Rocks and Kaido clashed high above Onigashima, both unleashing the full might of their beast forms. The Phoenix Fruit granted Rocks tremendous regenerative power, but compared to the Azure Dragon Fruit, it lacked the overwhelming destructive force. Only Rocks' exceptional combat skill and physical prowess allowed the battle to drag on this long.
Boom!
Dragon Breath collided with blazing blue flames, scattering the thick storm clouds above the island. The heavens cleared, revealing two colossal figures locked in combat.
Rocks folded his fiery wings tight against his body, diving downward like a sharpened blade. Kaido did not flinch. He wreathed his massive dragon horns in Armament Haki and met Rocks' beak head-on.
The impact unleashed surging waves of black and red lightning, shaking the entire island and stirring the surrounding sea into chaos.
When they broke apart, Rocks reverted to his human form, plummeting to the ground. His lips were swollen and bloodied—wounds from Kaido's Haki that even the Phoenix Fruit couldn't instantly heal.
Kaido also released his dragon form, landing with a heavy thud. A grotesque lump bulged on his forehead, far worse than Rocks' injuries.
Catching his breath, Rocks sneered, "Kaido, I have to admit, you've grown stronger over the years. No wonder you rejected every invitation I sent."
Kaido scoffed coldly. "Don't compare me to the rookie I once was. I am no longer a mere apprentice… I am Beast Kaido, the world's stronges..."
He cut himself short on the word strongest. Because as long as Uchiha Chiga existed, no one dared claim that title.
Rocks noticed the hesitation but didn't mock him. He, too, feared Chiga's overwhelming power. If Chiga hadn't mysteriously disappeared more than two years ago, Rocks never would have dared to stir up the seas again.
Rocks' expression hardened. "I'll ask one last time. Will you join me in conquering the world?"
Kaido bared his teeth in disdain. "Conquer the world? That world belongs to him. How long do you think you'd last against Chiga?"
"Hmph," Rocks growled, "I admit, I can't defeat him yet. But with the Instant Transmission Fruit, he could never corner me. And with my Swallow-Swallow Fruit, my strength will only continue to evolve. One day, even Uchiha Chiga won't stand above me."
Kaido erupted in laughter. "Do you honestly believe his power comes only from a Devil Fruit? Have you already forgotten those cursed eyes? The Rinnegan is not something that should even exist in this world!"
The very memory of those eyes sent a chill through Kaido's core. Rocks fell silent. He had scoured countless ancient texts, yet nothing ever explained the true nature of the Rinnegan. All he knew came from the terrifying glimpses Chiga had once revealed.
And Rocks coveted that power above all else. In his darker thoughts, he wondered—if he devoured Uchiha Chiga, would the Rinnegan become his?
Still, if he were to meet Chiga now, he knew he would flee without hesitation.
The two monsters stood in silence, bound by the shadow of the man who haunted their ambitions.
At last, Rocks growled, "Uchiha Chiga has been missing for years. If we don't build power now, when he returns, our chance will be gone forever."
Kaido snorted. "Why cling to this obsession with pirates? The Celestial Dragons are gone. The new World Government is stronger than the old. Tell me, Rocks—why should pirates still exist?"
The words stunned Rocks. He stared in disbelief. "What did you just say? If pirates shouldn't exist, then what are you?"
Kaido smirked. "I am the King of Wano, recognized by the World Government. If others want to play at piracy, let them. I no longer need such a title."
Rocks' jaw tightened. "Since when did Wano Country have a king!?"
"Since I declared it," Kaido barked. "Keep clinging to your fading dreams, old man. If you want the seas so badly, register as an adventurer. Then you can play pirate legally. Hahahaha!"
Rocks' face darkened with rage. He slammed his foot into the ground, turning the earth beneath Kaido into a gaping swamp. From its depths, massive jaws surged upward, threatening to devour the dragon.
Though Kaido mocked Rocks openly, he had always respected his former captain's power. With a grunt, he swung his kanabo downward, shattering the mud-formed mouth into a spray of muck.
But more and more monstrous mouths emerged, snapping at him from every direction. Kaido spun with his kanabo, summoning a whirlwind laced with lightning, scattering the swarm of mud jaws.
Rocks seized the opening, launching a Haki-infused strike that rattled Kaido's chest. The blow staggered him, giving the swamp jaws a chance to swallow him whole.
But Kaido was a monster of endurance. With a deafening roar, he tore himself free from the mire, mud exploding around him.
Before he could recover, Rocks lunged. His jaw stretched unnaturally wide, forming a black abyss that radiated suffocating power.
Kaido braced his arms against the massive maw, veins bulging in his neck as he struggled with all his might.
Rocks' laughter echoed across the battlefield. "Hehehe… Kaido, this is the price of defiance! No matter how strong you are, you cannot resist the Swallow-Swallow Fruit! The Azure Dragon Fruit will soon be mine!"
In the distance, King battled desperately against Rocks' crew, anxiety surging as he saw Kaido faltering. He tried to rush to his captain's aid but was intercepted by a bald dwarf wielding a massive silver axe.
The dwarf sneered, "Going somewhere?"
King cursed. He recognized the man—Silver Axe, once one of Rocks' infamous crewmates. Nearby, Wang Zhi's towering frame clashed with the remaining Calamities, preventing them from aiding their captain.
Kaido's knees buckled. Rocks' jaw pressed down relentlessly, and the dragon's defeat loomed closer.
Rocks' laughter rose to a victorious roar. "Hahahaha! The Azure Dragon Fruit will be mine!"
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