Everyone on deck fell silent, stunned by the revelation.
No one had expected the tall and striking woman before them to be Kaido's daughter.
The relationship between Kaido and Whitebeard had never been good. It was closer to open hostility. Whenever their crews crossed paths, a fight was almost guaranteed.
Yet now, Ace, the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, stood hand in hand with Kaido's daughter.
That connection alone carried weight.
Vista frowned slightly. "Ace, are you sure? We never saw her when we fought the Beasts Pirates."
His words made the others pause.
They had clashed with the Beasts Pirates many times. Both sides knew each other's key members well. But none of them recognized Yamato.
Yamato laughed without hesitation. "Hahaha, whether I like it or not, Kaido is my useless father."
Ace tightened his grip on her hand and faced the crew.
"I know what you're thinking. Yes, she is Kaido's daughter, but she is nothing like him. She didn't inherit his will or his cruelty. Yamato is her own person."
Even so, doubt remained.
Many of them possessed Observation Haki, and what they sensed from Yamato was not ordinary strength. The pressure coming from her was intense, even surpassing Marco's presence.
They all knew that Kaido's fall was connected to Rolan and Luffy, with Ace also playing a part. But if someone like Yamato had hidden intentions and chose to infiltrate the crew, the consequences would be severe.
Marco kept his eyes on her.
Her presence was powerful, nearly equal to Ace's. On this ship, only Whitebeard and Ace could confidently suppress her if something went wrong.
"Ace, this is not something we can just ignore..."
Before Marco could continue, a deep voice interrupted.
"Marco."
Whitebeard's tone carried authority.
Marco turned. "Oyaji..."
Whitebeard laughed loudly. "Gurararara, Yamato, was it? Welcome to the Whitebeard Pirates. I would usually say, become my daughter, but being my daughter-in-law sounds even better."
Yamato froze, then her face flushed.
"I... we are not married yet."
Ace looked just as embarrassed, clearly caught off guard.
The crew exchanged looks, surprised at how quickly Whitebeard accepted her.
They understood his nature. He valued family above all else and rarely rejected anyone who wished to join. That was why their crew had grown so large.
But it had also led to problems before.
The betrayal of Teach and the death of Thatch still lingered in their memories.
And Yamato was even stronger than Teach had been at the time.
Whitebeard looked at them, his expression steady.
"You think I cannot judge people anymore? I know what kind of person she is."
He then turned his attention back to Ace and Yamato.
"So, when are you getting married? I will handle everything."
That was the final push.
Both Ace and Yamato turned red and quickly retreated into the cabin, unable to face the teasing any longer.
The tension on deck broke instantly.
Laughter spread among the crew.
Whitebeard threw his head back and laughed. "Gurararara."
"My sons, prepare for a feast!"
A loud cheer answered him.
"Yes!"
For a crew like theirs, celebrations were never rare.
It did not take long before food and drinks filled the deck.
The center of attention was naturally Ace and Yamato.
As the feast began, Yamato quickly shed her earlier embarrassment. Her bold and straightforward nature showed itself without restraint.
"Yamato, drink!"
"Fill it up!"
"You can actually keep up with us?"
"Hahaha, look at George, he cannot even outdrink her!"
Yamato laughed freely, matching them cup for cup.
Her personality blended in effortlessly.
It did not take long for the crew to accept her.
"Ace, how did you two get together?"
"Tell us!"
"Who made the first move?"
Ace's face turned completely red. He opened his mouth but could not form a proper answer.
"I... well..."
Yamato burst into laughter. "Obviously, I was the one who said it first."
The deck erupted with whistles and cheers.
Ace sat there, completely flustered, trying to avoid everyone's attention.
Whitebeard watched it all with satisfaction, drinking deeply.
His Observation Haki allowed him to sense more than just strength. From the moment he met Yamato, he understood her nature.
She was straightforward, bold, and carried no hidden schemes.
That was enough for him.
Marco approached with a cup in hand. "Oyaji, you should slow down."
Whitebeard waved him off. "Idiot, how can I not drink at a time like this? My body has already recovered."
He took another large gulp, wine spilling slightly down his chest.
Then his tone shifted.
"Marco, I am going to announce that matter now."
Marco met his gaze for a moment, then gave a small nod.
===
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