The pinnacle duel between Kaido and Whitebeard Edward Newgate raged on for five full days and nights. This earth-shattering battle only came to a halt at dawn on the sixth day, and it was Kaido who voluntarily ended it. In fact, from dusk on the fifth day, Kaido had keenly sensed that Newgate's combat power was inevitably declining.
This decline was natural. Though hailed as the "Strongest Man in the World," Newgate was ultimately human. The Gura Gura no Mi he consumed granted him world-destroying destructive power, but it could not continuously enhance the user's physical attributes like a Zoan-type fruit could. In contrast, Kaido not only possessed an inherently formidable physique but also benefited from the all-around enhancement of the Mythical Zoan-type Azure Dragon Fruit. Coupled with his physical condition now at its absolute peak, he maintained optimal performance throughout the fight. Even when injured, he could recover in a short time thanks to the combined effects of Seimei Kikan, his superhuman constitution, and the Mythical Zoan's multiple regenerative abilities.
In the initial stages of the battle, the two were evenly matched. The clashes of the first two days could be described as a draw, each move containing terrifying power enough to destroy an island. However, as time passed, Kaido gradually gained the upper hand. This advantage began to manifest on the third day. Though outsiders might have struggled to perceive it, the combatants themselves knew it well. What was astonishing was that even at a disadvantage, Newgate could still hold his own against Kaido for another three days thanks to the terrifying might of the Gura Gura no Mi, fully demonstrating the fearsome strength of Whitebeard in his prime.
This battle of the century not only benefited Kaido greatly but also provided invaluable insights for the powerful spectators—King, Bullet, Kuzan, and others. To witness a life-and-death duel between the world's top-tier fighters firsthand was an extremely precious experience for them. Every shockwave from a collision, every spark of clashing Haki, contained combat wisdom incomprehensible to ordinary people.
During the fight, Kaido not only completely clarified his current standing in terms of power but also discovered that his Haoshoku Haki grew increasingly potent alongside his rising confidence and expanding influence. This battle led Kaido to comprehend the method to strengthen Haoshoku Haki—it was "momentum" or "presence" ("Shi"). The stronger Kaido's power and influence became, the greater the might of his Haoshoku Haki. This revelation provided Kaido with a shortcut to a higher realm.
Now, Kaido had established a clear goal: expand his sphere of influence, accumulate an invincible presence, nurture his Haoshoku Haki, and ultimately challenge the entire world! This plan was progressing in an orderly fashion. Every expansion of his power, every victory in battle, was preparation for the final confrontation. Kaido believed that when his Haoshoku Haki reached its peak would be the perfect time to issue a challenge to the World Government.
The sea breeze at Kuri's Port Idate carried a salty dampness as the members of the Whitebeard Pirates busily boarded the Moby Dick. Edward Newgate stood alone on the pier, the setting sun stretching his tall silhouette long across the ground. He gazed at Kaido before him, his eyes holding inquiry and wariness.
"Kaido, what is your aim?" Newgate's low voice was particularly clear in the sea wind.
Kaido responded with his trademark booming laugh. "Wororororo! I thought you'd have figured it out by now, Newgate."
The air between them seemed to freeze. Newgate did not reply, merely continuing to stare at Kaido with those sharp eyes. The cries of seagulls carried from the distance, breaking the brief silence.
"Wororororo! My aim, of course, is the 'World'!" Kaido suddenly spread his arms wide, his voice thundering across the port like a storm.
Even though he had anticipated it, Newgate's pupils still contracted sharply. He tightened his grip on Murakumogiri, saying in a grave tone, "Kaido, do you know what you're saying? Even you, as you are now, would stand no chance against that monster. Think of Rocks back then..."
"Of course I know!" Kaido roughly cut Newgate off. He extended his right hand, slowly clenching it before his eyes, the sheer force causing the surrounding air to crackle. "That's why I need even greater power."
Kaido understood clearly. Though his current strength was not inferior to that of Rocks in his day, it was still far from enough. He had not yet reached his ultimate peak—the Awakening of the Mythical Zoan-type, Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon would boost his power by over fifty percent.
The last rays of the setting sun bathed the two men, stretching their shadows long and longer. Newgate gave Kaido one final, deep look, then turned and walked towards the Moby Dick. The sea wind whipped his captain's coat, making it flap loudly.
"Set sail!" At Newgate's command, the Whitebeard Pirates' ship slowly departed from the port.
Kaido remained standing, watching the massive silhouette of the ship disappear over the distant horizon, a meaningful smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
"Big Brother Kaido, should we consider expanding our territory now?" King stood beside Kaido, asking respectfully as the sea breeze swept over Onigashima, stirring his dark feathered attire.
Kaido slowly shook his head, his gaze fixed on the distance. "Now is not the time." He turned, his tone leaving no room for doubt as he issued an order. "King, notify all executives. Hand over their current tasks and assemble at Onigashima immediately."
"Onigashima?" King's expression showed confusion, not understanding Kaido's intent.
A dangerous smile lifted the corner of Kaido's mouth. "I've invested heavily this time. Not only did I acquire the Paramecia-type Chiyu Chiyu no Mi, but I also convinced Kuma to contribute the power of his Nikyu Nikyu no Mi. As long as you aren't killed outright, you can be restored to full health in a short time." He surveyed King, Queen, and Bullet, his voice low and forceful. "So, your only task for the next several months is one—survive under my hand."
Upon hearing this, Queen's face instantly paled, beads of sweat the size of peas rolling down his forehead. "K-K-Kaido boss, you're joking, right?" His portly frame unconsciously took half a step back.
Kaido narrowed his eyes, an oppressive, suffocating pressure radiating from his body, his Haoshoku Haki flickering faintly. "Do I look like a man who jokes?"
Queen swallowed hard, his voice trembling. "N... no..."
"Hah, perfect. Let me experience Kaido's strength properly, and..." Bullet, on the other hand, was full of excitement, his own Haoshoku Haki flashing momentarily.
No emotion was visible on King's face, covered entirely by his dark attire, but his eyes revealed he was also highly expectant. After witnessing the sky-shaking battle between Kaido and Whitebeard, he had keenly felt his own inadequacies.
Now, with Devil Fruits that could heal even grave injuries immediately, in battles constantly teetering on the brink of death, his strength was sure to soar rapidly.
That night, King relayed Kaido's command to all executives of the Beasts Pirates. The recipients reacted with excitement, fear, worry, and everything in between. Yet, regardless of their initial feelings upon receiving the order, they all, without exception, handed over their duties to their subordinates and set off for Onigashima.
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