The exchange between Kozuki Oden and Kaido suddenly hit an impasse.
The atmosphere instantly turned awkward.
This should have been their usual exchange of threats...
Yet Oden's single mention of "father-in-law" short-circuited both sides.
It wasn't until Kozuki Toki intervened that Kaido finally proceeded to Onigashima.
"So Kozuki Toki is actually your daughter?" Kaido's first words upon landing were utterly bewildering.
"Just how old are you anyway?"
"Kaido... Don't you think discussing such matters before a major battle is a complete waste of time? These trivial domestic affairs... what do they have to do with you?"
"Because I know nothing about you. Legends of you are sung in every corner of the sea... But precisely because they're all tales I haven't witnessed with my own eyes, I don't believe a single word." Kaido raised his head.
"So... I'm desperate to understand you... I don't want to miss even the slightest detail."
"The way you're talking makes it sound like you're some kind of twisted stalker." Michael's lips curled slightly as he landed on Onigashima's ground.
"Don't tell me you're planning to dig through my life story to find my weakness?"
"No, I don't have absolute confidence that I can kill you... So since this is a battle with an uncertain outcome, I might as well satisfy my curiosity." Kaido descended from the sky, shifting from his dragon form to his human one.
"And... I need to confirm whether Yamato can truly grow safely by your side."
"Ugh, that's disgusting... Playing the good father now?" Michael snorted coldly. "Whatever bond you had with Yamato was blown to pieces by that explosive collar—it can never be restored."
"Perhaps I was too harsh on Yamato... But deep down, I truly love my daughter."
"I won't deny that..." Michael sighed. "After all, it's the last shred of humanity left in you."
Kaido looked up blankly at Michael.
At the two large pairs of Wings and one small pair brimming with surging power.
"Your Devil Fruit... is truly extraordinary."
Kaido's words held no exaggeration—just pure, visceral awe.
As the possessor of the Fish-Fish Fruit, Mythical Zoan: Azure Dragon form, and having encountered several other Mythical Zoan fruits, he could rightfully be called an expert on them.
Yet he'd never seen a Mythical Zoan like Michael's...
Beyond the superhuman vitality common to Mythical Zoans, it could simultaneously wield several completely distinct powers.
This was nearly impossible for Mythical Zoan fruits.
Take Marco's Bird-Bird Fruit, Mythical Zoan: Phoenix—it specialized solely in "regeneration" and "attack nullification."
Its vitality and defensive capabilities were exceptionally prominent.
But its offensive power was comparatively lacking.
Yet in the "legends" surrounding Michael, he seemed omnipotent.
Whether offense or defense, stamina or vitality...
Flawless in all aspects.
He could even heal injuries through his fruit's power.
All these abilities coalesced in the Wings upon his back.
And judging by their differing sizes...
Michael hadn't yet fully awakened this fruit's potential.
The sprouting small wings suggested... he was just one step away.
But as a fellow Mythical Zoan user, Kaido knew...
That final step might never be taken without extraordinary luck!
"...So you're truly a bizarre one."
"Should I say 'likewise'?" Michael tilted his head. "Enough talk... Let's settle this through action."
"It seems the legends of Michael's leniency and gentle temper... were certainly lies on that count."
"You know how it is—when leading, one must perform for subordinates..." Michael gripped the paired short broadswords Oto and Kogarashi.
"But against enemies... especially formidable ones like you, indulging some negativity feels rather satisfying."
Michael's lips curled slightly.
His explosive temper had long been teetering on the edge.
"Looking at this land you once enslaved—have you nothing to say?"
"...Victors write history." A dangerous grin spread across Kaido's face. "Victory speeches come after total triumph."
With that, he hefted the massive spiked club from his back.
A single swing sent a gust of wind whipping past Michael.
If there were any weak pirates or marines around, they would have been swept away by this gust of wind.
Even Michael had to admit...
Kaido's physique was simply monstrous.
Even Whitebeard in his prime... would likely have to concede defeat in a pure contest of strength against Kaido.
Aside from Michael's unique circumstances, perhaps only Charlotte Linlin could slightly surpass Kaido.
"That body of yours is no joke," Michael raised his withered blade, pointing it at Kaido. "Though I caught a glimpse of your prowess from Yamato's strength... seeing it face-to-face is truly even more exaggerated."
Michael was absolutely certain...
Kaido was undoubtedly more dangerous than Shiki.
After all, no matter how strong Shiki was... his peak lasted less than ten minutes.
But Kaido, whether in age or physical condition, was the most exceptional among those legendary pirates.
"Enough with the mutual admiration..."
Before Kaido could finish speaking, he charged forward with a speed that defied his massive size.
Michael's eyes gleamed as he instantly swung his two short broadswords forward.
"Clang!"
Oto and Kogarashi fiercely collided with Kaido's spiked club.
The mysterious material of the club remained unscathed despite clashing with the supreme-grade swords.
Neither gained an advantage in their first exchange.
In the next moment, the speed of their clashes escalated to a level almost imperceptible to the naked eye...
Amid this relentless, straightforward exchange, Kaido's expression gradually relaxed.
How long had it been... since he could fully unleash his strength?
Though his rationality and cunning told him to bide his time and accumulate power over the years...
He had never forgotten...
He was Kaido, the "Hundred Beasts"!
The World's Strongest Creature!
Every inch of his muscles, every drop of his blood...
Existed for battle!
---------
Read 40 chapters ahead and support me on patreon.
patreon (.)com/Newbietranslator