"Ding! Host's intent detected. Unlocking the next technology: [Anywhere Door]."
A pleasant voice echoed in Yoruha's mind.
Anywhere Door?
Wasn't that from Doraemon—the door that could take you anywhere instantly?
Hearing about this new technology, a smile crept onto Yoruha's face.
"Finally, my points weren't spent for nothing!"
No more hoarding points—especially since the next skill costs at least ten thousand of them! With the Anywhere Door, as long as someone stepped through it, they'd theoretically add points to his system.
At that rate, it wouldn't just be Kaido boosting his score. Nearly the entire Beasts Pirates crew could contribute! Sure, ordinary members might not give as many points as Kaido, but sheer numbers would make up for that.
While Yoruha reveled in his system reward, Kaido descended from the sky. The Susanoo-like aura around him faded, and he landed on the ground, reverting to his human form.
Kaido's eyes fixed on Yoruha as he strode closer. The suspicion in his gaze had completely vanished, replaced by pure excitement and joy.
Now, Kaido looked at Yoruha like he was a treasure—a treasure that could help fulfill his dream. And no way was Kaido letting that go.
"Ah-ro-ro-ro-ro-ro!" Kaido laughed. "Kid, your invention is incredible! With this, my strength now rivals even Roger in his prime!"
Reaching Yoruha's side, Kaido slapped his large hand on the young man's shoulder, his excitement palpable.
The impact startled King, who was nearby.
"Captain! Don't kill him by accident!" King almost blurted out, but when he noticed Yoruha merely stagger under Kaido's massive hand without much harm, he froze.
"Huh?"
King squinted at Yoruha, puzzled. Had this kid gotten stronger?
Was he like King—part of a unique species?
King's mind started connecting the dots. After all, in the New World, powerful physiques weren't uncommon. Giants with brute strength, the swift Longlegs, the water-dominant Fishmen, and even the mighty Oni were all proof of that.
But Yoruha didn't seem like one of those.
Still, King chalked it up to some special trait and decided not to dwell on it.
"Kid," Kaido said, still elated, "from now on, you're part of the Beasts Pirates! If you've got any requests, just say the word!"
Kaido wasn't subtle—he wanted to recruit Yoruha fully. The Beasts Pirates needed talent, and Kaido never hesitated to value capable individuals, even former enemies. Yoruha, who had boosted Kaido's combat power so drastically, was someone Kaido couldn't afford to lose over something trivial.
Seeing Kaido's eagerness, Yoruha decided he wouldn't hold back. This life wasn't going to be a repeat of his past one, where he'd been too timid to negotiate for himself.
"Three things," Yoruha declared. "First, I want unconditional protection from the Beasts Pirates—including from you, Kaido."
This was a given. Kaido would've protected Yoruha anyway.
"Second, I want to be second only to you—above everyone else."
The murmurs started immediately among the lower-ranking pirates.
"Isn't that too much for a newcomer? Won't Kaido get mad?"
"Yeah, demanding a spot like that right away? Captain won't agree!"
Kaido hesitated. Truthfully, Yoruha deserved the position for his contributions, but currently, that rank belonged to King, his most trusted comrade. Would King be okay with this?
Kaido glanced at King, seeking his reaction.
"Kaido-sama," King said quickly, "if we want the Beasts Pirates to dominate the world, we need top-tier scientists. This kid's technology far surpasses even Vegapunk's. I think his request is reasonable."
Relieved, Kaido laughed. "Ah-ro-ro-ro! Well said, King! From now on, Yoruha is the Calamity of the Beasts Pirates—second only to me!"
Kaido's booming voice echoed across the group. "Anyone have a problem with that?"
With King's approval, none of the crew dared to object. Defying Kaido wasn't an option, and Yoruha's inventions had already won their respect.
Soon, cheers erupted.
"Master Calamity! Master Calamity!!"
Their voices rose like a thunderous wave.
Many of the pirates shouted out of genuine admiration. One invention had given Kaido the power to surpass the other Yonko and move closer to becoming Pirate King. That was no small feat.
Even among the Six Flying Fighters, Fukurokuju, known for his ambition, muttered under his breath, "I'd better stay on Master Calamity's good side."
If Yoruha's technology could make Kaido that powerful, even the scraps of it could turn Fukurokuju into a pirate worth a billion berries.
As the chants of "Master Calamity" filled the air, Yoruha felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.
This new life really was something else.
At first, he'd worried about hostility within the crew, but now it was clear—the Beasts Pirates respected talent more than anything. Under Kaido's leadership, this crew valued capable people, even treating them better than other Yonko's groups.
"Third," Yoruha said, raising his voice above the cheers, "I need all the resources necessary for my inventions. And right now, I need a hundred billion berries!"
"What?!"
The shout came from Queen, who nearly jumped out of his skin.
"A hundred billion?!" Queen repeated, staring at Yoruha with wide eyes.
Even Kaido's favorite artificial Devil Fruit project only cost fifty billion berries annually. Together with Kaido's bounty of 4.611 billion berries, it still didn't add up to a hundred billion.