The original intention of expanding Magikarp to the outside world was to increase their intelligence network.
The tenacious vitality and strong adaptability of Magikarp also allowed them to quickly establish themselves in the vast ocean. However, for several years, there had been no news, instead, pilgrimages of many school of Magikarps began to appear on the sea.
Especially as time passed, some Four Seas' Magikarp found it dangerous to cross the Calm Belt. So, they began to travel upstream along the currents of Reverse Mountain, much like the pirates.
This phenomenon occurs approximately three days each year, known as the day of death for rookies. Anyone unfamiliar with the sea who attempted to cross the Reverse Mountain during these days would likely find their way blocked by countless Magikarp.
If they attempted to attack, they would face the wrath of Gyarados, becoming the greatest trial for rookies.
Individually, a Magikarp wasn't terrifying, but due to the environment of the Grand Line, these Magikarp gradually developed a collective consciousness like Wishiwashi.
Under the leadership of Gyarados, these schools of Magikarp became quite terrifying.
Back then, the plates had scattered throughout the world, on Sky Islands to the depths of the sea. They could be anywhere, and over the years, their whereabouts have only become extremely complex.
Originally, even this Gyarados couldn't find them. However, during a skirmish where it led other Gyarados in a deep-sea brawl against a Sea King, a Hyper Beam missed the target and struck the ground, shattering a coral reef on the seafloor.
Shortly afterwards, a peculiar stone was revealed inside and unlike the broken coral reefs, the plate was completely clean. The Gyarados could feel in the depths of their genes that it was their mission in life.
So, this Gyarados lifted up the plate and embarked on a new pilgrimage. Their pilgrimage has increasingly become safer as now creatures in the sea recognize Gyarados' reputation.
Magikarps were weak and can get stuck in the teeth. Most Sea Kings wouldn't touch them if it wasn't for their ability to aid in the digestion of other foods. However, the "sea beasts" that lead the Magikarp were very dangerous.
Despite their average size, they possessed unique attack methods. Ordinary sea beasts actively stay far away from Gyarados, and even Sea Kings were reluctant to provoke them, elevating Gyarados' status in the marine food chain.
Crossing the perilous seas, the red Gyarados gradually reached the "Holy Sea" of Wano Country. This is how Gyarados perceive the nearby waters; once they enter the hazardous expanse, they believe they have reached their holy realm. However, this time, it entered Wano Country using a unique method.
As it approached the surrounding barrier of Wano Country, the surrounding seawater changed, a water dragon surged, creating a new passage before it.
Feeling the familiar aura from this water passage, it immediately swam along the waterway and reached Wano Country.
This passage was undoubtedly the work of Arceus. When the plate appeared within his range, he naturally sensed its aura. Arceus could retrieve the plate directly, but he wanted to see who brought the plate back.
"Dad, what happened?"
At this moment, Arceus' expression was filled with joy. It's worth noting that such intense emotional fluctuations rarely appear on Arceus' face, and even Yamato beside him became curious.
"Something good has happened, come, let's go and meet this 'great hero' together."
...
The massive Gyarados living near Wano Country also glanced upward at their descendent. To other species, Gyarados' expression might only convey "fierce," but among their kin, they could see much more.
They sensed a strong feeling of "smugness" emanating from their descendant, but they could also understand why it was feeling so smug—it had been bestowed with the honor of meeting Arceus.
On the shores of Onigashima, the red Gyarados placed the plate it brought on the shore, letting out a slightly excited roar.
"Ah, I understand, this is indeed what I wanted."
"Roar!"
"Don't get too excited, you're a good girl. Let me think about what to give you."
"Roar~"
"No, that won't do. This is what you deserve. Little one, you are the first one to complete this task in so many years."
"Wait, Dad, it, no, she's a girl??"
Hearing Arceus' address, Yamato sensed something was off because Arceus called the Gyarados a girl.
With the Power of Viridian, she could communicate with Pokémon, so she could understand what the Gyarados was saying to Arceus and could differentiate between different Pokémon voices.
However, she never expected her voice to be like this as the voices of the other Pokémon around her were much softer compared to the Gyarados.
"This is a racial trait. Gyarados' voice is generally rough. Look at her whiskers; the whiskers of male Gyarados match their own scales' color, but regardless of the female Gyarados' color, their whiskers are always white."
After educating Yamato on how to distinguish Gyarados' gender, the abilities of the other plates activated and a small crown appeared in Arceus's energy hand.
"From now on, you are the queen of all Gyarados. This is your proof. With it, you can command all Gyarados in the sea."
A rock crown embedded with jewels appeared above her head.
This wasn't an ordinary crown but a King's Rock embedded with Gyarados Mega Stone.
Mega Stone is required for ordinary Pokémon to Mega Evolve. Unlike Ability users, only a very small number of powerful Pokémon can Mega Evolve without relying on an external force.
Most Pokémon required this external force. However, with this Mega Stone created by Arceus, she didn't need to look for a Trainer.
The King's Rock was an item needed for certain Pokémon's special evolution, and possessing it could give her attacks special effects.
But now, as the name suggests, this was proof of her identity as the Gyarados Queen.
Different groups of Gyarados naturally had their own kings established through strength competition. However, she was different. With this, she was the rightful queen of the group, her status completely unshakeable.
This special King's Rock was the proof of her royal inheritance.
The King's Rock then merged into the crown-shaped symbol above her head, continuously channeling special power into her.
"My lord, I want a name, a name bestowed by you."
Although Gyarados's large mouth couldn't close, she clearly expressed her thoughts in human language.
"A name... let me think about it. You and your group stay here for a while; I'll go prepare some other things for you."
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