The reason Kaido spoke with such confidence was simple: standard attacks could not cause any effective damage to him at all. His body was a fortress. To actually hurt him, an opponent had to master high-level techniques like Ryuo or possess the even rarer power of Conqueror's Haki Coating. Without those advanced applications, Kaido could simply stand still and let people strike him; to him, it would feel like nothing more than a tickle, and they wouldn't even be able to break his skin.
Yamato was well aware of this fact. She was much like her father in that regard; ordinary Haki attacks caused her very little pain. While she hadn't quite reached the absolute pinnacle of durability that Kaido possessed, she wasn't far off.
"It's good that you understand your limits. If you want to surpass me, then keep getting stronger," Kaido said, his sharp gaze falling upon her.
"That goes without saying! Old man, you really love listening to yourself talk!" Yamato met his gaze head-on, her golden eyes flashing with a competitive fire. The father and daughter stood there like two lions ready to pounce, creating an atmosphere so tense it felt as if a battle might break out at any second.
King stepped forward to break the silence. "Big Brother, Young Master—since you both share the same ability now, we need a reasonable explanation. If we don't provide one, it will cause unnecessary curiosity and rumors among the crew and the rest of the world."
"I've already thought of that, Second Uncle," Yamato said, turning to King. "Let's leave the official story to Third Uncle Queen. He's a scientist who has spent years researching Lineage Factors. We'll just tell everyone that Queen used the old man's blood and spent over a decade to finally create a successful Artificial Devil Fruit. I ate that fruit, which is why I have the same powers as the old man. As for whether people believe it or not? That's their problem, not ours."
King's eyes lit up as he considered the plan. "Not bad at all. That explanation is perfect. It provides a logical origin and shields the truth. We won't have to worry about anyone with ulterior motives trying to investigate further."
Even if the World Government sent spies to look into the matter, they would only find Queen. Since Queen was already a known scientist with a history of research, he was the perfect person to take the "blame" for the fruit's creation.
"Stinky brat, you're full of bad ideas," Kaido grumbled.
"Of course I am. Look who my father is," Yamato retorted instantly, without missing a beat.
It was a familiar scene; the two of them were always bickering. Kaido's eyes widened in frustration. He was fuming internally; his daughter was so sharp-tongued that he hadn't won a single argument with her in ten years. In that specific regard, she was nothing like him.
"Alright, alright. Big Brother, I have some matters to ask you regarding the logistics of the expedition," King said, stepping in once more to smooth things over. He skillfully pulled Kaido away before the argument could escalate.
"Tch. Trying to win an argument with me is just asking for trouble," Yamato muttered, curling her lip as she turned to leave.
She made her way through the winding halls of Onigashima until she reached a specific wing of the fortress. This was the territory of Black Maria and Haruko, a place dedicated to training dancers who doubled as highly effective intelligence gatherers.
"Young Master," Haruko said, bowing deeply and respectfully as Yamato entered.
"Haruko, didn't I tell you not to bow every time you see me? We've known each other forever; there's no need for these formalities. Just be casual," Yamato said with a warm smile.
"That won't do. The Young Master is the Young Master," Haruko replied, shaking her head. She was incredibly rigid when it came to showing proper respect. Seeing that she wouldn't budge, Yamato didn't push the issue.
"Ara, I thought you might be too busy to visit my humble home," Maria laughed, appearing from behind a screen. She signaled for her subordinates to prepare refreshments immediately.
"With a friendship like ours, how could I stay away?" Yamato smiled and sat down. Although she stood at a respectable 2.6 meters tall, she looked like a small child compared to the towering Maria.
"I'm very happy to hear you say that," Maria said, taking out a tobacco pipe and skillfully lighting it.
Over the last few years, Maria had established herself as a key Executive of the Beasts Pirates. She had settled into Onigashima to train her dancers, who were now the primary source of intelligence within Wano Country. Maria was their undisputed leader, with Haruko serving as her loyal second-in-command.
"I didn't expect you to have become so strong, Yamato. It's truly surprising," Maria admitted. It was the first time she had seen Yamato exude such a dominant, overbearing aura. It reminded her hauntingly of Kaido.
Yamato smiled slightly. "Haven't you become much stronger too? You're an Executive now."
"That is only thanks to you. Without your help, I never would have gained this kind of power," Maria said, her voice filled with sincerity. She still remembered that day ten years ago vividly. On that day, Yamato had personally handed her a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit.
Because of that gift, Maria had become a powerful ability user and earned Kaido's respect. Over the last decade, she had mastered her powers. As a user of the Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Okuchinokami, she possessed the terrifying ability known as Freezing Breath—a power cold enough to rival the ice produced by Admiral Aokiji.
Yamato waved her hand dismissively. "That was a long time ago. I only gave it to you because I couldn't use it myself at the time. If I could have, I definitely would have eaten it."
"The fact remains that you gave it to me. You gave me the power to change my life. Yamato, you are my benefactor for life," Maria insisted, her smile radiant.
"Alright, alright, let's stop living in the past. Right, Haruko?" Yamato asked, looking toward the younger woman.
Haruko didn't hesitate. "The Young Master is not only Lady Maria's benefactor, but Haruko's benefactor for life as well."
Eight years ago, Yamato had found Haruko in the Flower Capital. Her parents were in the process of selling her to a brothel to settle their debts. In Wano's underworld, being sold to a brothel was a life sentence with no escape. Haruko, only fourteen at the time, had resisted fiercely and had been severely beaten by several samurai. The scar at the corner of her eye was a permanent reminder of that struggle. If Yamato hadn't stepped in to save her and bring her to Maria, Haruko would be a different person today.
Yamato's eye twitched. "Another one? Can't we just have a normal, pleasant conversation?"
"Pfft... Alright, let's change the subject and drink some tea," Maria laughed, pouring a cup for Yamato.
"That's more like it," Yamato nodded. In the hierarchy of the Beasts Pirates, Maria and Haruko were her closest friends. She valued their bond and didn't want their friendship to be buried under layers of rank and obligation.
"Once the expedition begins, let's all board Jack's ship. That brat is a simpleton and he's incredibly easy to order around," Yamato said, laughing at the thought. She remembered that Jack was the same age as her; Kaido had brought him back when he was only eight years old. Even back then, Jack had already possessed the power of the Ancient Zoan Elephant-Elephant Fruit, Model: Mammoth.