Three years later, Ian is now eight years old.
Compared to three years ago, he has grown significantly taller, and the baby fat on his face has faded, gradually revealing a handsomeness that resembles that of a young man.
Yamato, standing next to him, has also grown a lot. Her hair now reaches her waist, though her face remains round and adorable.
Carrying a mace as tall as she is on her back, Yamato stands proudly on the back of a giant's second tooth, her enthusiasm evident. "Hehe, this is the first time Dad has asked us to go on a mission. We can't let him down!"
Ian, however, looks thoughtful. "I don't think it's something to be overly excited about."
"Hahahaha, we're the strongest duo in the Beast Pirates!" Yamato exclaims, slapping Ian on the shoulder repeatedly. She tilts her chin slightly, looking as if she can conquer the world. "With our combined strength, we can defeat any opponent!"
The giants beneath their feet seem to agree with joy.
"See? Erya thinks so too!" Yamato stomps her feet in excitement.
"Big... and... most... strong!" the giant named Erya murmurs in agreement.
Erya doesn't speak much.
Recently, Kaido acquired several artificial ancient giants—essentially future barbarian overlords—from the World Government. This time, he bought only three.
Strictly speaking, these giants, including the three of them, are considered failures of the artificial ancient giant experiment. Otherwise, the government wouldn't have sold them. However, they are not entirely unsuccessful.
Although their IQ might not be high, their combat abilities exceed those of the average giant, making them quite valuable to the Beast Pirates.
Erya was assigned by Kaido to assist Ian and Yamato, and during their time on Onigashima, the two had developed a good rapport with him.
Ian watched as the castle tower loomed closer, but he couldn't share Yamato's excitement. He wasn't as optimistic about the situation.
He had never liked fighting, and this time, the enemies Kaido had set up for them were anything but ordinary.
"Stop... Stop... Stop!!"
A terrified voice rang out from below, "Who are you!!"
The samurai guarding the castle tower trembled as they drew their swords, mustering the courage to confront Erya.
Standing before Erya, who was fifty or sixty meters tall, the samurai looked like nothing more than ants. Just being in the presence of such a colossal creature filled them with a primal fear.
"Call out that Orochi!"
Yamato's tone was haughty and commanding, "Just tell him Yamato is here!"
The samurai had no idea who Yamato was or what her background was. But that didn't stop them from wanting to flee into the castle tower as quickly as possible.
It didn't matter who Yamato was; the giant was terrifying!
Soon, more samurai poured out of the castle tower, surrounding the two with a tight perimeter.
On the upper floors of the tower, sturdy figures leaped out like fleas and landed on the surrounding rooftops, keeping a vigilant watch on Erya and the two people on his back.
Yamato marveled at the agile figures, "This is the first time I've seen them!"
Ian sighed. Didn't she notice that these ninja warriors were all armed?
"Yes, it's Kaido's daughter!"
A stout man with a strikingly proportioned build emerged from the balcony at the top of the castle tower, flanked by his men. He appeared to be on par with Ian in terms of stature.
Ian observed the man from a distance: purple hair, an unattractive face still showing visible panic, and a crown on his head.
At this moment, the man was also eyeing them, especially Yamato, who he recognized immediately.
He looked at Ian again, "Kaido's disciple!"
Kurozumi Orochi had visited Onigashima and met both Yamato and Ian.
"That's right! I'm Yamato, and this is Ian!"
Yamato lifted her chin proudly, patted Ian's shoulder, and looked at Orochi. "Are you Kurozumi Orochi?!"
But she wasn't familiar with Orochi.
"What about the others?"
Orochi asked almost instinctively.
"Others?" Yamato glanced at Ian and then down at the top of Erya's head. "There's no one else."
Orochi's anger flared instantly. "He just sent you two brats? What do you think you can do?!"
Ian clapped his hands cheerfully upon hearing this. "That's perfect! Yamato, let's head back."
Who wants to help this fool with killing?
Yamato raised her eyebrows and glared at Ian. "What are you talking about, Ian? I don't want to!" She turned to Orochi, her arms crossed and her expression defiant. "How dare you look down on us! Do you want a beating?"
Ian looked at Yamato with a slightly amused expression, reflecting on how cute she was back then.
Kaido-sensei, you have much to answer for!
"Please don't misunderstand, Lady Yamato."
At this moment, an elderly woman who was guarding Orochi hurriedly intervened. She tugged at Orochi's sleeve to remind him and bowed repeatedly to Yamato.
"Shogun Orochi isn't questioning your strength. However, the target this time is extraordinary. As Lord Kaido's children and disciples, Shogun Orochi is concerned for your safety."
Ian studied the woman before him for a moment.
So, this should be Kurozumi Higurashi, someone with Clone-Clone Devil Fruit abilities.
And the old man beside him is Kurozumi Semimaru, known for his Barrier Barrier Fruit ability.
"Does he think so little of us?" Yamato snorted derisively. "My partnership with Ian is unbeatable! Enough with the idle chatter—lead the way! I want to see what this guy is really made of!"
Kurozumi Higurashi glanced nervously at Orochi.
She was genuinely concerned.
If Kaido's daughter and his disciple were to fall in the Flower Capital, they would have to face the wrath of Kaido!
"Well then, if you're determined to go, let's move," Orochi said. Annoyed by the white-haired girl's audacity to criticize him, he decided it was best to let her face some challenges. "Fukurokuju, take them to find the Hyougoro of the Flower!"
Fukurokuju, the bald ninja who guards Orochi and serves as the captain of the Orochi's Oniwabanshu , nodded respectfully. "Yes, sir."
Kurozumi Semimaru was sweating.
Did this foolish Shogun not consider the consequences? It was almost amusing.
Kurozumi Higurashi quickly added, "Semimaru, go with them to ensure the safety of the two youngsters."
Semimaru, a user of the Barrier Barrier Fruit, could protect them effectively. His barrier was impenetrable even to Kozuki Oden, so the safety of these two would be secured with him around.
The thin old man nodded, understanding Higurashi's intent. "Understood. I will handle it."
"And, Fukurokuju!" Kurozumi Higurashi turned her attention back to the bald ninja. "Take all the Orochi's Oniwabanshu 's personnel with you. Ensure nothing goes wrong."
Fukurokuju looked towards Orochi.
Orochi seemed to want to speak, but Kurozumi Higurashi kept tugging at his sleeve. Ultimately, Orochi could only acquiesce. "Very well then."
"Yes, Lord Orochi," Fukurokuju said as he went off to assemble his ninjas.
He had hundreds of ninjas under his command, making them a formidable fighting force.
"Just lead the way, regardless of who it is," Yamato urged.
"Very well, please follow me," Fukurokuju said with respectful demeanor. "I will guide you to confront the yazuka boss of the Flower Capital, Hyougoro of the Flower!"
Hyougoro of the Flower—this was the task Kaido had assigned to Ian and the others this time.
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