Her hands trembled uncontrollably, the kanabō clattering to the ground with a dull thud, as if symbolizing the collapse within her.
In the deathly silence of the street, only Momonosuke's faint sobs and the steady drip of blood hitting the stone pavement could be heard.
Izo's legs suddenly gave way, and he nearly collapsed to his knees, his body slamming heavily onto the ground.
In a trembling voice, he murmured, "C-could it be… that whenever a woman approaches… the young master's dick… explodes…"
He couldn't finish, but everyone present understood the horrifying truth.
That truth hung over them like an inescapable curse, shrouding each one of them. Yamato stood frozen in place as if under a binding spell.
Her once lively eyes were now wide as copper bells, vividly reflecting utter disbelief. Everything happening before her defied all comprehension.
She stared blankly at the dying Momonosuke in Kin'emon's arms, her gaze filled with confusion and helplessness.
For a moment, her mind went completely blank, utterly at a loss for what to do. Both her body and thoughts had come to a standstill.
Just then, the tear-streaked Tama rushed forward in desperation.
Her small hands tightly gripped Yamato's arm, slender fingers turning pale from the force.
"Yamato! Quick, come here!"
Tama's voice trembled with sobs, so fragile it seemed it could be scattered by the wind.
Her tears fell like broken strings of pearls, continuously rolling down her cheeks and splashing tiny droplets on the ground.
She pulled Yamato aside with urgency, leaning forward slightly as she lowered her voice to explain anxiously:
"This is what happened... I just hugged Momonosuke-sama, and then... suddenly..."
Tama's voice grew softer, carrying unmistakable fear and confusion when she reached the crucial part.
After hearing Tama's fragmented account, subtle changes began to appear on Yamato's face.
The initial shock gradually faded, replaced by deep bewilderment.
Her eyebrows knitted so tightly they could crush a fly, her eyes revealing contemplation and incomprehension.
The two stared at each other, their gazes meeting in the air, both seeing the same disbelief and profound confusion in each other's eyes, leaving them momentarily unable to make sense of the situation.
"This... this is too strange..." Yamato said while unconsciously scratching her head.
Her movements appeared flustered and uncertain, her brows still tightly furrowed.
"Could it be that something's wrong with Momonosuke's body?" she murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Kin'emon had hastily performed basic first aid to stop Momonosuke's bleeding.
Beads of sweat covered his forehead as he wiped away cold sweat, his eyes scanning the surroundings with grave alertness and worry.
"This is no place to talk. Let's find a safe location first," Kin'emon's voice remained steady and firm, breaking the silence.
Upon hearing this, Yamato immediately nodded, a flash of determination in her eyes.
"Follow me! To the shogun's palace! It's the safest place!" she declared loudly, her voice leaving no room for doubt.
"The shogun's palace? Who are you?" Kin'emon and Izo instantly grew wary upon hearing Yamato's words.
Their eyes sharp as blades, they scrutinized the tall woman before them.
Kin'emon's hand unconsciously moved to his sword hilt, fingers slightly curved as if ready to draw at any moment.
Izo subtly shifted his stance, swiftly and naturally positioning himself to shield Tama behind him.
His eyes showed clear vigilance and caution as he asked in a low voice, "And this is...?"
Seeing this, Tama quickly peeked out from behind Izo.
Tears still streaked her face, but her eyes now held a hint of urgency and a desire to explain.
She wiped the tear stains from her cheeks and hurriedly explained, "This is Yamato! She is—"
At this point, Tama suddenly faltered.
Her lips trembled slightly as she cautiously observed Yamato's expression, afraid she might say something wrong.
Yamato laughed heartily, her smile carrying a touch of boldness and frankness.
She took the initiative to continue, "I am Kaido's son, Yamato."
As soon as the words fell, Kin'emon and Izo's expressions changed drastically.
A flash of shock and vigilance instantly appeared in their eyes.
The two immediately assumed combat stances.
Kin'emon lowered his body slightly, gripping his sword hilt tightly, the blade gleaming coldly, ready for an intense battle at any moment.
Izo's gaze remained fixed on Yamato, his muscles tense, the gun in his hand poised to strike.
"Wait!"
Tama's clear voice cut sharply through the tense atmosphere.
She hastily spread her arms, shielding Yamato from the others like a mother hen protecting her chicks.
Her cheeks flushed with urgency, and fine beads of sweat formed on her forehead. Her eyes were filled with anxiety and earnestness.
"Even though Yamato is Kaido's son, she has always admired Lord Oden! She's on our side!"
Hearing Tama's words, Yamato's expression grew even more solemn.
She nodded seriously, her movements slow and dignified.
Then, she carefully pulled out a worn-out diary from her chest.
The notebook looked weathered by time, its cover badly worn and its corners slightly curled—it was Oden's logbook.
"Since I was young, I've looked up to Lord Oden as my role model," Yamato's voice was steady and resolute, her eyes sincere and fervent, like stars twinkling in the night sky.
"I've always dreamed of setting sail like him one day. That vast, boundless ocean is the most sacred place in my heart. I've always yearned to follow in Lord Oden's footsteps and explore the unknown world."
Kin'emon and Izo exchanged a glance, their eyes meeting in the air, each seeing a hint of softening in the other's gaze.
Izo was the first to slowly holster the gun he had been gripping tightly, though his body remained highly alert, like a leopard ready to pounce at any sign of danger.
"You say you admire Lord Oden?" Izo's voice carried a note of probing, his gaze fixed intently on Yamato as if searching for any hint of falsehood in her expression.
"Then do you know how Lord Oden ultimately…"
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