With a loud boom, Marco struck the spiked club.
The impact didn't result in a direct collision of weapon and limb; instead, a violent energy clash erupted mid-air.
Kaido, empowered by the combined might of Conqueror's Haki Infusion and Armament Haki Infusion, displayed overwhelming strength, while Marco defended himself relying solely on Armament Haki Infusion.
For a moment, they stalemated.
Under the relentless pressure of Kaido's power, Marco was forced to retreat several dozen meters, yet he landed with steady control.
Shouldering his spiked club, Kaido sneered.
"This is Conqueror's Haki Infusion. When Conqueror's Haki is fused with Armament Haki, its strength multiplies several times over."
"You felt it just now, didn't you? Even with Armament Haki, resisting a Conqueror's Haki Infusion is extremely difficult. Because it is a mental attack at its core, only those with exceptional spiritual strength can endure it."
Marco nodded solemnly.
"I noticed. Even though I blocked the strike, the Conqueror's Haki within your club swept through me like a shockwave. If my spiritual strength weren't extraordinary, an ordinary person would have been crushed."
He recalled his earlier clash with Big Mom, who had also used Conqueror's Haki Infusion.
Perhaps due to her inexperience, she had only deployed it once against him.
Kaido's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Hmph. Ordinary fodder isn't worth my Conqueror's Haki Infusion. There's no way they could survive even one strike from my club."
Then, changing the subject, he said,
"Enough about me. Now it's your turn."
Marco raised an eyebrow.
"You're acting too casual! But practical combat is the best teacher. I was planning to figure this out in the heat of battle anyway."
Transforming with the resolve of a true anime hero, Marco added,
"The reason my Devil Fruit awakened is simple: I fight to protect my comrades and uphold Whitebeard's legacy. As long as this belief is strong, it becomes power, allowing me to overcome any enemy."
Though his words carried the tone of a protagonist, the conviction behind them was genuine.
One relied on sheer protagonist aura, the other on innate ability—but the effect was similar.
Kaido tilted his head, intrigued.
"Belief, huh?"
He mused like a classic villain, then spat disdainfully.
"Tch. Boring."
Marco blinked.
"Hey, Kaido, don't say that. In hot-blooded manga, that's a classic villain line—perfectly slap-worthy."
Kaido scowled.
"I don't read that garbage," he muttered, then added with cold interest,
"Belief may be abstract, but fine. I'll listen. Let's see if it works after some testing."
With a thunderous bang, Kaido slammed his club into the ground.
"I've shown you Conqueror's Haki Infusion, and you've revealed Devil Fruit Awakening. Whether we master them is up to us. Now, let's enjoy this fight."
"Come on!"
From the shore, both the Moby Dick and the Beasts Pirates' Azure Dragon were docked.
Even from afar, the storm of battle on Nanku Island was palpable.
Vista perched atop a tree, observing Kaido and Marco at the center of the island.
"Both are Zoan users. This won't be a quick fight to decide a winner."
Nearby, Ace's eyes blazed as he looked toward King.
"King the Conflagration, right? You seem idle. How about a spar?"
Jack immediately stepped forward, seething.
"Who do you think you are, daring to challenge Brother King?"
Ace retorted angrily,
"It's you—the one who released poison on Nanku Island. If you want a beating for that, I'll give you one too."
Jack's eyes turned red.
He drew his twin scythe-like swords.
"King, let me handle this brat."
Ace grinned, ready for combat.
Jinbe's voice rang out.
"Stop! Ace, Captain and Kaido are dueling. We need vigilance. A rogue pirate could strike anytime."
King's voice was calm but firm.
"Jack, hold back. We didn't come here for war with the Phoenix Pirates. Kaido accepted Marco's challenge."
Ace interrupted.
"Don't worry, Jinbe. I only want to spar with one of the All-Stars. Aren't you guys here too?"
Ace's gaze locked on Jack.
"Care to try?"
King's expression darkened.
Ace's provocations were unbearable.
"Youngsters truly don't understand the immensity of the world. Jack, teach him a lesson."
Jack nodded sharply.
"Leave it to me, Brat, let's see what Roger's son is worth."
Ace's fury ignited.
"Don't bring his name up! My father is Whitebeard!"
And so, the battlefield divided:
Marco and Kaido clashed at the center of Nanku Island, while Ace and Jack dueled at the outskirts.
Everyone else stayed aboard their ships, keeping watch.