Night fell upon Oni Island.
The sky was overcast, and the sea was turbulent with crashing waves.
Caesar leaped down from the treasure ship and strolled leisurely toward the island.
Kuma followed faithfully behind Caesar, his massive frame blocking a significant portion of the wind blowing in from the sea, ensuring that Caesar's meticulously styled hair remained unruffled.
As expected, King Beckley had been successfully stalled. Doflamingo confidently assured that he could delay things for at least a week. Meanwhile, subordinates from the South Sea region had been dispatched to the Sorbet Kingdom as a precaution.
Upon receiving the news, Kuma felt somewhat reassured. He had been dragged by Caesar to have dinner and even managed to squeeze in a hot bath.
Only after ensuring he was in peak condition did Caesar leisurely change his clothes and set sail for Oni Island.
Of course, before that, he hadn't forgotten to store Yamato and the others in his collection space, bringing only the highly mobile Kuma along as insurance against any mishaps.
Though Kuma didn't know where Caesar had sent Bonney, he didn't pry.
Everyone has their secrets, and Caesar was clearly—a man full of them!
This man was too mysterious. He seemed to know about many things—the Navy, the Pirates, the World Government, the Revolutionary Army, even Nika.
It was as if he had glimpsed some predetermined future…
Whether Caesar was a good person, Kuma wasn't sure. During dinner, he had noticed that Caesar was the type to say one thing to a person's face and another behind their back. It was hard to tell whether he was speaking from the heart or just putting on a show.
Arrogant, self-centered, flirtatious, capricious, smooth-talking, and opportunistic… many negative traits could be seen in him.
But Caesar also had his strengths—clear-headed, rational, cautious, introspective, far-sighted, decisive, and carefree. His composed demeanor, as the noble lords would say, carried a hint of that damnable elegance.
Such people usually possessed exceptional leadership skills, but their undeniable self-centeredness often bred envy and made them many enemies.
However, Kuma felt that Caesar probably didn't need to worry about such issues, because he was there.
Honestly, he envied Caesar.
He envied Caesar's strength, his handsomeness, and his unreserved attitude toward those he liked… even if he was a bit of a flirt.
If only I had been as decisive and brave as Caesar back then, would I have been able to accept Ginny and avoid that tragedy?
"Don't dwell on it, Kuma."
Caesar tilted his head slightly. "I don't mean to interrupt your reminiscence of the past, but rather than regretting what's gone, it's better to change yourself starting now. By the way, I too came from a place of weakness and insecurity, so there's no need to envy me."
"Mind Reading? That's quite rude…"
Kuma's face flushed slightly, feeling the awkwardness of having his secret exposed.
"Sorry, this ability just awakened, and it's still hit or miss."
Caesar looked up at the sky, rubbing his chin with an innocent expression that didn't seem apologetic at all. "Don't mind it. We're both men; there's nothing to be shy about. How about a secret exchange? To be honest, I have a thing for older women!"
Kuma: "…"
That didn't seem like much of a secret.
Kuma was an honest man, and he really didn't know how to respond to such topics.
Fortunately, Caesar didn't seem intent on holding a tea party. He just patted Kuma's knee with a look that said, "You've hit the jackpot, kid."
Hmm, given the height difference between the two, Caesar could only reach up to Kuma's knee...
"Speaking of which, Kuma, how tall are you?"
"About six meters eighty-nine centimeters. With shoes on, probably around seven meters."
"Ten-centimeter heels, huh? Makes sense, otherwise how could they support your weight?"
Caesar chuckled, "Looks like we'll need to buy a big ship later, at least the size of a Navy super battleship. Of course, all of this is based on the premise that... we can successfully set sail!"
As soon as he finished speaking, without any warning.
An invisible, violent aura suddenly erupted, instantly sweeping across the entire Oni Island!
Caesar's face still carried a smile, but Conqueror's Haki lightning exploded around him. In an instant, the wind and clouds halted, the waves reversed, and the surrounding pirate sentries fell to the ground, their eyes rolling back.
"Who is it?!"
In the main building of Oni Island, Ulti suddenly woke up. After a brief moment of alertness, she was suddenly taken aback.
"This Haki... is it Caesar? What the hell is that guy up to?"
"Ara, at a time like this?"
In the red-light district, Black Maria drowsily opened her eyes, lazily yawned, got up, dressed, and gracefully walked out of the building.
"Hey hey, has that guy gone mad? At this time? Are you kidding me?"
In the laboratory, Queen was startled by the sudden burst of Conqueror's Haki, causing the test tube in his hand to drop and shatter into pieces with a crash.
"Caesar..."
King's expression remained calm, but his mood was somewhat complicated.
It had been less than two months since their last fight, and now Caesar was challenging Kaidou.
And based on his understanding of Caesar, if he dared to challenge Kaidou, it meant he was confident he could retreat unscathed...
Or even confident in a fair fight!
Is this guy even human?!
Counting the time, from when this guy was captured by Kaidou, to when he killed Orochi and took over Wano Country, and up to now, it's only been half a year...
Is the Mythical Zoan really that powerful?!
As King was deep in thought, in the darkness, a pair of fierce eyes suddenly opened.
Boom—
A several-hundred-meter-long Azure Dragon crashed through the wall of the main building, and a terrifying, tyrannical Conqueror's Haki exploded, colliding head-on with Caesar's Conqueror's Haki!
"Orohohohoho!"
A wild laugh echoed throughout Oni Island as Kaidou rode the Flame Cloud into the sky. With a sweep of the dragon's tail, more than a dozen torii gates crumbled to the ground!
The Azure Dragon hovered in the sky, looking down at Caesar's tiny figure on the ground.
Then, his gaze shifted to Kuma beside Caesar.
"So, you've found yourself an ally?"
"Kuma is my new companion, but he won't interfere in our fight."
"So, you're planning to leave now?"
"It's about time. I can't keep mooching off my father-in-law forever, can I?"
"Orohohohoho, what about your women? Have you settled them already?"
"If you're worried about your daughter, just say it..."
Boom—
A muffled sound erupted as two Conqueror's Haki exploded simultaneously, the terrifying shockwave tearing a massive hole in the clouds above.
King, Queen, and the others rushed over from a distance. Ulti stood at the front of the group, waving her fist at Caesar.
"Hey! Caesar, you idiot! Coming over in the middle of the night and disturbing people's sleep! I'll beat you to death, you jerk!"
"Afraid that won't happen..."
Black Maria chuckled, patting Ulti's little head, "Caesar's opponent is Mr. Kaidou."
"Caesar and Kaidou?"
Ulti tilted her little head, "Father-in-law and son-in-law don't get along?"
Black Maria chuckled, "Well... how should I put it? Don't forget, Caesar was captured by Mr. Kaido."
"So he's planning to leave?"
Ulti pouted, "He could just sneak away, that idiot..."
"Reluctant to let him go?"
"Not at all!!"
Kaidou snorted coldly, flames spurting from his nostrils, "So, you've prepared yourself for death, huh?"
"What about you, father-in-law? If I win, how about becoming my deputy?" Caesar said with a grin.
"Orohohoho! If you've got the guts, come and try!"
Kaidou threw his head back, his laughter rolling like thunder, then suddenly lowered his head, his dragon mouth wide open, and a terrifying flame breath shot towards Caesar!
On the ground, Caesar and Kuma's figures flashed, disappearing from their spots in an instant.
Immediately after, an ear-splitting explosion rang out as the dragon breath hit the spot where they had just been, instantly blasting through the ground and leaving a lava crater dozens of meters in diameter.
"Scary..."
Above the giant skull of Oni Island, Caesar's right hand loosely gripped the hilt of his sword. After a brief pause, a cold light suddenly burst forth, the intense friction between Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki devouring the blade's glow in an instant, unleashing a deep black slash!
Clang—
Even from hundreds of meters away, the people below could clearly hear the hum of the blade.
The massive slash, like the wings of a roc, cut through space almost instantaneously, heading straight for Kaidou!
"A black slash?"
Caesar glanced at his longsword in surprise, "Phantom... so that's what it means?"
This sword... when swung fast enough and with sufficient Haki to support it, could greatly enhance the speed of the slash!
Damn, I've become a sword stand!
"Thunder Bagua!"
Sensing the rapidly approaching slash, Kaidou instantly reverted to his human form, hastily swinging his Eight Precepts to collide heavily with the slash.
Boom!
With a loud explosion, the slash was sent flying high, piercing through the dark clouds, while Kaidou's figure was sent tumbling back, crashing heavily to the ground.
"Orohohoho... what a treacherous sword, that was almost a disaster!"
Standing up and patting his butt, Kaidou laughed heartily, stepping on the Flame Cloud to fly straight above Oni Island.
A collision of this level was less damaging than jumping from Skypiea.
But if he had been hit by that slash, he might have really been in trouble!
The spectators, seeing this, were all struck with astonishment.
"I say..."
Sasaki looked at the group, his left hand pressing on his sword hilt, eager to join the fray, "Are you all just going to stand by and watch? I won't let Mr. Kaido fight alone..."
"Huh—?" ×N
Everyone turned to look at Sasaki, their expressions as if they were looking at an idiot.
"What? Is there a problem?"
Being stared at like that, Sasaki felt a bit embarrassed.
"Mr. Kaido has been looking forward to this fight for a long time."
King glanced at him coldly, flames burning fiercely behind him, "Although someone like you would probably just be casually killed if you went over, but to not disturb Mr. Kaido's mood, I don't mind taking out the trash beforehand."
"Are you an idiot?"
Ulti's words were even more blunt.
"Self-important..."
Jack sneered, his face full of disdain.
"I-I... Of course, I know about that kind of thing!"
Sasaki's old face turned red, a mix of shame and anger. "I'm talking about... that big guy! He came with Caesar, right?"
As he spoke, he pointed in Kuma's direction.
Everyone followed his finger and looked over, only to see Kuma returning an innocent gaze.
"I'm just here to watch the fight, in case anyone interferes."
"See?"
Ulti glared fiercely at Sasaki. "Do you have anything else to say?"
Sasaki: "..."
Wait, is he your teammate, or am I your teammate?
You believe him just because he says so?
You believe him just because he says so?!
What about me?
Am I not human?
At this moment, Sasaki felt the malice of the world bearing down on him.
Above Oni Island, two figures clashed wildly, Conqueror's Haki exploding everywhere as if it cost nothing. From afar, Kaidou's excited laughter could still be heard.
"You really surprise me, kid! To reach this level in such a short time!"
"I'm... surprised too!"
Boom—
A deafening sonic boom erupted, and both were sent flying backward. Caesar's eyes were filled with excitement.
Both were in their normal forms, and Caesar could tell that Kaidou was indeed going all out, holding nothing back with every strike.
And now, he was able to steadily withstand every one of Kaidou's attacks!
With every swing of his blade, Caesar could feel the overwhelming force from the Eight Precepts. But at the same time, Kaidou could clearly sense the terrifying strength emanating from Caesar's sword.
"With this kind of power, there's no doubt you have what it takes to dominate the seas!"
Kaidou suddenly unleashed a wave of Staff Aura. "Looks like I won't be able to kill you today after all. What a shame, ororororo!"
Clang—
Caesar swept his blade horizontally, deflecting the Staff Aura.
In an instant, his figure shot forward, black wings sweeping across the night sky. With several muffled thuds, multiple afterimages appeared around Kaidou.
Seeing this, Kaidou's hair stood on end. He turned abruptly, swinging his Spiked Club in an arc, smashing it heavily against Caesar's descending blade!
Boom!
Another sonic boom erupted. Caesar's figure flickered and reappeared above Kaidou.
"Flying around like this is so annoying!"
Kaidou's body suddenly grew, transforming into his Beast Form. As he swung his club, missing Caesar, he turned sharply and lunged to grab him!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Caesar used Moon Walk, his figure darting at an unbelievable speed, appearing behind Kaidou and delivering a heavy slash!
Ssshh—
The blade cut into flesh, leaving a trail of blood!
The hastily applied Haki couldn't completely block Caesar's blade. Yet, as Kaidou turned around, Caesar was met with a ferocious grin.
"Arrogant little bat, thinking you can finish this quickly against me?"
Kaidou laughed maniacally, completely ignoring the wound on his back, and pounced at Caesar.
Their figures flickered continuously. Caesar kept creating distance, but Kaidou clung to him like a stubborn shadow, giving him no time to catch his breath. This relentless chase went on for over ten minutes!
"Huff... Huff... In a battle between top-tier fighters, this kind of overexertion is practically suicidal! Ororororo... Must feel terrible to be so exhausted after all that jumping around, huh, kid?"
"Thunderous Roar - Eight Trigrams!"
Caesar hastily raised his blade to block, but the explosive burst of speed from earlier had left him breathless, and he was sent flying with a single strike!
Boom—
His figure was embarrassingly embedded into the rock. Before Caesar could even get up, Kaidou's massive body descended from the sky, bringing down a heavy blow with his Spiked Club!
From the look of it, it seemed as though Kaidou wouldn't stop until he had smashed Caesar's brains out...
This is bad...
Caesar's pupils contracted. If he took this hit squarely, even if he didn't die, this battle would be over.
Boom—
The Spiked Club came crashing down.
Crimson blood splattered in all directions, transforming into red bats that swiftly flew away, eventually regrouping into Caesar's figure over two hundred meters away.
"Phew... Elementalization? So you still have this trick up your sleeve?"
Kaidou leaned on his Eight Precepts, panting heavily.
It wasn't from exhaustion, but rather, the speed he had just used was too much for him. Caesar's speed was clearly superior to his, and with the difference in their sizes, Caesar was far more agile.
If it weren't for the fact that this kid kept darting around so annoyingly, he wouldn't have resorted to such an aggressive fighting style.
He had indeed caught Caesar in a vulnerable moment, but he too was struggling to recover. Caesar was less than two meters tall, while he stood at seven meters! In terms of speed, he was at a severe disadvantage.
"Honestly... with the rate at which I've been getting stronger, I thought I'd never have to use this ability."
Caesar waved his hand, and from the crater beneath Kaidou, a blood-red bat clutching the Phantom flew towards him.
With the long blade in hand, Caesar steadied himself, his legs feeling slightly sore.
He glanced at Kaidou, whose legs were trembling slightly, yet his father-in-law still glared at him fiercely.
Caesar: "Ten minutes?"
Kaidou: "Ten minutes!"
Both of them plopped down onto the ground, letting out long sighs as they began massaging their legs.
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