With the music and flowing sake, the banquet quickly grew lively. Pirates drank heavily, feasted on meat, and reveled in the celebration.
The Four Emperors, however, could not gather in the public performance area like the rest of the pirates. Instead, they were escorted to a VIP room where the food and drink were even more lavish. Only the core executives of each crew were present.
From the Red Hair Pirates, Shanks brought Benn Beckman, Yasopp, and Lucky Roux. Big Mom brought Katakuri, Smoothie, and Cracker. Marco had Ace, Jinbe, and Jozu with him.
Kaido raised his sake gourd and laughed heartily. "worororo, I never thought all of you would actually show! It's rare to have the Four Emperors at one table. When this spreads tomorrow, it will be a world-class headline!"
Shanks smiled, sipping the local Wano sake. "I heard it was unique, so I wanted to try it. The taste is as good as I expected."
Kaido chuckled. "worororo, if you like it, drink as much as you want. When you leave, I'll send a few dozen jars for you."
Shanks shook his head. "No need. My principle is simple—enjoy today while the wine is here. That's enough." He then lifted a massive one-meter-diameter sake bowl and drank heartily.
Ace gnawed on a beef leg, mumbling, "Why did Kaido call all of us here? What's he really up to?"
"Who knows!" Marco replied calmly. He wasn't drinking alcohol, only soft beverages, choosing to remain clear-headed. He wanted to understand Kaido's true intentions before reacting.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed through the room. A young girl entered, wearing a white sleeveless kimono with blue patterns and two diamond shapes across her chest. A thick shimenawa was tied around her waist, and a long red skirt trailed behind her. Red-strapped geta adorned her feet.
Her long hair flowed in a gradient from white at the crown to green, then blue at the tips. A pair of crimson devil horns sprouted from her head, and her hair was tied in a ponytail with two orange hairpins. Golden earrings gleamed in her ears.
Kaido's expression softened slightly. "You finally made it, Yamato." He was relieved—Yamato rarely attended banquets willingly, and her voluntary arrival pleased him.
Yamato ignored Kaido entirely, her gaze locking on Ace across the room. "Ace! It's really you! I didn't expect to see you in Wano!" she exclaimed and immediately ran to him.
Marco quickly assessed her strength.
Yamato, Dog-Dog Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Okuchi no Makami Form. Strength estimate: Strong Emperor Subordinate Level.
He sighed inwardly, realizing she was slightly stronger than Ace. In the original story, Yamato had fought Ace but was restricted by seastone handcuffs, unable to display her full strength.
Ace's face brightened as he embraced her. "Yamato, long time no see!"
Kaido's eye twitched at the display, but he silently approved—seeing their bond sparked an idea. If Marco had refused him before, perhaps Ace could be his son-in-law instead. Fire Fist Ace had immense talent and possessed Conqueror's Haki.
After their reunion, Ace introduced Yamato. "Marco, this is Yamato, a friend of mine."
Yamato grabbed Marco's hands with excitement. "I know you! Phoenix Marco, the one who took over the Whitebeard Pirates after Whitebeard's death, right? I read the newspapers! Twenty days of fighting that old geezer? Incredible! I wouldn't last half a day against him!"
Marco smiled gently. "You must be Yamato. Ace has told me about you."
"Really? Ace mentioned me?" Yamato's eyes sparkled. "But that's not important! Marco, can I come with you to sea? Just like Lord Oden went with Whitebeard, can I join your crew?"
Kaido could no longer hold back. He bellowed, "Yamato, do you know what you're saying? Without my permission, do you think you can leave Wano?"
Yamato's heart skipped a beat. The low-purity seastone handcuffs on her wrists normally wouldn't hinder her, but these contained explosives. Leaving Onigashima would trigger them. Still, her desire for freedom burned brightly.
"I just want to sail for adventure! Why won't you let me?" she challenged, eyes locked on Kaido.
Kaido clenched his fists. He had expected her to behave obediently today, but she remained the same stubborn, spirited daughter. He snorted coldly. "Hmph, fine. It's not impossible if you want an adventure."
"Really?" Yamato's eyes lit up.
Kaido's lips curled into a smile as he looked at Ace. "worororo, Yamato, it seems you're close to Fire Fist. If you're willing to marry him, and he becomes my son-in-law, then I can allow you to sail freely."
Ace froze, eyes wide. Wait—wasn't Kaido previously talking about Marco as a potential son-in-law? How did it suddenly switch to him?