A massive floral cloth had been spread across the deck, piled high with sizzling roasted meat dripping with grease, rice balls wrapped in seaweed, and wooden barrels filled to the brim with fruit juice. The rich aroma rode the sea breeze, filling the entire ship.
"R-Really?!"
Yamato's eyes lit up instantly, sparkling like she'd discovered buried treasure. She leaned close to the food, took a deep sniff, and exclaimed in amazement,
"It smells incredible!"
Before her words had even finished leaving her mouth, she charged forward without hesitation, grabbing a slab of roasted meat larger than her own palm and shoving it straight into her mouth.
The moment the meat touched her tongue, her eyes went wide. With her mouth still full, she shouted excitedly,
"This is amazing! It's so good! I've never eaten anything this delicious before!"
Grease dripped down the corners of her mouth, but she didn't care in the slightest, already reaching for another piece.
"Slow down—no one's stealing your food."
Shiro shook his head helplessly and handed her a clean cloth.
Watching Yamato devour food with such reckless abandon, the crew finally let their guard down.
A kid whose entire world revolved around eating made it impossible to associate her with the terrifying title of Kaido's daughter. The lingering unease gradually faded—until it disappeared entirely.
After everyone had eaten their fill, Shiro took Robin by the hand and brought her over to Yamato with a smile.
"Yamato, this is Robin. She's the smartest person on our ship. You two should talk more—maybe you'll even become good sisters."
He deliberately emphasized the words good sisters, hoping the two girls—close in age—would open up to each other and grow into trusted companions.
Robin maintained her usual gentle composure. She nodded slightly toward Yamato, a warm smile on her lips.
"Nice to meet you, Yamato. I look forward to working with you."
Yamato, however, waved her hand casually, striking her chest with confidence like a brash young boy.
"Don't worry, Captain! Big Sister Robin is so gentle—I'll protect her from now on! If anyone dares bully her, I won't let them get away with it!"
Seeing Yamato's serious expression—like she was swearing a military oath—Robin couldn't help but laugh, her eyes curving into beautiful crescents.
"Yamato," Shiro said, resting a hand on her head, "if you want to protect Robin, you'll need to train hard. Got it?"
"Leave it to me, Captain!" Yamato declared loudly. "I'll train properly and get stronger!"
As she spoke, she rolled up her sleeves and flexed her arms as hard as she could, trying to show off her muscles.
But her arms were slender, with barely any visible muscle definition.
The sight of her straining desperately—only managing to puff up a bit of soft flesh—sent the entire deck into laughter. Even Robin covered her mouth, giggling softly.
Shiro, however, didn't laugh.
He looked at the energetic girl before him with knowing eyes.
He knew exactly how terrifying Yamato's potential was.
If things followed their natural course, once she grew older she would awaken all three types of Haki. Combined with the Devil Fruit she had already eaten—the Mythical Zoan, Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Okuchi no Makami
Her future strength would undoubtedly rival that of Marine Admirals and even Emperors.
She would become a cornerstone of the Virtue Pirates.
After the banquet, the Virtue returned to its usual calm.
But with Yamato aboard, the ship felt noticeably livelier.
She was endlessly energetic, and her presence filled the crew with laughter and noise.
Two days later, early in the morning, sunlight had just begun spilling across the deck when Robin and Yamato started their daily training.
Robin held a book on basic combat techniques, patiently explaining each movement, while Yamato practiced diligently, repeating every motion again and again until she was satisfied.
Just then, a News Coo carrying newspapers flew in from afar, circling above the Virtue.
Seeing it, Shiro casually unleashed an air shockwave, knocking the bird down with perfect precision.
It was his usual method—effective, yet harmless.
He retrieved the newspaper, healed the News Coo, and sent it on its way.
The moment he unfolded the World Economy News, his gaze froze.
Nearly every page was dominated by headlines about Wano and the Virtue Pirates, each more eye-catching than the last:
"Wano Changes Hands Once More—Kozuki Moria Crowned King!"
"The Strongest King of the Next Era—Jabal Shiro Slays Kaido of the Beasts!"
"Virtue Pirates Declared the Strongest Crew Since the Roger Pirates!"
Dense text detailed the battle of Wano in full, vividly describing even the fight between Shiro and Kaido.
When Shiro turned to the bounty section and saw the updated numbers, he shouted across the deck,
"Everyone, come take a look! Our bounties have been updated!"
At the word bounties, the crew instantly swarmed over.
Only Redfield, the "Red Count," remained leaning against the railing, calmly sipping red wine—bounties had never interested him.
Everyone else crowded around Shiro, eyes glued to the figures on the page.
At the top of the list was, of course, Captain Jabal Shiro.
His bounty had risen yet again, soaring to 4,980,000,000 Berries, just a step away from five billion.
Next was Redfield, whose already massive bounty climbed to 2,160,000,000 Berries.
Moria, thanks to his outstanding performance in Wano, saw his bounty multiply several times over, reaching 1,430,000,000 Berries.
Issho followed with 895,000,000 Berries.
Crocodile came next at 834,000,000 Berries.
Jinbe stood at 810,000,000 Berries.
Even Zeff, the ship's cook, carried a bounty of 430,000,000 Berries.
Robin's increase was significant as well—rising from 79,000,000 to 120,000,000 Berries.
But when everyone reached Hachi's bounty—
They froze.
The World Government had classified Hachi as the Virtue Pirates' pet.
His bounty was a pitiful 2,000 Berries.
"…WHAT?!"
Hachi exploded on the spot, all eight tentacles flailing wildly as he roared in fury,
"Those damn World Government bastards! How dare they set my bounty so low?! I fought in Wano too! How did I turn into a pet?! This is outrageous!"
The crew stared at the tiny number beside Hachi's name.
And then—
They completely lost it.
Some doubled over laughing. Others clutched their stomachs and dropped to the deck. Even gentle Robin was shaking with laughter.
Yamato didn't laugh.
She looked at the crew's bounties on the paper, then at the furious, hopping Hachi, and silently made a vow.
I'll adventure properly with the Virtue Pirates.
I'll make a name for myself.
And one day… I'll have a bounty so high that the World Government won't dare look down on me.
T/N: If you would like to read up to 20 chapters ahead for all my works, check out my P@treon: patreon.com/GhidorahWriter
Thanks for reading! Be sure to collect and vote for more chapters!