Chapter 94: Promotion

——120 hours after the exam began.

"Ugh… Aah…"

"My, my… How pitiful that you're still alive. But I suppose this is fine, isn’t it? ——Nue-san?"

"Okaaay, okaaay! Thanks, Black Maria!! That was quite the show ♡"

From high above, Black Maria of the Tobiroppo looked down at the girl collapsed on the ground inside the underground cell, writhing like an insect as she let out ragged, broken moans. Outside the cell, Nue remained in high spirits, thoroughly enjoying the battle and the girl’s suffering. Beside her stood another giant—not King.

"Muhaha!! Little Komurasaki’s got some fight in her!! But she’s about to kick the bucket!! Right, Nue-san?!"

"Ahaha, who knows~?"

Seated next to Nue, fiddling with some tools, was Queen the Plague, one of the All-Stars of the Beasts Pirates. He glanced at the girl—Hiyori—who had just been half-killed by Black Maria, grinning. But he also thought it’d be a waste to let her die here. Not because of her strength or her lineage as Oden’s daughter. No, the reason was her beauty.

"Damn, she’s cute as ever~♡ Would be a shame to kill her like this!! Hey, Nue-san!! If you’re just gonna throw her away, why not hand her over to—"

"Hmm~? Hiyori-chan is adorable… but… you don’t actually think she’s cuter than me, do you?"

"!"

——Shit. Queen froze, realizing his careless slip.

Nue smiled sweetly at him, but he knew one wrong word could spell disaster. So he quickly corrected himself.

"N-Nah, no way in hell!! The cutest in this world is obviously you, Nue-san!!"

"Ehh~? You really think so ♡? Flattering me like that’s gonna make me blush~♡"

"You’re the very definition of cute!! The embodiment of adorableness!! Ancient Weapon-level cuteness!!"

"You’re laying it on too thick~♡ Ehehe ♡ No matter how much you praise me, I’m not giving you Hiyori-chan~♡"

(That was close… Somehow managed to dodge that one.) "Yeah… figured…"

Wiping cold sweat, Queen sighed in relief as Nue giggled, covering her cheeks. In the Beasts Pirates, one truth was absolute—no one was cuter than Nue.

"Fufu, who would’ve thought I’d end up being Komurasaki-chan’s opponent in Jack’s place… Hurting a girl I taught so much is just heartbreaking ♡"

"Ahaha!! Hiyori-chan’s so loved by everyone, isn’t she~? Lucky girl!"

"Damn right!! You hit the nail on the head!!"

"…………!"

"Stop it…!! Please, stop…!!"

As Black Maria stepped away from Hiyori, leaving the cell, the underground echoed with Nue and Queen’s laughter—and Kawamatsu’s tearful pleas. For five days straight, Kawamatsu had been forced to watch his lord’s daughter tormented without rest.

He hadn’t slept. No food, no water—but none of that compared to the agony of seeing Hiyori on the brink of death, nor the self-loathing at his own helplessness.

"Ahahahaha!! C’mon, Hiyori-chan, Kawamatsu, you’ve gotta hang in there~♪ Just 48 more hours, and this promotion exam will be over~!"

Nue laughed, drinking in the sight. Kawamatsu’s rage, his grief, his despair—even watching this proud samurai beg for his lord’s life before his sworn enemies—it was all entertainment to her, like a thrilling show.

"Damn, Nue-san, you’re ruthless!! Even with breaks, no way anyone can survive a week of nonstop fighting!!"

"Still, lasting five days is impressive. Especially against the Tobiroppo."

"Well, even if it’s ‘just’ 48 hours left, the real hell starts now~♪ Nothing like the first two days. Her stamina’s already past its limit. How long can she hold out as her body falls apart? Or will she push beyond her limits and survive…? Fufufu ♡ No matter how it ends, I can’t wait to see the result!!"

Nue grinned, her crimson eyes gleaming with a predatory light—a gaze that struck terror into those who met it. A mix of childlike curiosity and demonic cruelty, those scarlet eyes bore into you with a pressure that felt like a hand crushing your heart.

No ordinary girl could possess such eyes. No mere child could make hardened pirates, marines, and samurai tremble. Even Queen, an All-Star, and Black Maria, one of the Tobiroppo—both long-time subordinates—felt fear under that gaze.

Yet it was precisely because of that fear, that awe, that they followed her. They revered Kaido and Nue not out of terror, but respect—kneeling willingly before overwhelming strength.

"Speaking of exams, Nue-san—what about Jack?"

"Jack’s still tied up in his fight. Guess his is turning into a long one too!!"

"So for the last two days…? Ulti and Page One are out on missions, right?"

"Mhm~! Could’ve gone with Black Maria again, but that’d be boring with the same opponent~ So instead——surprise guests for Jack’s replacement!! Two special stars for the final stretch~~~♪"

"!"

And just like that, two more of her loyal subordinates arrived in the underground prison—summoned to take Jack’s place.

"——We’re here, Nue-san!!"

"——Never thought Komurasaki was Oden’s brat… Tch."

"Tch… You two…?"

Queen’s face twisted in displeasure the moment he saw them. Two men he didn’t get along with.

Members of the Tobiroppo, former pirate captains—ambitious men who eyed the All-Star position: Sasaki and Who’s-Who.

They had answered Nue’s call without hesitation.

"Glad you two could make it!! I know you’re busy chasing glory, but—"

"Nah, if it’s you or Kaido calling, we’re in!! Besides, after hearing about this, how could we focus on anything else?!"

"Sasaki’s right. Nue-san—is that rumor true?"

Ignoring Queen and Black Maria entirely, they cut straight to the point. Black Maria didn’t care, but Queen scowled, fiddling irritably with his tools.

Then Nue spoke the words they’d been waiting for—confirming what she’d already hinted at through the Den Den Mushi:

"It’s true!! At the next ‘Golden Banquet,’ we’ll unveil the new All-Stars and Tobiroppo!! That means one of the Tobiroppo gets promoted to All-Star——and one of the True Lead Performers moves to the Tobiroppo!!"

"……!!"

The fire in Sasaki and Who’s-Who’s eyes ignited. This was the chance they’d been waiting for.

The reason they’d come.

To prove their worth.

"……So then, to earn that spot——"

"Just like I said over the Den Den Mushi!! Right now, Jack’s the frontrunner—it’s basically settled. Buuuut~♪ It wouldn’t be fair to leave you two out, would it? So here’s your shot!! A test within the test—a chance to fight for that promotion!!"

"——You mean… kill that brat?"

"……!!"

The moment those words left his mouth, Hiyori’s eyes shot open in the cell. Kawamatsu gritted his teeth.

But to these two, that didn’t matter. This was their shot at the All-Star seat. They resented being a step behind Jack, but complaining wouldn’t change anything. Here, strength was the only proof that mattered.

And so, they listened intently as Nue laid out the rules with a smile.

"Exactly!! If you two can kill Hiyori-chan within 24 hours——you get to challenge Jack for the All-Star position ♡"

"……That’s really all?"

The rules were simple—just as they’d heard over the Den Den Mushi.

Almost too simple.

"Well, that alone might be too easy~♡ So how about this? Kawamatsu joins in——two versus one ♪"

"……!! You serious?!"

The one most shocked by this response was Kawamatsu. And for good reason. This was his chance—to fight, to protect Hiyori. If he could fight, he could protect her—no, he would protect her. A dying ember in his heart flared back to life.

…But.

"Hold on. What if one of us kills her first? The other guy loses his shot. That ain’t fair."

"Yeah. What then?"

"……!! You bastards…!!"

Sasaki and Who’s-Who brushed off the 2v1 handicap like it was nothing, already nitpicking the rules. Their words only stoked Kawamatsu’s fury.

They were saying it was a foregone conclusion—that whoever struck first would win. That Hiyori wouldn’t survive the final day.

At the same time, they acknowledged each other’s strength while sneering at him, treating this like some game. To a samurai, there was no greater insult. The very idea of "turns" made his blood boil. They might’ve been dead serious, but to Kawamatsu, it was all meaningless.

"Hmm~ Well, in that case, the other guy gets another chance later, so don’t worry ♡ Just focus on killing your target!! Oh, but if you knock them out instead of killing them, they get a one-hour break, so be careful~!"

"Got it. Then, Sasaki—how do we decide who goes first—"

As Who’s-Who turned to Sasaki to settle the order, both clearly only interested in striking first—

"—Unnecessary…!!"

"! Princess?!"

"Huh…?"

The voice that cut through didn’t belong to Sasaki, Queen, Black Maria, or even Nue. Everyone froze.

Because inside that circular cell—Hiyori had risen to her feet, her glare fixed on those outside.

"…Hey, brat. Stay out of this."

"You don’t get a say. Just sit tight and enjoy the show—"

"—Silence…!! I wasn’t speaking to you…!!"

"…The hell?"

Who’s-Who and Sasaki scoffed, but Hiyori’s next words stunned them all.

She wasn’t arguing about who went first.

"Nue… san…!!"

"! Fufufu~ What is it, Hiyori-chan ♡?"

Her eyes were locked not on the two brutes, but on Nue. And what she said next shocked everyone present yet again.

“Two-on-one... I don’t need Kawamatsu’s help...!! Like I said from the start—let me fight one-on-one...!!”

“!!?”

—I don’t need help.

It was an outright rejection.

And from Hiyori, of all people, even though that change had been made specifically to give her an advantage. To actively undo that in favor of a solo match—it was madness. It made people wonder if she even realized how close to death she already was.

While everyone else stared in disbelief, their expressions darkening, Nue alone grinned wide, her lips curling like a crescent moon.

“...Ahaha♡ Is that so? You don’t need a handicap?”

“I don’t...!! I’m enough on my own...!! I can still fight...!!!”

“P-Princess!! What are you saying...!! In that battered body of yours, you won’t last two more hours, let alone two days...!! Please, allow me to support—!!”

Of course Kawamatsu tried to protest. But Hiyori snapped her head toward him with a sharp glare.

“I said I don’t need it...!!”

“This won’t do!! If you go through with this—”

“Even if I... haah... haah... even if I survive with your help, it won’t mean I’ve grown stronger!! Just leave me alone...!!”

“!!? Princess... what are you... what are you thinking...!!”

As Hiyori adamantly refused his aid, Kawamatsu’s expression twisted in pain.

Was it sorrow? Desperation? Or perhaps something deeper—something born from seeing his lord’s daughter change so drastically. It was hard to say.

But what wasn’t hard to understand was how the other two—especially the ones she had just blatantly insulted—felt about it.

“You little... You messing with us? Or are you just insane?”

“A one-on-one fight? Like that’s even gonna be a fight! Don’t make me laugh!!”

“I’m dead serious... Now come on... hurry up and attack already...!! I can swing a sword just fine now...!!”

“...!”

Who's Who and Sasaki, enraged by her claim that a solo match was enough, grew visibly more agitated. And when she taunted them to come at her, it was like pouring oil on fire—their killing intent shot up.

“...Fine then. If you’re that eager to die, I’ll make it quick.”

“Tch... What the hell’s with this crazy girl... Hey, Nue-san!! What now!?”

“Ahahaha!! Well, if Hiyori-chan’s going that far—obviously, no assistance allowed!!! One-on-one it is!! Sound good, Hiyori-chan!!?”

“Yes... Thank you...!!”

Nue waved off her own rule change without hesitation. As Who’s-Who and Sasaki seethed, barely restraining their transformations, Nue’s sharp eyes caught the faint smirk tugging at Hiyori’s lips.

"Fufufu… Almost time for the awakening, huh~ ♡"*

Under her breath, Nue mused—Maybe I’ve got a talent for nurturing after all.

---

──The New World, "Garakara Kosupa Island."

Twenty-four hours had passed since the battle between the Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates began on this lush, natural island.

The riverside forest, now a battlefield, had been completely mowed down, forcing countless animals to flee toward the island's outer edges.

"Hah… hah…!! Just when… the hell are you gonna fall, you bastard?!"

"…What’s wrong…? Already out of steam…?"

At the heart of the battle were two Yonko commanders—Big Mom Pirates' Sweet Commander Cracker and the Beasts Pirates' Tobiroppo, Jack.

The sheer difference in their level kept everyone else at bay. The onlookers could only watch from a distance.

"Shit… He’s been tankin’ Cracker’s onslaught for a whole damn day…!!"

"Jack’s keepin’ up with that bottomless stamina…!!"

"Unbelievable…!!"

Both crews were exhausted, barely managing to keep fighting.

"Haa… Clearly overworked… Gotta file for workers’ comp when I get back…"

"Then hurry up and leave—that’d help me out too, fiiii~yu!"

"That’s… not the point… If I back out now, it’ll just cause more trouble… So I’ll stay at my post till this is settled… Annoying as it is…"

"Whoa!!? Shit’s gettin’ crazy over there too!!"

"When the hell is this fight… gonna end?!"

Sono and Baron Tamago were still locked in combat. Tamago had already transformed twice using his Tama Tama no Mi abilities, evolving into Count Niwatori and gaining a significant power boost. But Sono, leveraging the advantage of the waterside, skillfully countered.

Still, the battle’s outcome wouldn’t be decided by them—it hinged on Jack and Cracker’s duel.

"Huff… Huff… Any minute now… just drop already!!!"

"…!!"

In this clash, Cracker had consistently held the upper hand.

"Honey Wave… Pretzel!!!"

"Guh… Oooh!!"

Cracker manipulated his Biscuit Soldiers, maintaining dominance as he drove his sword into Jack, wounding him.

But no matter how many injuries Jack took—he wouldn’t go down.

"Die…!!!"

"Tch…! Hah…! Like a damn broken record, spoutin’ the same shit over and over…!!"

Jack smashed through the Biscuit Soldiers, lunging at Cracker with murderous intent. Cracker barely dodged.

At first, evading had been effortless, but now, each dodge was razor-thin—fatigue was weighing on Cracker. Even the strongest slow down when exhausted.

Jack was just as tired from fighting an equal, but as a Zoan user, his stamina far surpassed Cracker’s. That gap was slowly tipping the scales against Cracker.

──And yet.

"Honey Wave Pretzel!!!"

"…Ugh!!"

"Jack-sama!!"

Battered and bleeding, Jack finally dropped to one knee.

Seeing this, Cracker—drenched in sweat—managed a grin.

"Hahaha!! Finally… hit your limit?!"

"…!"

Gasping for air but still barely standing, Cracker raised his sword, ready to finish Jack off.

One more hit, and Jack might be out of the fight.

And then… it’d mean defeat.

──Like hell…!!!

Jack rejected that notion outright.

As an aspiring All-Star, one of the Yonko’s top commanders, a draw against another Yonko’s elite was one thing—but losing? Unacceptable.

If he was to stand at the heart of the world’s strongest army, falling here—let alone dying—wasn’t an option.

So he’d stand. Stand.

Jack issued an unreasonable command to his own body. Can’t stand? No strength left? ——Bullshit. He wouldn’t allow it. He’d stand even if it killed him.

He was the little brother of the All-Star monsters. A beast who led beasts.

"Ugh… OOOOOOOOHHHH…!!!"

"Wha…!!?"

With a roar, Jack forced himself up.

Cracker, mid-step, froze, staring up at him—not just because Jack towered over him, but because of what he saw.

"You still have fight left…? No, that form—a Hybrid?!!"

"…!!"

"! Too fast—"

Before Cracker could fully process it, Jack’s monstrous speed sent him flying.

"GYAAAAHHH~~!!?"

"Cracker-sama!!?"

"Oh shit, that’s bad!!"

"The hell is that mammoth freak?!"

Shouts of shock erupted, mostly from Big Mom Pirates’ ranks. Jack’s Hybrid form—a fusion of man and beast—was unfamiliar to a crew with few Zoan users.

And even among Hybrids, few in the world reached this stage—where size and physical prowess surged beyond normal limits. But some knew. Especially in the Beasts Pirates, it wasn’t rare.

"Jack-sama has… awakened."

That’s right—it was Devil Fruit Awakening.

For Paramecia, awakening meant affecting the surroundings.

But for Zoans? It meant monstrous physical power, stamina, and regeneration—recovering from near-death in under an hour.

Among the Beasts Pirates, this was the next stage—one all All-Stars and above had reached.

"Dammit…!! That hurts, you freak…!! Gettin’ cocky…!!"

"…!!"

Cracker stood, blood streaming from his head, glaring as Jack advanced, crushing Biscuit Soldiers. With bloodshot eyes, he summoned fresh soldiers and raised his sword.

"Cracker-sama!!"

"The hell, Tamago?! Huff… You plannin’ to butt into my fight?! Back off and deal with that mermaid chick!!"

"No!! That’s not—!! The men found the eggs we came for!!"

"What?!"

Even Cracker couldn’t ignore that. But he couldn’t take his eyes off Jack, clapping to summon more soldiers while listening.

"Meaning we don’t need to fight anymore, soufflé~!!"

"Hah?! You tellin’ me to retreat after gettin’ my ass kicked?!"

"But if this drags on, we’ll miss Mama’s tea party, bon~!! And if Mama gets angry, it won’t just be the Beasts Pirates—we’ll suffer too!!"

"…!!"

Cracker gritted his teeth. Mama’s tea party. Missing it—or failing to deliver her treats—meant facing her wrath. A wrath that spared no one, not even her own children.

Tamago knew that. Which was why he didn’t voice the other reason to retreat—that the Big Mom Pirates were exhausted, and losing was a real possibility.

Stamina favored the Beasts Pirates. Tamago hadn’t beaten Sono, and Cracker was struggling against Jack.

But retreating because they might lose? That’d wound Cracker’s pride.

So Tamago gave him an out—mission accomplished, tea party at stake. That way, Cracker’s pride stayed intact, and Mama’s anger would be minimal.

"Cracker-sama!!"

"Tch…!! Fine!! We’re pulling out!! Mission accomplished!!"

"Y-yes, sir!!"

Cracker’s voice was thick with frustration as he gave the order. The Big Mom Pirates began their retreat, with Cracker summoning a wall of Biscuit Soldiers to cover their escape while the crew fell back.

"They’re running!!"

"What are your orders, Jack-sama?! Should we—?!"

"Don’t let them…!! Chase them down…!! Kill every last one…!!!"

"Understood!!"

Jack, his body still radiating fury, crushed trees and Biscuit Soldiers alike as he lunged forward—until, suddenly—

"No, Jack-sama. Time’s up."

"!!? What do you—"

Even in his enraged state, Jack halted at Sono’s voice, his eyes snapping to the object in her hand. Immediately, he reverted to his human form. The voice coming through the Den Den Mushi left no room for defiance.

"Ahahaha!! Jack, you look like you’re having so much fun!!"

"Nue-sama…!!"

The cheerful, girlish voice belonged to none other than Nue—the one who had sent Jack to this island in the first place. Instinctively, Jack straightened his posture. So, Sono’s presence had been on Nue’s orders after all.

"I get that you wanna chase down the Big Mom Pirates, but let’s call it a draw for now, okay~? Just grab the elephant and come home~♪"

"…Understood."

When Nue gave an order, there was no arguing. The only frustration left was his own—that he hadn’t crushed Cracker before the call came in.

"…………"

"Oh! And there’s something I gotta tell you when you get back—actually, why wait? I’ll just say it now!!"

Ignorant of Jack’s self-reproach, Nue continued brightly.

"You’re probably gonna be the fourth All-Star, so~"

"—Wha—"

"Well, it’s like, 80% decided? The official announcement’ll be at the next Golden Banquet, alongside the new Tobiroppo, so think of a cool comment, okay~? That’s all, love you~♡"

"WH… WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT~~!!?"

Jack’s crew erupted in shock.

Even Jack stood frozen, processing the words. Delivered so casually, yet they marked the achievement of his ultimate goal—promotion to the All-Stars.

"Congratulations, Jack-sama… sigh… I’m exhausted…"

"…So this was a test."

"Seems so… Let’s just find the elephant and go home. Come on, let’s go."

"…Using another Emperor’s top commander as a test subject… That woman’s as insane as ever."

Jack exhaled at the absurdity of Nue’s "exam." No doubt Kaido and the other All-Stars had been in on it too.

Absolutely insane.

Yet beneath the exasperation, pride flickered—he’d drawn closer to the monsters he admired.

But as they turned to leave, one question nagged at him:

──Who the hell’s gonna fill my spot in the Tobiroppo…?

---

Meanwhile: "Onigashima" Underground Prison

"Y’know, I think anyone can get stronger as long as they’ve got enough heat~♡"

The words echoed through the dim dungeon, worming their way into the listener’s skull.

A voice sweet as a girl’s, yet capable of invoking pure terror. Normally, it would’ve been a trigger for fear and hatred—but right now, it brought an odd sense of relief.

"Not like, 'willpower equals Haki strength' or whatever~ I mean, if you’re burning with enough madness—doesn’t matter if it’s talent or circumstances—you’ll get stronger anyway, right?"

Something closer to a demon than a human spoke, its tone dripping with curiosity rather than bloodlust.

"Obsession with living, vengeance… in your case, it’s probably that kinda thing, huh? That heat’s gotta outweigh fear, pride… otherwise—"

At the same time, I sat up.

Instinctively. Like my body knew it had to.

And as I rose, the monster grinned—a crescent-moon smile—and finished:

"—no way you’d survive seven days of killing against the Tobiroppo~♡"

"Goddammit…!! Why won’t you just DIE already!?"

"…!"

──Consciousness surged back.

Blinking slowly, I found myself inside a circular iron cage. A red-masked man loomed over me, snarling.

Everything was red. The floor was crimson-black. Fresh blood dripped.

It took only seconds to remember—this was my blood.

To realize—

I’d survived.

Seven days.

"The hell are you, some kinda zombie!?"

"…Ali…ve…"

My body felt hollow. A dull ache pulsed everywhere. My throat was beyond parched. Starvation clawed at my guts.

As I assessed the damage, it was a miracle I was breathing at all.

Most of my organs were wrecked. More bones broken than intact. Flesh torn. I’d lost enough blood to kill three men. The only things still functioning were my brain and heart.

But I was alive.

Leave me like this, and I’d die for sure—but right now, I wasn’t dead yet.

"Color me impressed…!!"

"!"

Another voice.

Through blurred vision, I saw her—the girl with crimson eyes, Nue—standing beside the monster I hated most.

Kaido.

"Just like Oden back then… Your body’s already a corpse. Should’ve died hours ago. So why’re you still breathing?"

"…………Stubbornness…"

"…………"

To Kaido’s genuine question, I answered honestly.

"I… won’t die… not yet… Not until… I kill all of you…!!!"

"…Heh. Funny. You really do remind me of that bastard Kozuki Oden…!!"

"…! …Heh… hehe…!!"

Kaido’s words made her laugh unintentionally.

Was it because she had been acknowledged as the daughter of Oden, Wano’s greatest samurai? Or was it the absurdity of drawing such words from Kaido himself and being recognized by him? …Or perhaps it was some other emotion—Hiyori couldn’t quite tell.

But there was one thing she wanted to say. And so, she decided to voice it.

"...I didn’t… defeat the Tobiroppo… but… does this mean… I’m free…?"

"...Didn’t think you’d actually pull it off…"

"Nishishi~! See, I told you, didn’t I?♪ Hiyori-chan had a high chance of surviving!! The bet’s mine, Kaido!!"

Nue fluttered around Kaido’s side, gloating in triumph. For some inexplicable reason, Hiyori felt a flicker of happiness at the sight—but more than that, she was focused on her own fate. She had always doubted whether they would truly keep their promise.

"...So it really did turn out like Nue said… Seems you’re dead set on killing us no matter what…!!"

"...Yes… But… right now, no matter how hard I struggle… I can’t win… I’ll grow stronger… and when the time comes, I’ll kill you head-on…"

"…………"

Kaido stared down at her directly. The stronger she became, the more she realized it—this man was a true monster.

Her own father had been no match for him. Countless mighty pirates and marines had challenged him, yet none had ever slain this "Strongest Creature." The sheer, overwhelming gap in their strength remained unfathomable, even now.

If she fought him now, he would crush her like an insect—killing her in an instant. Just like when she was a child. She had grown stronger, yes, but she still couldn’t reach this beast. She was still just a small, insignificant creature.

As Kaido looked down at her, she wondered what he was thinking… until, after a pause, he finally spoke.

"...So, you plannin’ to train under my crew until you’re strong enough to kill me?"

"...If that’s what it takes… then until then… I’ll obey you… I’ll do anything… If you tell me to lick Orochi’s feet, I’ll lick them… If you order me to spit on my father’s grave, I’ll do it…"

"—You’d make innocent people suffer, just to get your revenge?"

"Yes… Of course…!!"

Hiyori answered honestly, without hesitation.

This, at least, was no lie. It couldn’t be.

Because right now, this was the only thing keeping her alive—the only purpose she had left.

And so, in a twisted way, she even felt gratitude toward Kaido and Nue, who allowed her to hate them without restraint. They weren’t half-hearted hypocrites—they let her despise them fully, keeping her resolve unwavering. For that, she was thankful.

In response, Kaido grinned down at her, baring his teeth.

"Worororo…!! Well, well… you really do hate me…!!"

"...Your answer?"

When she pressed him again, Kaido nodded.

"Fine!! I’ll take you in as one of my top performers—as 'Komurasaki'!!!"

"...Thank you… for accepting me, even if it means deceiving Orochi…"

"Worororo!! Don’t sweat it!! To us, the 'Kozuki' and 'Kurozumi' are all the same—none of that shit matters!!"

"If they’re useful, we’ll play nice with either side! If they’re in the way, we’ll cut ‘em down!! So congraaaats~!! Starting today, Komurasaki-chan’s a top performer!! —And that means it’s PRESENT TIIIME~♪ Queen!! Drumroll, please!!"

"Darararara…!!"

"Got it right here, Nue-san."

"Hand it right over to Komurasaki-chan~♪"

"Yeah."

"...!! This… is…!!"

As Kaido and Nue declared her their subordinate, Queen provided a vocal drumroll from the side, while King tossed something toward her—a strange, swirling fruit. A Devil Fruit.

"An ultra-rare Devil Fruit~~~!! And not just any Devil Fruit—this one’s extra special, just for Komurasaki-chan!!! Eat up, get stronger, and do your best, Hiyori-chan~♡"

"But make no mistake!! The second you eat that, you’re officially my subordinate!! No betrayals until the day you come for your revenge—got it?!!"

"...Yes, I understand."

Hiyori nodded. Until the day of her vengeance, she would dedicate everything to the Beasts Pirates.

And she had already made up her mind. No matter what stood in her way, she would cut it down with this blade.

"Princess!! Princess!! You mustn’t do this!! Throwing everything away for revenge—!!"

"My, my, still got some fight in you, huh?"

But outside the tent where she had steeled her resolve, Kawamatsu was still making a fuss. Nearby, Joker shot a questioning glance at Kaido and Nue, as if asking, "What do we do with him?"

The two seemed to share the same thought, turning to Hiyori before delivering their command.

"Perfect timing. —Komurasaki!! Your first mission!! Kill one of those Red Scabbards with your own hands!!!"

"!"

"Aww, if you’d beaten the Tobiroppo, we really would’ve let him go~! Too bad, so sad—you lost, so no mercy!! Do your best~!"

"...Under… stood."

Even with her resolve firm, Hiyori still hesitated for a moment before nodding. She knew this was coming.

First, she brought the Devil Fruit to her lips—

"...!"

"...She actually ate it."

"Muhahaha!! A new ability-user is born!!"

"Fufufu~, how does it taste?"

The All-Stars watched her with probing eyes as she consumed the fruit. To them, she was nothing more than a future traitor. Even if she was now a subordinate, they would never trust her—not the right hands of Kaido and Nue. At the slightest suspicious move, they’d kill her without hesitation.

As for the Devil Fruit’s taste… she couldn’t even tell. She’d heard they were disgustingly foul, but she didn’t feel that way. Maybe it was her ravenous hunger—it almost tasted good. She was supposed to take just one bite, yet she devoured the entire thing without leaving a scrap.

Then, picking up her sword, she stepped out of the cell and toward Kawamatsu—but even as she moved, hostility followed her.

"—Don’t get cocky."

"!"

"Relax… I won’t touch you now… but the day you betray us, I’ll slaughter you myself… so keep your neck clean and wait for it…!!"

The words came in a low growl from none other than Who’s-Who of the Tobiroppo, the very man she had fought earlier.

Having lost his chance at promotion thanks to her, his anger was palpable. But perhaps knowing how pathetic it was to whine after the fact, he said nothing more, nor did he challenge Kaido and Nue’s decision.

…Come to think of it, she remembered Sasaki saying something similar after their fight on the sixth day.

But honestly, she doubted she’d ever cross blades with them again. And so, she voiced that thought.

"...Sorry to disappoint, but by the time I betray you, I’ll already be far beyond you. So that day will never come."

"...Then you’ll stay on our side forever. Welcome aboard. Always happy to have more allies… you little shit."

"…………"

"…………"

They spoke without facing each other, their words passing over their shoulders. She taunted him like a true pirate, and he fired back in kind.

But that was as far as it went. She stepped out of the cell.

She knew she couldn’t win against them yet. Had their earlier fight been a no-holds-barred deathmatch, she would’ve been killed instantly. The fact that none of the Tobiroppo bore any serious injuries was proof enough.

But soon, she would catch up. With the Devil Fruit’s power, she’d grow even stronger. Surpassing the Tobiroppo was a given—if she couldn’t even do that, she’d never stand a chance against Kaido or Nue.

"—Now, do it."

"...Yes, Lord Kaido."

──And finally.

I stood before Kawamatsu, my blade pointed at him.

My hand threatened to tremble, but my resolve was already steeled. I could suppress it. No shaking. No emotion on my face.

"...Any last words?"

"...Princess..."

Kawamatsu looked at me—then, as if finally accepting his fate, his face twisted for just a moment, biting back tears before his expression softened into... a smile.

"...The time I spent with you and Lord Oden... was the happiest of my life."

"...!!"

With those final words—he smiled.

And my hand moved on its own, acting against my will, yet doing exactly what it had to.

A faint spray of blood stained my fingers.

Kawamatsu didn’t cry out. He didn’t even grimace in pain.

──Why?

"Ooooh, she did it!! That’s our Hiyori-chan for ya!! Cold-blooded!!"

"...Was ready to step in if she choked."

"Oh, King, don’t scare her. This one’s our comrade now—she just cut down her old friend without hesitation!!"

Nue’s shrill voice, King’s admission that he would’ve killed her if she hesitated, even Kaido’s words—none of it reached her ears.

All she saw was Kawamatsu’s final moment.

Even in death, he had spared her. No pain. No suffering. No resentment.

It must have hurt. It must have been agony. He must have been drowning in grief—killed by the very daughter of his lord.

Yet he showed none of it. Even in death, he was thinking of her—just like her father and mother.

──How dare he...!!!

"...!!"

"Whoa!!? Komurasaki-chan!! Stabbing him again’s a bit much, don’tcha think!?"

"Did you have some grudge against him?"

──Yes. Exactly.

Just as Joker said. This unbearable feeling—they forced it onto her.

Her father. Her mother. And now, even Kawamatsu.

None of them thought of themselves in their final moments. Only those they left behind.

And it disgusted her.

"...!!"

"Hmm? You’re really goin’ at it, huh? Did you snap? Or did you really hate that samurai that much?"

Yes. She hated them. She hated samurai.

None of them ever voiced their suffering. They hid their pain. Never wailing, never cursing fate.

They all died cleanly. Proudly.

And that’s why—she could never give up on revenge.

"Haah... Haah...!!"

"WORORORORO!!! That’s Oden’s daughter for ya!! Completely deranged!!"

Yes. The samurai. Her father. All of them—insane.

They challenged the unbeatable. Fought to protect us. Died trying. And they’d keep doing it.

It wouldn’t end until she crushed them all. They’d keep throwing themselves into hopeless battles, leaving behind nothing but memories for the living.

──How dare they.

"Mhm-mhm!! Glad you got to kill him!! Feel better now, Komurasaki-chan?"

"...Yes. Very much so."

Her heart screamed in agony, but she forced it down, twisting it into rage.

She wouldn’t forget this humiliation. The worst feeling—killing her own. She’d carry this hatred with her forever.

One day... one day, she’d turn these beasts into corpses. And when that time came, she’d unleash everything.

Until then, she’d swallow every sacrifice. Suppress every emotion.

And she’d admit it—she was no longer human. Her very bones had been corroded by the logic of beasts, and she now believed it was right. She despised weak dreamers who clung to ideals.

This world belonged to the strong. Everything else was impurity. She’d cast it all aside. That was the only truth.

"Once again... I look forward to working with you."

With a hollow smile, she bowed to Kaido and Nue. This was the right path—the only way to achieve her revenge.

From now on, she would become an "oni." A vengeful demon who would sacrifice everything.

And she would sever the cycle of revenge and death.

Only she could do it—because she was no longer kind, no longer human. She was as cruel and ruthless as the beasts she served.

"...Fufufu♪ Then welcome aboard~!! Next time you get promoted, I’ll give you a new sword, so do your best!!"

"Right... Speaking of which, we’re holdin’ a tournament at the next Golden Festival to pick new Tobiroppo!! Try to win if you can. Win or lose, it’ll be good for the crew’s morale!!"

"──Of course. I’ll give it my all."

──And so, Hiyori once again became the courtesan "Komurasaki," now officially a top performer of the Beasts Pirates...

Months later, at the Golden Festival, her name—alongside another’s—would spread across the crew and the world.

Soon after, their bounties were updated:

A hulking brute with a savage glare.

And a samurai clad in ornate armor, wielding one of the 21 Great Grade Blades—Enma.

[Beasts Pirates All-Star "The Drought" Jack — Bounty: 800,000,000 Berries]

[Beasts Pirates "Tobiroppo" Komurasaki — Bounty: 100,000,000 Berries]

──The weak, helpless child from before was gone.