Days turned into weeks as the world held its breath. Above the land of Wano, shrouded in an endless expanse of dark, overcast clouds, a tense conversation unfolded.
"Hey, Kaido, tell me the truth," the voice of Charlotte Linlin, also known as Big Mom, crackled through a Den Den Mushi. "Is what you're claiming actually true? That Straw Hat kid doesn't seem like the reincarnation of the Sun God Nika to me."
Kaido scoffed, his voice booming with a mix of irritation and cold certainty. "Don't you worry about that, Linlin. Do you really think I'd be bored enough to waste my time playing games with a brat like that? You should be the one worried. I've warned you before: if that boy truly awakens the power of the Nika Fruit, you have no chance of survival."
"What do you mean by that, Kaido?" Big Mom snapped, her pride clearly stung. "Are you implying that an old woman like me would lose to a boy?"
"That is exactly what I'm saying, Linlin," Kaido replied, his tone heavy. "It's a bitter pill to swallow, but if he hits that awakening, you're finished. And that isn't all. I've received word that his crew has already linked up with the Mink Tribe. On top of that, the Whitebeard Pirates are closing in on Totto Land. Between them, the Revolutionary Army, the Marines, and Shanks, do you honestly think you have the advantage? This is a storm even I wouldn't provoke lightly."
There was a long, heavy silence from the other side of the transmission. Finally, Big Mom spoke again, her voice lower and more measured. "Kaido, don't forget the favor I did for you. We are allies now."
"Then tell me," Kaido demanded, "what is your true goal in all of this?"
Big Mom hesitated for a moment before she replied, a sinister hunger creeping into her voice. "Souls. I want to taste how delicious a god's soul truly is. Mamamama!"
Kaido exhaled a plume of smoke. "I understand. Don't you worry, I will handle the Revolutionary Army, the Marines, and the Red Hair Pirates for you. As for the rest of them..."
"Mamamama! That is enough," she interrupted. "I don't even consider those other brats a threat."
"Then we have a deal," Kaido said.
As the connection cut off and the Den Den Mushi went silent, Kaido looked out over the horizon. "Lily," he called out, his voice echoing across the sky. "Go tell King my decision. Tell everyone to mobilize. Our plan begins now."
"Yes, Kaido-sama!" a voice responded from below.
Deep in the New World, within the treacherous waters surrounding Wano, a fleet of five massive pirate ships bearing the flag of the Beasts Pirates slowly cut through the waves. They were the force tasked with the recovery mission, having successfully rescued the Donquixote Family, along with Otama, from the ruins of Dressrosa.
The operation had gone smoothly. Faced with the overwhelming military might of the Beasts Pirates, the royal family of Dressrosa had no choice but to surrender the Donquixote members, despite their deep resentment and sense of humiliation.
On the deck of the flagship, Otama looked up at the man standing beside her. "Thank you, Captain Hawkins. If it hadn't been for your help..."
King, acting as Otama's mentor, had not been comfortable letting her travel alone. He had sent Hawkins—now the most formidable captain within the Oni Squad—to ensure their safety. Over the past two years, Hawkins had grown significantly in strength, his combat prowess now rivaling that of the former Tobi Roppo. While the Tobi Roppo of old were no longer the same, Hawkins' rise in power was undeniable.
Hawkins felt a sense of pride in this assignment. Everyone in the Beasts Pirates knew of the special place Otama held in Kaido's heart. If he could earn her favor, his position in the crew's hierarchy would be secure. As a high-ranking captain, he knew things the others did not, and he was hungry for more power.
"You are too kind, Otama-sama," Hawkins replied with a respectful nod. "You performed perfectly on this mission. Kaido-sama will be very pleased to hear of your success."
Otama offered a shy, modest smile. Just then, Baby-5 and Monet approached, guiding the rest of the rescued Donquixote members. Among them was an unexpected face: the former Marine Vice Admiral, Vergo. He had acted as the mole inside the Marines, making their escape possible. With the young master captured, his cover was burned, and he had officially severed ties with the World Government.
The family members expressed their gratitude to Otama, but she was no longer the frightened girl she had once been. Three years of governing had matured her. Seeing their anxious faces, she sensed their unspoken fears and took control of the situation.
"Please, rest easy," Otama said, her voice steady. "Father-sama promised he would rescue your young master, and he is a man of his word. He will do it; it is simply a matter of finding the right moment."
Reassured by her words, the tension among the family members finally eased. Suddenly, the lookout's voice cut through the air. "Otama-sama! We have spotted an unknown pirate ship off the starboard side. They are approaching Wano. Their intent is unclear."
Otama, still learning the intricacies of naval command, looked to her escort. Hawkins stepped forward, his expression stern. "Otama-sama, order that ship to stop and submit to an inspection. If they refuse, we treat them as enemies."
"Understood," Otama replied, mimicking the authoritative tone of a leader. "Do as Captain Hawkins says."
The ship complied and drifted to a halt. However, as Hawkins caught sight of the figures on the deck, he froze. A deep frown creased his face as he struggled with how to proceed, leaving Otama and the others confused.
"What is the matter, Captain Hawkins?" she asked.
The Beasts Pirates had expanded rapidly, and not everyone knew every face associated with the crew. Hawkins took a breath before speaking. "Otama-sama, if I am not mistaken, the woman on that ship is Kaido-sama's daughter, Yamato. She is known as the Oni Child of the high seas. However, two years ago, Kaido-sama formally severed his relationship with her."
"Ah!" Otama gasped, her face filled with shock.
Half a day later, at the General's Residence in Wano Country, Yamato arrived at her former home, guided by Otama and her crew.
Yamato looked at her surroundings, feeling the weight of the strange, lingering gazes from the members of the Beasts Pirates. Her heart was in turmoil. But when she caught sight of Bonney's hopeful eyes, she forced herself to stay.
After Hawkins had explained the strained history between Kaido and his daughter, Otama felt a surge of sympathy. "Yamato-nee-san, please, wait here for a moment," she said softly. "Master King will be here very soon."
Yamato looked down at the young girl. A strange, bitter thought surfaced: Is this my replacement? She immediately recoiled from the idea, despising herself for the pathetic sentiment. She had vowed long ago that she had no ties to this country, and yet, here she was.
She offered a forced, awkward smile. "Th... thank you."
A few minutes later, the sound of heavy, rhythmic footsteps echoed through the hall. Everyone turned to see the second-in-command of the Beasts Pirates approaching. He was a descendant of the ancient Lunarian tribe, a man whose reputation on the high seas was said to rival that of the Four Emperors: the Flame Disaster, King.
"Master!" Otama called out, her face lighting up.
King didn't hide his affection for the girl; he walked over and gently patted her head. "You did well. Kaido-nii-san and I are already aware of everything. Nii-san told me that you are beginning to resemble him quite a bit, just as he was in his youth. You must continue to work hard."
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