Kaido grinned with that sinister, booming laughter: "Worororo, that's why I said I should thank you."
It was a rare moment of honesty from the Beasts King. During his battles with Marco, especially these past days, Kaido had felt a pain unlike any before—a physical strain that signaled he was on the edge of surpassing his limits. This sensation had been familiar only in his youth; as he grew stronger, breaking through barriers had become increasingly difficult because there were few opponents who could truly challenge him.
Marco let out a bitter chuckle, tinged with self-mockery. "Well, congratulations then. I never imagined I'd become a stepping stone for your growth. That's… incredible."
It was clear: Kaido's breakthrough was fueled by Marco's presence. Moreover, the world was currently in the two-year transitional period of Monkey D. Luffy's training. During this time, the blessings of fortune on Luffy were at their weakest, creating the perfect opportunity for Kaido to level up.
Kaido's lips curled into a confident smile. His Devil Fruit's awakening had dispelled the fatigue he had carried, and the power surged through him. His mindset had shifted; with this newfound strength, Kaido radiated confidence. "I acknowledge your ability. Now, I want to raise the stakes. If I lose, the Beasts Pirates will serve under the Phoenix Pirates. But if you lose…"
"Stop," Marco interrupted firmly, cutting him off. Even if Kaido now surpassed his strength, Marco would never consent to such terms. "I won't agree to that bet. The Phoenix Pirates will never serve under anyone."
Kaido laughed, a low, sinister rumble. "Worororo, did you think I'd ask you to join the Beasts Pirates? Don't worry. I never intended your crew to serve mine."
Marco blinked in surprise at Kaido's words, while the Beasts King's lips curved into a small, teasing smile. He extended a hand toward Marco and said, "Marco, be my son-in-law!"
Shock rippled through both the Phoenix Pirates and the Beasts Pirates. No one had expected Kaido to make such a declaration. Marco's mouth twitched. "What kind of joke is this?"
"Worororo, a joke? No, I'm serious." Kaido's voice carried sincerity, and Marco could tell he meant it. Fighting Marco had given Kaido genuine admiration and respect. He envied Whitebeard for having a capable successor like Marco. Even after Whitebeard's sudden death, Marco had stabilized the Whitebeard Pirates effortlessly.
Kaido felt a unique connection to Marco. Both were users of Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruits, both excelled in prolonged battles, and both carried the passion of warriors. Fighting Marco had reignited Kaido's youthful joy in battle.
At the same time, Marco's thoughts briefly wandered to Yamato. While she was beautiful, her personality was difficult—fanatically devoted to Kozuki Oden, obsessed with emulating him to extremes. Marriage to her would have been a constant reminder of her idol worship, and Marco was not interested. He immediately rejected the idea. "I'm not interested."
"Worororo, so I was rejected?" Kaido asked, unbothered, smiling mischievously. "Is it because you saw my Devil Fruit awaken and feel too timid to face me? Isn't that a little… weak for a pirate, Marco?"
Marco raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. "That's a crude tactic, Kaido. The world says you're just a brute, but I didn't expect you to have such a cunning mind. If I fell for a few words from you, wouldn't I become a brute myself?"
"Worororo, you saw right through me!" Kaido laughed. In high spirits, he flexed his massive arms. "Since you don't agree, then let's continue. It's the perfect chance for you to test my awakened Devil Fruit."
With a roar, Kaido charged, swinging his colossal fist: "Dragon Fist!"
"Phoenix Flame Fire Fist!" Marco countered, meeting the attack head-on.
The clash of Conqueror's Haki erupted, shaking the very island. Both crews scrambled to evacuate Nanku Island, knowing the titanic battle between the two Four Emperors was far from over.
"Dragon Fist – Burst!" Kaido roared as an immense phantom Azure Dragon erupted from his fist. The impact sent Marco flying like a cannonball, engulfed in blue flames. His Phoenix Flame accelerated his healing, soothing his pain within moments.
This power… it's more than twice as strong as before… Marco thought grimly.
Kaido charged again, their fists colliding with a deafening boom. Kaido laughed wildly. "Worororo, feel the power of awakening! Come on, Marco, keep fighting!"
Night fell, yet Kaido showed no sign of pause. The awakening had enhanced all aspects of his being. Though Marco couldn't see Kaido's six-dimensional attributes, he could feel the immense surge of strength. The Beasts King before him was now an entirely different force.
"Stop, that's enough for today," Marco gasped, catching his breath.
Kaido ceased immediately, grinning sinisterly. "A halftime break? Fine, but a prolonged battle with me will improve your Haki. My Devil Fruit awakened, and I feel limitless. Fighting you… I might constantly surpass myself."
"Damn it… you're really treating me like an upgrade mob to grind," Marco muttered, half exasperated, half in awe.