While his subordinates successfully broke through under the cover of cannon fire, he who was drawing the attention became the main target. He just made one mistake; he shouldn't have kept Arceus' plate with himself.
When Pierman led the breakout with others, he didn't have the time to hand over the plate. Later, facing the attack of the royal guards and the swordsman, the plate he carried on his back unfortunately fell and was seized by the kingdom's soldiers.
To be precise, they had long been interested in the plate Mandrell was carrying wrapped in cloth, hence they kept attacking that spot.
They believed that what Mandrell was carrying was not ordinary. King Sekai V considered it a treasure. That's why Mandrell, who is "trapped" here, saying these words.
There are many taboos in the New World, which can now be summarized as Charlotte Linlin's food, Whitebeard's son, Kaido's business, and in the future, possibly also Shanks' reputation.
All these would draw the wrath of these pirates. Kaido was no exception. Attacking them while ignoring the Beasts Pirates' emblem was something no major pirate would tolerate.
And King Sekai V seeing the plate as a treasure and wanting it for himself has touched Arceus's taboo. In Mandrell's view, King Sekai V was already a dead man. The death knell had already rung for him.
"Kid, I think you've gone mad, but it doesn't matter. Regardless of what the future holds, you'll die here today! Sir, please do me a favor and kill him."
"Fool, did you think I came here because I had no other choice? This is the escape route I've planned all along!"
Saying that, Mandrell jumped off the cliff under their astonished gazes, and soon after, a splash was heard.
"He's a devil fruit user and he jumped into the sea...Is he trying to commit suicide?"
The change in Mandrell's body had already confirmed his "devil fruit user" identity. So the swordsman didn't understand why he chose to jump into the sea.
Meanwhile, Mandrell didn't show off anything and directly dived deep into the sea, swimming towards his ship.
The people on shore didn't know all this. After thinking they had resolved the issue here, the royal guards, led by King Sekai V, headed towards another battlefield against the rebels.
Meanwhile, Mandrell transformed into a Magikarp, swimming alone on the bottom of the sea. After about twenty minutes, he found his ship near the east coast.
"Boss, you're back!" Seeing Mandrell climb up from the sea, everyone on the ship was excited. After all, Mandrell had willingly stayed behind to cover their escape.
"Hmm…How are the casualties?"
"Seven injured, eleven dead. Pierman was slightly hurt, but he's already been treated," the ship's doctor reported.
"But boss, Lord Arceus' item.."
"There was a slight mishap. That old man was somewhat skilled. But no worries, give me the Den Den Mushi. They'll understand what true terror is."
Picking up the Den Den Mushi, Mandrell dialed the one on Onigashima. After just two rings, the call was picked up.
"Mandrell? Weren't you out making a delivery? What happened that you're calling so late?"
"Boss Shayna, good news, I've found Lord Arceus' plate!"
Directly contacting Arceus and Kaido is a privilege reserved for the All-Stars. Normally, Queen handles communications on Onigashima, but for certain matters related to the plates, some members of the Arceus Cult will directly contact Shayna.
Hearing Mandrell's report, Shayna's expression changed. It had been a long time since they received any information about the plates after the trade with the World Government.
"Is the news reliable?"
"Most likely. It's identical in shape, and my attacks left no marks on it. However, something unexpected happened. When I broke out of the enemy's encirclement, the enemy accidentally managed to snatch it away."
"You report to Lord Sacred Beast yourself. Wait a moment."
Shayna got up and went to the place where Arceus lived. There was a special attic built on the roof of Onigashima, and Arceus was there at the moment. When Shayna brought the Den Den Mushi, he also heard Mandrell's report.
"Sorry, Lord Arceus, I couldn't bring it back directly due to my incompetence."
"It's fine; as long as you people are safe."
Arceus did not blame Mandrell that the plate was snatched away. After all, he knows how powerful Mandrell is. Given Mandrell's personality, it was impossible for him to give up the plate he had obtained unless he was forced to do so.
And this also aligned with his requirements; bringing back the news in a situation where he was powerless was enough. He didn't have to risk his life unnecessarily.
No one can destroy his plate. As long as there's news about it, it can be located.
"Lord Arceus..."
"Worororo, that's right, Mandrell, don't overthink it. If the enemy was too strong, then it can't be helped. Just focus on becoming stronger in the future."
Kaido's voice chimed in from the side. Kaido never blames his subordinates for failures. It just means the other party was too strong.
In this regard, he was somewhat biased if it was someone he liked, but for mere collaborators, failure was due to their own weakness.
If it was a Gifter, Kaido wouldn't have cared much about them, but a veteran like Mandrell had long been on his radar.
"Governor-General Kaido? Why are you here?"
"What nonsense are you spouting, kid? This is Onigashima, remember? Anyway, those guys disregarded my flag and interfered with your retreat while you were bringing back the payment, right?"
"Yes."
"It's Kuraigana Island, isn't it? Mandrell, stay there, and keep an eye on them. Even if they try to escape, make sure you keep track of their position, got it?"
"Understood!"
After hanging up, Kaido took out his Hassaikai, which is never far away from him.
"You also can't hold back, right? After all, they violated your taboo."
"Shikkearu Kingdom. That nation no longer deserves to exist."
Yamato, Lunarian; matters related to them could anger Arceus. But plates are his reverse scale. No matter why, anyone coveting it is his enemy.
"Worororo, indeed. Matters like this always set you off. Let's go, the last time we teamed up, was it against John or World? It really does bring back memories."
Somewhere in the New World, Umit was awakened from his sleep. Yet, he answered the call since only a few knew his private number.
"Hello? Who is calling this late?"
"It's me, Queen. Umit, spread the word among those in the shipping business. No ship is to approach Kuraigana Island. Doing so means making the enemy of the Beasts Pirates. It's Boss Kaido's order."
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