"Jack! You know exactly what I mean!" Kaido's deep, growling voice echoed through the room.
"And I also know what you'll do once you leave Onigashima!" Kaido paused, his sharp gaze locked onto Jack. "The World Government has stopped pursuing you. With your strength now, as long as you don't run into those few, there's no one who's your match."
He paused again, patting Jack on the shoulder before grabbing the Hassaikai from his hand and continuing, "Our intelligence network has finally been established. I'll allow you to act independently in the New World, but you must stay updated on intel. Don't let your temper get the better of you."
Kaido's tone grew harsher. "And you should know the places you're forbidden to go. Don't start any unnecessary wars!"
Jack grinned, thumping his chest proudly.
"What are you talking about? I, Jack, am a peaceful and gentle homebody!"
Kaido gave him a blank stare, then leapt into the air with a single powerful kick.
"Kaido-sama? Hey, Kaido-sama! Wait for me! Take me with you!" Jack shouted, sprinting after him. "Hey, don't leave me! Damn it!"
The Mammoth prepared to set sail once again, but Master was left behind in Wano. For now, Kuri relied too heavily on her abilities, and Holdem had been stationed permanently in Bakura Town. He hardly got the chance to sail with Jack anymore, but Holdem didn't mind. After all, nursing his bruised pride during the day and spending evenings being pampered by women was a comfortable life.
Finder and the 200 Fish-Men under his command not only formed the Mammoth's main combat crew but were also responsible for catching fish for Jack and his companions. Their burly physiques reflected their role, some even rivaling Finder's towering six-meter frame—though their faces were… less fortunate.
Beyond the original crew, Rim had selected ten repentant samurai who had joined the Beasts Pirates. Together, they formed a swordsmen squad. Each samurai possessed remarkable skill. Their loyalty was unshakable, as their families, the first to join the Beasts Pirates, enjoyed privileges such as residing in Bakura Town or running profitable businesses across Wano.
Jack reluctantly bid farewell to Black Maria, holding her hand until the very last moment. Only after Maria transformed did he finally let go, tossing the little Yamato—who had been diligently braiding pigtails on his shoulder—aside and jumping onto the deck.
"Alright, you lot! Set sail! Move the ship out!" Jack bellowed, his voice cutting through the crew's excitement.
The Mammoth departed from Onigashima's port at full speed. The crew, especially the samurai who had never left Wano, buzzed with anticipation. To them, the vast, unexplored ocean felt as thrilling as when Fish-Men first left Fish-Man Island.
As Onigashima faded into a distant dot on the horizon, Jack finally turned his attention back to the ship.
"Strange… where's Yamato? Did he drink too much?"
Half a day into the voyage, lunchtime arrived. Jack approached the dining hall only to find over a hundred pirates loitering at the door.
"What are you all doing? Get in there and eat!" Jack barked.
"Uh, Captain Jack…" one of them stammered.
Hearing his name, the pirates quickly cleared a path for him. Jack pushed open the door—and his face immediately darkened.
"Is this some kind of joke?!"
Inside, Yamato and a wolf feasted enthusiastically amidst the chaos of overturned tables, a smoky kitchen, and chefs hurriedly bringing out more dishes.
"Yamato! You idiot!" Jack roared, storming over. "Who let you sneak aboard? Does Kaido know about this?! And you, stupid mutt! One day, I'll roast you and eat you!"
"Woof…" The wold whimpered, rolling onto its back and exposing its belly.
"Don't play cute with me! Yamato's right—you're not even a dog, you're a wolf!" Jack snapped.
After being retrieved by Finder and his Fish-Men from a quick dunk in the sea, Yamato coughed out a few mouthfuls of water and glared at Jack. Before she could speak, Jack scooped her up and carried her to his quarters.
"Hey, what gives?! I just wanted to come along!" Yamato protested.
Back in his cabin, Jack sighed, setting Yamato down. "You snuck onto my ship. Do you realize what'll happen when your father finds out? He'll hunt me down and toss me into the sea! Please, just let me send you back!"
Yamato rolled her eyes, smirking. "What's there to worry about? I'll fight on your side! Let's see who ends up in the sea."
"You call that being filial?! Look, just—just stay away from me! I'll take you back myself if I have to!"
Jack grabbed a glass of water from his bedside table and drank it to calm his nerves. Yamato's eyes sparkled with mischief as she suddenly shouted:
"If you send me back, I'll tell my father—"
Her voice dropped dramatically. "I'm pregnant. And it's yours!"
"Pffft—!!" Jack spat the water everywhere, his face frozen in shock.
Yamato wiped her face, feigning innocence as she stared at him.
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The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg