That day.
Minato Namikaze got a taste of modern society's shock, and as a father, he began quietly worrying about his son's… inclinations.
The Sexy Technique itself wasn't a big deal—just an extension of the Transformation Jutsu. From a technical standpoint, it could even be called "pretty creative."
But if Naruto, in developing this technique, awakened some weird quirks…
Kushina would probably lose it on the spot, right?
[Nameless: Eh… it's not that bad, really. I can vouch for 720 episodes of anime—Naruto's preferences are totally normal.]
[Nameless: If you're really worried, you can check on him yourself once you're back in the living world.]
Hikari had already shared her plan to pull Minato out of the Reaper's stomach in the group chat.
At first, Minato had his doubts, worried that a dead guy like him returning to the living world might cause unnecessary trouble or disrupt the balance of the living and dead realms.
But…
With the precedent of the Demon Slayer crew's resurrection and all the things he'd seen in the group chat lately, Minato's concerns had faded. Now, it was just a matter of waiting for Orochimaru to make progress on researching the "Reaper Death Seal: Release" before moving forward.
The Sexy Technique topic wrapped up there.
After that.
The group chat shifted to discussing the "Dimensional Pirate Crew."
Everyone was pretty excited about the upcoming trip.
Except for Miko, who was tied up with school and exams, and Minato, who was still a soul, everyone else responded to Bulma's invitation, promising to make time for the "Blue Planet" launch ceremony. Bulma had even reserved rooms on the ship for each group member.
Of course…
To set sail smoothly, there was one issue that needed resolving—
[Bulma: By the way, hasn't your dad returned to Onigashima yet, Yamato?]
[OniPrincess: …Not yet, but Runti and the others said he's close. He might be back on the island in a day or two.]
Logically, Kaido should've known Yamato was back by now.
If he really wanted to come discipline his daughter, his "Azure Dragon Fruit" powers would've gotten him to Onigashima in no time.
Spending so long on the way meant he was probably tied up with something.
Since that was the case, Hikari wasn't in a rush to head over—if she took Yamato out of Onigashima early, they'd still face pursuit from the Beasts Pirates. Better to sit down and "talk things out" before setting sail. Surely Kaido would understand her good intentions.
[Nameless: I've pretty much wrapped things up here. I'll swing by the Akame ga Kill world, then head to your place, Yamato.]
[Nameless: Esdeath will probably come with me.]
[OniPrincess: Awesome! I've been dying to hang out with you guys!]
[Bulma: Sweet! Don't forget to call me when the time comes, Hikari!]
[Bulma: If it's cool, bring little Naruto along too. It's been a while, and… I kinda wanna see his Sexy Technique in action.]
[Nameless: ?]
So… your main interest is the Sexy Technique?
In reality.
Hikari muttered to herself, then shifted her attention from the chat group panel and glanced at the little blond knucklehead who'd just transformed back. "Naruto, wanna go on a trip with Big Sis?"
"Huh? Heck yeah!"
Naruto agreed without a second thought, only to pause. "But what about school…?"
"No biggie. Just take a leave. You're learning basic ninja stuff anyway—I can teach you just as well."
Hikari said it like it was nothing.
Her invitation had nothing to do with Bulma wanting to see the Sexy Technique.
She just wanted to broaden Naruto's horizons so he wouldn't stay cooped up in the Leaf Village's tiny bubble. Even if he became Hokage someday, she didn't want him to be a frog in a well.
Naruto, of course, was all in.
…
The next day, Hikari headed to the Akame ga Kill world.
She met up with Brand, Akame, and the others, catching up over a meal.
Then, using "Shangri-La," she arrived in the East Blue, thousands of meters up in the clouds, to reunite with the East Sea Cloud Dragon.
How to put it…
Even though she'd seen the East Sea Cloud Dragon plenty of times, Hikari was still blown away by its sheer size every time. Its massive, mountain-like body coiled around her, the visual impact so overwhelming it was hard not to feel a rush.
"Here, put this on."
Using a tone like she was coaxing a kid, Hikari had the dragon extend a claw. She fastened Bulma's upgraded "Mini Wristband 2.0" onto one of its talons and twisted the dial to "1000."
With a flash of dazzling light.
The East Sea Cloud Dragon's body shrank visibly, transforming in moments into a 6-7 meter version, sprawled at Hikari's feet.
The dragon looked confused, its bony, imposing face full of bewilderment.
"Easy, don't move."
Hikari pulled out a tape measure from her pocket, crouched down, and carefully measured.
6.8 meters.
So, the East Sea Cloud Dragon's original length was 6800 meters. That size was a colossus in any world.
"Let's go."
At Hikari's command, the East Sea Cloud Dragon floated up, coiling around her like a python. Even shrunken, it retained its flight ability and most of its combat power. In fact, its smaller size made it even more agile.
With that, Hikari had ticked off a few things on her to-do list.
Just as she was about to return to the Naruto world to pick up Esdeath and Naruto, a message from Yamato popped up in the chat group:
[OniPrincess: Oh no, Hikari! My dad's back!]
[OniPrincess @Nameless @Bulma @EternalBro @…]
[Nameless: ?]
[Nameless: What's up? Is he already giving you a hard time?]
[OniPrincess: Yeah, he sent Uncle Jin to come get me, and they're heading to the castle now… But don't worry, I'd never rat you guys out! I won't say a word about you!]
[Nameless: No need to go that far… If he asks, just tell him the truth. We'll be there soon anyway.]
Since Kaido was back.
It probably wasn't a good idea for Bulma, Eriyi, and the others to show up.
Hikari sent a few reassuring messages in the group, then hurried back to the Naruto world, found Esdeath, and together they sent a request to join Yamato's world.
[Nameless has requested to enter OniPrincess's world]
[Nameless (Ice Queen) has requested to enter…]
[Nameless: Yamato, I'm coming in, yeah?]
…
One Piece world, Onigashima.
Yamato stood nervously in the hall of the skull-shaped castle.
A dozen meters away.
Kaido sat in a chair, flanked by Jin, one of the Three Calamities, along with Black Maria, Runti, and others from the Flying Six. His face was dark with anger.
He was no stranger to Yamato's rebellious streak.
Ever since Kozuki Oden's death 20 years ago, this troublesome kid hadn't given him a single day of peace. Kaido had even gone so far as to put an explosive on her to keep her from running off.
But…
He never imagined that, even with that, Yamato would manage to vanish mysteriously.
At first, Kaido thought she was hiding somewhere on the island, so he had the Flying Six turn Onigashima upside down. When they didn't find her, he went to Blackbeard Orochi, who spent over a month scouring Wano Country—still no sign of her.
With no other choice, Kaido had to put the matter on hold and head out to sea for his own business.
But then, months later, he got word that Yamato was back.
"You actually came back?!"
Kaido slammed the armrest, snorting heavily. "Where the hell have you been? Who's been helping you? And where's the seastone handcuff on your wrist?"
"Hmph, none of your business!"
The mention of the "handcuff" sent Yamato into a fury. "What kind of father puts a bomb on his own daughter? You're not even worth one of Minato-san's fingers!"
"What did you say?!"
Kaido's temper flared. "Who's this Minato? Someone from Wano? Is he the one who helped you escape Onigashima?"
"No way! Minato-san's the greatest person in the world! Hikari's the second, Kikyo's the third… I got their permission to use their names, so now I'm Namikaze Kikyo Yamato!"
"…?"
What the heck?
Kaido froze.
He'd thought calling herself "Kozuki Oden" was Yamato's limit.
But now…
Minato, Kikyo, Hikari—who were these people? When and where did Yamato meet all these folks?
Or was this all just nonsense she'd made up?
Just as Kaido was about to press further, Yamato's face suddenly lit up.
"Oh, Hikari's coming…!"
As she spoke.
The air around Yamato rippled faintly.
Then.
Under Jin and the others' wary gazes, two figures—one tall, one short—appeared in a flash of white light. The shorter girl raised her brows, scanning the room before breaking into a warm smile.
"Yo~ Everyone's here."
"Let me introduce myself. I'm Yamato's friend, Uchiha Hikari. Nice to meet you… Let's get along."
As she spoke.
Hikari's gaze swept the room, finally locking onto Kaido directly ahead. Beneath her calm expression, her eyes glinted sharp as a blade!