"Flames... flames?"
Yamato looked at Caesar in surprise: "That's amazing! Caesar, what was that just now?"
"My Vampire Fruit can utilize the Lineage Factor to evolve the corresponding racial abilities."
Caesar was in a great mood and explained with a smile: "This is the Lunarian Race ability I evolved by secretly absorbing King's blood during the day. Of course, whether it's my ability or King's race, remember to keep it a secret."
The Lunarian Race, one of the legendary god-like races.
They were exterminated because of their immense power, and because of their extermination, the World Government has placed a bounty on them.
Even just providing a clue can earn a reward of 100 million Berries, which shows how much the World Government covets the abilities of this race.
However, it's not hard to see from the bounty that there must still be descendants of this race scattered somewhere in the world, hiding in some corner.
Such a powerful race, it would be a pity if they were completely wiped out. Imagine the prestige of leading a Lunarian Race army as vanguards.
Speaking of which, should I find a girlfriend for King?
Given King's looks, height, and strength, it might be a bit difficult...
Suddenly, Caesar had a flash of inspiration, and a familiar figure appeared in his mind.
If I remember correctly, Big Mom's daughter, Charlotte Smoothie, also has white hair and dark skin, and she's not too far apart in age from King. (This book has multiple female characters, but it's not a harem. Only characters with significant development in the original work will be included, otherwise, it would just add unnecessary toxicity. Some readers should tone it down and not bring up the "giving away women" nonsense.)
Moreover, that woman is from the Longleg Tribe, with both Lunarian Race and Big Mom's bloodline. Maybe their child could inherit Big Mom's Iron Balloon talent?
"Don't worry, Caesar, I won't tell anyone!"
Yamato was very obedient to Caesar's words: "But I didn't know King's flames weren't from a Devil Fruit ability?"
Although she is Kaidou's daughter, she has aspired to become Kozuki Oden since childhood, so she doesn't know much about the crew's affairs. King never talks about his race in front of anyone except Kaidou.
"Yes, King is from the Lunarian Race. This race was exterminated by the World Government because of their powerful racial abilities. King is a survivor of this race."
Caesar briefly explained to Yamato: "These flames are the ability of the Lunarian Race. When the flames are burning, the body has extremely strong defense. When the flames are extinguished, speed is greatly increased, and they also have wings that allow them to fly. Combining defense, speed, and flight, they can survive in various harsh environments."
Yamato curiously looked at Caesar's back: "Then why don't you have wings, Caesar?"
"Because I'm not a natural-born Lunarian, and evolution is adaptive, not a complete replication."
Caesar pointed at himself: "For example, all Lunarians have dark skin and white hair, but these physical traits don't provide any advantage in strength or survival for me, so the part of the Lineage Factor that records my appearance doesn't change."
Yamato suddenly understood: "So, you only have the ability to control flames, right?"
"Pretty much. The Lunarian Race's flames burn in their normal state and extinguish when their stamina weakens, reducing physical exertion while greatly increasing speed to ensure survival."
Caesar carefully assessed his physical state, the flames behind him igniting and then extinguishing. "I initially thought this burning state was an uncontrollable passive effect, but it turns out it can be actively controlled? Though, thinking about it, if it were uncontrollable, even sleeping would probably be an issue."
Yamato, hearing this, grew even more curious. "Caesar, if you drank my blood, would you grow Oni horns?"
"Feels like I just wasted my breath earlier."
Caesar chuckled, shaking his head, and reached out to ruffle her white hair. "The manifestation of the Oni Race's bloodline likely enhances physical strength and power."
In theory, Devil Fruits also alter the Lineage Factor, but according to the system's description, this power requires special means to obtain...
Caesar thought of the green blood Vegapunk would use on the Seraphim in the future. That substance might just work for him.
Currently, it seemed the bloodline evolution would take about half a day, though it was uncertain whether the previous battle with Kaidou would affect this.
But based on this estimate, by tomorrow morning, he should be able to activate the portion of the Oni Race bloodline he had taken from Yamato.
Thinking this, Caesar lightly threw a punch.
Thanks to Life Return, Caesar could clearly sense the changes in his own condition.
With the activation of the Lunarian Race bloodline, he felt his body had become much lighter, yet his defense hadn't decreased.
From this, it seemed that the defensive strength when the flames were extinguished was the normal physical level of the Lunarian Race, while the enhanced defense in the burning state was an amplified condition.
"Looks like I'll need to readjust to my body's state," Caesar said with a pleased tone.
In the room, the ambiguous atmosphere was completely swept away. The two of them were like children with new toys, and under Yamato's urging, Caesar kept switching between transformation states.
First, he transformed into the Vampire form with red eyes and black wings, then into the Lunarian Race form, and finally into a combined state of both transformations.
Among these forms, the Vampire form was the fastest, while the Lunarian form had the strongest defense.
As for the most balanced and powerful, it was undoubtedly the combined transformation, which enjoyed the Vampire form's all-around attribute enhancement along with the Lunarian form's defensive boost, though it was relatively slower in speed.
Of course, this was only in comparison to the state when the flames were extinguished.
In the center of the black wings, intense flames burned fiercely.
Caesar extended his hand, and the flames obediently spread up his arm, gathering into a fireball in his palm.
Gazing at the bright, warm ball of fire, Caesar suddenly laughed. "The Flame-Flame Fruit? Not even a dog would eat it!"
"Huh? Why?" Yamato asked, puzzled.
"Just a joke. Logia Type fruits are still quite precious."
Caesar dispersed the flames and smiled as he patted his wife's head. Feeling the warmth of Caesar's palm, Yamato couldn't help but smile, her head gently nuzzling against his hand.
Buru buru buru...
Just as the two were enjoying this peaceful moment, the Den Den Mushi in Caesar's pocket suddenly rang.
Caesar answered the call. "Hello, who's this?"
"It's me, Black Maria. I hope I'm not interrupting your little world with the young lady," came the teasing voice on the other end.
"If you'd called any later, you might have been," Caesar replied with a laugh. "Did the deal with Joker fall through?"
Black Maria sighed. "That's right. If everything had gone smoothly, I wouldn't be calling you at this hour."
Caesar's eyes flickered slightly, and he suddenly let out a light scoff. "I guess he would say that he's just a middleman, and he doesn't care who the Sea Prism Stone is sold to. In fact, if possible, he could even help you get in touch with the Revolutionary Army?"
Black Maria was somewhat surprised. "Huh? How did you know? Isn't this just a common bargaining tactic among you businesspeople?"
"Hard to say, but one thing is certain—he's not a spokesperson for the World Government. If anything, they're probably just in a cooperative relationship."
Caesar sneered, "At times like this, it's all about who can keep their cool. Since he's saying that, just have him help us contact the Revolutionary Army."
"What if that guy still refuses to budge?"
"Then we'll just negotiate directly with the Revolutionary Army. Those guys might be short on money, but they probably aren't lacking in resources. However, barring any surprises, we likely won't be able to establish a connection with the Revolutionary Army. Joker is shrewd—he won't give up the Sea Prism Stone trade, but at the same time, he won't sacrifice his own interests either."
"Once we start dealing with the Revolutionary Army, the World Government will be the most restless. Naturally, they'll voluntarily give up that portion of the benefits. After all, in their eyes, it's just some insignificant food resources."
"If he still puts on airs at that point, then he's just being shameless. But I don't think he's that stupid."
Doflamingo could, to some extent, manipulate the World Government, but only to a certain degree.
For example, playing both sides to protect his own interests—no one could fault him for that. He had the strength to be the middleman, so of course, he wouldn't work for free.
But once he crossed that line, he would not only offend the World Government but also provoke Kaidou. Doflamingo couldn't afford that.
The Five Elders might hesitate to act, but Kaidou wouldn't waste words—he'd just use Thunder Bagua.
As it turned out, Caesar's guess was correct.
The next morning, Black Maria sent Caesar the news—the cooperation had been successfully established.
Caesar was indifferent to this. All he cared about now was his own strength.
As he had expected, as soon as he woke up that morning, his Oni Race bloodline awakened, accompanied by an even more exaggerated increase in appetite.
In terms of strength, he had improved by about twenty percent.
And this was just the beginning!
"You… you've inexplicably gotten stronger again!"
A week later, during another routine fight with King, the moment they clashed, King sensed something was off.
When Caesar's fist collided with his blade, the overwhelming force made it difficult for King to hold his ground.
This made him look at Caesar with a hint of horror.
Yes, not shock, but horror!
It was too fast!
Since Caesar arrived in Wano Country, it had only been a little over two months, and this kid was already able to completely suppress him. Even the intensity of his Haki had noticeably increased!
He was only eighteen years old!
Over the years, King had seen his share of geniuses.
Those who went from rookies to strong fighters capable of facing him in just a year or two weren't uncommon.
But normally, once one's strength reached his level, the growth rate would gradually slow down. The rest of the journey would rely on time to accumulate, reaching their peak in their thirties or forties. With good luck, they might even reach the level of the Four Emperors.
King had initially thought Caesar would be similar, so although he was amazed by the speed at which the other had grown stronger, it was still within an acceptable range.
However, after their clash today, he suddenly realized that Caesar had undergone a comprehensive enhancement!
His speed was faster, his strength greater, and his physique more robust!
Apart from his training in Haki, Caesar had surpassed him in every aspect!
Whoosh—
A black shadow suddenly appeared before him, and a fist the size of a sandbag shot straight toward his face.
King swiftly raised his sword to block the strike, his feet carving two deep grooves into the ground as he was pushed back.
Caesar raised an eyebrow: "Future Sight?"
"Half a second. Observation Haki isn't my forte."
King's expression turned grave: "This rate of growth… You're truly an incredible guy. Without even realizing it, I'll have to go all out against you."
Caesar smirked: "Regret not killing me earlier?"
"That would've been such a waste…"
A flicker of fervor flashed in King's eyes: "Since you've come this far, it's time we settle this. Come on!"
"Too soon, isn't it?"
Caesar chuckled: "I haven't mastered Future Sight yet."
"And I haven't mastered Conqueror's Haki Infusion either."
King sneered. Ever since he was knocked out by Caesar's punch the other day, he had been brooding over how to get back at him.
But to his surprise, this guy had silently grown even stronger.
And not just by a little—it was a massive leap, with no signs of slowing down.
Or perhaps… this kind of growth would only plateau once he reached the level of the Four Emperors?
You've really brought back an extraordinary monster, Mr. Kaido…
Boom—
Conqueror's Haki raged as the two figures clashed repeatedly.
From the ground to the sky, and then from the sky crashing into the mountains.
Sword slashes crisscrossed, and fists flew like shadows!
"Mink Supreme Emperor!"
After being sent flying into the air by Caesar's punch, King transformed into a Pteranodon.
He stretched his head with his right hand, then suddenly released it, sending an invisible shockwave straight toward Caesar's chest.
"Armament: Iron Body!"
Seeing no way to dodge, Caesar tightened his muscles, coating his arms with Armament Haki and crossing them in front of his chest.
Clang—
The sound of the impact reverberated like a massive bell. Caesar grunted and took two steps back, but he remained unharmed.
In the next instant, several slashes tore through the air, cutting off all of Caesar's escape routes, with a massive slash flying straight toward his waist.
Instead of dodging, Caesar's fist, now swirling with Armament Haki, condensed and compressed his Haki before smashing it into the massive slash, dispersing it with a single punch!
"Future Sight is so annoying! And this fighting style… it's just like Kaido's…"
Seeing King start to pull his head again, Caesar frowned slightly. He suddenly fired a few Blood Bullets, but King easily dodged them.
Caesar hadn't expected that, even with his strength and speed surpassing King's, the latter could still suppress him with just half a second of Future Sight.
Realizing he was at a disadvantage in close combat, King kept his distance, relying on slashes and shockwaves to kite him.
No matter where he moved, King would predict it, forcing him to endure the attacks.
It was… infuriating!
"This is the beauty of Observation Haki, kid."
Seeing Caesar seemingly at a loss, King's tone carried a hint of smugness.
But as soon as he felt that smugness, King was suddenly overwhelmed by an inexplicable sense of shame.
He hadn't expected that he would now have to rely on the advantage of Observation Haki to gain the upper hand against Caesar.
Originally, he had thought that, as agreed before, the two of them would fight with all their might, engaging in a battle between men.
But judging by Caesar's demeanor, if they were to truly go all out, he might end up dead today...
Caesar's Armament Haki wasn't enough to harm him, but this kid knew how to use Conqueror's Haki Infusion.
Even though he was the one who proposed the duel, it had turned into such a mess...
Thinking of this, King felt even more ashamed and snorted coldly as he landed back on the ground.
"I'm done! We'll fight another day!"
"I was thinking the same!"
Caesar nodded, his heart also filled with frustration, thoroughly disgusted by King's ability to foresee the future.
The two of them exchanged a glance, nodded, and their eyes inexplicably grew resolute.
They would go back and train their ability to foresee the future and their physical strength!
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