As the sky slowly darkened, the scene left spectators worldwide utterly shocked!
None had anticipated that the clash between Luffy and Kaido would conclude so swiftly.
In mere three or five exchanges, Luffy found himself vanquished!
Rendered unconscious, he lay devoid of any fighting spirit.
Compared to prior epic battles, this outcome was undeniably brutal.
Indeed, whether contending against the likes of Shiki or Bullet,
Or standing against Big Mom, Luffy endured prolonged struggles, emerging victorious in the end.
Yet, confronting Kaido now, drunk and far from his zenith in combat prowess,
He succumbed so effortlessly!?
After the initial shock wore off, spectators gradually comprehended...
Reflecting, it dawned upon them that in previous encounters, Luffy's enemies were not in their prime.
Both Bullet and Shiki had languished in captivity for years,
Their combat prowess somewhat diminished.
With the aid of allies, Luffy could overcome them.
Even against Big Mom, their confrontation was marred by her Hunger Pangs.
A genuine battle never took place with Luffy.
Only against Kaido did Luffy falter in combat.
Thus, Kaido stood as Luffy's truest and mightiest opponent to date,
A head-on clash with a Yonko-caliber foe!
Despite Luffy's significant growth throughout years of battle,
He remained far from the greenhorn he once was,
Even hailed as the Fifth Emperor of the Sea!
Yet, compared to the genuine Four Emperors, his strength still paled.
Just as Shanks, Garp, and others had asserted, for Luffy to vanquish the Yonko,
To claim the title of Pirate King he so ardently pursued,
He required monumental growth yet to come...
Navy Headquarters!
"The Straw Hat lad's finally learned a tough lesson~!"
Akainu couldn't help but smirk as he beheld the scene unfolding in the sky.
Watching Luffy take a direct hit from Kaido and slump into unconsciousness filled him with satisfaction.
To see Luffy defeated was his deepest desire and what he hoped for most. The Straw Hat lad was getting his just deserts.
Yet, the relentless series of clashes in previous battles had left him feeling perpetually grim.
Now, however, a weight had been lifted. Akainu's grin bordered on maniacal, as if he could already envision the downfall of the Straw Hat lad.
Defeated by Kaido and left behind in Wano, the lad's fate seemed sealed. Even if Kaido was drunk now, he wouldn't let him slip away easily. He'd either be slain or subdued!
Regardless, once the Straw Hat lad was defeated, he wouldn't be gallivanting around as before.
He'd be under Kaido's control...
In contrast to Akainu's jubilation, the other two admirals—Aokiji and Kizaru—remained largely stoic.
They wore pensive expressions, as though they'd long foreseen this outcome.
For as formidable as Luffy was, he paled in comparison to Kaido, one of the Four Emperors. His defeat in this battle was inevitable!
As Luffy's grandfather, Garp watched the scene with concern...
"This youngster's finally gotten a taste of hardship. He'd yap about being the Pirate King day in, day out. Well, he's learning his lesson now, isn't he?"
Despite feeling uneasy witnessing his grandson's defeat...
Garp didn't fret too much. After all, this was merely a glimpse into the future, not yet a reality.
Furthermore, Kaido was aware of Luffy's lineage; he wouldn't dare harm him.
Otherwise, he will bear the anger of the entire navy and himself!
With Kaido's courage, he dare not!
His grandson, despite facing numerous battles and even encountering life-threatening situations along the way, has sailed through smoothly.
To become truly strong, one must endure unimaginable torture and setbacks.
Otherwise, they will never become stronger!
Now, after Luffy's defeat by Kaido in battle, it is bound to greatly benefit him.
This will greatly aid his future!
This is what Garp believes; he is confident that his grandson will grow into a truly strong individual in the future!
A formidable individual who will surpass even the Four Emperors!
Current setbacks are merely part of the journey.
Yet, Garp is also curious about whether Luffy can overcome Kaido in subsequent battles and if he can defeat the Four Emperors...
Sengoku also praised him without reservation, patting Garp on the shoulder and saying,
"Your grandson challenging Kaido multiple times is already quite commendable!"
"At his current level, apart from the Four Emperors, he's practically unmatched at sea!"
Upon hearing this, Garp didn't say much.
He continued to gaze straight at the sky...
---
Whitebeard Pirates!
"Did Luffy fail?..."
Ace's expression was filled with worry.
Seeing Luffy lying unconscious on the ground, his anxiety was evident.
Marco and the others by his side patted him on the shoulder to offer comfort.
In everyone's eyes, the Straw Hat boy has already proven himself.
Facing Kaido, one of the Four Emperors, is no easy feat!
Whitebeard chuckled.
"Yes, yes, the little straw hat boy is just as I imagined— not so easily defeated!"
"Although the battle ended swiftly, enduring so many of Kaido's attacks and surviving is quite impressive!"
**********
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