After transforming, Yamato could feel several distinct abilities awakening within her. There was no doubt that these were the same powers Kaido possessed. However, since the courtyard wasn't the right place for a destructive experiment, she chose not to test her offensive capabilities just yet.
As expected of a Mythical Zoan, the most powerful class of Devil Fruit, Yamato thought. She felt a surge of gratitude toward Vegapunk for making it possible to obtain her father's legendary ability. This was the only Artificial Devil Fruit Vegapunk had ever successfully created. Later, Caesar Clown would attempt to manufacture his own "SMILE" fruits, but those were merely semi-finished failures. The probability of gaining a power from a SMILE was tiny, and failing meant being cursed with eternal laughter. Compared to Vegapunk, Caesar was simply an amateur.
After a short while, Yamato reverted to her human form.
"Second Uncle, don't tell anyone about me eating the fruit yet. It's not the right time," Yamato said, looking at King.
King nodded firmly. "I understand. This stays between us. When you're ready, you can tell Big Brother yourself."
Yamato didn't stay on Onigashima for long. Having secured her new power, she returned immediately to her training grounds in Hakumai.
"My physical strength, endurance, and raw power have all spiked. This is the true nature of a Mythical Zoan," Yamato noted. As she hoisted a small mountain onto her back, her steps remained steady. She no longer struggled with the weight.
One of the greatest perks of a Zoan-type fruit is the immediate boost to physical stats and recovery speed. Unlike Paramecia or Logia types that require creative development, Zoans provide an intuitive, massive upgrade to the user's body. For a Mythical Zoan, this effect is even more pronounced. Once awakened, the user's vitality and resistance to damage reach a level that is almost impossible to overcome.
With her new constitution, Yamato could significantly increase her training intensity without worrying about long-term injury.
"Now, I can really let loose," she exhaled. She tossed the mountain into the air, leaped up, and threw a devastating punch.
Bang!
The massive rock shattered into countless fragments under her fist, scattering across the valley. To keep improving, she realized she needed more sophisticated gear.
I need heavier weights—something small and dense that I can wear all day. I'll ask Third Uncle to help me, Yamato pondered.
Queen the Plague had been a member of the research group MADS alongside Vegapunk. While his focus was usually on biological weapons and viruses, his mechanical and scientific skills were world-class. Building a set of high-density weighted clothing would be child's play for him.
Two days later, Yamato walked through the streets of the Flower Capital. The air was thick with tension as people discussed the events of the past few days.
"I thought that Foolish Lord was finally going to save us, but he lost. How useless!" one citizen spat.
"Exactly. Now there's no hope left at all," another added. "I heard he and his retainers are being executed today. It'll be quite a show."
Hearing these conversations, Yamato felt a twinge of pity. Kozuki Oden had been too naive. By accepting the humiliating deal to dance for five years, he had lost the respect of his people. He had to bear that burden alone, but in the end, his sacrifice bought Wano nothing but more pain.
In this world, you can't afford to be a 'goody-two-shoes.' Unless you have the absolute power to back it up, kindness is just a weakness, Yamato murmured. Still, she respected Oden's courage and sense of responsibility. Let me witness it then—the fall of a legend.
Returning to her residence, she saw Maria walking toward her. "Oh my, Yamato, you're back early today?"
"Yeah. I'm taking two days off to watch the execution," Yamato said.
Maria blinked, her expression neutral. "The execution, right." To her, anyone who stood in Kaido's way was an enemy to be crushed.
Watching Yamato grow stronger every day, Maria felt a small spark of inspiration. She wanted to be strong too, though she didn't intend to train as ruthlessly as Yamato.
On the day of the execution, the Flower Capital was packed. A massive execution platform had been built below Orochi's Castle. Orochi and Kaido sat at the top, drinking sake and laughing as if it were a festival. Directly in front of them, a giant iron cauldron was suspended over a roaring fire, filled with boiling oil.
"Bring them out! It's time!" Orochi ordered with a sinister grin. He was a small, petty man, and even his fine silks couldn't hide his lack of presence. He only held the throne because of the schemes of Kurozumi Higurashi—a woman Kaido had already killed for interfering in his fair fight with Oden.
Clang! Clang!
The sound of heavy iron chains echoed through the square. Ten prisoners were led out by samurai. At the front was Kozuki Oden, a man who carried himself with natural authority even in chains. Behind him were his nine loyal retainers.
From a distant roof, Yamato sat watching the scene with deep, focused eyes.
Oden reached the Final Island with Roger. He knows the truth of the world. But the truth doesn't matter if you aren't the one chosen by fate, Yamato thought.
The Great Pirate Era had begun with Roger's death, but for the people of Wano, it only brought darkness. History would judge whether Roger was right or wrong, but Yamato didn't care about the grand narrative of the world. She only cared about her own path.