Yamato's eyes blazed with determination. "Hey, old geezer, what are you saying! I am a man, just like Kozuki Oden; don't treat me like a woman!"
Ace blinked, slightly taken aback. Looking at Yamato's broad pectoral muscles, it was hard to imagine her as anything but a fighter, but he refrained from commenting.
Kaido's eye twitched in irritation. "It's already late, why are you still spouting nonsense?"
Yamato stood firmly beside Ace. "I've always been like this, never changed. Since Lord Oden died eighteen years ago, I've sworn to become a man like him."
Kaido's veins bulged as his anger flared. "Yamato, you should know the consequences of defying me! And you will address me as 'Father'!"
Yamato's eyes narrowed. "Who wants to call you that! You old geezer."
Kaido ground his teeth, veins throbbing with rage, while Big Mom's expression darkened slightly. She always found disobedient children like this amusing and scolded playfully, "Mama mama mama mama, Kaido, it seems your daughter doesn't listen to you much!"
Kaido grunted unhappily. "Hmph, she's always been unteachable," he muttered. No matter how many times he punished or restrained her, Yamato remained stubborn, leaving him helpless.
Shanks, however, chuckled, clearly entertained. "It seems your daughter has a lot of personality, Kaido! But girls this age go through rebellious phases. I have a daughter who never listens to me either and calls me by my name. As long as the child is happy and healthy, that's enough."
Big Mom raised an eyebrow. "Red Hair, you have a daughter too?"
Shanks nodded with a warm smile. "Yes, she turned nineteen this year."
Yamato, undeterred, sat beside Ace and chattered excitedly. "Ace, tell me about your adventures these past years! Since you left, I haven't heard a single story."
Kaido was about to intervene when King approached. "Lord Kaido, Orochi has arrived."
Kaido's expression darkened. "Orochi? Why is he here? I didn't invite him..."
King's eyes reflected disdain. "Perhaps he heard about the banquet and came uninvited. Shall I send him away?"
Kaido waved him off. "No, let him come."
Soon, Orochi entered—a grotesque figure with a large square head, a topknot, purple hair on the sides, a twisted mustache, and a lewd appearance. Behind him came a sword-wielding samurai, a long-eared man, and the stunningly beautiful Kozuki Hiyori.
Yamato's eyes immediately narrowed. "Ugh, why is this guy here? He's disgusting."
Ace looked puzzled. "Who is he?"
Yamato scowled. "Him? That's Orochi, the Shogun of Wano Country. He's behind half the evil in Wano."
Orochi laughed loudly. "Gu he he he, Kaido, you're hosting a grand banquet on Onigashima without inviting me? Uncool!"
Kaido's gaze hardened. "Orochi, what are you doing here?"
Orochi grinned sinisterly. "Gu he he he, I heard the other three Four Emperors are attending. I came to see who can stand alongside you."
Big Mom's eyes darkened. This man was pathetic in comparison to them, yet he dared to enter their presence.
Marco, unfazed, used his level detection.
Orochi, Snake-Snake Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Yamata no Orochi Form. Strength estimate: Strong Crew Member Level.
Denjiro: Strong Captain Level.
Fukurokuju: Weak Captain Level.
Kozuki Hiyori: Weak Crew Member Level.
Marco sighed internally. Such a powerful Mythical Zoan, yet in the hands of such incompetents—it was tragic.
Yet Kozuki Hiyori lived up to her reputation as Wano's most beautiful woman, her green hair and delicate features radiating a rare aura, surpassing even Monet in grace.
Marco smirked at Kaido and Orochi. "Is this the Shogun of Wano, Orochi?"
Orochi, oblivious to Marco's teasing, beamed. "Gu he he he, yes, it's me, the Shogun! I didn't expect an overseas pirate like you to know me. Seems I'm famous even outside Wano! Gu he he he..."
The surrounding pirates were dumbfounded by his arrogance.
A faint killing intent sparked in Marco's eyes. "General Orochi, if Kaido is the Guardian King of Wano, shouldn't he be your subordinate? So, when he meets you, does he kneel? Even if Kaido is feared outside, here he should still bow, right?"
Fukurokuju paled, whispering urgently, "Lord Orochi, be careful with your words! Lord Marco's intention is to sow discord—please don't respond to such provocations."
Kaido's eyes darkened as he understood Marco's mockery.
Marco leaned back, smirking, and said, "You really are something, Kaido."
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