As Kaido's words settled over the room, a wave of confusion spread among those present. Every one of them knew exactly who Komurasaki was. She was currently the most beautiful woman in all of Wano Country, the top courtesan of the land. Her allure was so powerful that even Queen, the Plague, had shamelessly drooled at the mere mention of her.
Unfortunately, she had chosen to side with that pathetic excuse for a man, Orochi.
But why would Kaido big bro suddenly mention her, let alone order Jack and Who's-Who to bring her here?
Was it possible that Kaido big bro had developed some interest in her?
No, that couldn't be. If Kaido had even the slightest interest in women, he wouldn't have ignored Black Maria's open affections all this time.
As the implications sank in, every eye turned to Black Maria. Her expression had soured visibly, lips pursed and brows furrowed. A mixture of frustration and grievance clouded her face.
Ulti scowled, her fists clenched at her sides.
"Why is Kaido bringing that prostitute Komurasaki here? That lowly woman doesn't deserve to be near Kaido-sama!"
Kaido didn't react to the insult in Ulti's tone. He knew his subordinates were often crude, loud, and brash, but their loyalty was never in question. So instead of rebuking her, he answered calmly.
"Don't let your thoughts wander, Ulti. I have my reasons for bringing that woman here. You'll understand soon enough. Jack... what are you standing around for?"
Jack immediately snapped to attention.
"Yes, Kaido big bro. I'll bring the woman here right away."
"Good. And if Kurozumi Orochi tries to stop you, bring him too. For now, I still have a use for his strength."
"Hah!"
Without hesitation, Jack and Who's-Who left the hall. Kaido then turned to King and gave his next order.
"King, go find that foolish 'son' of mine. Tell her to meet me at the port. And bring me the key to her handcuffs. The rest of you stay here and wait for me."
As soon as he finished speaking, Kaido's body began to shift. With a low growl, he transformed into his enormous dragon form and launched into the sky, tearing through the ceiling as he soared upward, disappearing into the clouds.
The flurry of orders and sudden departure left those who remained even more bewildered. King stood still for a moment, frowning.
He could sense it clearly. Something inside Kaido had changed. But no matter how deeply he thought about it, he couldn't understand why. For now, all he could do was follow orders...
===
At the port of Onigashima, the sea wind howled fiercely, salt clinging to the air like mist.
The port was a hive of nervous activity. Every crewmember moved with caution, too afraid to show the slightest hint of laziness or disrespect. The reason for their tension sat right at the water's edge.
Kaido of the Beasts.
Their Governor-General, the one who ruled Onigashima and terrified the New World, sat cross-legged at the coastline with a massive gourd of sake beside him and his spiked kanabo resting at his side. A small Beasts Pirates ship was anchored nearby, bobbing gently in the waves.
The crew was already baffled by Kaido-sama's sudden appearance here. It was rare to see him outside the dome, let alone just sitting quietly, drinking in the sea breeze.
Then came a burst of heavy footsteps, fast and erratic, followed by a furious shout that echoed through the port.
"Kaido! Go to hell!"
A silver-haired girl wearing a hannya mask came crashing down from above, geta sandals tied with red cords clacking loudly as she landed. Her form-fitting outfit hugged her frame tightly, while thick shackles bound both her wrists and ankles. Despite the restraints, she lifted her kanabo high and swung it straight toward Kaido.
Kaido didn't even look in her direction.
Without rising, he casually grabbed his kanabo, spun it behind him, and swung with a single, fluid motion.
Boom!
Yamato's eyes widened as she instinctively raised her weapon to block.
But the next instant, a monstrous force collided with her. The power behind Kaido's swing was far greater than anything she had prepared for. A shock of pain tore through her body. Blood spilled from her lips as she was knocked backward.
Her vision blurred. She couldn't even comprehend what had just happened.
Every time she confronted her father, she had done so with unshakable resolve. She wanted to become Kozuki Oden, to drive Kaido out of Wano, to liberate the country. She had built her entire life around that dream.
And yet in that moment, all she could feel was helplessness.
Even though she had always lost to him in the past, the injuries Yamato suffered were never anything beyond flesh wounds. That pattern had given her a dangerous sense of confidence. She believed that with just a little more strength, she could eventually surpass Kaido. She truly thought she was close to achieving that goal.
But now...
Her body flew like a cannonball, crashing through structure after structure until she finally came to a stop amidst the rubble.
"Ugh!"
Burning with fury and humiliation, Yamato tried to rise. But as soon as she lifted her torso, fresh blood spilled from her throat, and a stabbing pain surged through her entire body. She collapsed again, coughing and vomiting onto the shattered ground.
"How? How could the gap be this huge? Damn it!!!"
Heavy footsteps echoed through the settling dust. A massive shadow loomed over her, and as she raised her head, she met the eyes of the one man she had spent her life rebelling against.
Kaido.
Their gazes locked, and for the first time, Yamato trembled.
He still looked like the father she loathed, but something in his eyes had changed completely. Gone was the usual expression of mocking tolerance, the smirking indulgence he used to show when she declared herself Oden. Now, there was nothing. No warmth. No emotion. Just a cold, distant void.
Yamato could feel it with her entire being.
If she so much as raised her weapon again, he would kill her. No hesitation. No mercy.
"I'll be killed...!!"
It was the first time she truly feared for her life. The man standing before her no longer felt like her father. He was something else now—something cruel and absolute.
And then the memories rushed back.
That day when her handcuffs had exploded right in front of her, shocking her to the core. The realization that Kaido hadn't been bluffing. That he had genuinely been willing to kill her even then.
Now, looking at her bloodied form on the ground, Kaido saw none of the girl who once stood over his fallen body with a smile, dreaming of becoming Kozuki Oden.
His voice was devoid of affection, direct and cold.
"You've always complained that I took away your freedom... well then, now I'll give you two choices."
Yamato wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth. Gripping her kanabo for support, she rose unsteadily to her feet, eyes burning as she stared at the man before her.
"One: forget your foolish dream of becoming Oden. Live on obediently as my daughter."
"Never! Kaido! I will drive you out of Wano and save this country. I will become Oden!"
As always, even when she was covered in blood and barely standing, Yamato clung to her ideal with unshakable resolve.
"Then you'll have to take the second path."
Kaido reached into his pocket and pulled out a small key, then tossed it onto the ground in front of her.
Yamato stared at it, stunned.
"See that ship? That's your second path. Since you won't choose the first, then from this day on, you are no longer my daughter. Out of the last shred of fatherly sentiment, I'll let you leave Wano Country. That ship will take you to Whitebeard's territory. Aren't you close with that little punk, Ace, the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates?
But from now on, we are no longer father and daughter. Whatever you do out there on the sea has nothing to do with the Beasts Pirates."