Chương 39: Chapter 39: Carnival

### 1503, Shirakawa Island, New World

The sun peeked over the horizon, casting a warm glow on the west coast of Kaido's mountain villa. In the open-air courtyard, Kaido sat comfortably in a large chair, casually chewing on a massive piece of roasted Sea King meat. Not far from him, a seven-year-old girl with horns sprouting from her head was swinging a sword in intense practice.

"You're just using brute strength," Kaido said between bites, his voice low and casual. "Focus on form too."

Yamato, drenched in sweat, paused and glared at him, her young voice full of frustration. "What kind of father are you? Your daughter's training, and you're just sitting there eating!"

"Hey, hey, don't put this on me," Kaido said with a grin, clearly unbothered. "You're the one who decided to play in the northern forest instead of catching your own food. We had the same amount of time. If I can catch something, why can't you?"

Yamato's small face twisted in rage. "You stupid, stupid father! Give me some food!" She dashed toward the table where Kaido's meal lay, but with a simple flick of his finger, Kaido sent her flying backward.

"AAAH! You hit me again! I'm telling mom!" Yamato shouted, clutching her head. Even Kaido's lightest taps felt like smashing into a steel wall.

"Don't blame me for your own mistakes. You should've caught your own food. Now, finish your morning routine, and you might get something to eat this afternoon," Kaido teased, his grin wide.

Yamato, still fuming, stomped her foot. "You're the one who takes everyone's money!"

Kaido blinked. 'Did she figure out I'm a criminal pirate?' he thought. "What are you talking about? Whose money did I take?"

"Taxes!" Yamato shouted, her face flushed with anger. "Don't you take taxes from everyone?"

Kaido chuckled. "Hey, hey, don't get confused. The Beast Pirates collect the taxes, not me."

"What's the difference? You're the leader of the Beast Pirates!" Yamato shot back, her voice sharp.

"You don't get it. Taxes are collected because people use the resources of Shirakawa Island. The Beast Pirates use that money to keep the island running. Roads, the water you drink at home—that doesn't just come from nowhere."

"You're just making excuses! Mom told me you used that money to build your giant ship!"

"Worororo," Kaido laughed, amused by his daughter's logic. "And whose security do you think that ship protects? If it weren't for your father, this wealthy island would've been devoured by monsters by now."

"Monsters? You mean pirates?"

Kaido grinned. "Not just pirates. Other nations, too, would be more than happy to take a bite out of Shirakawa if they could. Now stop yapping and get back to work."

Yamato huffed but returned to her training, her sword swinging again. Kaido, watching her out of the corner of his eye, couldn't help but think back to the events of a few months ago.

It had been the end of the year, and to boost Shirakawa's economy, Kaido had announced a grand carnival for the island.

The end of the year was fast approaching, and Shirakawa Island's East City was already buzzing with excitement. Kaido had gathered the Beast Pirates in the grand conference room at his mountain villa to discuss the upcoming carnival. The room was large, adorned with battle-worn relics, and the atmosphere was charged with both anticipation and tension.

Kaido sat at the head of the table, his massive frame leaning back comfortably in his chair. King, Queen, and the other officers were seated around him, awaiting his announcement."We're going all out this year," Kaido began, his voice booming with authority. "The carnival's going to draw in every merchant, pirate, and bounty hunter worth their salt. Our goal is to fill the coffers and show everyone why Shirakawa is untouchable."

King nodded, arms crossed. "We'll need heavy security. Patrols at every major street and the docks. Any ship coming in is watched by our men."

With that, the Beast Pirates split up to take on their roles. Guards were assigned to patrol the streets and ports, while others set up shops, stages, and food stalls. The island was coming to life.

Year-End Carnival

As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, the East City of Shirakawa Island shone brightly, illuminated by lanterns and fireworks. The air was filled with the smell of grilled meats, sweet treats, and the sounds of laughter and music. Ships sailed in and out of the port, but none escaped the watchful eyes of the Beast Pirates patrolling the docks. Their presence was a silent reminder of who ruled this island.

The streets were packed with people—merchants, pirates, and citizens alike—all talking excitedly about the grand auction that would take place later in the night. Word had spread that the Beast Pirates were raking in serious money, and there was no shortage of envy in the air.

"Did you hear?" a man whispered to his companion as they passed a food stall. "Kaido's making a fortune from those mines of his. And now this carnival…"

"I know. He's practically taken over the whole area. It's like he's running a damn kingdom, not a pirate crew," his friend replied.

As the carnival reached its peak, a massive ship loomed on the horizon, drawing everyone's attention. The ship was unmistakable—Big Mom's ship . The sheer size of the vessel dwarfed every other ship in the port, and it glided in under the watchful gaze of King and the Beast Pirates stationed at the docks.

Standing at the helm, towering over the deck, was none other than Charlotte Katakuri, the Sweet Commander of the Big Mom Pirates. His scarf fluttered in the wind as he surveyed the bustling port below, his sharp eyes catching every detail."Kaido sure went big this time," Katakuri muttered to himself, his arms crossed.

A pirate beside him smirked. "He's got the money for it. All those mines must be overflowing with treasure."

"Mom said to bring back everything sweet," another crew member chuckled.

Katakuri didn't respond. His mind wasn't on the carnival or the sweets—they were secondary to his real mission. With his unparalleled Observation Haki, he was tasked with assessing Kaido's crew. He needed to get a sense of the strength Kaido had gathered under his banner.