Kaido's teeth ground together audibly at Luffy's revelation about the replicated Devil Fruit. Having been captured and imprisoned in a World Governnt research facility earlier in his life, he harbored a profound hatred for governnt scientists like Vegapunk.
The knowledge that his Azure Dragon Fruit had been successfully duplicated—even with a different coloration—was particularly infuriating. Only Vegapunk's absence saved him from becoming the target of Kaido's imdiate wrath.
That damned scientist, Kaido thought bitterly. He claid the fruit was a failure, insisting it should remain classified... yet here this brat is, openly broadcasting its existence to the world!
After completing his warm-up stretches, Luffy stood directly across from Kaido. The two powerful fighters faced each other, creating an almost palpable tension in the air. Unexpectedly, Luffy broke the silence with a contemplative sigh.
"Kaido," he began, his tone surprisingly respectful, "allow to address you as Kaido-sensei."
The Emperor's eyebrows raised slightly at the unusual form of address.
"You probably don't realize this," Luffy continued, "but I should thank you. Thanks to your subordinate Jack, I was able to master the internal destruction technique of Armant Haki."
A slight smile played at the corner of his mouth. "During our last confrontation, I touched the threshold of advanced Conqueror's Haki. And now, you've even helped Yamato awaken her own Conqueror's potential."
Luffy gave a small, theatrical bow. "To be honest, I'm not sure how to properly express my gratitude. It's truly a waste of your talent to roam the seas as a pirate." His eyes glead with mischief as he delivered his final jab. "Why not disband your crew and return to Marine Headquarters with ? With your teaching abilities, you might even compete with my other ntor Zephyr for the title of Marine Chief Instructor."
Luffy's words were a calculated blend of genuine acknowledgnt and deliberate provocation. Kaido's expression shifted between surprise and irritation as he processed this unusual approach.
I didn't expect this brat to have mastered the art of verbal combat so thoroughly, Kaido thought. What ga is he playing? Is he actually thanking Jack and for being his training partners?
His massive hands tightened around his kanabo as his annoyance grew. Damn Marine... I'll definitely teach him a proper lesson soon enough.
Kaido's gaze briefly flickered upward, noticing Viola in the distance holding a Visual Den Den Mushi that was recording their conversation. Understanding dawned on him—this was a performance with a specific audience in mind.
A slow, knowing smile spread across his face as he returned his attention to Luffy.
"It seems you're also soone who can't bear to be alone," Kaido observed sarcastically. "Are you really so eager to use as a stepping stone? What's your endga here?" His eyes narrowed accusingly. "Do you aspire to beco King as well?"
Luffy spread his hands in an exaggerated gesture of innocence. "Hey, hey, don't think you can spout nonsense just because I called you 'teacher.'"
His expression shifted to one of exaggerated patriotism. "My Monkey family is renowned for our loyalty to the World Governnt. My grandfather, 'Fist of Love' Garp, sacrificed his blood and sweat in service to the governnt, making trendous contributions."
He thumped his chest proudly. "I'm no different."
His eyes took on a mischievous glint. "As for planning... don't overthink it. I simply wanted to capture footage of your defeat while simultaneously boosting the morale of Marines and citizens worldwide." He shrugged casually. "And yes, I intend to use this victory to secure a promotion to Admiral—perhaps even Fleet Admiral eventually—so I can more effectively eliminate pirates like yourself."
"Ha!" Kaido's booming laugh echoed across the battlefield. "That serious tone while speaking complete nonsense... you're certainly qualified to be Fleet Admiral already."
Luffy nodded thoughtfully, his expression one of mock revelation. "So that's how you view Fleet Admiral Sengoku. Interesting! I'll be sure to relay your assessnt to him verbatim."
"You silver-tongued devil," Kaido replied, genuinely amused by Luffy's shalessness.
"Your talents are wasted as a Marine officer," the Emperor continued. "With your gift for fabrication and false accusations, you should join the World Governnt directly and serve as the Celestial Dragons' lapdog." His eyes glinted dangerously. "Though I nearly forgot—the Marines are already the Celestials' obedient hounds."
As he spoke, Kaido watched Luffy carefully, curious to see how the young officer would respond to such a direct challenge to his integrity.
To his surprise, Luffy rely nodded in seeming agreent. "Well, so truths are better left unspoken between those who understand them. It wouldn't sound pleasant if discussed openly."
"You little devil..." Kaido was about to laugh at Luffy's audacious flexibility and the Marine's apparent lack of principles.
But sothing gave him pause.
He had experienced the young man's Conqueror's Haki before—that overwhelming presence didn't align with soone content to serve as a pawn for the Celestial Dragons. Kaido's interest deepened as he contemplated what Luffy might be concealing.
Perhaps this ambition to climb the ranks has a different purpose, Kaido mused silently. Does he truly reject being the Celestials' puppet? Is his real goal to attain the position of Fleet Admiral from within?
His eyes narrowed in speculation. This clever devil... what is he truly after?
Though Kaido kept these thoughts to himself, his expression shifted subtly. When he looked at Luffy again, his gaze contained newfound curiosity and anticipation. If his suspicions were correct, the situation was far more intriguing than he'd initially assud.
Luffy, utilizing his advanced Observation Haki to sense Kaido's shifting emotions, couldn't help but inwardly sigh with satisfaction. The Emperor's reputation for cunning was well-deserved—beneath that brutish exterior lurked a perceptive and calculating mind.
Deciding he'd engaged in enough verbal sparring, Luffy rolled up the sleeves of his shirt with deliberate slowness. He cracked his knuckles, his body language shifting from casual diplomat to focused combatant in an instant.
"Enough talk, Kaido," he said, voice dropping to a more serious register. "Let experience the full power of your Conqueror's Haki once more."
A predatory smile spread across Kaido's face, his excitent building at the prospect of a worthy challenge. "Hmph, arrogant brat. Allow to show you sothing truly special—"
His massive form began to radiate dark energy as he prepared for battle. "The pinnacle of power in this world!"
As the final words left his mouth, both warriors launched into action simultaneously. The earth beneath them cracked from the pressure of their movents alone.
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