Chapter 113: The State of Wano

Sea Calendar Year 1512.

Jack was now 16 years old. Standing tall at a height of seven meters, he didn't look much shorter next to Kaido himself.

Because of his similar build and choice of weapon to Kaido, a peculiar rumor began spreading within the Beasts Pirates: Jack was actually Kaido's biological son, while Yamato was merely adopted.

This rumor started as a casual joke from Queen, but unfortunately, the ever-gullible Yamato overheard it. Taking it seriously, she drowned her sorrows in sake before chasing Jack all the way from Kuri to Udon. Poor Jack found himself the subject of relentless teasing, and before long, even the newer pirates started to believe the story.

It wasn't until Kaido returned and personally intervened that the misunderstanding was cleared up—though his explanation only gave birth to a different rumor. Some claimed that Yamato had originally been intended as Jack's betrothed, but plans changed when their physiques didn't match, leading Kaido to shift his favor toward Black Maria instead.

At this point, if you believed the whispers, Kaido might as well be a great-grandfather already.

Last year had been a particularly busy one for Jack. He spent nearly all of it overseeing various operations in Kuri and training a trio of brash rookies led by Yamato. Thanks to Rim, Master, and Holdem's assistance, Kuri's development advanced rapidly.

The common folk in Wano began to show less fear toward the Beasts Pirates. Some even took the initiative to root out and report any samurai still in hiding.

Among the young talents Jack had been watching over, the Ulti and Page One siblings showed promising growth. Their progress required little effort on Jack's part, they just needed to keep training hard.

Yamato, however, was a different story. She was growing stronger by the day, mastering both Armament and Observation Haki with increasing proficiency. With Kaido constantly away on his own escapades, it fell to Jack to guide her in using her Devil Fruit powers as well. Naturally, this meant Jack spent more time with her than with anyone else.

But to Jack's relief, Yamato's physical growth seemed to be accelerating as if she were on some sort of miracle growth formula. It turned out that Kaido's advice—plenty of running, exercise, and milk—was effective after all. If she kept developing at this rate, Jack's dream of having both strength and beauty on either side of him might just come true.

"Argh…" Jack winced as a sharp pain from his backside interrupted his thoughts. He cursed Kaido under his breath before collapsing onto his bed and falling into a deep sleep.

Over time, the residents of Wano had grown accustomed to the fishmen within the Beasts Pirates. At first, their unusual appearances frightened the people, but familiarity eventually brought acceptance.

In truth, many found the fishmen to be easier to deal with than their human pirate counterparts. As overseers, the fishmen were often more reasonable. For the downtrodden citizens of Wano, who had lived under relentless oppression, there was no prejudice toward fishmen—only fear and curiosity. As they got to know these aquatic enforcers, the townsfolk even came to respect them.

On the fishmen's side, their time in Wano broadened their worldview. Under King's guidance, and after seeing the vastness of the world beyond Fish-Man Island, they softened their once-radical attitudes. The Beasts Pirates' treatment of them as equals further bolstered their satisfaction. While instances of discrimination occasionally arose, those who dared to act on such prejudices were swiftly dealt with.

As one of the All-Stars, Jack held certain privileges within the crew. Though infighting among officers was prohibited, minor skirmishes were often overlooked. If Jack smashed a few hapless grunts after a night of heavy drinking or roughed up someone who insulted the fishmen, no one dared to challenge him.

As the fishman population grew, Kaido ordered that the Habu Port of Hakumai be handed over to their management. This decision also signified a shift in responsibilities—Kaido entrusted Hakumai to Jack, recognizing his effective administration of Kuri.

One of Jack's most impactful reforms was introducing a new currency system for Wano. The old coins, replaced by copper, silver, and gold coins bearing Kaido's image—a change Kaido enthusiastically endorsed.

The previous system, where food was earned through labor, lasted only two months before Jack replaced it with a proper monetary economy. Workers received fair wages for their efforts, which they could then spend, funneling the currency back into the Beasts Pirates' control.

Under Jack's leadership, Kuri flourished. The once-humble village of Amigasa evolved into a bustling town, attracting new residents and even experiencing a population boom as food and water became abundant. With these improvements, families began growing again, and newborn cries filled the air.

Jack also ensured that Kuri catered to the pirates' needs, establishing entertainment districts with brothels and gambling dens to keep the crew satisfied. Meanwhile, Udon was repurposed entirely into a weapons factory, its residents relocated to Kuri. Master took charge of environmental purification in Udon, transforming it into a hub for prisoners and criminals. Public executions became a spectacle, reminding the people of the price of rebellion.

Elsewhere, Bakura Town prospered as the seat of samurai families allied with the Beasts Pirates. These residents lived in relative luxury, enjoying privileges far beyond those of ordinary citizens.

With the wealth of the Beasts Pirates growing steadily, this year's Fire Festival promised to be the grandest yet. Though still a week away, Wano was already brimming with festive energy.

For the people of Kuri and Udon, this year's Fire Festival marked a significant turning point. No longer plagued by hunger or death, their once-ashen faces now glowed with vitality. To celebrate, Jack declared a ten-day holiday for the occasion.

The streets buzzed with activity as food vendors—many of them widowed women trained by Jack's team—set up their stalls. Even the pirates, under Jack's watchful eye, paid for their meals with coins rather than force. Yamato, the Ulti and Page One siblings, and even Yamato's pet wolf were frequent customers, their boisterous presence adding life to the festivities.

As Jack sat on a rooftop overlooking the vibrant lights of Amigasa Town, a satisfied smile crept across his face.

Still, a small pang of regret lingered in his mind. I wonder if any of those brothels have women as tall as me...

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The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg