Tsuru.
That name, within the Marine, was synonymous with wisdom and perfection.
As the Marine's Chief Strategist, Tsuru stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Fleet Admiral Sengoku as one of its guiding forces.
In Michael's eyes, Tsuru was the true architect of the Marine.
But...
In Doflamingo's worldview, that name...
Was nothing short of a nightmare.
When Doflamingo and the Donquixote Family were still green, they were hunted like stray dogs by Vice Admiral Tsuru, who had yet to fully retire from the frontlines.
Even as his strength grew over time, Doflamingo's view of Tsuru never changed.
In fact, as his intellect and cunning developed, he came to recognize an even more terrifying aspect of her...
Her unfathomable wisdom.
Though he prided himself as a mastermind, a puppeteer...
He had to admit—when it came to wits, he was no match for this old woman.
So, even after joining the Seven Warlords of the Sea, he had always kept his distance from Vice Admiral Tsuru.
Over the years, Tsuru had seen him a few times, and each time, she would meaningfully call him a "good boy."
Honestly, hearing those three words made his legs tremble!
Back then, he had nearly been turned into a model youth by Tsuru's Wash-Wash Fruit while listening to those very words!
If Trebol hadn't rescued him from afar with his sticky mucus, there would be no Doflamingo as the formidable figure he was today!
"You… what do you mean by that?"
"What do I mean? Exactly what I said." Hancock narrowed her eyes, a faint smile playing in them.
"Believe me, Doflamingo… you'd better pray you can escape from me this time. Otherwise, you're in for a world of suffering!"
With that, she leaped into the air, flipping upside down to gaze down at the Donquixote Family below.
Her fingers lightly touched her lips before pulling out a massive, pink, heart-shaped unknown substance.
Gripping the tip of the heart with one hand, she pulled back with the other as if drawing a bow…
The next moment, countless pink arrows rained down upon the Donquixote Family below!
...
"Raimei Hakke: Rairyuu Seikun!"
Once again, Conqueror's Haki coiled around the massive spiked club as it swung wildly, attacking every possible opening around Michael.
This technique left no blind spots, cutting off all of Michael's escape routes and creating an inescapable space.
For others, this might have been troublesome—but for Michael…
It was perfect.
After all, he had no intention of running in the first place.
"Kaido, it seems you couldn't hold back after all. Suddenly using Conqueror's Haki Coating again, huh?"
"Michael! All's fair in war! A warrior must win by any means necessary and survive the battlefield!"
"Well said… truly worthy of being the strongest beast!"
A hint of mockery flashed across Michael's face.
The next second, Conqueror's Haki also coiled around Morning Star.
"Paradise Lost!"
Under the direct thrust of Morning Star, Conqueror's Haki unleashed a massive shockwave.
The two Conqueror's Haki Coating techniques clashed midair, scattering countless black lightning bolts.
Kaido's pupils constricted sharply!
He could clearly feel it—this time, he was at a disadvantage!
But…
Michael hadn't retreated against his attack!
Though he fought without restraint…
The pride of a true warrior and the arrogance of a conqueror made him refuse to dodge.
Instead, he met the attack head-on with his indomitable body!
Instantly!
Under the overwhelming shockwave, Kaido's flesh split open layer by layer, and the dragon scales covering his body were torn away in large patches.
Compared to the earlier "river of blood" effect from his clash with Michael, he now looked even more battered.
Yet, Michael's expression was graver than ever.
Because most of the power behind "Paradise Lost" had been blocked by Kaido's technique…
The gruesome injuries were merely superficial, leaving his core unharmed.
But in this exchange, Michael sensed something new—Kaido was undergoing a transformation…To be precise, a certain part of Kaido's heart had reawakened.
"Hahaha! Hahahaha! Michael, it hurts! It really fucking hurts!"
"But it's this very pain that reminds me of the days I once lived..."
"No matter what identity you hold now, you were once a Marine—and that alone means I'll definitely kill you!"
"Marines! Marines! Aside from that idiot king of the Volka Kingdom, you self-righteous Marines is what I hate most!"
Watching Kaido's sudden emotional outburst, Michael gradually calmed down.
What kind of person was Kaido before he became the infamous "Beast" Kaido?
By the age of ten, Kaido was already the strongest warrior of the Volka Kingdom.
A born war machine, a natural monster...
At just ten years old, he was already unstoppable on the battlefield.
Even then, it was destined that he would stand at the pinnacle of the Pirate King World.
But... the original Kaido was nothing like what he is now.
As Kaido grew older, by the age of 13, the Volka Kingdom faced a dire crisis...
The payment of the Celestial Tribute.
Due to poverty, they waged endless wars to plunder resources to pay the tribute.
Yet the unending wars only further devastated the people, deepening their poverty...
A vicious cycle, all for the sake of gaining the Celestial Dragons' approval and a seat at the World Government's table.
Back then, Kaido wasn't like Whitebeard Jr., who could be considered an idiot outside of battle...
His mind wasn't empty either.
He just couldn't understand—why?
Why did everyone have to submit to the Celestial Dragons?
He was deeply perplexed... but the king of the Volka Kingdom had a new idea.
"So, you're still furious about being betrayed by the Volka Kingdom and nearly becoming the World Government's dog, huh?"
"I was never a political tool! Not for that idiot king, and not for you Marines." Kaido, drenched in blood, grinned savagely.
"He traded me to the Marines in exchange for the Volka Kingdom's right to participate in the Reverie!"
"That's truly... regrettable."
Michael exhaled deeply as he studied Kaido's face.
"Honestly, Kaido, I have to admit—if I'd been born earlier, if I could've reformed the Marines sooner, if I'd met you back then..."
"You would've become the finest Marine, my greatest comrade..."
"But... it's too late now."
"Look at yourself!"
"Now, you're clad in 'dragon scales'!"
"What's the fundamental difference between you and the Celestial Dragons you once despised...?"
"Kaido!?!?"
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