The peak showdown between Kaidou and Whitebeard Edward Newgate lasted for five full days and nights. This astonishing battle only came to an end at dawn on the sixth day, when Kaidou voluntarily withdrew. In fact, from dusk on the fifth day, Kaidou had keenly sensed that Newgate's combat power was inevitably declining.
This decline was perfectly normal. Although Newgate was hailed as the "World's Strongest Man," he was ultimately still human. The Tremor-Tremor Fruit he had consumed granted him devastating destructive power, but unlike Zoan-type fruits, it couldn't continuously enhance the user's physical attributes. In contrast, Kaidou not only possessed an inherently formidable physique but also benefited from the comprehensive enhancements of the Mythical Zoan Azure Dragon Fruit. Combined with his currently peak physical condition, he maintained optimal performance throughout the battle. Even when injured, he could recover swiftly thanks to Life Return, his superhuman constitution, and the Mythical Zoan's multiple regenerative abilities.
In the initial stages of the fight, the two were evenly matched. The first two days of clashes could be described as dead even, with every move containing terrifying power capable of destroying islands. But as time passed, Kaidou gradually gained the upper hand. This advantage began to manifest on the third day—subtle to outsiders, yet crystal clear to the combatants themselves. Remarkably, even at a disadvantage, Newgate managed to hold his own against Kaidou for three more days by leveraging the Tremor-Tremor Fruit's fearsome power, fully demonstrating Whitebeard's terrifying strength at his peak.
This century-defining battle not only benefited Kaidou immensely but also provided invaluable insights for the powerful observers like King, Bullet, and Kuzan. Witnessing a life-and-death duel between the world's top-tier fighters firsthand was an exceptionally precious experience for them. Every shockwave from their collisions, every spark of clashing Haki, contained combat wisdom beyond ordinary comprehension.
Through the battle, Kaidou not only fully confirmed his current strength level but also discovered that his Conqueror's Haki grew increasingly potent as his confidence and control over his influence expanded. This fight led Kaidou to understand the method to enhance Conqueror's Haki—through "momentum." The stronger Kaidou's influence grew, the more powerful his Conqueror's Haki became. This revelation provided Kaidou with a shortcut to reaching higher realms.
Now, Kaidou had established a clear goal: expand his territory, accumulate invincible momentum, cultivate his Conqueror's Haki, and ultimately challenge the entire world! This plan was progressing methodically. Every expansion of influence, every victorious battle, was preparation for the final confrontation. Kaidou believed that when his Conqueror's Haki reached its peak, it would be the perfect time to challenge the World Government.
The sea breeze at Kuri's Port Ida carried a salty dampness as members of the Whitebeard Pirates busily boarded the Moby Dick. Edward Newgate stood alone on the pier, his tall figure stretched long by the setting sun's lingering glow. He stared at Kaidou before him, his eyes filled with scrutiny and wariness.
"Kaidou, what is your goal?" Newgate's low voice cut clearly through the sea wind.
Kaidou let out his signature booming laugh upon hearing this: "Wororororo! I thought you knew, Newgate."
The air between them seemed to freeze solid. Newgate didn't respond, merely continuing to stare at Kaidou with his sharp eyes. The cry of seagulls from afar broke the brief silence.
"Wororororo! My goal is obviously the 'world'!" Kaidou suddenly spread his arms wide, his voice echoing across the harbor like thunder.
Though he'd anticipated this, Newgate's pupils still contracted sharply. He tightened his grip on Ame-no-Habakiri and said in a low voice, "Kaidou, do you realize what you're saying? Even as you are now, you stand no chance against that monster. Remember Rocks from back then..."
"Of course I know that!" Kaidou interrupted Newgate roughly. He extended his right hand and slowly clenched it before his eyes, the tremendous force causing the surrounding air to crackle. "That's why I need even greater power."
Kaidou understood clearly that while his current strength was no less than Rocks' had been, it was still far from enough. He hadn't yet reached his peak state - awakening his Zoan-Fish-Fish Fruit-Mythical Azure Dragon Form would increase his power by more than fifty percent.
The fading sunlight cast long shadows of the two men. Newgate gave Kaidou one last deep look before turning and walking toward the Moby Dick. The sea wind whipped his captain's coat, making it flutter noisily.
"Set sail!" At Newgate's command, the Whitebeard Pirates' ship slowly departed from the harbor.
Kaidou remained standing where he was, watching the massive ship disappear over the distant horizon, a meaningful smile curling at the corners of his mouth.
"Brother Kaidou, should we consider expanding our forces?" King stood beside Kaidou, inquiring respectfully as the sea breeze swept across Oni Island, rustling his black feathered cloak.
Kaidou slowly shook his head, his gaze fixed on the distance: "It's not time yet." He turned and commanded in an unquestionable tone: "King, notify all executives to hand over their current work and assemble immediately at Oni Island."
"Oni Island?" King showed a puzzled expression, not understanding Kaidou's intention.
A dangerous smile played on Kaidou's lips: "I've invested heavily this time - not only did I acquire the Paramecia Healing Fruit, but I also convinced Kuma to contribute his Paw-Paw Fruit. As long as you're not killed instantly, you'll all recover completely in no time." He looked around at King, Queen, and Bullet, his voice deep and powerful: "So for the next few months, you have only one task - to survive under my hands."
Queen's face instantly turned pale upon hearing this, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead: "K-K-Kaidou boss, are you joking?" His portly body unconsciously took half a step back.
Kaidou narrowed his eyes, radiating suffocating pressure as his Conqueror's Haki flickered around him: "Do I look like someone who jokes?"
Queen swallowed hard, his voice trembling: "N... no..."
"Haha, perfect timing. Let me properly experience Kaidou's power, and..." Bullet, in contrast, was full of excitement, his own Conqueror's Haki flashing briefly.
Though King's face remained completely concealed by dark attire, revealing no emotion, the anticipation in his eyes was unmistakable. After witnessing Kaidou and Whitebeard's earth-shattering battle, he had deeply felt his own inadequacies.
Now, possessing a Devil Fruit that allowed immediate recovery even from severe injuries, his strength was bound to soar rapidly in these life-or-death battles.
That night, King relayed Kaidou's orders to all executives of the Beasts Pirates. The reactions among those who received the command varied—some were excited, others fearful, and many apprehensive. Yet regardless of their initial feelings, every single one handed over their current duties to subordinates and set out for Oni Island without exception.
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