"This strategy is all about appeasing the people," Yamato explained calmly. "As long as you soothe their fears, they won't harbor any thoughts of resistance. Most people will weigh the pros and cons and make the choice that benefits their own survival. If we play it right, we won't even need to lift a finger after the initial takeover."
She leaned back, her voice steady. "The minds of commoners are actually very simple. They just want to live a peaceful life. As long as they aren't driven to the point where they literally cannot survive, they will never risk a revolt. Of course, if the Beasts Pirates want long-term stability and growth, we can't over-exploit them—at least, not the way you've been doing in Wano Country."
Yamato pointedly shifted her gaze to Kaido as she finished.
"Stinky Brat, what's with that look? Are you dissatisfied with my rule?" Kaido growled, glaring directly at her.
Yamato didn't flinch. "Not at all. I was just using it as a handy example. Why are you feeling so guilty, Father? Your reaction is a dead giveaway."
"You little..."
"The Young Master is truly impressive," King interrupted, his voice cutting through the bickering. "Each step of her plan is linked. If we conduct the expedition this way, we can maximize our efficiency and avoid many unnecessary, bloody battles."
"I agree," Queen added, puffing on his cigar. "Since the goal is to expand our territory, efficiency is the top priority. The Young Master's proposal is excellent—though personally, I still prefer just charging straight in and breaking things."
Internal surprise flickered behind Queen's sunglasses. He hadn't expected Yamato to have such a deep understanding of human nature. He began to suspect that she had been hiding her true intelligence for years. "I can't believe a brute like Big Brother produced a kid with a mind this flexible," Queen grumbled to himself.
With both King and Queen backing the plan, Kaido's retort died in his throat. He merely let out a cold snort, looking away from Yamato. She acted as if she hadn't noticed; she had won the argument, and that was enough for her.
"Big Brother, the Young Master's plan is perfect. We should finalize it immediately," King said, looking to Kaido for the official word.
Though Kaido was clearly annoyed, he managed to keep his temper in check. "Fine. Do it. King, you handle the arrangements. I want us to set out as soon as possible."
"Don't worry, Big Brother. It won't take more than two days to prepare," King nodded confidently. King handled the majority of the crew's logistics, so Kaido felt at ease leaving the details to him.
As the meeting adjourned and the other cadres filed out, King requested that Kaido and Yamato stay behind, mentioning there was one more matter to discuss.
"King, is there something else?" Kaido asked, sounding confused.
King glanced at Kaido and then at Yamato, a rare smile appearing on his face. "It's better if the Young Master tells you herself. Big Brother, try not to be too shocked."
Kaido's curiosity was piqued. "Yamato, what is it?"
"Father, would you believe me if I told you I have the exact same Devil Fruit ability as you?" Yamato said, a playful smile playing on her lips.
"What are you talking about? The same ability as mine?" Kaido raised an eyebrow in disbelief. It was common knowledge that no two identical Devil Fruits could exist at the same time. An ability only reappeared in the world after its previous user had died. Many theories flashed through Kaido's mind, but he couldn't make sense of it. "Stinky Brat, stop talking in circles."
"Father, you remember, don't you? Years ago, when you were strapped to an experimental table having your blood drawn," Yamato said, her expression turning serious.
Kaido went silent. Those were not pleasant memories; being captured by the World Government and used as a lab rat was the greatest embarrassment of his life.
"Vegapunk—you know the name, right?" Yamato continued.
"Of course. That old genius," Kaido muttered, his eyes narrowing. "I saw him back in that research institute. They say he's the world's number one scientist; even the World Government treats him like a national treasure." He paused, looking toward King. "That was where we first met."
King nodded solemnly; it was a day he would never forget.
"Father, did you know? After you and King escaped, Vegapunk used your Lineage Factor to create the world's first Artificial Devil Fruit. He successfully replicated your power," Yamato revealed.
"What?! An Artificial Devil Fruit?" Kaido's pupils constricted. He was shocked beyond measure. The idea that a Devil Fruit could be man-made was something he had never even considered possible.
Yamato knew that words wouldn't be enough to convince him, so she decided to show him. "Father, watch closely. Don't blink," she chuckled.
Right before Kaido's eyes, her body began to shift and grow. In the next second, a massive pink dragon materialized in the hall.
"Father, follow me!" Yamato's voice boomed. The pink dragon soared out of the headquarters and into the sky, its massive form blotting out the sun. Aside from the color, it was an exact replica of Kaido's Azure Dragon Form.
Watching her fly, King felt a wave of emotion. This was only the second time he had seen her transform. "In ten years, she's grown so much. It's clear she hasn't slacked on developing her powers."
Ten years was a long time, but King knew how difficult it was to balance physical training with Devil Fruit mastery. Yamato had done it all on her own, even teaching herself the complexities of Haki without a mentor. Her current level of strength was truly staggering. "Jack's loss to her wasn't unfair at all," King thought to himself. "She is a total monster. If she actually cared about rank, Jack wouldn't even be an All-Star."
"Worororo! You arrogant Stinky Brat!" Kaido laughed loudly. He didn't hesitate; he transformed into his own Azure Dragon Form and surged into the sky after her. King followed suit, taking to the air to watch the spectacle.
Below, the subordinates stationed at the base looked up in absolute horror. Two massive dragons were circling through the clouds.
"Am I seeing things? There are two of them! Did Lord Kaido figure out how to clone himself?" one pirate yelled, his mouth hanging open.
"How is that possible? Look at them—the first one is pink! The one behind it is definitely Lord Kaido," another retorted, pointing at the sky.
"What is going on? How can two people have the same power?"
High above the clouds, the two giant dragons faced one another across the void. Except for their colors—one a deep azure and the other a vibrant pink—they were identical models of the same legendary beast.
"Yamato, when did you get this ability?" Kaido asked, still reeling from the shock of seeing his daughter mirror his ultimate form. He wondered if her other techniques were the same as well. If they were, the potential was limitless.