That aura surged to an extreme. Before its owner even arrived, the clouds above suddenly split apart, and the air below turned grim and murderous—as if reflecting the mood swings of the one approaching. The strong merely felt their breathing hitch under the pressure; the weaker had already gone weak-kneed, or had to lean on something just to keep standing.
The true body hadn't shown itself, yet that momentum shook dozens of li in a blink—something only a Sea Emperor could pull off!
Veteran pirates were already guessing which of the Four Emperors was coming.
Roughly three thousand meters from the ruins of the Golden King Hotel stood a twenty-story tower. On its roof perched a tuxedoed giant eagle with a polite top hat. A cigar hung from his beak as he squinted toward the source of that surging aura and said mildly, "Didn't expect to pick up news this big today. Tomorrow's World Economic Journal will sell like crazy."
This was one of the Underworld's Dark Overlords, the president of the World Economic Journal, "Big News" Morgans.
"President, the front page about Creed defeating Tesoro, leveling the Golden King Hotel, and capturing Kaido's three signature calamities is ready. We just need your final okay to roll the presses."
A curvy female secretary came to report.
"Make that the second page. Hold the front page. If I'm not mistaken, the one coming should be King of the Beasts Kaido—the sea's 'strongest one-on-one' emperor."
Morgans flicked his wings.
"K-King of the Beasts Kaido!"
The secretary blanched.
Then again, it made sense: all three calamities had been taken by Creed—of course Kaido would come to get his people back.
"And later, send the info on Saint Charlos's whereabouts to the Celestial Dragons. Starting price, five hundred million belly."
Morgans took out a sleek Den-Den Mushi camera, eyes heating as he stared ahead. "Here's hoping Creed won't disappoint me—and lets me witness the true rise of the Fifth Emperor right here."
"After all, 'Fifth Emperor' is a title I personally gave you!"
On another rooftop, Redfield and the three calamities were also watching the source of that aura.
"So that's Kaido, one of the four emperors at sea? Impressive. Hope I get the chance to spar with him," Redfield said with a hint of longing.
He had eaten the Bat-Bat Fruit and, by borrowing the blood of a top powerhouse, restored eight or nine tenths of his peak—yet he was still a shade beneath his absolute prime. Of course, if he could push the Bat-Bat Fruit to awakening, he could reclaim that peak—and might even surpass it.
"You're not running? Once our Boss Kaido cuts loose, he'll break your legs! If you know what's good for you, release us now—maybe we'll spare your life!" Jack huffed.
Queen shook his head. "You clown, Jack—you really don't know how scary he is, do you? If I'm not wrong, you're the legendary Red Count, who stood shoulder to shoulder with the Pirate King Roger and Whitebeard in those days!"
"What?!" Even King, usually cool, started at Queen's words.
Redfield—also a four-emperor-class monster!
They said he'd even defeated Fleet Admiral Kong back then!
And this man had actually become Creed's subordinate—content to take his orders?!
"It's ancient history. Don't bring it up," Redfield shrugged. "These days I'm just a small-time pirate eating and drinking under Captain Creed."
The three calamities stared with naked contempt: as if we'd believe that, you crafty old fox.
"I do remember the name… but you—so young…" Even with Redfield admitting it, King still struggled to believe.
Jack wagged his head. "Sigh, even Redfield has become Creed's man. And to think we still wanted to recruit Creed—what a joke. I told you, he's our kind of guy. Better to kill him… Ow! Why are you two kicking me? Did I say something wrong again…?"
Before he could finish, Queen and King were stomping his feet hard. The two were speechless at his brainlessness: Idiot! We're prisoners right now—trying to run your mouth to an early grave?!
Suddenly—
Rumble!
Thunder exploded overhead. In the crystal-blue sky, clouds boiled; lightning flared; and a colossal blue-green dragon strode upon thunder and cloud, slowly swimming into view. Twin eyes the size of water jars fixed on Creed standing amidst the Golden King Hotel's ruins.
Hundred Beasts Kaido.
The Sea Emperor who possessed a Mythical Zoan Dragon-Dragon Fruit.
Facing that vast dragon, Creed felt a real pressure. Kaido's divine-dragon form resembled those of ancient Huaxia: ox head, deer horns, phoenix talons, fish scales… The only difference was that besides the deer horns of the form, the massive curved horns from his human shape remained as well—leaving people to wonder about his true bloodline.
"Creed! Well done! But I still have to ask—are you willing to become my vice-captain?"
Kaido spoke first—his voice like a hundred thunderbolts detonating at once, leaving ears ringing.
He didn't blame Creed at all for dealing with his three calamities; he still tried to recruit him. The breadth of his chest was surprising.
"No."
Creed didn't hesitate, giving a clean refusal—while secretly probing Kaido's attributes. What he saw almost made him jump.
[Attributes]: Strength: SSSS-, Agility: SSS, Defense: SSSS+, Spirit: SS ~ SSS+ (depends on emotion; emotional state highly unstable)
[Possessed Abilities]: SSSS-grade Armament Haki, SSS-grade Observation Haki, SSSS+ Dragon Power (Undying), SSS+ Conqueror's Haki, SSS+ hand-to-hand…
[Devil Fruit]: Mythical Zoan Fish-Fish Fruit, Azure Dragon Mode (awakened)
[Overall Strength]: SSSS+
Charlotte Linlin's overall strength was SSSS—Kaido actually had a plus on top of that!
Worthy of the "strongest creature one-on-one" across land, sea, and air.
"Haha! As expected of Garp's grandson—I knew that'd be your answer. Your Monkey D. lot all have guts! Especially that man named Dragon—he's made quite a career. I admire him!"
"But that's that. I still have to teach you a lesson today. Being a 'Fifth Emperor' isn't that easy, brat!"
Kaido's voice rolled like thunder.
Creed, however, had all his attention hooked by those SSSS-tier abilities—he barely heard a word the dragon said.
(End of Chapter)
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