"Eh?! You can get used to that?" Nami exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise. She didn't even bother wiping the water dripping from her face as she stared at Yamato.
Kalifa, standing nearby, gave Nami a light tap on the head and said, "Are you focusing on the wrong thing? Why would Kaido lock up his own daughter… or son? Is he insane?"
Dodging Kalifa's hand with a huff, Nami scooped up a handful of water and splashed it back at her. "You're blaming me? You're the one who's focused on the wrong thing! A mythical beast fruit is obviously the most incredible part here."
Wiping the water from her face, Kalifa shot Nami an unimpressed look. "You dare splash water on me? Let me teach you a lesson!"
"Oh yeah? Bring it on!" Nami retorted, puffing out her chest. "I'll show you my ultimate water style!"
The two women immediately launched into a playful water fight, splashing each other with relentless energy.
The rest of the group turned away, shaking their heads at the commotion.
Yamato, watching them with a bemused expression, turned to the others. "Do you want to see my fruit ability?"
A chorus of eager nods followed. "Yes! Yes! Show us!"
Smiling brightly, Yamato was more than happy to oblige her new friends. With a loud, powerful howl, "Awoo~," she transformed.
In an instant, a magnificent white werewolf appeared in the pool.
Her snow-white fur gleamed under the sunlight, her long silver hair cascading down her back in a regal mane. Her deep blue eyes exuded a cold, dignified aura, and the long, ribbon-like shawls flowing from her arms gave her an air of both majesty and sacred solemnity.
The transformation was breathtaking, and for a moment, everyone was speechless, stunned by the beauty and power Yamato radiated.
But the spell was broken as soon as Yamato opened her mouth.
"Hehe, what do you think? Am I super cool?" she asked, her sharp wolf claws pointing at herself as she grinned proudly.
Her friends burst into applause, led by her enthusiastic "siblings," Olivia and Kujaku.
"Clap, clap, clap! So cool! You're the best, second brother!" Olivia cheered.
"Second brother, you're amazing! I love you so much!" Kujaku added with equal fervor.
With the support of her self-proclaimed siblings, Yamato beamed with happiness. She even created an ice ball with her claws and juggled it for effect.
The others, though not as over-the-top, clapped and praised her. Mythical Zoan abilities were rare, and Yamato's display was undeniably impressive.
For Yamato, the warmth and admiration from her new friends filled a void she had felt all her life. Having grown up isolated, this moment felt like a dream come true.
However, the joyful atmosphere was suddenly disrupted by a loud sneeze.
"Ah-choo!"
All heads turned toward Nami, who was now shivering and clinging to Kalifa for warmth. Her teeth chattered as she sniffled, "Cr-cr-crap! Don't forget we're here! Take it back—quickly! I'm f-f-freezing!"
The water around Yamato had turned icy, and even parts of the pool had begun to freeze.
Realizing her mistake, Yamato quickly reverted to her human form. "Oh no, I'm so sorry!" she said, rushing to scoop Nami and Kalifa out of the water and carry them to the shore.
The others followed suit, wrapping the two women in thick towels.
"Hah… finally warm again," Nami sighed, her breath visible in the cold air as she bundled herself tightly.
Yamato stood before them, her hands wringing nervously. Guilt weighed heavily on her. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you!" she blurted, her voice trembling.
Without a second thought, she dropped to her knees, bowing low in the traditional Wano-style apology.
"Please forgive me!" Yamato cried.
But before she could lower herself completely, Hancock grabbed her arm and pulled her back up. "That's too much," Hancock said firmly. "It's just a little cold. There's no need to kneel."
"But…" Yamato began, only to be interrupted by Koala, who had recovered enough to speak.
"No, no, no!" Koala said, waving her hands. "This wasn't your fault. If you keep apologizing like this, it'll just make us feel awkward."
"But I—" Yamato tried again, only for Hancock to tighten her grip.
"No more kneeling," Hancock insisted.
Nami, her cheeks puffed out in annoyance, tightened the towel around herself and rolled her eyes. "Where did you even get this habit of kneeling for every little thing? If you really consider us friends, then stop it already."
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