Orochi was utterly dumbfounded. He stood frozen in place, staring blankly.
Apologize?
Even if his strength was nothing compared to Kaido's, wasn't he still Kaido's ally? And now, over such a trivial matter, Kaido was demanding that he apologize to one of his subordinates?
For scientists, their creations are their pride. To mistake their work for someone else's is a deep insult.
Queen, furious at Orochi's mistake, chimed in.
"That's right! Apologize! Apologize to our Ten-Sai-sama!"
The other members of the Beasts Pirates, eager to curry favor with Yoruha, seized the moment.
"Shogun Orochi, you don't respect Ten-Sai-sama enough!"
"Apologize to our Ten-Sai-sama right now!"
"Apologize to Ten-Sai-sama!"
The room filled with voices demanding an apology from Orochi.
"It's just a fourth disaster, isn't it?"
Orochi's mind raced as he observed the situation.
Why was Queen addressing Yoruha as "Ten-Sai-sama" with such respect? Queen had never shown this level of deference, not even to King, Kaido's right-hand man.
And yet, because of a single mistake, the elites of the Beasts Pirates were all rallying to demand Orochi apologize.
A bead of sweat rolled unnoticed down Orochi's forehead.
Seeing Yoruha's importance, Orochi realized he had no choice but to swallow his pride.
Rubbing his hands together, Orochi approached Yoruha with a wide, ingratiating grin.
"Ten-Sai-sama, it seems my eyes failed me earlier!"
"I humbly ask for your forgiveness!"
The dancers who had been entertaining Orochi froze in shock.
To them, Orochi represented the pinnacle of power. Yet here he was, groveling before a young man.
Their gazes shifted toward Yoruha, this mysterious and apparently powerful figure.
"He's... actually kind of handsome," one thought, cheeks flushing red.
Others quickly followed suit, their faces turning pink as they stole glances at Yoruha.
For Yoruha, being mistaken as someone else's invention wasn't a big deal. But thanks to Kaido and the others, it seemed impossible to stay low-key now.
With a wry smile, Yoruha waved dismissively.
"Since you've admitted your mistake, Orochi, I'll let it slide."
Hearing this, Kaido finally reined in his intimidating aura and burst into laughter.
"Ah-ro-ro-ro-ro! That's more like it, Orochi!"
"And listen up, all of you! From now on, when you see Yoruha, it's as if you're seeing me, Kaido!"
Orochi, Kyoshiro, and the guards were shocked once more.
Only now did they realize that Kaido valued Yoruha even more than King, his second-in-command.
Orochi silently breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, he had chosen to concede earlier. If he hadn't, who knows what might have happened?
Kaido continued, "Since the Anywhere Door has been successfully tested, it's time for us to leave."
"Oh, right, Orochi. There's one more thing."
"Our Beasts Pirates have been a bit tight on funds while developing new technology. Lend us 100 billion berries. Have it sent to Onigashima in two days!"
"Ah-ro-ro-ro-ro!" Kaido roared with laughter as the Anywhere Door activated again, revealing a view of Onigashima on the other side.
One by one, Kaido and his crew disappeared through the door, leaving Orochi behind.
Orochi stood frozen, the corner of his mouth twitching in frustration.
"Damn you, Kaido! Do you think I'm your personal bank? You haven't even paid back the last loan!"
Furious, Orochi trembled with anger, his voice rising in a rage-filled roar.
But knowing Kaido's immense strength, he forced himself to swallow his fury and turned to Kyoshiro.
"Kyoshiro, investigate that Anywhere Door for me!" Orochi ordered sternly.
"A man like Kaido wouldn't settle for creating just one of those doors. If the opportunity arises, I want one—no matter the cost!"
To Orochi, the Anywhere Door was nothing short of a divine tool.
But in his mind, the door wasn't for launching attacks—it was his ultimate escape plan if he ever faced an enemy he couldn't defeat.
"Understood, Orochi-sama," Kyoshiro said with a bow, his tone respectful.
But a faint, cold glint flashed in Kyoshiro's eyes.
"Oh, I'll do whatever it takes to get that door," Kyoshiro thought.
"But I'll never let you use it, Orochi. That door will be the key to uniting the Akazaya Nine and ending both you and Kaido!"
On Onigashima
The elite members of the Beasts Pirates gathered in their hideout.
"Ah-ro-ro-ro-ro! Did you see Orochi grovel? That was priceless!" Kaido laughed, thoroughly enjoying the memory of Orochi's humiliation.
Deep down, Kaido still held a grudge over Orochi's interference during his fight with Oden years ago. Orochi's actions had tainted Kaido's victory.
Now, not only had Kaido publicly humiliated Orochi, but he had also secured 100 billion berries for the crew. It was a satisfying win.
Of course, Kaido knew that Orochi had submitted so quickly because of the Anywhere Door's terrifying potential.
The thought gave Kaido a new idea.
A sly grin spread across his face as the image of a strong, white-haired old man appeared in his mind. Kaido's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"I just thought of a place even better than humiliating Orochi!"
"If you're not afraid to die, follow me!" Kaido laughed, his voice brimming with mischief.
The Anywhere Door had no usage limits, so Kaido was eager to use it for another grand stunt—this time to taunt his rival.
Everyone froze for a moment, trying to guess where Kaido was planning to go.
It was King who figured it out first.
"Kaido-sama, are you planning to visit Whitebeard's territory?" King asked with a knowing smile.
Whitebeard's territory?
The home of the world's strongest pirate crew, second only to Marine Headquarters in danger?
Yoruha sighed, exasperated.
"Kaido really is something else. With the Anywhere Door, this 'troublemaker' is going to cause havoc everywhere."
"Follow me if you dare!" Kaido declared as he hoisted his spiked kanabo over his shoulder and strode boldly through the Anywhere Door.
One by one, the rowdy pirates followed, shouting in excitement as they stepped through the door.
Watching Kaido's antics, King turned to Yoruha with an apologetic smile.
"Please don't take offense, Yoruha. Kaido-sama has always been like this."
"As a scientist, you're free to stay here or come along with us."
"Rest assured, your safety is my responsibility." King's tone was firm and sincere.
"Dr. Yoruha, what's your decision?"