Yamato

​The sun rose over Wano Country, painting the sky in brilliant hues of orange and red. Atop the highest cliff overlooking the capital, sat a solitary figure, white hair dancing in the morning breeze. Where Onigashima once threatened to crush the Flower Capital, now only memories remained of the skull-shaped island that had sunk to the ocean depths after Kaido's defeat.     Yamato stretched, kanabo resting casually across broad shoulders, surveying the land that had been both prison and home. The son of Kaido inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of freedom that still felt new after decades of confinement.   "Wano's borders will open soon," Yamato murmured, eyes fixed on the horizon where the Thousand Sunny had disappeared weeks ago. "Just as Oden wished."   Below, reconstruction continued at a feverish pace. The citizens of Wano worked together, rebuilding what had been destroyed during Kaido's tyrannical reign. Occasionally, they would look up and wave at their unexpected guardian.   Yamato grinned, waving back enthusiastically. "I'll protect this land until it's truly free! That's what Kozuki Oden would do!"     The decision to remain had been difficult but necessary. Outside forces—Marines, other Emperors, and unknown threats—circled like vultures, eager to claim Wano now that Kaido had fallen. Someone needed to stand guard while Momonosuke learned to govern.   Yamato leapt down, landing with earth-shaking force that belied an elegant grace. A group of children gasped in awe, then swarmed around their hero.   "Tell us about Luffy again!" one shouted.   "Will you really join the Straw Hats someday?" asked another.   Yamato laughed, a booming sound full of joy. "Of course! Luffy promised! And when I do, I'll have adventures just like Oden did with Whitebeard and Roger!"   The children cheered as Yamato ruffled their hair.   "But first," Yamato declared, pointing the kanabo toward the newly rebuilt castle, "I have a ​duty to fulfill here. Oden protected Wano with his life, and so will I until the time is right!"     The children nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of Yamato's words. They had all heard stories of the legendary samurai who had sacrificed everything for their homeland.   As Yamato walked through the streets of the capital, citizens bowed respectfully. It was still strange to be revered rather than hunted. For twenty years, Yamato had been the enemy's child but now stood as Wano's guardian.   Near the harbor, Yamato paused to watch fishermen unload their catches. The sea called constantly, a siren song of adventure that echoed Oden's logbook. Someday soon, those waters would carry the son of Kaido to new horizons.   "Yamato-sama!" A messenger ran up, slightly out of breath. "Ships approaching from the east! They don't appear to be friendly!"   A wolfish grin spread across Yamato's face as fingers tightened around the kanabo. This was becoming a weekly occurrence—opportunists thinking Wano vulnerable without its former tyrant.   "Perfect timing! I was just getting bored!" Yamato laughed, already sprinting toward the eastern shore. "I'll show them why they shouldn't underestimate Wano or its protector!"   The transformation began mid-stride—white fur erupting across skin, fangs elongating, divine power surging through every muscle. The mythical wolf of Wano raced to meet the latest threat, ice forming with each powerful breath.     "Just like you wrote in your journal, Oden," Yamato growled, "a land worth protecting is worth fighting for!"