In the banquet hall.
The young girl flawlessly dropped to her knees in apology.
"Father, I was wrong!"
"I've come to realize my mistakes over these years. I shouldn't have deluded myself into thinking I was Kozuki Oden. Please rest assured, I've finally recognized my true self!"
"I am your daughter, Yamato!"
"From now on, I'll obey your every word without question. If you say one, I'll never say two. If you point east, I'll never go west!"
Yamato pressed her forehead firmly against the ground, secretly relieved.
She had practiced this kneeling apology routine at least hundreds of times in the dungeon. Though it had been difficult to accept at first, when she considered how Kozuki Oden had even dared to dance naked, apologizing to her father seemed trivial in comparison.
Teacher Gurd, I will endure this!
The room was so silent you could hear a pin drop.
Everyone stared dumbfounded at the apologizing girl. Even the usually stoic King's mouth formed an "O" shape beneath his mask.
This... this... this...
Were they dreaming?!
Young Master Yamato actually kneeling and apologizing to Boss Kaido?
Impossible! Absolutely impossible!
For fifteen years, Young Master Yamato had been beaten countless times by Big Brother Kaido, often to the brink of death.
Yet she never changed!
Wait... could this be an imposter?
The group exchanged furtive glances.
They vaguely remembered that Orochi's side once had an Imitation Fruit user who could mimic others' appearances with just a touch.
But that person was already dead.
Besides, this was Oni Island - not so easy to infiltrate.
After silent deliberation, they all subtly glanced at Kaido out of the corners of their eyes. This was a family matter - best not to interfere.
At the head seat.
Kaido held his half-drawn spiked club motionless. After a long pause, he silently returned it beneath his cloak.
His eyes were filled with confusion.
After a lifetime of battles, this was a first for him.
The person below was undoubtedly Yamato. While appearances could be faked with abilities, his daughter's essence couldn't be mistaken.
But this didn't make sense!
His daughter would never be this obedient!
Was he drunk?
Kaido pondered deeply, then pulled out his spiked club again and gave himself a solid whack on the forehead.
Crimson blood trickled down between his eyebrows.
Good - he wasn't drunk.
"Urorororo!!!"
Kaido burst into hearty laughter.
Excellent! Wonderful!
His daughter had finally submitted!
"Yamato, rise!"
"Yes, Father."
Yamato stood up properly, her forehead slightly bloodied. To maintain the act, she had kowtowed with genuine force.
She'd even cracked the floor beneath her!
Kaido waved his hand magnanimously.
"I'm pleased you've recognized your mistakes. We'll consider the past water under the bridge!"
He didn't care why Yamato had changed her attitude, nor was he interested in knowing. Yamato was valuable combat strength - that she would serve him was enough.
Just like all those enemies who had wanted his head but ultimately submitted to him. As long as they provided military strength, he welcomed them all.
The more troops, the better!
As for whether Yamato might betray him...
That hardly mattered. Countless people wanted to betray him, but as long as he remained, none would dare act.
Kaido tossed his liquor gourd to Yamato.
"Yamato, drink!"
"Yes!"
Yamato grabbed the gourd and took several large gulps.
Refreshing!
She had expected her father to interrogate her, but he'd simply moved on. All the excuses Gurd had prepared for her went unused.
Even a bastard father has his merits.
Yamato set down the sake gourd and raised her hands, her face full of hope as she asked, "Father, can these handcuffs be removed?"
"Wororororo, of course! What kind of sight is it for my daughter to wear handcuffs all day?"
Kaido laughed heartily, tilting his head to glance at King.
On Oni Island, all Seastone handcuff keys were kept under King's custody.
He wasn't worried about Yamato escaping Wano Country.
Every port in Wano was under the Beast Pirates' control, and Yamato didn't know navigation—she couldn't possibly leave on her own.
Even if she did escape, he'd drag her back.
"King, remove Yamato's cuffs."
"Understood, Big Brother Kaido."
King stepped forward to unlock Yamato's restraints, his gaze icy cold.
He didn't trust her.
Based on his years of interrogation experience, Yamato had absolutely not surrendered—her apology was likely part of some scheme.
Big Brother Kaido might not care, but he had to stay vigilant. Yamato inherited Kaido's bloodline and possessed formidable strength. If she betrayed the Beasts at a critical moment, the consequences would be disastrous.
Clatter!
The handcuffs fell to the ground.
"Wow, my body feels so light!"
Yamato marveled at the change, hopping around in delight.
For fifteen whole years—since she was eight—the Seastone handcuffs had suppressed her power.
Now freed from that burden, her body felt as comfortable as soaking in a hot spring, and the power of her Devil Fruit was reawakening.
The girl didn't notice the pair of cold eyes scrutinizing her.
King!
"Big Brother Kaido," King turned to Kaido and said solemnly, "Since Yamato has reconciled with you, I think it's time to assign her some responsibilities."
"You're right."
Kaido nodded.
The Beasts didn't tolerate idlers.
Yamato possessed formidable combat prowess—it would be a waste to leave her idle. But assigning her a role was tricky.
As the Ogre Child, she couldn't be given menial tasks like ordinary officers, yet all key positions were already occupied.
Kaido looked at King.
"King, do you have any suggestions?"
"Big Brother Kaido."
King retrieved a report from his wing.
"Over the past month, remnants of the Kozuki faction have become active again. I propose sending Yamato to suppress them!"
"..."
Kaido gave King a long look.
He understood King's reasoning.
If Yamato was still "Oden," she would never kill Kozuki samurai. But if she truly crushed the rebellion, they could rest easy.
"Good, we'll do as you say!"
Kaido turned to Yamato, his gaze profound.
"Yamato, can you handle this responsibility?"
"No problem!"
Unexpectedly, Yamato agreed without hesitation.
"Wororororo!"
Kaido raised his cup in laughter.
"That's my daughter!"
"Drink up!"
"Today's a joyous occasion—we won't stop until we're drunk!"
Two hours later, in the dungeon.
The secluded, deserted environment made it an ideal spot for secret meetings.
"Ughhh—"
Yamato leaned against the wall, vomiting rainbows.
Only after emptying her stomach did the pale-faced girl turn to Gurd, her eyes filled with anxiety.
"Gurd, Father wants me to kill samurai!"
"Don't panic."
Gurd sipped his tea calmly.
"First, tell me what happened today."
"Ah, right."
Yamato hurriedly recounted everything from the banquet hall.
She was truly worried.
If it weren't for Gurd's warning to agree to whatever her father proposed first and then figure out a solution together later, she might have transformed into Kozuki Oden right then and there.
Making her kill samurai? She'd rather die than do it!
"Gurd, those Kozuki Samurai are all Oden's followers—I absolutely cannot kill them! Think of something quick!"
"Relax, I already have a plan."
Gurd chuckled.
Faced with Yamato's sudden defection, Kaido wouldn't fully trust her. Even if Kaido himself didn't care, the other officers would raise objections.
The most straightforward way to test her loyalty was to make Yamato kill, to commit evil deeds, to sink to the same level as the Beasts Pirates.
It was exactly as he had anticipated.
Yamato's eyes lit up, and she immediately grabbed Gurd's sleeve.
"What's the plan?"
"Simple."
Gurd's gaze darkened.
"I'll do the killing myself!"
(End of chapter)