"Hey, Lord Aus, what story will you tell today?"
Hanging on Aus's neck, Yamato's face lit up with excitement and anticipation. Even her way of addressing him had naturally shifted to "Lord Aus."
"You've completely drained me, Yamato~"
These past days, Aus had told her practically everything. Even places he'd never been—he'd enriched Yamato's worldview by drawing on his memories.
But this girl seemed insatiable. Every day clinging to Aus, demanding stories.
"Someday, you'll have your own journey, Yamato."
Aus patted her head. "Then you can see it all with your own eyes. Way more interesting than my dry storytelling."
"But..."
Hearing this, Yamato's mouth drooped. Her eyes dimmed.
"Father won't allow it. And the crew's grown-ups..."
All her life, Kaido had forbidden Yamato from leaving the Beasts Pirates. It frustrated her endlessly.
That restriction would probably get worse after Yamato declared she was going to become Aus someday.
"That's because you're still little, Yamato."
Aus saw the little girl's distress. Patted her head and horns, face showing a confident, gentle smile.
"When you grow up and want to sail the world, if Kaido still tries to stop you—call me.
I'm sure he'll give me that much face."
"Ah..."
Feeling Aus's warm hand and hearing those incredibly confident words, Yamato's eyes sparkled.
"Is this what a king's face means? So cool!"
Overjoyed.
Not only had she met such a wonderful friend, but he was even willing to oppose her father for her. Tears of gratitude poured down.
She even thought—
How wonderful if Aus were her father!
"Lord Aus, thank you so much. To think you'd do this for me..."
Yamato had grown up in a nest of villains. Finally experiencing genuine care for the first time, she was overwhelmed.
Buried herself in Aus's arms, crying until his clothes were soaked.
"It's okay, Yamato. After all, I really do see you as my daughter..."
Aus patted the little girl's back. Eyes narrowed slightly, smile on his lips.
"A father caring for his child—isn't that how it should be?"
Obviously—
Compared to Kaido, who only knew stick discipline, Aus—who actually talked with Yamato and encouraged her—seemed like a far better father.
In just weeks, Aus had won Yamato's approval.
Days ago, the little girl had even shyly called Aus "father."
Almost made Aus laugh himself silly. He treated her to a huge feast in the Flower Capital.
The Oni Clan's appetite made every restaurant owner rich. They both ate happily. Yamato experienced fatherly love for the first time.
Following days, Aus traveled around Wano, taking Yamato along to play and explore.
Aus tried on a kimono, testing a new look: [Wano Country Aus].
Too ugly though. Changed right back.
"Ooh! Those dumplings look so good..."
The little girl rode on Aus's shoulders. Like real father and daughter. Yamato stared at roadside dumplings, swallowing hard.
Aus casually tossed out gold coins and bought the entire stand.
He and Yamato ate to their hearts' content.
But in this warm moment, unwelcome guests appeared.
"Hey! Outsider! You snuck into Wano illegally, didn't you?"
Several samurai—looking like thugs—wore nasty grins.
Looking at Aus's tall figure traveling with a kid, they figured he couldn't be strong.
They'd heard this guy threw money around the Flower Capital endlessly.
As Lord Orochi's subordinates, helping the Kurozumi family maintain order was perfectly normal, right?
Other side of Wano—
Watching Oden boil with full concentration, Kurozumi Orochi suddenly sneezed.
What...
That bastard Kozuki Oden must be cursing me!
Dead man walking anyway!
Beside him, Kaido's massive form sat in silence, drinking from a sake gourd. Watching Oden hold up the plank, lifting his retainers—
Mood grew fouler.
Partly because this victory felt dishonorable. Partly because of missing Yamato.
What the hell did that bastard Aus do with Yamato?!
That brat got kidnapped. Right now probably scared, wanting her father's protection...
"Hey! Samurai! What do you think you're doing to Father?!"
Little Yamato had guts despite her size. Gripping her round kanabo, she bravely stood in front of Aus.
Made him feel gratified. His daughter wasn't raised in vain...
In the original story, young Yamato could take down Beasts Pirates by herself. Facing thug samurai? Of course she could handle it.
Aus didn't rush to intervene. Watched Yamato protect him.
Only when she was about to get hit did he warp the blade's angle, helping from shadows.
Finally—
Yamato, looking disheveled, still managed to knock all samurai down.
"F-Father, I did it!"
Though victory wasn't easy, she still wore a huge smile. Turned back to Aus standing with arms crossed, shouting proudly.
She'd done it. Defeated opponents.
Just like how Aus always beat enemies no matter how many!
"That was amazing, Yamato!"
Aus played along with praise. Yamato's smile grew brighter. Leaped into Aus's arms, clutching his clothes, laughing.
"I'll work even harder and catch up to you!"
"Father!"
"Yamato!"
"Bastard!"
Kozuki Oden had been dealt with, but Kaido's expression still looked terrible.
Sat alone, drinking from his sake gourd in foul mood. Every grunt too scared to make a sound, terrified of drawing enraged Kaido's attention.
"Those useless idiots still haven't found any trace of Aus?!
With this much time, that bastard could've run all the way to Paradise!"
Kaido roared, violently smashing the gourd to the ground. Water splashed everywhere!
"Boss Kaido, we've got a lead!"
Just then, a Beasts Pirates grunt came running in, shouting.
"Message from Orochi!"
"Lady Yamato and the Black Emperor have been spotted in the Flower Capital!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
Read up to (50+ ) advanced chapters on Patre\on
Visit us here: patreon.com/DarkGolds
Happy reading, everyone!