The Beasts Pirates...
This was the pirate crew led by the powerful Kaido on the seas. As rumors had it, Kaido indeed had connections with Wano.
During the great battle in Wano, Kaido was considered a local lord.
Although he initially collaborated with the Kurozumi clan, the Kurozumi clan lost all influence after being destroyed by Kozuki Oden.
Later, after several forces withdrew, Yuri approached Kaido, who was also planning to leave.
Yuri explained that Wano had lost too many top warriors. Despite its advanced technology, the country would struggle to defend itself against assassination attempts by top-tier enemies.
So, he sought an alliance with Kaido. Kaido, in turn, saw no disadvantage in this deal—he, too, craved Yuri's advanced weaponry.
Thus, their cooperation continued.
Now, Yuri ruled Wano and had successfully integrated the country into the World Government's alliance. In theory, this new status should have severed his ties with Kaido. Yet, behind the scenes, they remained allies.
The Beasts Pirates were stationed in the region of Ringo in Wano. Yuri had designated an area for them to reside, on the condition that they did not disturb the citizens.
However, recently, Kaido has been extremely irritated. And what could trouble such a strong man, with a mighty crew and immense personal power?
There was indeed something—or rather, someone—causing him trouble. That someone was none other than his daughter.
His daughter, Yamato, had been acting erratically. She had become obsessed with playing samurai and had filled her room with books about Wano's samurai, particularly those that detailed the Kozuki clan.
Kozuki...
In Wano, the name was practically taboo. Kozuki Oden's name was feared so much that it could stop children from crying at night. He was seen as a demon, a terrifying figure.
His reign of terror had left a bloody mark on Wano. The people, fearful of his violence, had dubbed him the "Sixth Demon King." In the end, he had been thrown into the flames of the Flower Capital by an enraged populace. That fire had buried countless sins, and the Kozuki family should have perished with it.
But somehow, Yamato had gotten her hands on these records about the Kozuki family. Not only that, but she had become infatuated with the stories of Kozuki Oden, constantly pestering Kaido to tell her more about him.
Kaido was furious. He imprisoned her, hoping that some time in confinement would make her come to her senses.
Kozuki Oden was his sworn enemy, and in Wano, his name was forbidden. How had Yamato come to know about him? And why was she suddenly idolizing him?
Kaido knew that Kozuki Oden could manipulate people—many daimyos had fallen under his sway, becoming his loyal followers.
But Kozuki Oden was dead. Even if he were to be resurrected, it would not happen for another decade or so. How could he be influencing his daughter now?
What Kaido didn't know was that Kozuki Oden had indeed left Wano. But before his final duel and subsequent death, he had left behind a journal.
Oden's diary...
Within this diary, Kozuki Oden had inscribed his power of idol worship, allowing his influence to spread quickly through the pages. This magic had reached Yamato, who, despite knowing of Oden's cruel deeds, could not stop herself from idolizing him.
Her admiration grew uncontrollable. At first, Yamato was aware that she shouldn't be doing this, but eventually, she became entirely consumed by the journal's power.
Now, she even believed she needed to rescue Kozuki Oden. She was convinced that someone as "great" as him couldn't have died and that he would return. The journal mentioned that Oden would not truly die, and so Yamato felt compelled to speed up his resurrection.
She didn't know about the prophecy left by Makima, and Kaido hadn't told her. But through her connection with Oden's diary and her idol worship, Yamato could sense it.
Frustrated, Kaido locked her away and began investigating who had influenced her, and who had told her about Kozuki Oden.
Kaido could not imagine that all of this was merely the result of a diary. He assumed that some remnants of the Kozuki clan had infiltrated the Beasts Pirates.
But today, Kaido was not concerned with Yamato's situation.
Yuri had invited him to Wano's Combat Laboratory.
This laboratory was the most advanced and important facility in Wano.
Given that many individuals in the pirate world were as large as Kaido, the lab had been built on a massive scale. To Yuri and the engineers working there, the lab seemed enormous.
"Alright, Yuri. Now can you tell me why you brought me here? What have you and your people come up with this time?"
Kaido, still perplexed after Yuri called him, was preoccupied with thoughts of his daughter.
Yuri chuckled, "Of course, Kaido. We've developed the most powerful weapon in the world."
The most powerful weapon?
Kaido was skeptical. He had witnessed the strength of Roger and Kozuki Oden in battle, and he believed the power Roger wielded was the strongest in existence. After all, Roger had gone on to become the Pirate King. In Kaido's mind, Roger was the one who ruled the world!
Still, outwardly, Kaido asked, "Oh? And what is this 'most powerful weapon'?"
"Take a look." Yuri led Kaido to a platform where a spherical object was sealed with transparent material. Inside the sphere was something that resembled a watch.
"I call it the Omnitrix, or if you prefer, the Superpower Device."
"The Omnitrix?" Kaido doubted that such a small device could possess any real power, but Yuri was known for leading cutting-edge technological advancements. Although most of his inventions were designed for weaker people, they were undeniably effective in warfare.
"That's right. It can grow infinitely stronger and allow one person to…"
Yuri looked at Kaido and said softly,
"…become the true king of beasts."
4o