A battle took place as the crew members were forced to subdue more of the residents of Raijin Island and they encountered many types of strange new animals that were very resistant to electrical attacks or had a very small amount of power which was similar to Electro so the crew members were kept very busy over a long time as they carried out their duties.
Eventually the attacks stopped from the residents as a vast majority had been beaten up and restrained which prompted the rest to hide away or try to bargain for their lives with the resources of the island.
Many types of a familiar ores which had strong magnetic and electrical properties had been placed in front of the crew which made Jester and the others reveal a little embarrassment.
Jester waved his hand and said. "We do not want anything in order to spare their lives but you need to learn from this experience! Not all outsiders are a threat to you all and you may even be able to build up a beneficial relationship with them. If you continue down this route then eventually it will lead to nothing but more death and misery. What you have all been doing will eventually come back to haunt you one day!"
He was right in his words as it had probably happened many times as those related to the victims came seeking revenge.
It all started because the residents wished to survive or get revenge on the outsiders but their actions continued to breed more death which fostered more feelings of revenge from those related to them.
If there was someone important enough to die at their hands one day that had powerful connections then the island would probably be wiped out because their actions were seen as insane by the outside world.
Many isolated islands tend to be too cut off to understand the political influence their actions could have on the world and the outside world would not care for the reasons behind their actions and would only be looking for reasons to attack first.
One of the village chiefs bowed gratefully on the ground. "We have no choice! We are sorry but we really have no choice!"
"The thunder god demanded it!"
"They all deserved it!"
"We were just protecting our home!"
"Aah!"
Many had started to cause a disturbance as they were restrained but the village chief sighed. "Again, we are sorry. This is something that has been our way of life for far too long so it will be difficult to change."
There had always been those who had tried to voice their own thoughts and bring about change but the loud and many voices often drowned them out so nothing had changed for a long time.
Even the village chief was helpless in the face of so many that were considers as fanatics or devout believers in what they were doing.
Yvie snorted as she replied. "There are many other islands who have suffered the same as you all have and they did not resort to such craziness. If you continue to remain here and do not change then the outside world will not sit still. You will not just have to worry about outsiders visiting or pillaging your island but a full on attack from stronger people you cannot defeat."
Liushi who had recently woke up then nodded. "Yes! This is just a lesson to teach you all about the dangers of doing this! If we were really hostile or wished for revenge then how do you think this would have turned out?"
Sunila then added. "Look into your hearts. What is it that we did to deserve being attacked or sacrificed? You would not like it if you had arrived somewhere new and instead of being welcomes, you were met with instant hostility for no reason."
Many peoples faces paled as they listened to the rebukes but some remained stubborn as they grit their teeth and glared back.
K1 added. "Historically, this problem can exist in any civilisation once they have been pushed too far and fall into desperation. Humans are fascinating creatures indeed! They have fallen and chose to believe in a god that will protect them so that they can commit horrible acts and not have to feel guilty about it since they believe what they are doing is right and just. Even if most know what they are doing is wrong, they force themselves to continue simply because what they have done has provided them better safety. While it could have started with a group of people and became bigger over time, there must be someone or a specific group that has the most influence and do not wish to see any change."
The village chief nodded. "It was much worse many years ago during the great pirate era but recently it has worsened once again as the attacks have increased so we were forced to develop this way. Back in that time… those in charge were heavily involved with enforcing the rules and punishing non believers so we had no choice but to follow. They have come back out and made even more demands of our people towards the faith of the thunder god and those not cooperating or with a strong enough voice to sway others away were publicly lynched and offered as sacrifices. It is too difficult to start a change because many in power do not want it."
It would not be wrong to say that those in power profited from the actions of the civilians and were able to hold onto their power thanks to their religious cult activities as it created many faithful and loyal followers in the form of young to old male and females which were willing to do anything because of their faith so long as they had been given the order to do so.
Jester coldly looked at the village chief in the eyes and said. "So you mean that we need to remove those who hold the power in order to allow true change?"
The village chief sighed. "Even if they are removed… there are always those that will take their place because they are too far gone and cannot live without their beliefs. It is possible for such loyalists to try to rebuild from its ruins."
K1 added. "Affirmative! There will always be the possibility of other groups forming with similar ideals. The best way to counter this would be to shake their faith and build a new belief system but if that does not work then there must be a cleansing to allow no more chances of another uprising. There are many other options but each has its advantages and disadvantages."
Jester revealed a playful look as he turned to K1. "You are so smart!"
He then turned to Ann as he whispered in her ear for a while.
He then turned to the village chief and said. "I need your help. If this is successful then we can consider releasing those that have been captured and we can start discussing cooperation to allow your island to change and gain a better way to protect yourselves. Of course that will require a mutually profitable exchange so you may have to prepare a lot of your islands specialties."
The village chief bowed. "Thank you!"
The daggers twirled around in Jester's hands as his smile became wider. 'First we act… then we just have to wait for the show to begin.'
A little later several secret strongholds of the thunder god sect were attacked and their members were subdued and properly restrained.
Many black hooded people which had thunderbolt markings on them had been dragged out of their prayer rooms one after another as many of the members of the White Storm started to make their move.
Everyone was then dragged away as they were all rounded up together in preparation for what was to come.