Chapter 68: The Monster Recognizes a Monster
"Interesting. So Conqueror's Haki infusion does affect your defense."
Seeing Satoru teleport away, Kaido understood. This defense could only be bypassed by the highest tier of Haki. But even knowing that, the ability was formidable. In the New World, aside from the Four Emperors themselves, who else could use Advanced Conqueror's Haki? Other pirates might have the disposition, but infusing it into attacks? Nearly impossible.
"Kaido's brain works just fine," Satoru muttered. His weakness had been found out so quickly.
"I really didn't expect to meet an enemy who could crack my technique this fast."
A wry smile touched his lips. In his plans, he wasn't supposed to face Kaido this early. He hadn't accounted for a drunken Emperor falling from the sky.
"But as for Advanced Conqueror's Haki... I've got it now."
The moment Kaido used it, Satoru's Six Eyes had dissected the principle.
"Now... I might be qualified to actually exchange blows with him."
Advanced Conqueror's Haki infusion combined with Black Flash... he couldn't even imagine the power.
"Brat," Kaido's voice rumbled, interrupting his thoughts. "How about this? Join my Beast Pirates. I'll even make you the Vice-Captain."
Satoru, who was tensing for another attack, froze. Huh?
His eyes widened in disbelief. Kaido was recruiting him? And offering the position of Vice-Captain? If a Vice-Captain suddenly appeared in the Beast Pirates, it would send shockwaves across the world. Satoru would be under a microscope.
Why would Kaido offer that? Simple. A defense that only Advanced Conqueror's Haki could touch... in the entire Beast Pirates, only Kaido himself could bypass it. Despite Satoru's youth, Kaido no longer saw him as a mere child. He saw a monster.
"You think highly of me, Kaido," Satoru replied, his voice steady. "But unfortunately, I have no plans to leave the Marines."
He refused without hesitation.
"What a pity," Kaido's tone darkened. "But since you refuse... then die. In this world, no one is allowed to refuse me."
In an instant, Kaido was before him, fist already raised.
Though Kaido was fast, Satoru's Six Eyes tracked every motion. He could move faster. But he wanted to test it—Advanced Conqueror's Haki plus Black Flash.
"Tyrant Black Flash."
A silvery aura (Conqueror's) and a black-red aura (Cursed Energy) coalesced around Satoru's fist. Kaido's expression shifted to shock mid-swing. He felt it—Advanced Conqueror's Haki emanating from the boy's fist.
He couldn't fathom it. A ten-year-old using Advanced Conqueror's Haki? What was more unbelievable was that he'd just demonstrated the technique himself moments ago.
Truly, 'Teacher' Kaido lived up to his name.
Two fists, one massive and dark, one small and shimmering with dual auras, collided.
BOOOOOOM!
The impact was cataclysmic. Everything in the immediate vicinity was obliterated. Shockwaves radiated out, churning the sea around the base into violent waves. Black lightning—not from Black Flash, but from the clashing Conqueror's Wills—crackled across the sky.
The very environment warped. Dark clouds gathered instantly. A fierce storm whipped up, threatening a downpour.
In the center, the two fists were locked in a stalemate.
"How... is this possible?!"
Kaido's shock was greater than ever. His pupils dilated. First, the brat knew Advanced Armament and Conqueror's Haki infusion. Now, his raw power was matching Kaido's own? He'd been drunk, not dead. Had the world changed this much without him knowing?
Satoru was not as calm as he looked. He felt his fist was about to shatter. The bones inside creaked dangerously.
It's still too early to face Kaido head-on.
Satoru knew Kaido wasn't going all out. He was still in his base form. No Devil Fruit transformation. His iconic weapon wasn't in hand. If Kaido used his club, or transformed into his hybrid or full dragon form... this stalemate would be impossible. Satoru would be sent flying, his arm likely broken.
"He cannot be left alive."
The thought solidified in Kaido's mind. This was a latent threat of the highest order. So strong, so young. In a few years... Kaido had always considered himself the monster. His body gave him that confidence. But facing this child, he felt the title should be passed on. He hadn't been this strong at this age. He couldn't even use Armament Haki properly back then, let alone these advanced techniques.
"He's getting serious."
Sensing the shift in Kaido's aura, Satoru knew the next phase wouldn't be this 'balanced.' If reinforcements didn't arrive soon, he'd be risking his life just to stall. The sky crackled with their colliding wills, a storm mirroring the battle below. The true weight of an Emperor's power was beginning to press down, and Satoru's young shoulders strained under it.
(End of Chapter)
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