It was night in the Flower Capital of Wano Country.
The General's Residence, which had once belonged to the tyrant Orochi, was now quiet. After Kurozumi Tama became the General, this grand palace became her new home.
She had gone from an unknown little girl to the most powerful person in all of Wano. Such a sudden change in status was a lot to get used to, and Tama was definitely not accustomed to it.
Fortunately, this new, strange process didn't make Tama feel too much loneliness or unease. The reason was simple: during this time, someone was always by her side, making her feel truly cared for.
This person was Baby-5, who had once been one of Doflamingo's subordinates.
"So cute!"
Inside Tama's resting palace, Baby-5, who was dressed in a full maid outfit, looked at Tama wearing a cute Lolita dress. Her eyes were practically full of hearts. She couldn't help but pull Tama into a tight hug, making the little girl's face flush bright red.
Baby-5 truly liked Tama. It wasn't just because she saw her own younger self in the little girl; it was also because she felt truly needed here. It was completely different from her time in the Donquixote Family, where various men only approached her with their own selfish, ulterior motives.
Because of this, she genuinely treated Tama as her own younger sister, taking care of her every need. She perfectly managed Tama's daily life, from her food to her clothes. For example, the frilly dress Tama was wearing was hand-sewn by Baby-5.
Baby-5, having come from the outside world, clearly wasn't a big fan of Wano's traditional clothing. Compared to kimonos, she much preferred the beautiful, colorful dresses from the outside world. So, during this time, she had personally sewn many beautiful new clothes for Tama, dressing her up like a little princess.
This kind of heartfelt, genuine enthusiasm was exactly what Tama needed most at the moment. Tama, who had always been lonely, now had a sister who was this good to her for the first time. Having her by her side every day, combined with Baby-5's own carefree personality, completely resolved Tama's loneliness and unease during this period.
Just like now, although Baby-5's intense hug made Tama's cheeks flush red, she couldn't help but smile. Seeing her own beautiful reflection in the mirror, Tama's face showed a happy expression.
Komachiyo, the large lion-dog who had also adapted to his new life, let out happy, whimpering sounds from his corner.
Just then, the palace door opened. The other maid assigned to Tama, Monet, walked in.
Compared to "Sister Baby-5," Tama was a little afraid of Monet. Although Tama was young, she was perceptive. She could clearly feel that this sister's "concern" for her was very fake.
Fortunately, Baby-5 always stood by Tama's side to protect her, which made Tama feel less afraid.
Just like now...
Seeing Monet walk in with that same fake smile on her face, Baby-5 immediately looked unhappy. "Monet, what are you doing in here? Don't forget, we agreed that you're only responsible for Tama's safety. I'm responsible for her daily life."
Monet looked at Baby-5, who was clearly unwelcoming, but she didn't get angry. After so many years, she already knew Baby-5's personality: she was far too trusting of others. Monet, however, was different. She would always remember that she belonged to the Donquixote Family. This was just one stop on her life's journey. It was no different from when she was an undercover agent in Dressrosa or when she was monitoring Caesar at Punk Hazard.
So, she didn't say much and just stated her business. "Kaido-sama has returned. He wishes to see General Tama."
The atmosphere was a bit tense. Monet and Baby-5 walked on either side of Tama, accompanying her to the great hall where Kaido was waiting. Komachiyo followed faithfully behind them.
As soon as the three of them reached the entrance, they saw him. Kaido was already there, laughing heartily about something with King.
"Oh, my daughter is here!" Kaido's voice boomed. "Your new clothes are very cute. Come here!"
Kaido waved to Tama at the entrance. He looked at her in the cute Lolita dress, as if she had transformed into a different person, but was still adorable. His eyes lit up.
Seeing Kaido so happy, Monet and Baby-5 immediately relaxed a lot. Tama, however, looked somewhat downcast. She slowly walked over to Kaido's side.
Kaido gently raised his massive hand, rubbing Tama's little head. "That's a very pretty dress," he asked with concern. "Who made it for you?"
King, who was standing beside them, watched this scene. His expression subtly shifted, as if he was recalling something.
Tama raised her head slightly, her face showing neither joy nor sorrow. "It was Sister Baby-5," she said quietly.
Kaido looked at Baby-5 with approval and praised her. "Very good. It's very beautiful. You can make more pretty clothes in the future. If you need anything, just ask Maria for it."
Baby-5 was startled, then nodded quickly. "Yes, Kaido-sama!" she said respectfully.
As her voice fell, the entire room became quiet again. At this moment, the only people in the room who could really speak were Kaido and Tama. Even King seemed out of place. Although King was the Vice-Governor of the Beasts Pirates, in this situation, only Kaido, the Governor-General, and Tama, the General, were qualified to speak.
Kaido didn't waste time. He looked down at Tama. "What's this? After five days, you're not happy at all to see me, your father, little girl?"
At these words, a hint of embarrassment flashed across Tama's delicate face. She finally spoke. "No... it's not that, I just..."
Kaido just rubbed her head again and didn't press her. Instead, he looked toward the entrance. "Bring the person in."
The three women were startled. Very quickly, Tama's expression changed completely.
Two Beasts Pirates soldiers entered, supporting a frail old man between them.
"Master!"
Tama's face immediately lit up with pure joy. She happily rushed down from Kaido's side. That's right—this person was Kozuki Sukiyaki.
But when she reached Sukiyaki, she found that her master's condition was not right. His eyes were vacant and unfocused.
No matter how much Tama called out to him, Kozuki Sukiyaki did not respond.
Tama then looked back at Kaido, her face filled with anxiety.
Kaido didn't play coy. He spoke directly and bluntly. "There's no need to call for him. He has already become an idiot. He will never recognize you again."
"!!!"
Instantly, the entire hall fell deathly silent.
Tama's expression changed from joy and anxiety to pure fear and disbelief. Tears streamed uncontrollably from her large, wide eyes. She roared, her voice breaking. "Why? WHY?!"
But what nobody expected was that the response to her question didn't come from Kaido. It came from Baby-5.
Seeing Tama break down and cry, Baby-5's entire expression instantly turned grim.
"Unforgivable..." she whispered.
"Eh!?" Everyone present was stunned, including Tama, who was still crying.
Only Monet, who was all too familiar with Baby-5's personality, seemed to understand what was happening. Her face changed drastically. "Hey, wait, Baby-5! This isn't—"
But it was too late.
"How dare you make Tama cry! Die, Kaido!"
Baby-5's body instantly transformed, her arms and legs turning into weapons. She launched herself as a black missile, flying directly at Kaido.
Boom!
Thick smoke and bright flames from the explosion instantly filled the air, causing the entire great hall to catch fire.
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