Marco slowly advanced toward Kaido, his senses sharp as he felt the Beasts King's aura fading. Every step was measured, cautious, yet unyielding.
King immediately sensed something amiss and shot toward Nanku Island. The Phoenix Pirates, seeing their captain in motion, surged forward to support him.
King's speed was immense, and he reached Kaido in an instant. He found the Beasts King unconscious, his eyes rolling back, and the sight left King reeling. Could it be possible? Had the legendary Joy Boy truly appeared before him? Kaido had once claimed that if anyone could defeat him, it would surely be Joy Boy. Now, the reality was undeniable.
"Could it be… you are Joy Boy?" King whispered, unable to hide his disbelief.
"I am not Joy Boy," Marco answered calmly, meeting King's gaze.
Ace and the others moved instinctively to shield Marco. Even as the strongest in the world, after eighteen days of relentless combat, Marco was exhausted. Protecting their captain was instinct.
Jozu, smiling despite the tension, spoke first. "It seems we've won again."
Many had believed the Whitebeard Pirates would crumble after Whitebeard's death. Yet, under Marco's leadership, the Phoenix Pirates had grown stronger than ever. First Big Mom fell, then Wang Zhi, and now Kaido—the so-called 'strongest creature in land, sea, and air'—had been defeated. The title of the world's strongest now belonged to Marco.
The Beasts Pirates watched in shock. The outcome had been unthinkable.
"Marco, are you alright?" Ace asked with genuine concern.
"Hmm… I'm fine," Marco replied, his voice weak but steady.
Vista stepped forward, his expression sharp. "According to our agreement, you owe us Jack."
The Beasts Pirates, Jack in particular, stiffened at this demand. Vista's tone brooked no argument. "This was a wager from the start. If you refuse, we'll enforce it ourselves."
Now, with Kaido defeated, Marco had the upper hand. If the Beasts Pirates did not comply, their crew would face total annihilation.
Suddenly, dark purple flames began to swirl around Kaido. The ship doctor rushing to his aid was sent flying by the violent eruption of energy.
Both pirate crews stared in disbelief as Kaido's eyes snapped open. He slammed his massive palm against the ground and slowly rose to his full height, a wild, triumphant laugh erupting from him. "Worororo…"
The Beasts Pirates cheered. Their captain had not been defeated. Hope rekindled in their hearts.
"How is this possible?" the Phoenix Pirates muttered, their expressions hardening.
Kaido's body was now encased in dark, swirling flame clouds, forming a tornado around him. His towering figure had shrunk to a more human proportion. Exaggerated muscles had faded, leaving long, firm limbs with a natural build. Yet the overwhelming presence remained.
"Worororo, thank you, Marco!" Kaido roared, examining the flames wrapping his form. "You said fighting me would strengthen your Haki. Now it's my turn. After our battle, my Devil Fruit has awakened!"
Marco's jaw tightened. Kaido had awakened his Azure Dragon Fruit, surpassing his previous limits.
Activating his level probe, Marco assessed Kaido's strength: Kaido, Zoan-type, Mythical Zoan, Azure Dragon Form, Estimated Strength: Weak King Level.
Though the level had risen only slightly, the qualitative improvement was massive. In the world of One Piece, Strong General Emperor Level was thought to be the ceiling. Only legends like Whitebeard had surpassed it.
Now, Kaido had awakened to a power rivaling Whitebeard in his prime.
"I never thought you'd break through the limiter," Marco muttered, a mix of awe and apprehension in his voice. Kaido, once thought to be a final boss in the New World, had now achieved a power level that could challenge even the strongest.
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