Two figures descended from the sky above the Sabaody Archipelago, landing lightly upon the giant mangrove treetops.
"We finally made it—the Sabaody Archipelago," Yamato and Haruko said, exchanging smiles as they took in the view.
"Young Master, just to be safe, you should wear this. There are Marines stationed all over the island. If they see our faces, we'll be recognized in an instant," Haruko said, pulling out two masks.
Seeing the masks in Haruko's hand, Yamato laughed. "As expected of you, Haruko! You're so thoughtful. I really can't do anything without you."
Even though Haruko knew Yamato was likely just being casual, her heart still skipped a beat at the praise. The two donned their masks and began their descent along the giant mangroves toward the bustling archipelago below.
"Young Master, according to the map, the archipelago is divided into zones based on the mangrove numbers," Haruko explained, holding a map and pointing out the details. "Mangroves 1 through 29 make up the illegal zone. 30 through 39 are the Soap Bubble Park zone for recreation, and 40 through 49 are for sightseeing. 50 through 59 are the shipbuilding and coating yards. 60 through 69 are where the Marines are stationed, and finally, 70 through 79 are the hotel districts."
"In other words," Haruko continued, "our destinations are the zones from 30 to 49, and then 70 to 79. We absolutely need to avoid mangroves 60 through 69."
"Yosh! Haruko, let's head to that Soap Bubble Park right now!" Yamato was already impatient to see the sights.
Haruko looked at her with an amused expression. "Young Master, before we go play, shouldn't we exchange those gold bricks for cash? How are we going to enjoy an amusement park without any money?"
"Haha, I almost forgot! Let's go exchange it first," Yamato laughed, pulling Haruko along to find an exchange office.
When they finally walked out of the office, they had hundreds of thousands of Berries in pocket money.
"Speaking of which, it looks like a fierce battle took place here recently," Haruko noted, observing the surroundings. "One of the mangroves was completely knocked down. Judging by the damage, it must have happened in the last few days. Did the Marines and pirates have a showdown on the island?"
She stopped to ask a local shop owner for the details.
"Did you find out what happened? Was it a fight between pirates and the Navy?" Yamato asked when she returned.
"Yes, Young Master. Do you remember the pirate we talked about a few days ago? Monkey D. Luffy, the Straw Hat? It turns out he punched a Celestial Dragon on this island a few days ago," Haruko recounted.
"Hahaha! Well done!" Yamato smiled, clearly impressed by the rookie's guts.
Haruko shook her head, her expression grim. "An Admiral was dispatched. The result was the complete annihilation of the Straw Hat crew. That mangrove over there was kicked down by Admiral Kizaru himself. However, the crew wasn't actually captured. They were sent flying by Bartholomew Kuma, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Their current whereabouts are unknown."
"Is that so? If their whereabouts are unknown, it means they're still alive," Yamato stated, unsurprised.
"Young Master, that's not necessarily true," Haruko disagreed. She had heard that Bartholomew Kuma possessed the Paw-Paw Fruit. Rumor had it that anyone he sent flying would travel through the sky for three days and three nights. "No one knows if they'll land on solid ground. If they fall into the sea, they're dead. Even if they hit land, who's to say it's not somewhere just as dangerous?"
"Haruko, just watch. Those people will definitely be fine," Yamato said with absolute certainty.
Seeing Yamato's confidence, Haruko sighed. "I really don't know where your confidence comes from. He's a Warlord of the Sea."
"Precisely because the opponent was a Warlord, there's a chance they survived. If they had fallen into the hands of the Marines instead, they truly would have been wiped out, wouldn't they?" Yamato analyzed.
Haruko thought about it. "That's not wrong, but I don't see why a Warlord would have a reason to help pirates escape."
"Reasons? Actually, many things in this world don't require a reason," Yamato smiled slightly. "That's just how it is. Anyway, are there any other rookies around?"
"There are a few still on the island with bounties exceeding 100,000,000 Berries. They haven't left for the New World yet; they're likely waiting to watch the execution from a distance," Haruko added.
"That has nothing to do with us. They're just rookies. Our top priority right now is the amusement park. Let's go!" Yamato grabbed Haruko's hand and sprinted toward the park.
Night fell. After spending most of the day enjoying the rides, Yamato and Haruko arrived at Mangrove Zone 71 and checked into a hotel.
"Today was so much fun," Yamato said, flopping onto the large bed. Even in her previous life, she had never played so freely. She was genuinely happy.
Buru buru!
The Transponder Snail rang. Yamato answered it immediately. "Hello?"
"Yamato, you were right again. This morning, Lord Kaido led an ambush against the Whitebeard Pirates, but we were blocked by the Red Hair Pirates," Maria's voice came through the receiver.
"That idiot old man actually went through with it," Yamato said, feeling speechless. Her father's personality was truly something else.
"Lord Kaido felt that rather than letting Whitebeard die at the hands of the Marines, he should be the one to finish him—exactly as you predicted," Maria sighed. "Even he can see that Whitebeard is doomed. One major battle will be enough to end his life. After all, Marineford is a den of dragons and a lair of tigers."
"Maria, you've returned to Wano Country now, right?" Yamato asked.
"Yes, we're back. The Whitebeard Pirates have left their territory and are on their way to Marineford. You need to be careful yourself when the time comes," Maria warned.
"Don't worry, I will. If I want to leave, no one can stop me," Yamato promised.
A few minutes after Maria hung up, the snail rang again.
"Yamato, you stinky brat! Where did you run off to this time?" Kaido's roar boomed through the room the moment the call connected.
Yamato pouted. "Guess where I am?"
"I'll guess your head! Hurry up and tell me, where are you?" Kaido swore. He had been intercepted by Shanks today, and his temper was at an all-time high. To make matters worse, his eldest child had vanished.
"Idiot old man, what's wrong with you? You were obstructed by Red Hair; it's not the first time. Why are you so angry?" Yamato asked.
"Young Master, today Red Hair said he wanted to invite you to join his crew, right in front of Big Brother," King's voice interjected from the background.
"Oh, so that's it. No wonder you sound like you swallowed gunpowder. You took a casual remark seriously? Are you a child?" Yamato teased. "Besides, how could I possibly join the Red Hair Pirates while the Beasts Pirates are still around? Stop being so narrow-minded, it's embarrassing."
Hearing Yamato say she wouldn't join Shanks made Kaido feel slightly better, and he let out a low grunt.
"Young Master, where are you right now?" King asked.
"I'm on the Sabaody Archipelago, right next to Marineford," Yamato answered truthfully.
Silence fell on the other end.
"Stinky brat, why did you go there? Don't tell me you plan to start a war with the Marines?" Kaido's tone was full of surprise.
"Second Uncle, don't worry about me. I'll be fine," Yamato said to King. "But idiot old man, why don't you come here? You love war, don't you? It would be a shame to miss this one."
Kaido rolled his eyes. "Do you even know what you're saying? Going to Marineford to fight the Navy... only that old geezer Whitebeard is stupid enough to do that." He knew the Marines could crush a single Emperor's crew, and they wouldn't fear two. Plus, the World Government's true power was terrifying.
"Idiot old man, are you scared?" Yamato mocked him deliberately.
"Bullshit! I'm just not looking to die like Whitebeard. I have no reason to provoke the World Government right now," Kaido swore.
"So you are scared. Otherwise, why don't you just come here alone and intervene?" Yamato poked at him.
Kaido realized what she was suggesting. "Stinky brat, you've got a lot of nerve! Aren't you afraid of dying there?"
"Nonsense! How could I die? Are you coming or not? There's still time. If you fly here alone, you'll make it," Yamato incited him. She thought if she could get her father to join her, they could truly rewrite history together.
"Dream on! Don't try to trick me," Kaido refused. He was extremely wary of the World Government's hidden power.
"Why are you such a coward? You talk about war all the time, and this is it? I'm disappointed in you," Yamato rolled her eyes.
"Get lost! You don't understand this world at all. The World Government, the Celestial Dragons—there are terrifying powers hidden within them," Kaido said, his tone turning serious for the first time.
"I think you were just scared stiff by the death of Rocks, and now you think you know everything," Yamato countered. She knew he had witnessed the fall of the Rocks Pirates at God Valley.
On the other end, Kaido's pupils contracted at the mention of that name. "Yamato... how do you know that name?"
The name Rocks had been erased from history. Hardly anyone remembered it.
"Don't worry about how I know. I know about God Valley, the killing games, and the Rocks Pirates," Yamato said casually.
Kaido frowned. How could she possibly know about the God Valley incident? It had been wiped from the world's memory.
"Anyway, idiot old man, are you coming or not? One word," Yamato brought it back to the point.
Kaido went silent for a moment. "Do whatever you want. I'm too lazy to talk to you."
"Fine, stay home then," Yamato said, realizing he wouldn't budge. Just as she was about to hang up, Kaido spoke one last time.
"Yamato... don't let that old geezer Whitebeard die too miserably."
He hung up immediately.
"Oh ho, he actually hung up on me," Yamato laughed.
"Young Master, go take a bath," Haruko walked over. "We're playing again tomorrow, so get some sleep."
"Okay! Hey Haruko, want to join me?" Yamato jumped off the bed.
"No, the tub isn't big enough," Haruko replied, pushing her toward the bathroom.
Soon, the lights went out.
"Haruko, isn't there anything you want to ask me?" Yamato whispered from the bed.
"What would you like me to ask, Young Master?" Haruko countered.
"Haha, nothing in particular. Goodnight, Haruko," Yamato smiled and closed her eyes, falling asleep almost instantly.
Haruko watched her for a moment, a small smile playing on her lips, before closing her own eyes.
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