I’m relatively certain it’s not a hint, but Kid could be the guy nonetheless. We put too much stock in cover requests and color spreads, only the actual serialized stories have any real bearing on the plot past symbolism or realistic theorizing. Also, Kid will survive Wano regardless of the odds...he’s gonna be one of the most notorious and powerful pirates in the world once the Yonko go down, no reason to take him out of commission at this point.