On the day of the Fire Festival.
Oni Island was completely transformed, decked out in wedding decorations everywhere. Even the two massive bull horns atop Skull Castle were tied with enormous red silk ribbons into bows.
When the shogun's fleet arrived, Yamato was still clueless about what was happening before being whisked away by Black Maria and her bridesmaid squad to the Pleasure Quarter for meticulous makeup and dressing.
"Eh? Marriage?!!!"
Yamato's mind went blank.
How could such an important event happen without anyone informing her? She wasn't ready for marriage at all!
Pirates handled things with brutal efficiency.
If they said marriage yesterday, the wedding would be today.
Never dragging it to the day after!
In the grand banquet hall, Kaido drank heartily.
"Urorororo!!!"
"Today is a joyous occasion! The only rule is to get drunk—everyone, drink your fill!"
"Ooooh!!!"
The officers raised their cups in cheers.
Outside the banquet hall on the stage, Queen led his subordinates in singing and dancing, quickly igniting the festive atmosphere as they all cheered together.
"Next up—the Flying Six!"
"..."
As usual, there was no response.
"Muhahaha, just kidding! They never respond anyway."
"Wahahaha!"
The pirates roared with laughter.
In the small banquet hall on the third floor.
Who's Who and Sasaki sat on opposite sides, hands clasped together as they pondered life. With Black Maria away doing Yamato's makeup, they were the only Flying Six members left on Oni Island.
"This year's Fire Festival feels a bit lonely!"
"Well, all those brats are gone."
The two men stared at each other, not even in the mood to drink. When Ulti was around, at least they could bicker, but now it was just too dull.
Who's Who crossed his legs and smirked mockingly. "Sasaki, do you think that giant Hajrudin will become one of us?"
"Hard to say!"
Sasaki's gaze was icy.
He'd heard of Hajrudin's reputation—as an S-class mercenary, Hajrudin was quite popular among various factions.
But that was all.
The Underworld and the surface world were entirely different. Those big names up there meant nothing in the Underworld.
"Let's go check it out!"
The two left the room and headed to the observation deck.
Below in the banquet square, multiple fighting rings were set up—a large central one surrounded by smaller rings and octagonal cages.
"Slap!"
The sound of mutual face-slapping rose and fell.
Last year's Fire Festival slapping game had become Oni Island's most popular event. Influenced by a certain man, wrestling and boxing matches were also gaining traction.
Their eyes turned to the central ring.
"Boom!"
A massive fist came down, smashing the opponent into the ground!
"Hajrudin, 37 consecutive wins!"
"Ooooh!!!"
The pirates roared in excitement.
Whether it was his size or his overwhelming strength, the visual impact of a giant's fight was several times more intense than ordinary combat.
"Who's next?!"
Hajrudin raised his arms and bellowed from the central ring.
He intended to stand undefeated on this largest stage, claim the title of Flying Six, and prove himself to Mr. Gurd.
Though he hadn't yet accomplished any great deeds for the Beasts, the mere act of a giant joining their ranks was already a monumental achievement.
"His strength is indeed impressive."
Who's Who grinned.
For now, Hajrudin posed no threat to him. Despite his immense power, there was no way he could land a hit.
"Sasaki, not going down to have some fun?"
"I'm not interested."
Sasaki snorted coldly.
As a power-type warrior and a formidable Ancient Zoan user, he didn't believe he would lose to a giant in terms of strength.
But this time, there was no chance to challenge an All-Star. Defeating Hajrudin wouldn't bring any rewards, losing would be humiliating, and even a draw would only serve as a stepping stone for Hajrudin.
He wasn't stupid.
"Hey, look over there."
Their gazes shifted to the side.
"It's Speed!"
"She's gained some terrifying abilities."
On the arena, Speed toyed with her opponent effortlessly, not even letting them touch her clothes before riddling them with arrows like a pincushion.
"And that girl over there."
Sasaki pointed to another side.
"Oya oya oya oya!"
A girl wearing a fighting mask pummeled Holdem with frenzied blows, her overwhelming strength surprising both of them.
Even among the Headliners, Holdem was no weakling.
Who's Who's expression darkened. "Sasaki, wasn't she that timid little girl who followed Gurd around?"
"Correct."
Sasaki nodded slowly.
He had no interest in weaklings, but he sensed a threat from Gurd—not from the man himself, but from the subordinates he'd brought back.
Who would've thought that seemingly frail girl had such a fierce side? If this continued, their positions as Flying Six would be under threat.
"Kaido's out!"
The two looked toward the grand banquet hall's entrance.
Kaido strode forward, with Gurd in a black suit on his right and Yamato, clad in a white wedding dress, flanked by Black Maria and others on his left.
The massive screen on Oni Island displayed the trio together, instantly capturing the attention of all the Pirates. Even the warriors locked in fierce battles halted their duels.
"Wororororo!!!"
Kaido laughed heartily. "Listen up, brats! Today, I have major news to announce! My daughter Yamato will marry Gurd today, and the child they bear will surely become the strongest warrior!"
"Cheer for them, brats!"
"Ooooh!!!"
The Pirates raised their weapons in jubilant roars.
Gurd's face darkened.
Was that supposed to be a wedding blessing?
Still, marriage wasn't bad—it practically cemented him as the Beasts' heir. After all, given Kaido's age, he'd likely only keep fighting for another twenty years at most.
By then, Gurd would be in his prime.
Though he didn't care much, for the Beasts Pirates, this was reassurance. Even the three All-Stars could be mobilized if needed from now on.
The position of vice-captain was secured!
"Wororororo! No need for tedious wedding formalities—I forgot to invite a priest. If my daughter wants it, we'll make up for it later!"
Kaido left the stage to Gurd and Yamato.
"Next up—the vow kiss!"
What should've been a lengthy ceremony was reduced to a simple peck.
Gurd's expression soured further.
This was his first marriage, after all. Couldn't they have some semblance of ceremony? The memory would be nothing but awkwardness!
Sighing inwardly, Gurd turned to Yamato.
Yamato immediately flushed red, her hands fluttering nervously, unsure where to place them.
"You look stunning in that dress."
Gurd pulled her into his arms and, ignoring her startled gasp, pressed his lips firmly against hers.
"They kissed!"
The banquet square fell silent as the Pirates stared intently at the screen. The moment their lips parted, the crowd erupted into deafening cheers.
"Gurd! Gurd! Gurd!!!"
The strongest alliance is born!
"Worororo!"
Kaido laughed heartily towards the sky.
"Men, let's celebrate!"
"Ooooh!!!"