Underworld's Black Widow, any organization she joins soon meets misfortune, yet there are still organizations daring to accept her. As someone once solved by Elizabeth said, betrayal in such organizations is routine.
Because they are used to this norm, they value abilities; as long as the abilities are sufficient, they'll even take those with ulterior motives. Everyone has different ideas, and in the end, it's all about who can outsmart whom.
Moreover, Robin's abilities are somewhat extraordinary; she handles many tasks flawlessly, and outsiders never realize the organization's downfall is related to her. Her escape ability is admired, even evading the Navy's encirclement.
However, there was a reason those people couldn't catch her. It was originally her who contacted Tesoro's side to report to the Navy, so if she got caught, it would have been a joke.
Thus, the underworld merely thinks there's something wrong with her luck, without discovering other issues. Some even feel their fate can suppress this Black Widow, proactively recruiting her.
While Robin continues her historical explorations, a group of night owls emerges on Ghost Island, like Setsuna, who stays up late writing a diary.
No matter the weather, she writes in her diary. Even on particularly uneventful days, she pens a line or two.
[January 18th, 1509, Sunny
Life remains fun; I don't feel the plainness Mom talked about. Maybe it's because Zeraora is completely different from Dad.
Perona is becoming a night owl; I have to find a way to make her sleep earlier. However, her skin is indeed great, with no acne or dark circles despite staying up late, which is rare among humans.]
The Fur Race hardly worries about this due to their special static skin, never fretting over skin issues. Their only concern is shedding.
More than humans worrying about hair loss, middle-aged Fur Race members dread shedding. Waking up to a bed full of fur is an indescribable horror for humans.
However, those suffering hair loss can relate, as seeing fallen hair is like cutting into one's flesh.
Laying down the quill, Setsuna glanced at Perona still playing with Yoru, shouting at her, "Go to bed! Aren't you watching the competition tomorrow?"
Most of the time, Perona is very obedient. Apart from the staying-up-late issue, she's usually compliant, likely due to the Hollow-Hollow Fruit granting her unusual spiritual power.
Therefore, Setsuna is more lenient with her than with ordinary children, but now it's already morning. Even the wolf-furred ones plan to rest, so naturally, she urges Perona to sleep.
Meanwhile, urging people to sleep earlier isn't a solo endeavor; Page One on Ghost Island is also at it.
"Sis, it's bedtime. Don't you feel tired?"
This year, Page One is seven. He no longer shares a room with Ulti. Even siblings need to maintain some distance as they grow older.
However, Page One hasn't moved into Jack's room either. Instead, he resides with Ulti in a suite's separate rooms.
Currently, Ulti is practicing with Page One in the suite's living room.
"Little Pei, tomorrow is the competition day. Aren't you nervous?"
"Sis, you're too tense. That ranking has nothing to do with us now, right?"
The competition they're referring to is the internal Hundred Beasts replacement battles. Technically, challenges can be issued anytime, but day-to-day scheduling makes it hard to gather.
For Hundred Beasts, this is the annual meeting time. During this, the Hundred Beasts Pirates organize a special "sports meet."
During this event, new Numberer positions are determined, keeping many excited and unable to sleep.
"How does it not matter? The ranking affects our benefits."
The higher the rank, the more benefits. Aside from that, part of the Hundred Beasts Fruit income is distributed as bonuses.
Ordinary members only receive room and board. Only through combat can they earn bonuses. Having a Numberer status means receiving a large Belly monthly without much effort, just like how Mandfeish saved enough to buy an island.
"But we're still learning... isn't the pocket money enough?"
"No, no, no, Little Pei, I understand now. That fool Kaidou doesn't usually manage things. Although he's the Captain, what influences other matters is... is Lord Arceus."
Mentioning this name makes her feel sore, as Shaina taught her a big lesson.
"You see, Sasaki was forgiven for slightly disrespectful behavior after bringing back that Plate. If we can achieve higher status, we become stronger and bring back a Plate of our own.
Then Lord Arceus will be happy, and we can move out and have our own independent house, staying far away from that pervert Jack. Just us two will be enough..."
Initially, Page One listened to Ulti's plans; they seemed reasonable, but eventually it felt off. It turns out he overestimated his sister's rationale.
In this sense, she resembles Yamato. When facing Kaidou, Yamato becomes battle-smart, while this sister-obsessed member takes various cajoling tactics with her brother, ensuring Page One's attention.
"So…"
"So tomorrow is the first time; we need to secure a rank."
Saying this, she smashed her head onto a practice dummy. Seeing the imprint left by her ax-like teeth, Ulti smiled slightly.
"Go, Little Pei. I believe you can too. Let's practice a bit more, then we'll rest."
It's not just last-minute training; it's the excitement of participating in such a major event for the first time. This scenario is not unique to them but to several newly-joined members.
For instance, Sasaki, still in the Udon Mine, has endured passive aggression since joining the Hundred Beasts Pirates but has weathered the phase and is gearing up for a suitable trial position.
Like Ulti before, after some experiences, he's grasped the Hundred Beasts Pirates' internal workings, though this doesn't affect his personal admiration for Kaidou.
Within the Udon Mine, he collides with that towering Aggron.
"Roar!"
The massive-bodied Aggron charges forward, colliding with the empowered Sasaki.
And Sasaki doesn't dodge, instead confronting Aggron head-on, marking his training style during the mining period.
From the initial collapse upon contact to now wrestling with Aggron, Sasaki has experienced personal growth...