granted them to be largely controlled, unlike genuine Zoan-type Fruits, which only empower individuals with beastly strength instead of transforming them into beasts.
Other supposed blame lies with Queen's actions contributing to the rebellions.
Addressing the root problem begins with altering Queen's mindset.
Having completed the radar research, they were naturally inclined to leave the laboratory. However, when they exited, residents not on duty made way for Arceus, with respectful expressions tinged with faint fear.
Asie proceeded to handle island affairs, while Queen and Arceus strode towards the coast.
"Why do I feel... their expression towards me is quite odd?"
"Uh... Lord Arceus, you might want to ask Shaina about that. Although no statue was made, she has instilled the villagers with your significance; offending you leads to being thrown into the mines by her."
Feeling slightly puzzled, Arceus couldn't criticize such measures, as Shaina's actions served to uphold his importance; he couldn't rebuke a benefactor for that.
Originally, he intended to wait for Kaidou, but in their journey, they happened to observe gathered pirates loading crates of ammunition onto ships.
"What's going on with you guys?"