April 4, 1492.
After being away for over half a year, Kaido had finally returned to this familiar land. In the skies above Wano Country's inner sea, a massive island was moving slowly but steadily toward Wano.
"Is that the legendary Wano Country?" Kuzan stood on the deck, squinting as he looked toward the island's gradually sharpening outline in the distance. His tone was complex, carrying both curiosity about the unknown and a hint of unease. Kuma and Ginny stood beside him, also silently watching the horizon.
"Doflamingo, Rosinante, from now on, this will be our new home," Homing gently stroked his two sons' hair, his voice mild. His wife stood nearby, a gentle smile on her face. This former Celestial Dragon family was about to start a completely new life in this unfamiliar country.
Enel and his companions, however, seemed far more excited. "We're finally back!" Enel spread his arms as if to embrace all of Wano. For them, this place had truly become home.
"Wororororo!" Kaido's booming laughter echoed to the skies.
Under his control, Green Bit descended steadily right next to Onigashima. At the edge of Onigashima, Bullet had long since led a group of subordinates, waiting for their arrival.
"It's been a while, Bullet," Kaido strode forward, his voice thunderous.
"Big Brother Kaido," Bullet gave a slight nod, his gaze sweeping over the crowd behind Kaido.
Noticing the unusually bustling scene on Onigashima, Kaido couldn't help but ask, "What's going on here?"
"In five days, it will be this year's Flame Festival," Bullet explained.
"I see," Kaido suddenly understood, then sighed with feeling. "Time really flies." He paused before asking, "The Whitebeard Pirates are still in Wano, right?"
"Yes, they're sightseeing in various regions," Bullet replied.
"Send them an invitation as well. Ask them to the Flame Festival," Kaido instructed.
"Understood," Bullet nodded in acknowledgment.
Kaido turned and pointed at Kuzan, Kuma, and the others. "These people are all future assets. You're responsible for arranging things for them." His gaze finally settled on Ginny, who was glaring at him with clear dissatisfaction.
Bullet looked at Kuzan, Kuma, and the others, his sharp eyes naturally noticing the Seastone shackles around their necks, but he said nothing about it.
"Kaido! Bear, and I never said we'd join the Beasts Pirates!" Ginny shouted, puffing up her cheeks in anger.
Kaido grinned. "Little girl, don't forget you're prisoners right now. In this world, prisoners have no rights to speak of."
"You—!" Ginny stamped her foot in rage, but thankfully, Kuma gently pulled her back, whispering words of comfort.
Kaido then pointed at Green Bit and continued speaking to Bullet. "The Tontatta Tribe on this island are guests I've invited from outside. I'll need them for some plans later on. If they're short of anything, have someone supply it. Also, they're inherently simple and trusting, easily taken in by others' words. Screen anyone who goes up to the island."
"Yes," Bullet replied in a deep voice.
Having given these instructions, Kaido said no more. His figure blurred, instantly transforming into a majestic azure dragon that soared into the sky, flying toward the direction of the Flower Capital. The gale stirred by his dragon wings forced the people on the shore to raise their hands to shield themselves.
Watching Kaido's retreating figure, the expressions of the newcomers varied.
Kuzan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Kuma remained silent as ever. Ginny stuck her tongue out at the sky.
The Homing family stood quietly together, the two children curiously observing their unfamiliar surroundings.
Bullet stepped forward, his voice low. "Everyone, follow me." He turned and led the group toward the interior of Onigashima.
The sky above the Flower Capital of Wano Country was suddenly covered by an enormous shadow, the previously clear sky instantly darkening.
The bustling crowds in the streets stopped in their tracks almost simultaneously, everyone looking up. They saw a majestic azure dragon circling amidst the clouds, its bluish-green scales glittering brilliantly in the sunlight. Its massive, outstretched form nearly blotted out half the sky.
"It's Lord Myōō! He's returned!"
"Wonderful! We finally get to see Lord Myōō again!"
"I heard he went to the outer seas before. He's finally back."
Cheers immediately rose one after another in the streets, faces alight with reverence and joy.
Street vendors put down their work. Merchants streamed out of their shops. Even customers in the middle of haggling paused their transactions. Everyone gazed up at that magnificent figure in the sky.
A few children excitedly ran through the streets, pointing and shouting.
"Even though I've seen it many times, Lord Myōō's form is still awe-inspiring every single time."
"Indeed. Such power is truly inconceivable. He is truly our guardian deity."
Exclamations of amazement rippled through the crowd.
At that moment, Marco, who had been selecting oranges at a fruit stall, curled his lip sourly. "Is all this fuss really necessary? Kaido's just a pirate when you get down to it. There are plenty stronger than him out there," he said, casually tossing an orange in his hand.
"What did you say?!" The stall owner flew into a rage, snatching the orange back from Marco. The wrinkles on his face became more pronounced with anger. "Lord Myōō is in no way comparable to ordinary pirates! Please leave. I won't sell my goods to someone like you!"
Marco was caught off guard by this sudden eviction. He blinked, and before he could even react, the furious stall owner was shoving him away from the stall.
The surrounding citizens also cast disapproving looks, some even muttering curses under their breath.
This scene was witnessed by Whitby not far away. She couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Hahaha! Marco, you've finally met your match!" She laughed so hard she nearly doubled over, her long hair beneath her purple-and-blue skull cap swaying with her mirth.
"Gurararara!" Whitebeard Newgate also laughed heartily, his booming voice echoing down the street, drawing sidelong glances from passersby. His massive frame stood out conspicuously in the crowd, his white mustache quivering slightly with his laughter.
Whitby then walked up to Newgate, a thoughtful look on her face. "Pops, it seems Kaido's prestige here is even higher than we imagined."
Newgate nodded. His gaze swept over the cheering, jubilant people in the streets before lifting once more to the dragon figure circling in the sky. He sighed softly, a note of reminiscence and a touch of emotion in his voice. "Who would have thought that the rookie who only knew how to fight back in the day would turn out like this."
Sunlight streamed down through the gaps in the dragon's shifting form, casting dappled shadows on the streets below, as if narrating the passage of time itself.
***
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