A samurai with long, narrow eyes and light blue hair nodded respectfully to Orochi after receiving his orders. He promptly began his investigation.
After a while, Kyoshiro's informants relayed their findings through a transponder snail.
"Reporting to you, Shogun, there's no need to worry. The unusual sky phenomenon isn't related to the Kozuki clan. It was caused by Kaido!"
"However, the specific technique Kaido used is still unclear," Kyoshiro added with deference.
Kaido?
Hearing that name, Orochi felt somewhat reassured. However, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.
He didn't recall Kaido having any powers that could darken the sky. Had Kaido held back during his fight against Oden back then? Or... had Kaido gotten even stronger?
Orochi decided he'd have to tread carefully around Kaido in the future.
As Orochi mulled over these thoughts, Kyoshiro's voice interrupted again.
"There's one more thing to report. Kaido said they're holding an important banquet today to celebrate their new Calamity, Ten-Sai, and they request your finest food and drinks for the occasion."
Ten-Sai?
Orochi didn't pay much attention to Kaido's newly appointed Calamity.
From experience, the later additions to Kaido's disasters were usually weaker. If this new Ten-Sai was anything like Jack, whose bounty didn't even reach 10 billion berries, someone like Kyoshiro could handle him easily. Orochi didn't see the need to be concerned.
But Kaido's repeated requests for resources irritated Orochi.
"Damn Kaido!" Orochi cursed inwardly.
He felt like a glorified babysitter for Kaido—a tool to be used whenever needed. While Orochi had initially allied with Kaido to deal with Oden, Kaido had become a liability, one Orochi couldn't shake off.
Still, Kaido's immense power, now seemingly enhanced by a mysterious new ability, left Orochi no choice but to comply.
"Tell Kaido that the finest food and drink will be sent over shortly," Orochi said begrudgingly.
But he had already made up his mind—he'd visit Kaido personally someday to figure out what tricks Kaido was up to.
On Onigashima, the grand banquet began as planned. The Three Disasters, the Six Flying Fighters, and other high-ranking members of the Beasts Pirates were all present, drinking heavily.
However, when it came to Yoruha, everyone, without exception, respectfully raised their glasses in a toast.
"Brother Yoruha, we'll count on you in the future! Hahaha!"
"Ten-Sai-sama, feel free to visit my post anytime. It's not far from your lab!"
"Ten-Sai-sama, if you need anything—money, dancers, whatever—just say the word. We have plenty here in Wano!"
Looking at the Beasts Pirates—whether it was the Disasters, the Six Flying Fighters, or the elite officers—all trying to curry favor with him, Yoruha felt a surge of satisfaction.
"If I ever get tired of research, maybe I'll relax with some of Wano's dancers," Yoruha thought, savoring the idea.
Even Kaido joined in, sitting close to Yoruha. After letting out a loud, drunken belch, Kaido leaned in, his face somewhat hazy from the alcohol.
"Yoruha," Kaido began, "when I used the Susanoo form earlier, why did I feel tired after less than ten seconds? Do you know why?"
Yoruha's eyes narrowed slightly. As he had suspected, the Susanoo form consumed chakra.
He began explaining the basics of chakra to Kaido.
"Chakra," Yoruha said, "is a new energy formed by perfectly combining physical strength and mental strength from within the body."
Kaido's physical strength was unparalleled, but the issue lay in his mental strength.
"So, Kaido-sama," Yoruha continued, "once your chakra reserves grow, I believe you'll not only adapt to the Susanoo form but also see a significant boost in your Heat Breath, Lightning Power, and overall attacks."
Kaido's eyes lit up at the mention of enhancements to his Heat Breath and Lightning Power, even beyond their current capabilities.
Excited, he guzzled another huge barrel of sake and roared with laughter.
"Ah-ro-ro-ro-ro! I see! This is amazing, Yoruha! A toast to you!"
Yoruha couldn't help but marvel at the scene. Despite his massive size and intimidating appearance, Kaido grasped the concept of chakra immediately.
"As expected," Yoruha thought, "no matter the world, true strength always comes with incredible talent."
As the banquet continued, every high-ranking member of the Beasts Pirates took turns toasting Yoruha. Afterward, Yoruha made an important announcement.
"Once the materials are gathered, I'll begin working on the Anywhere Door. The development will take three days. During that time, I'll be in seclusion in my lab. Please make sure I'm not disturbed."
Three days?!
The lively banquet hall fell silent at Yoruha's words.
The pirates stared at him, their faces filled with shock.
A door that could transcend space and time... completed in just three days?
The sheer efficiency left them speechless.
Queen, who oversaw the Beasts Pirates' research division, nearly choked on his drink.
"Three days?" Queen sputtered. "You're telling me you'll create a technology that allows unrestricted spatial travel in just three days?!"
King exhaled a cloud of smoke, his sharp gaze focused on Yoruha.
"With this guy around," King thought, "Kaido-sama's dreams are sure to come true. We're incredibly lucky to have someone like him."
Kaido's face lit up with joy as he patted Yoruha on the shoulder, his usual ferocity replaced by an uncharacteristically warm smile.
"Three days? Ah-ro-ro-ro-ro! Good, good, good!" Kaido exclaimed, repeating the word three times in excitement.
If Yoruha's experiment succeeded, the Beasts Pirates would gain unmatched mobility.
Imagine a scenario where the Navy suddenly found an entire Yonko crew appearing out of nowhere. It would cause chaos.
Even in the worst-case scenario—if the Beasts Pirates couldn't win a fight—they could simply escape. They could strike their enemies, destroy facilities, and eliminate critical personnel, then vanish without giving their opponents time to react.
Repeat this strategy a few times, and even the strongest factions would crumble.
This was the strategic power of the Anywhere Door.
In some ways, for the Beasts Pirates as a whole, the Anywhere Door was even more crucial than the Susanoo Fruit.
Overjoyed, Kaido, riding the wave of celebration, made another announcement.
"Since Yoruha will be training, I've decided to go into seclusion for three days as well—to train my chakra!"
"In three days, Yoruha and I will appear together, and it'll be a double celebration for the Beasts Pirates! Ah-ro-ro-ro-ro!"
Kaido's grin stretched wide as he let out a hearty laugh.
The surrounding crewmates quickly chimed in, offering their congratulations in advance and eagerly awaiting Kaido and Yoruha's triumphant return.
Amid the buzz, Kaido's expression suddenly turned serious as he looked toward the Six Flying Fighters. A heavy, oppressive aura swept through the room, silencing the chatter.
"Yoruha will temporarily use Queen's lab. Once the new lab is finished, we'll move him there!" Kaido declared.
"While Yoruha is conducting his research, no one is to disturb him. The area within ten kilometers of the lab is off-limits unless permission is granted. The Six Flying Fighters, I'm entrusting this to you!"
"You'll take turns guarding the area—two of you at a time, one-day shifts—until Yoruha finishes his work!" Kaido ordered sternly.
The Six Flying Fighters—Sasaki, Black Maria, Who's-Who, Ulti, Page One, and X Drake—bowed their heads in unison, acknowledging the responsibility with utmost respect.
The nearby crewmates of the Beasts Pirates couldn't help but look at Yoruha with envy.
"Wow... Kaido-sama actually assigned the Six Flying Fighters to act as his guards!"
"That's almost on par with how he treats King!"
"Kaido-sama really treasures Yoruha!"
The crew's admiration for Yoruha deepened. Many silently vowed to find opportunities to curry favor with him in the future.