After listening to Chu Zihang's explanation, Gustave realized the time flow between dimensions was synchronized, though the exact mechanics still required further investigation.
"I understand," Gustave nodded thoughtfully. "But we'll have to postpone our experiments for now."
"What's happening?" Chu Zihang asked, noting the tension in Gustave's voice.
"Kaido is coming," Gustave replied grimly. "I need to deal with that situation before we can focus on research."
"Kaido?" Chu Zihang looked puzzled—the name was unfamiliar from his anime viewing.
"He's the user of the Fish-Fish Fruit, Mythical Zoan Type, Model: Azure Dragon," Gustave explained. "Captain of the Beast Pirates and one of the Four Emperors. We captured one of his top member recently, and now he wants revenge."
He paused, considering Chu Zihang's timeline. "In the anime you've watched, Kaido hasn't appeared yet—he shows up much later in the series."
Chu Zihang had only watched through 2008, when One Piece was still in its early hundreds of episodes. Kaido wouldn't debut until much later.
"Azure Dragon?" Chu Zihang's interest was immediately piqued. As a mixed-blood with dragon heritage himself, the concept of someone transforming into an actual dragon was fascinating.
"Exactly—he can become a massive Azure Dragon," Gustave confirmed, noting Chu Zihang's excitement.
"I want to witness your battle," Chu Zihang said decisively. "Since I'll be staying in this world for a while anyway, I'm curious to see if Kaido's dragon form resonates with my own bloodline."
"No problem—stay as long as you like," Gustave agreed readily. "But first we need to reach that uninhabited island I found. I won't risk damaging Bamboo Staff in a fight with a Yonko."
The third floor guest quarters had been designed exactly for visitors like Chu Zihang—interdimensional travelers who might need extended stays.
"Here's your juice," Ace announced as he and Luffy returned with refreshments.
"Thank you," Chu Zihang replied politely.
"Tom, finish your drink and take the helm," Gustave ordered after draining his glass. "Head two o'clock—there's an uninhabited island in that direction. I'm starting the engines now."
This would be Bamboo Staff's first full-power voyage using her hybrid propulsion system.
Since the wind wasn't favorable for their new heading, Gustave retracted both side sails before heading to the engine room. He'd already charged the power storage systems to full capacity during their leisurely sailing.
With Tom at the controls and the electric motors engaged, Bamboo Staff surged forward at tremendous speed toward their destination.
"Whoa! We're flying!" Luffy shouted from the bow, his excitement infectious as he watched the waves race past.
Ace was equally amazed but maintained more composure than his exuberant brother. This hybrid technology was unlike anything he'd ever seen.
Chu Zihang marveled at the engineering achievement. A primarily wooden ship equipped with advanced electrical systems was remarkable by any standard—truly a fusion of traditional shipbuilding and cutting-edge innovation.
At full electric power, Bamboo Staff reached the uninhabited island in just one hour. But as they approached their sanctuary, the sky began to change ominously.
Dark clouds gathered on the horizon, accompanied by rolling thunder and an oppressive atmosphere that seemed to drain the very light from the air.
"Kaido's here," Gustave said grimly, watching the approaching storm front.
"That's Kaido?" Chu Zihang stared in amazement at the meteorological chaos. "Such overwhelming presence—he's changing the weather just by approaching!"
Having only watched One Piece through its earlier episodes, Chu Zihang had never witnessed the true scale of battles between top-tier fighters. The Marineford War arc, which would showcase such legendary conflicts, was still far in the future for his viewing timeline.
The display of raw power reminded him of that terrible night when Odin had appeared. Both figures commanded similar auras of absolute authority and barely contained destruction. Who would be stronger, he wondered, Odin or Kaido?
As the Yonko drew closer, his dark clouds consumed half the sky, creating an apocalyptic atmosphere that made the air itself feel heavy and threatening.
Then, through the roiling storm clouds, a massive dragon head emerged. Azure scales gleamed with an otherworldly light, while a flowing black mane whipped in the supernatural winds. Even partially concealed, the creature radiated overwhelming power.
Finally, Kaido revealed himself completely. His serpentine body undulated through the air with impossible grace, massive claws extending from his colossal form. He was unmistakably an Eastern dragon from Chinese mythology—but where legendary dragons symbolized wisdom and benevolence, this creature embodied only death and destruction. If traditional dragons were divine, then Kaido was their demonic opposite.
Chu Zihang found himself wondering about the dragons in his own world. Would they resemble Kaido's Eastern design, or take the Western form of his nightmares? Without access to Cassel College, such questions remained frustratingly unanswered.
Despite Kaido's intimidating presence, Chu Zihang felt no instinctive fear from his dragon bloodline—only the natural wariness any sane person would feel facing such a legendary predator.
"Are you the insects who captured Jack and delivered him to the Marines?" Kaido's voice boomed across the water like thunder, each word reverberating through their bones. "The ones who dared remove his tusks?"
Tom immediately ducked behind the others, trying to make himself as inconspicuous as possible.
"Uncle Kaido, you're way too loud!" Luffy complained, covering his ears with obvious annoyance.
The unexpected protest completely derailed Kaido's intimidation routine. He'd been prepared to launch into threats and violence, but Luffy's casual complaint left him momentarily speechless.
Both Ace and Chu Zihang broke into cold sweats at Luffy's timing. Of all the things to focus on right now, you're worried about volume control?
Gustave stepped forward to break the awkward silence, his voice carrying deliberate arrogance.
"That's right—we caught Jack, handed him over to the Marines, and took his tusks as trophies. Got a problem with that?"
If Kaido wanted to play intimidation games, Gustave would match his energy. He refused to be cowed by anyone, regardless of their reputation.
"Interesting," Kaido rumbled, genuine surprise flickering in his massive eyes. "It's been ages since anyone showed such spine when facing me. Do you comprehend the consequences of your defiance, boy?"
"If young people don't have fire in their hearts," Gustave shot back with unwavering confidence, "can they even call themselves young?"
He'd borrowed the quote from Chinese cinema, but the sentiment was perfect—whatever happened, he couldn't afford to show weakness now.
"Excellent!" Kaido's voice carried genuine approval mixed with bloodthirsty anticipation. "It's been far too long since someone entertained me properly!"
Without another word, the massive dragon dove toward them, jaws agape and ready for battle.