This month, Kaito had enacted sweeping reforms in Wano, winning the initial trust of the people.
In the grand hall of Onigumo, Kaito sat at the main seat. Kaido and his followers occupied seats along the sides, much like an ancient council chamber.
"Those thousands of prisoners didn't commit any crimes after their release," Kaito announced confidently.
"No, Boss," King replied calmly, "after learning of Kaito-sama's actions, their dissatisfaction disappeared, and they reintegrated into their villages. Except… except for Flower Soldier Goro and one of the Nine Heroes."
"It's a pity that Goro remains here. The former Wano gang boss has aged, so place him in Pickle Village. Let Ulti give him food daily. Let him live out his days peacefully," Kaito continued thoughtfully.
"Arrange Kawamatsu directly in front of Kozuki Hiyori. He'll be pleased. After all, she is the last of the Kozuki bloodline. This also allows us to keep a close watch," Kaito added.
"I understand, Kaito-sama!" King said with deep respect.
"How long until Wano's waterways return to normal?" someone asked.
"After importing sewage management technology from other nations, most waterways are back to normal. Farming can resume," Black Maria said, licking her lips playfully.
"Then distribute seeds and let the people farm!" Kaito commanded.
"Boss Kaito! After releasing the quarry workers, our seastone production has collapsed!" Queen complained.
"Recruit new workers, offer incentives, and triple their farming income until fully staffed," Kaito replied calmly.
"But in that case, Wano's food will only last two months," Risa observed.
"Then buy more. We're not lacking," Kaito said with a slight smile.
As the morning passed, Kaito resolved all remaining administrative issues. Soon, noon arrived.
"Today's work is complete. Proceed with the tasks you've been assigned!" Kaito instructed.
"Yes, Boss Kaito!" the subordinates replied.
Suddenly, a man burst in, waving a newspaper anxiously. "Boss Kaito! It's urgent!"
"What is it? Did the Nine Heroes cause trouble?" Kaido growled, awakened from his nap.
"Did someone attack Wano?" Bullet asked nervously.
Under the pressure from Kaido and Bullet, Bacha's expression tightened. "It's not the two bosses… It's the Marines moving again."
"The Marines?" everyone murmured.
"Quick, explain!" Risa demanded, eager to leave Wano.
"Let me tell you. The Marines have captured Fire Fist Ace, captain of the Second Division of Whitebeard's Pirates, and he is to be publicly executed at Marineford in one month," Bacha explained.
At that moment, a tall, slender woman entered, her long hair tied and double horns atop her head. She wore a sleeveless kimono and carried a wolf-tooth weapon, her hands shackled.
Yamato, Kaido's daughter and Oden's admirer, had arrived.
Seeing her, the room went silent. Even seasoned pirates like Bullet stared in surprise.
"Why are you here?" Kaido demanded, rising angrily.
"I walked in, saw the situation," Yamato replied calmly, unfazed by her father's glare.
"You! You dare speak like that to your father?" Kaido roared.
"And is this how you treat your own daughter?" Yamato retorted, extending her shackled hands without fear.
"Enough! You two are too loud! You're family, but this is ridiculous!" Kaito suddenly appeared before Yamato, his calm presence silencing the tension.
"So fast!" Yamato exclaimed, astonished.
Before she could react, the shackles in her hands were removed by Kaito.
"Amazing!" Yamato's eyes widened. Could this be the one who bested her father? His strength was immense, and he moved without a single sign.
"These won't be used again," Kaito said, tossing the shackles aside. "Now, tell me exactly what happened."
"The exact situation?" Yamato blinked. "Didn't you already hear?"
"The Marines captured Ace!" Kaito stated flatly.
The room froze.
"Bacha! Explain!" Kaito barked, his expression taut. He suspected Yamato had rushed over upon hearing news of Ace.
Bacha hesitated. "Boss Kaito, Miss Yamato already said it…"
"Be precise! When and how did the Marines capture Ace?"
"Not the Marines. Ace was captured by Blackbeard. He arranged it with the Marines in exchange for a Shichibukai title," Bacha clarified.
"Understood. You may leave," Kaito waved him off. Bacha hurried away, feeling the weight of Kaito's presence even from a distance.
"Take a seat," Kaito offered Yamato with a smile.
"I'll stand," Yamato replied indifferently, before cautiously asking, "Are we going to rescue Ace?"
Everyone stared at her, dumbfounded. Ace, the Whitebeard Pirates… our pirates are enemies of theirs. Yet here she was, speaking as though it was obvious.
"Don't worry. First, let's analyze the Marines' intentions," Kaito said with a wry smile. Yamato's frankness amused him, but she couldn't fully express her thoughts.
"Obviously, the Marines intend to execute Ace to challenge the Whitebeard Pirates," Kaito continued, pondering.
"Marine wants to fight Whitebeard!" Redfield added.
"That's one reason. There's another," Kaito said, turning serious.
"What is it?" Yamato asked curiously.
"The execution announcement serves to explain Ace's origin to the world," Kaito said.
"Origin? I thought he's from East Blue," Yamato said, confused.
"No, it's his bloodline. Ace is the son of Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King. The Marines plan to eliminate Roger's last bloodline from the world," Kaito explained.
"What?" Yamato gasped.
"Are you certain, Captain?" Redfield asked, disbelief evident.
"This world will see Roger's bloodline end if we don't act," Kaito said grimly.
As the realization spread, the previously quiet hall erupted into chaos.
"Roger had a son? Many former Roger Pirates didn't even know! Only Rayleigh could have guessed," someone whispered.
"When Ace is executed, Sengoku will reveal his identity. This is to provide an explanation to the world during the Great Pirate Era," Kaito added.
"After all, that era was shaped by Roger's final words before his death," he concluded, eyes narrowing in determination.
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