CHAPTER 28

However, things were unfolding in the opposite direction of what he had expected.

Not only did that man survive, but he was thriving. He had even become a core member of the Hundred Beasts, part of the Flying Six, and the deputy director of the Kuri District.

How could this happen? Was fate truly so blind?

"Tama, come in quickly! Don't accept any food from that man with evil intentions—it might be poisoned!" he called.

"Master, how can you say that about my brother? That's not fair!" Tama rarely contradicted Kozuki Sukiyaki, but this time she looked genuinely upset, which made him feel even more frustrated.

…

Of course, Alastor noticed Kozuki Sukiyaki's hateful gaze, but he didn't care at all. To him, Sukiyaki was nothing but a bitter old man. Even if he hated Alastor with all his heart, what could he do?

If it weren't for Tama's sake, Alastor might have sent him to join Kozuki Oden long ago.

Stretching his arms, Alastor quietly traveled to Onigashima, arriving at Yamato's cave by evening.

"Good job, you!" Yamato said as soon as she saw him, obviously having heard about his victory over Page One. She clapped him on the shoulder proudly and said, "You've finally lived up to my training."

Alastor was surprised. Yamato was referring to herself instead of calling herself Kozuki Oden. Sensing his surprise, Yamato brushed her white hair aside and sighed.

"I've been thinking a lot lately, and the images you sent back of the outside world helped me realize something. Although I didn't want to admit it at first, the more I thought about it, the more I felt that you were right, Alastor. There is no paradise on this sea—conflict is everywhere."

"There's something fundamentally wrong with this world!"

"Alastor, I've decided. I'm going to become the shogun of Wano Country and change this world!"

Alastor was taken aback by her determination, but he was also thrilled that she had finally moved beyond Kozuki Oden's influence.

"It's great that you've figured this out. But you've given me an even bigger challenge now—changing the world? Heh, Yamato, are you planning to become Joy Boy?"

Yamato's eyes brightened. "Who is Joy Boy?"

"Joy Boy was a warrior from 800 years ago, known for attempting to liberate the world. Supposedly, he's connected to your father, Kaido. It's said that only the one who defeats Kaido can truly become Joy Boy."

Yamato's eyes widened with excitement. Hearing "Only the one who defeats Kaido can become Joy Boy," she confidently declared, "Perfect! My goal from now on is to become Joy Boy! Alastor, from now on, you'll call me Joy Boy. Got it?"

Alastor couldn't help but laugh. Yamato, always so eager and passionate, had just let go of calling herself Kozuki Oden and now wanted to be Joy Boy.

But no matter what, calling herself Joy Boy was far better than Kozuki Oden.

Reaching out to touch Yamato's red dragon horn, he teased, "Your ambitions are getting bigger by the day, aren't they?"

Yamato scowled and pulled away. "Don't touch my horns! Show some respect for Joy Boy, the great warrior who will liberate the world!"

Alastor laughed and tried to reach for her horn again.

The two bantered playfully, catching their breaths between laughs.

Panting lightly, with a few beads of sweat glistening on her fair skin, Yamato's red lips curved into a smile.

"You're so disrespectful to Joy Boy!" she said, unable to hold back a laugh.

Her smile was mesmerizing.

Her sweat-soaked clothes clung to her perfect figure, slightly transparent, accentuating her form.

"By the way, Alastor, I never asked—what's your dream?" she asked.

Alastor, his eyes on her clothes, replied absently, "I'm not as noble as you. Maybe my dream is simply to wield a sword in battle and rest my head on a beautiful woman's lap."

Yamato rolled her eyes. "You really lack ambition."

Alastor couldn't help but think, the only one here with grand ambitions is you.

Yamato picked up her mace and tapped it on her palm. "It's been a while since we've sparred. Let's see how strong you've become."

At the mention of training, Alastor's casual demeanor turned serious. He drew the cursed sword from his waist.

"Yamato, go ahead. You start."

Not one to hold back, Yamato immediately swung her mace at him.

Alastor activated his Observation Haki, easily blocking her first strike.

Yamato's eyebrows shot up, her red lips curving into a grin. "Your strength has definitely improved. Guess I'll have to go harder!"

Alastor smiled back, a hint of challenge in his eyes. "Bring it on."

Taking a breath, Yamato tightened her grip on her mace, infusing it with her Conqueror's Haki—a natural gift since birth.

She let out a shout and swung her mace powerfully.

"Thunder Bagua!"

Thunder Bagua—a move for the strong, a real test of endurance. Only those who can withstand it can truly stand among the powerful.

Despite the teasing from Ulti, Yamato's mastery of the Thunder Bagua could rival Kaido's when she used her full strength, infusing it with Conqueror's Haki. Without Yamato holding Kaido off, it's possible Luffy might never have awakened the Sun God Nika.

Recognizing her attack, Alastor tensed, bracing himself.

Seeing that Yamato's mace lacked Armament Haki, he relaxed slightly and quipped, "Yamato, you did it so suddenly, I thought you were trying to kill your own husband!"

A blush crossed Yamato's face as she lifted her sharp, fair chin and huffed, "Who told you to touch my horn just now? Now it's my turn to teach you a lesson!"

Although her mace wasn't imbued with Conqueror's Haki, its aura was still incredibly powerful. Black haki and purple lightning intertwined, leaving a faint white trail in the air.

A strong gust of wind hit his face, and Alastor couldn't afford to be careless.

Summoning his Armament Haki, he transformed the cursed sword into a black sword.

"Ghost Sword Style: Maniac Python!"

A black giant python roared forth.

Yamato's eyes widened in surprise. "I've never seen you use this kind of sword energy before. Seems like you've been learning a lot on the side."

Alastor smirked. "There's a lot about me you haven't seen yet."

Yamato huffed again, unimpressed.

The mace collided with the black python.

Purple lightning tangled with the giant python for a moment, but soon, the python shattered.

The mace's force remained undiminished, pressing onward.

Remembering how impactful Thunder Bagua had been in his previous life, Alastor wasn't eager to take the blow head-on, but he also didn't want to dodge. This was a perfect opportunity to experience Kaido's "stick education" firsthand.

He raised the cursed sword in front of his chest as the Thunder Bagua struck.

Boom!

Vivid purple lightning spread out, and the fierce haki made the whole cave tremble violently. Stones fell from the ceiling as the cave shook.

Alastor was sent flying, crashing into the stone wall.

Yamato had pulled her strength back at the last second, but seeing Alastor get thrown so forcefully, she couldn't help but worry.

"Hey, you… you alright?" she asked with some concern.

Alastor grabbed onto the stone wall, pushing off to land solidly on the ground.

His chest was a bit dented, and it was clear a few ribs had broken. But his expression was calm, as if nothing serious had happened.

Yamato's heart eased, though her eyes filled with admiration.

Alastor's defense seemed much stronger than before—significantly so.

"Don't think I'm that fragile, Yamato."

Alastor smiled. Just a month ago, an attack like that would have caused severe injuries, but now it only gave him moderate damage.

Yamato stepped closer, placing her slender hands on his chest, feeling his steely muscles. Her eyes sparkled as her red lips whispered, "What is your body made of? It's so tough. Definitely hundreds of times stronger than when I met you three years ago."

"Curious?"

A playful smile appeared on Alastor's face as he stepped closer, closing the gap between them and slipping a hand around Yamato's waist.

He whispered in her ear, "The closer you are, the more clearly you'll feel it."

Yamato's ears turned red.

Glaring at him, she pushed him away. "Back off, you jerk. And my name is Joy Boy!"

Alastor's hand lingered with the feel of Yamato's waist—so smooth and soft. He couldn't help but wonder how she managed to have such flawless skin despite her warrior spirit.

Stretching, Alastor said, "Becoming Joy Boy isn't that easy. And your Devil Fruit isn't the Sun God Nika, Yamato."

"Does becoming Joy Boy even have to do with fruit powers?" Yamato shouted defiantly. "I don't believe in that fate nonsense!"

Alastor didn't believe in fate either. Who said only by eating the Nika Fruit could someone change the world and become Joy Boy? That sort of fatalistic thinking was revolting, just as ridiculous as insisting Momonosuke had to be the Shogun of Wano.

Maybe the Nika Fruit had its own will and had chosen Luffy on purpose, but Alastor didn't care. He'd follow his own path, and anyone who stood in his way—regardless of their bloodline or destiny—would face his wrath.

"Seriously," Yamato said again, "Did you eat some sort of Zoan-type fruit, or maybe a unique Paramecia?"

Alastor nodded solemnly. "Yes, I ate the Animal-Animal Fruit, Mythical Zoan model: Ordinary Human."

Yamato rolled her eyes, exasperated. "Forget it."

Then she raised her mace, her eyes narrowing with a dangerous glint.