Chapter 144: She or He?
"So... are you really Kaido's daughter?"
Despite knowing Yamato believed herself to be her father and deeply admired Kozuki Oden, Hiyori remained hesitant. "I truly haven't acquired the habit of acknowledging random individuals as my father, especially not a female one," she declared.
Yamato, understanding Hiyori's reservations, released her and removed the mask concealing her face. Unveiled, Yamato's beauty was undeniable – a woman with flowing white hair. While Luo Ning couldn't deny her attractiveness, he also acknowledged her mental state needed addressing.
"Even Kaido managed to produce such a stunning daughter!" Whitebeard boomed, surprised by the stark contrast between Kaido's brutishness and Yamato's elegance. "Her mother's genes must be exceptional."
"Indeed, I'm quite familiar with you," Luo Ning said to Yamato. "And I'm aware you can easily remove those handcuffs."
"But there's a bomb inside! It will detonate if I tamper with it!" Yamato insisted, shaking her head.
"How powerful can that bomb truly be? You possess Armament Haki, and it's not weak. Simply cloak yourself in Haki – why fear such a thing?" Luo Ning questioned, exasperated. It was clear Yamato's logic wasn't sound.
She possess Conqueror's Haki as well. And her Armament Haki is undeniably powerful. We've witnessed individuals easily coat their entire bodies with it, even if they haven't fully mastered it.
Take Bullet, for example. He could envelop a thousand-meter Titan in Armament Haki – an impressive feat, though admittedly excessive. Most fighters reserve this full-body coating for exceptional circumstances. Top powerhouses typically focus on reinforcing their arms for maximum offensive and defensive capabilities.
Yamato's confusion was evident. "You can do that?" he stammered, a question that elicited groans from Whitebeard's crew. This further confirmed their suspicions about Yamato's mental state.
Even Hiyori regarded Yamato with a hint of pity. She understood the situation – Yamato's actions stemmed from a genuine mental illness and stubbornness. Forgiveness seemed like the most reasonable course of action.
Unfazed by the scrutiny, Yamato proceeded to demonstrate. She cloaked herself in Armament Haki and dismantled the bomb. In its defenseless state, the bomb could have easily claimed her life. However, the Haki rendered it harmless.
Unlike the manga's portrayal, Yamato didn't display a look of devastation, fearing Kaido's true intentions.
"Finally! Now I can set sail! That tyrant won't stop me anymore!" Yamato declared with exhilaration.
Jozu, a man known for his immense strength but limited intellect, finally chimed in, unable to contain himself any longer. "Now I almost feel sorry for Kaido. Why'd he have to have such a...unique daughter?"
"Hold on," Luo Ning interjected, despite the urge to brag. "Leaving immediately might not be the best course of action. Our crew disabled the enemy ships, and without any sailing experience, venturing out to sea now would be a recipe for disaster."
While true that Yamato's strength could ensure survival on land if stranded, her Devil Fruit power, the Mythical Zoan Oguchi no Makami model (Dog-Dog Fruit, Guardian Deity form), would render her virtually helpless in the water.
"Actually, you make a valid point," Yamato admitted, her naiveté evident. Luo Ning couldn't help but think she'd readily accept anything anyone told her. This wasn't mere silliness; it bordered on a genuine mental condition.
"Speaking of which," Yamato continued, finally addressing their presence, "what brings you all here?"
"We're here to deal with Kaido," Luo Ning answered. Marco and the others tensed slightly. Despite Yamato's mental state, they couldn't ignore the fact that she was Kaido's daughter, potentially posing a future threat.
"You're going after that oaf? Perfect! I'll take you there!" Yamato declared excitedly, wielding her mace. Her eagerness, considering the group's animosity towards Kaido, was baffling. It seemed her loyalty to her father knew no bounds, even bordering on unhealthy devotion. "A true filial daughter of Kaido," Luo Ning muttered sarcastically.
Marco and the others, already prepared for a confrontation, were left speechless by Yamato's sudden offer.
"""What?!"""
They exclaimed in unison.
"Aren't you here to fight him too? I am! Let's go!" Yamato insisted, oblivious to their confusion.
Bewildered by the group's unusual appearance, Yamato paused momentarily before shrugging it off and taking the lead.
Whitebeard, a man known for his own fierce loyalty, observed his daughter, Whitey Bay, with a touch of concern. The Whitebeard Pirates were a predominantly male crew, with Whitey Bay being one of the few female members. Witnessing Yamato's behavior, Whitebeard felt compelled to offer some guidance.
"Whitey Bay," he began, "pay no mind to Yamato. I trust you won't succumb to such... afflictions."
"Uh, Pops, don't worry, I won't get such a... serious illness!"
Whitey Bay, speechless, could only stammer a response. Yamato's actions were truly bizarre, unlike anything she'd encountered before. How could someone behave that way without some sort of mental illness?
Sensing Whitebeard's disapproval, Luo Ning attempted to change the subject. "Enough of that," he interjected. "Do you know how to care for someone who's..." He stopped mid-sentence, realizing his poor choice of words had once again sent shivers down everyone's spines.
Apparently, the entire group was convinced Yamato was suffering from a serious mental illness. Nonetheless, since Yamato offered to guide them, they readily followed.
Logically, Kozuki Hiyori should have remained in Wano Country. Several of the Red Scabbards had already voiced this concern. However, Hiyori insisted on witnessing the man who murdered her father fall to this "demon." Luo Ning, already burdened with a handful of "loose ends," saw no harm in accommodating one more. So, Hiyori joined the group, leading to the awkward encounter with Yamato upon learning her identity.
Throughout the journey, the group peppered Yamato with questions, further solidifying their belief in her mental illness. Before they reached Kaido, however, a colossal green dragon materialized in the sky.