Two days later, Yamato and Haruko set out for the Mining Camp in Udon. They traversed the rugged wilderness on the backs of two large, Tyrannosaurus-like beasts that ran wildly across the terrain, carrying them toward the industrial heart of the country.
"Young Mistress, there's something on my mind, though I'm not sure if I should say it," Haruko spoke up, her voice steady despite the rhythmic thudding of their mounts.
Yamato offered a slight smile, her golden earrings swaying and reflecting the sunlight with the same brilliance as her pupils. "Given our relationship, do you still need to be so polite? Go ahead, say it."
"I think it would be best to get rid of those two Nine Red Scabbards," Haruko expressed firmly. "Otherwise, they will bring trouble to the Beasts Pirates sooner or later."
"Hmm, I know what you're thinking," Yamato replied, her golden eyes deepening with a look of maturity. "But Haruko, you need to understand that my Idiot Old Man's dream is impossible. Even if I join him, the result will only be failure. The truly wise approach is to leave Wano Country and choose a way of life that actually suits pirates. Claiming territory and trying to become a king is completely unsuitable for us."
Haruko listened, her understanding of Yamato's perspective growing. "It's just... Young Mistress, you are still our Young Mistress, after all."
"Yes, I am the Young Mistress of the Beasts Pirates and the child of Beast Kaido," Yamato nodded lightly. "So there are some things I must do. I need to plan for the future of this crew. When the world inevitably changes, I must be the one to lead everyone in a calm retreat. Whether it's my Idiot Old Man, my Second Uncle, Third Uncle, Jack, or you—I cannot abandon anyone."
Haruko felt a surge of emotion at Yamato's words. She could feel the genuine concern hidden beneath the casual exterior. Even though Yamato usually appeared uninterested in the day-to-day affairs of the crew, she clearly considered herself a protector of its members. She saw the flaws in Kaido's plan and was already looking toward a more distant horizon.
"Pirates are meant to be free. That's what the Pirate King said. How could the words of the Pirate King be wrong?" Yamato grinned. Her smile radiated a will for freedom that moved Haruko deeply.
"No matter what choice you make, I will follow you," Haruko declared, her voice filled with newfound determination.
"That's wonderful," Yamato smiled cheerfully. The Beasts Pirates belonged to Kaido, but in her heart, they belonged to her too. She would ensure they didn't simply disappear when the tide turned.
"It's a good thing my Idiot Old Man doesn't know that the ancient weapon Pluton is hidden underground in Wano," Yamato thought to herself. "Otherwise, he'd change his mind immediately, dig it up, and start a war. That would certainly make things move faster."
She had originally assumed Kaido targeted Wano because he knew its deepest secret, but she eventually realized he was completely in the dark. "I wonder if my Idiot Old Man should be considered lucky or unlucky," she muttered. Luck had brought him to the right island, but it hadn't been enough to reveal the true prize.
After a while, they arrived at the massive fortifications of the Mining Camp.
"Open the gate! The Young Mistress has arrived!" Haruko shouted toward the towering, shut doors.
A few seconds later, the iron gate groaned and began to slide open with a heavy, rumbling sound. Yamato and Haruko rode their mounts into the camp.
"Greetings, Young Mistress and Lady Haruko. Lord Queen is already waiting for you," a subordinate said, bowing respectfully before leading the way.
As they walked, they saw hundreds of prisoners in thin, tattered uniforms laboring under the hot sun. They were mining Sea Stone, their movements slow and weary. Seeing strangers arrive with an official escort, many prisoners looked over with hollow, curious eyes.
"Hurry up! Don't slack off! If anyone stops moving, you can forget about eating tonight!" the guards shouted. Whips cracked against the dry earth as a constant reminder of the consequences of disobedience. The prisoners were a mix of fear and suppressed rage, but none dared to resist.
"What are you looking at? Eyes down! Is the Young Mistress of our Beasts Pirates someone you despicable wretches can stare at?" a Gifter shouted. He had the body of a black bear everywhere except for his human head. He lashed out with a whip, sending a prisoner flying.
He was one of the 23 artificial devil fruit users assigned here to guard the mines. The prisoners immediately lowered their heads, terrified, though the news rippled through their ranks. "That woman... she's the Young Mistress?"
Yamato glanced indifferently at the violence, while Haruko's eyes remained cold and unwavering. They eventually reached the most impressive building in the center of the camp.
"Third Uncle, what are you up to?" Yamato asked as they entered the large hall.
Queen's plump figure was hunched over a workbench. A strong, pungent smell of chemicals emanated from him, suggesting he had just finished a project.
"I'm researching some new biological weapons," Queen said, sitting back and expertly lighting a cigar. He waved a hand, signaling his subordinates to serve tea. "Young Mistress, why the sudden visit?"
"I just came to look around, and to check on that Red Scabbard I sent your way. I didn't see him outside. Is he locked up?" Yamato smiled.
Queen nodded. "That guy Denjiro has a terrible temper. He beat up a dozen of my men as soon as he got here. He's clearly not afraid of death. If Big Brother didn't want to subdue him, I would have killed him long ago. Now I've locked him up with the other one. They get one bowl of rice a day—just enough to keep them breathing."
"Third Uncle, didn't you try to convince the Old Man to just finish him off?" Yamato asked.
Queen looked genuinely annoyed. "Of course I told him! But he insists on breaking their will. He wants me to figure out a way to make them loyal. I have to comply. In my opinion, we should just execute them and let them follow Kozuki Oden into the grave."
"Hahaha! That really puts you in a tough spot," Yamato burst out laughing. "You and Second Uncle really spoil my Old Man. Honestly, even nannies aren't as competent as you two."
Queen's mouth twitched. "Well, what can I do? We recognized Kaido as our Big Brother. Once you get on this pirate ship, there's no getting off."
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