However, these trivial matters weren't even given a second thought. There was no need for a report, as the Hundred Beasts were not planning how to fight the upcoming New Year's battle, but rather how to resolve it with minimal losses.
Everything needs to be done step by step, and currently, the event on Ghost Island is Yamato's birthday celebration.
Although one fireworks workshop had an accidental explosion, it did not affect others' competition for the title of Fireworks King, not even the workshop that had the explosion.
The formula that nearly cost him everything led him to a better fireworks formula, which made him invest all his efforts in hopes of using the Fireworks King's prize to cover his losses.
Now, Yamato's birthday has become a routine; even if ordinary members have no privilege to give gifts, the gift boxes she received still piled up like a small mountain.
Most of them need to be opened slowly later, and only the gifts from Kaidou and Arceus can be opened on the spot.
Kaidou's gift was quite simple: a mottled Wolf Fang Club alternating between silver-gray and black-red colors.
During past training, Aken 4.0 also unfortunately perished, as Yamato and the others' Armament Haki was still unstable, and the presence or absence of Haki significantly affects weapons.
Aken 4.0 gloriously sacrificed itself in this process, carrying the legacy of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0, integrating into Aken 5.0.
The different color of 5.0 is due to its materials: the remnants of 4.0, the metal shell shed by Aron, and parts of Wine Iron Ore formed the body of 5.0.
Aron's shell is considered a rare material because its diet is quite complex. This metal shell was forged into a unique alloy by Aron's special organs, containing multiple metal components and becoming difficult to replicate.
In terms of hardness and plasticity, this metal is a rare treasure in the world, combined with parts of Wine Iron Ore to create the present Aken 5.0.
Compared to Kaidou's gift, Arceus's gift was more anticipated by her. Since the initiation of the Power of the Evergreen, she often received things unheard of, some created by Arceus, and others found on the path of searching for Plates.
This year's birthday gift was similar to the Power of the Evergreen back then, also a peculiar light sphere, though this time it was purely milky white.
Poking her finger into the light sphere, Yamato was filled with curiosity about this ability.
"Father, what kind of ability is it this time?"
"You'll know once you try it, but this time it's different from last time; it might hurt a bit."
As soon as he finished speaking, Yamato had already absorbed the light sphere, understanding what 'might hurt a bit' meant, as her bones, flesh, and every cell conveyed a sensation of pain to her brain.
Though her perseverance, honed over time, prevented her from crying out, she couldn't stop the cold sweat that poured out. However, the pain was brief, disappearing in an instant.
Unlike the Power of the Evergreen which granted her a special ability, she didn't yet understand what this was, though she felt considerably lighter.
According to reason, Arceus wouldn't only make her suffer a bit.
"Father, what is this exactly?"
"Oh, it's something like a Super New Human or Super Hisui Human, essentially a significant enhancement to your physique."
Some humans in the Pokemon World are distinctly different; although Yamato had already inherited Kaidou's monstrous physique, a stronger foundation is always beneficial.
The reason she felt pain was because it was a partial cellular-level transformation; generally speaking, she can now easily toss around a ton-weight object like a ragdoll.
Her cervical spine has substantial endurance, obtaining a certain level of resistance to lightning, fire, ice, and toxins, but it has no effect against firearms and blades of human technology.
The Power of the Evergreen has further integrated with her body, and with the development of Observation Haki, specific abilities unique to some individuals may not be beyond Yamato's capability.
With this "birthday gift" boost, her potential has become even more extensive.
...
Afterwards, the flow of people in the Flower Capital noticeably increased; it was Orochi and his men gradually moving into their predetermined positions.
Thousands of people entering in batches did not draw attention, but large-scale movements would easily expose their traces, so they had already started moving quietly.
All weapons manufactured from the weapon factories were gradually being transported to the Flower Capital. On a day close to the New Year of 1502, Kaidou on Ghost Island received an invitation from Kurozumi Orochi.
In summary, it was now the anniversary of Wano Kuni, and they had prepared something completely different, especially inviting Kaidou to participate.
After a quick glance, Kaidou tossed it aside and instead called for the pirates of the Hundred Beasts Pirates who were staying on Ghost Island to gather.
The interior of Ghost Island was spacious, with nearly a thousand pirates of the Hundred Beasts Pirates gathered there, along with some other people from Wano Kuni who had gradually integrated into the Hundred Beasts Pirates over the years.
After undergoing a series of assessments, they had gained Kaidou's approval, such as the leader, Kojiro.
Responding to the summons, they gathered here, waiting for orders from their Captain.
From the loft, Kaidou walked slowly to the stage, looking down at his subordinates, waving his Wolf Fang Club in the air.
"Guys, although the New Year is coming, this year's celebration will be exceptional. One of the grandest wars awaits us since arriving in Wano Kuni!"
The pirates below showed no fear, instead erupting into fervor. With a captain like Kaidou, it was impossible for them not to be belligerent, just that there were few opportunities usually.
"This is still a feast; for the first half, you can enjoy yourselves to the fullest, but don't forget, an even grander second half awaits! Our task is to drag those nobles by birth, indulgent in blissful rule, onto the battlefield!!
A battlefield of life and death! Where rank and birth don't matter! No differentiation for anyone!
This is "equality" and "freedom"! Values determined solely by war!
All right, men, it's time for battle!!!"
"Ooooohhhhh!!!!!"
The roars of over a thousand men shook the roof, causing a slight tremor on the entire Ghost Island. The passion ignited by Kaidou began slowly marching towards the Flower Capital, a force with a glint of battle fervor in their eyes...