On Nanku Island, a massive black Pteranodon swooped gracefully behind Kaido, its rider calling out with respect: "Kaido-sama…"
Marco quickly assessed the newcomer with his level scan: Abel, Zoan-type, Dragon-Dragon Fruit, Ancient Species, Pteranodon Form. Estimated strength: Yonko Commander Level.
Seeing that Abel's strength fell within his expectations, Marco smirked playfully. "Long time no see, King."
King, a descendant of the Lunarian Tribe, immediately sensed the extraordinary aura radiating from Marco. It was far stronger than during their first encounter. With a solemn nod, he admitted, "So the rumors of your victory over Big Mom were true, Marco. I never imagined you would grow this strong."
Marco laughed heartily. "I had no choice! If I hadn't grown stronger, everything Pops left behind could've fallen into the wrong hands." With that, he flapped his wings and dove toward Nanku Island, Kaido and King following closely.
Kaido transformed into his Human-Beast Form as he landed, flexing his enormous muscles. His voice rumbled with both ferocity and anticipation. "Alright, Marco… let's see if you really defeated Linlin!"
Before he could finish, a wave of terrifying Conqueror's Haki erupted from Kaido, spreading outward like a rising tide. The weaker members of the Phoenix Pirates were immediately overwhelmed, collapsing one by one. Within moments, only the captains, vice-captains, and a handful of elites remained standing.
Marco responded without hesitation, releasing his own Conqueror's Haki. It clashed with Kaido's in midair, the blue and purple auras swirling together in a violent storm of power.
Kaido laughed, eyes gleaming. "worororo, so this is Conqueror's Haki… Its strength is no joke! You truly have the potential to master Conqueror's Haki Infusion."
Nearby, Vista shouted urgently, "Quick, move everyone onto the ship!"
Ace, watching the display, felt a shiver run down his spine. Is this really Kaido of the Beasts? The aura was unlike anything he had experienced, even compared to Pops. Cold sweat dripped from his brow, yet a fighting spirit burned in his chest. He knew, however, that this battle was not his to join, so he shifted his attention to King looming behind Kaido.
Marco smirked. "You really are impatient!" He recalled the previous clash of Haki and knew Kaido's power was superior. His expression hardened. "If you're my opponent, I can't afford a single misstep."
Instantly, Marco entered his Awakened Form. Fiery blue wings erupted from his back, his hands and body wrapped in glowing blue flames, his feet sharpening into talons. Flames swirled around his waist, abdomen, and arms like living ribbons, dramatically increasing his aura. His strength leapt to a new level.
Even Kaido's eyes widened. As a fellow Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit user, he understood the significance of the flame clouds—Awakening.
"Worororo, you've awakened, No wonder you could defeat Linlin!" Kaido exclaimed, both shocked and thrilled. Though he had wielded the Azure Dragon Fruit for decades, he had never achieved Awakening. He had longed for this milestone but had failed, even attempting near-death experiences to force it.
Marco grinned. "When I fought her, my Devil Fruit hadn't awakened yet. It only awakened after I won."
Kaido's excitement deepened. So the timing of Awakening depends on one's readiness… He chuckled darkly. "Marco, tell me how your Devil Fruit awakened. In exchange, I'll teach you the secret to infusing Conqueror's Haki into your body and weapons. Whether you can master it is up to you."
Marco's lips curved into a playful smile. "An exchange, huh? Fine. But you have to teach me first…"
"worororo, agreed," Kaido said, shifting swiftly into his Human-Beast Form. Respecting a strong opponent's display of power was a matter of honor.
Kaido swung his massive spiked club lightly, the aura around him condensing into a dense, dazzling purple haze. "Everyone's path to mastering Conqueror's Haki is unique," he said. "I had no teacher—I learned step by step. To infuse Conqueror's Haki, you must first accumulate a sufficient amount of Haki. Think of it as invisible armor, holding it tightly around your body. Once mastered, you can transfer this Haki to your weapon effortlessly."
As Kaido spoke, the swirling purple aura condensed around his spiked club, enveloping it in a thick, oppressive layer of Conqueror's Haki. He continued, "Words alone won't suffice. To truly master this skill, you must practice constantly and feel it in real combat."
With a sudden burst of speed, Kaido lunged toward Marco, arcs of purple lightning trailing behind him.
"Thunder Bagua!" Kaido shouted, flames and Haki ready.
"Phoenix Seal!" Marco roared, the two powers colliding in a dazzling display as the ultimate clash of strength, skill, and spirit began.
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