The morning sun shone warmly over the courtyard of the Shogun residence, its golden light spilling across polished wooden floors and neatly trimmed stone paths. A gentle breeze drifted through the open space, carrying with it the distant sounds of celebration from the Flower Capital.
The sound of laughter, music, and the rhythmic clatter of festival drums echoed faintly from beyond the palace walls, a reminder that Wano was still basking in its newly reclaimed freedom.
Yet within the courtyard itself, the atmosphere was calmer and far more intimate.
Several low wooden tables had been arranged beneath a wide maple tree whose red leaves swayed softly overhead. Around those tables, Luffy and the others sat comfortably on chairs and cushions, enjoying warm tea while discussing their next steps.
The steam curled gently from porcelain cups, the fragrance of freshly brewed tea mingling with the cool morning air.
Luffy leaned back in his chair, one leg lazily crossed over the other as he lifted his cup to his lips, clearly enjoying the rare moment of peace.
Zoro sat nearby with his arms folded across his chest, half-listening to the conversation while occasionally glancing toward Yamato with interest.
Kuina rested her elbow on the table beside him, her sharp eyes studying the newcomer as though she were already measuring her strength.
Across from them, Gion, Hina, Doll, Ain, and Kujaku had naturally gathered around Yamato, who now sat between them with a cup of tea in her hands. The tall oni woman looked slightly awkward but also visibly pleased by the warmth of their reception.
Aokiji sat a little to the side of the group, his long legs stretched lazily beneath the table as he lifted his teacup and took a slow sip. His calm gaze drifted toward Yamato, and then he spoke slowly.
"This has gotten a little messy," Kuzan said in his usual relaxed tone. "Now that we've found Kaido's weakness… as Marines we should—"
Clink!
The soft yet sharp sound of porcelain touching wood cut through the courtyard.
Luffy had placed his cup down on the table.
The sound itself was gentle, yet the atmosphere shifted instantly.
Luffy slowly raised his head and looked directly at Aokiji. His expression had not changed much, but the faint smile on his face had disappeared.
In its place was a calm seriousness that carried an almost chilling pressure.
A subtle aura radiated from him, and it made the air itself seem to grow heavier.
"Kuzan…" Luffy said slowly, his voice steady but carrying an unmistakable edge. "Better think about it again."
His dark eyes remained locked onto Aokiji. "Yamato is now my friend… and touching my friend has consequences."
The words were spoken plainly, without shouting or anger, yet the meaning behind them was unmistakable.
Luffy leaned slightly forward in his chair, resting his elbow on the table as he continued. "Forget about you… even Sakazuki would need to think twice before saying such words."
The courtyard became quiet.
For a moment, the only sound was the faint rustling of leaves above them.
Aokiji blinked once, and then he chuckled softly. He raised both hands lazily in surrender.
"Alright… alright," Kuzan said with an amused sigh. "Stop acting out like this. I'm just saying it... I'm not planning to do anything."
The tension dissipated almost instantly.
Gion let out a small giggle as she lifted her own teacup.
"Hey," She said lightly, glancing toward Aokiji. "Who told Admiral Aokiji to say something like that? Luffy is very protective of his friends."
She tilted her head slightly, smiling as though recalling an old memory. "Have you already forgotten what he did for Teacher Zephyr when he had just arrived at Marineford?"
Several people in the courtyard immediately looked toward her.
Gion calmly continued sipping her tea before adding, "He killed that bastard Weevil, bringing back his head as a gift for Teacher Zephyr."
Her smile widened just a little. "So don't even think about hurting Yamato."
Aokiji scratched the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "Yeah… yeah… I remember that incident."
Luffy chuckled softly as he picked up his cup again and took another relaxed sip.
"Also," He added casually, "don't look down on Yamato."
His words drew everyone's attention.
"Her strength might not be any less than Issho-san and others," Luffy continued calmly. "After all, she is Kaido's daughter… and has inherited his talent."
He glanced toward Yamato with a grin. "Even for me, it is completely impossible to defeat her."
For a brief second, the courtyard fell silent.
Then several pairs of eyes turned toward Yamato almost simultaneously.
Issho lifted his head slightly in surprise.
Binz blinked twice, and Ain stared openly.
Even Kuzan's relaxed posture straightened a little.
Zoro's eyes immediately gleamed with excitement.
Yamato immediately felt the weight of their attention. Her cheeks turned slightly red as she awkwardly lifted her teacup higher, hiding the lower half of her face behind it.
"W-Well…" She muttered quietly.
Zoro suddenly leaned forward in his chair, resting his elbows on his knees as he stared at her with obvious interest.
"Is that so?" He said with a slow grin. "Good... Very good."
He cracked his neck slightly. "Yamato, later you and me… let's have a good battle."
Before Yamato could respond, Kuina rolled her eyes. She leaned forward with a competitive smile.
"Just you?" She said dismissively. "Forget it. I want to have a spar with Yamato."
Her gaze sharpened slightly. "If Luffy said that she is strong, then I want to see it. Compared to Hawkeye… just how strong she is."
Zoro snorted. "You're acting like you'll get the first turn."
Doll, who had been quietly listening, flexed her fingers slightly. A faint crack echoed as she rolled her knuckles. Her expression carried quiet interest.
"That sounds fun," She said calmly.
Luffy burst out laughing at the sudden enthusiasm spreading through the group.
"Alright, alright," He said while raising both hands. "You guys can take turns."
He looked toward Yamato with an amused grin. "Just don't overwhelm Yamato. She is strong, but that doesn't mean you guys can bully her."
Hina immediately rolled her eyes.
"Look at you, Luffy," She said dryly. "So overprotective."
She crossed her arms calmly. "Don't worry. We don't bully our own friends."
Yamato slowly lowered her cup. Her eyes moved across the courtyard, looking at each of them one by one.
The teasing, the excitement, the casual acceptance... it was all so natural that it left her slightly stunned.
For most of her life, the people around her had been enemies, guards, or prisoners.
Yet here, these powerful warriors were already arguing over who would spar with her first.
A small smile appeared on Yamato's face, and for the first time in years, she felt something warm settle inside her chest.
She held her cup gently in both hands and looked toward Luffy, who was leaning back in his chair again, laughing with Zoro and Kuina as if nothing serious had happened moments earlier.
Yamato's smile grew a little brighter. She did not say anything.
But it was clear that she was genuinely happy to have been welcomed so warmly.
---- ✦ ✦ ✦ ----
Spoilers for the next five chapters!
Chapter 206: Kaido's Daughter (3)
Chapter 207: A Heavy Responsibility
Chapter 208: Monkey Trouble
Chapter 209: Monkey Trouble (2)
Chapter 210: Report from Wano
--- ✦ ✦ ✦ ---
📢 Author's Note 📢
If you're enjoying this story and want more chapters right now, I invite you to check out my Patreon. There you'll find:
✅ Daily updates – never miss a day of new content
✅ Advanced chapters – read far ahead of public releases
✅ Exclusive perks & extras – only available to patrons
Your support not only gives you early access but also helps me dedicate more time to writing and expanding this story. Every reader who joins makes a huge difference.
👉 Dive into more chapters today: patreon.com/Myth_Valley
Let's keep the adventure alive! 🔥📚✨