New World sea area.
Atlas is seeking guidance from Sakazuki on how to cover his weapon in haki effectively. With proficiency in armament haki, it's time to advance to the next level of training.
They are heading towards G-5, Marine's base in the New World, serving as a strategic outpost for their operations in this challenging territory.
Both Atlas and Sakazuki abruptly halted their conversation, turning their attention to the pristine sky, a sense of impending danger resonating in their minds.
A humanoid figure rapidly expanded in their field of view, and it became evident that this entity was descending toward a warship—its intended landing point.
"Everyone, follow orders! Prepare for battle! Helmsman, change the ship's course!"
Sakazuki was shocked as he recognized the humanoid creature as Kaido of the Beasts! He had heard that this guy liked to seek out dangerous situations and even commit suicide, but he didn't expect it to happen right in front of them.
Atlas squinted his eyes as he observed Kaido, who was approaching them. What a coincidence, encountering so quickly the pirate governor who would be recognized as the strongest creature on land, sea, and air more than ten years later.
According to Atlas's speculation, Kaido's penchant for various suicidal behaviors is likely tied to the development of his Devil Fruit. Zoan-type Devil Fruits are known for their exceptional regenerative abilities, healing through constant injury. Kaido, relying on his robust constitution and the potent capabilities of his Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, continuously seeks death to enhance his powers.
Ryusei Kazan (Meteor Volcano)
Of course, Sakazuki wouldn't stay passive. He swiftly activated the Magma-Magma Fruit ability, generating numerous lava fists in a rapid manner. Simulating the force of a volcanic eruption, he launched the magma fists out of his body!
Ittoryu, tō ni noboru, hasei (Climbing the Tower Broken Star)
Atlas swiftly equipped himself and swung the Sandai Kitetsu in his grasp. The crimson slash swiftly surrounded Kaido, resembling an expansive fishing net!
Boom!
Numerous magma fists converged on Kaido, detonating with a resounding bang before descending in a graceful parabolic path into the sea. Instantaneously, a substantial amount of white mist billowed up from the surrounding waters!
Kaido's massive form promptly turned toward the warship after enduring the onslaught from the two individuals. According to Atlas's observation, there were only minor burns and numerous white marks on Kaido's skin. It seemed like Atlas had merely scratched an itch for him!
Despite still being inebriated, Kaido abruptly snapped out of his stupor due to the searing pain. He rolled over, leaped into the air, and swiftly morphed into the colossal figure of a azure dragon. A mist enveloped him as he ascended, propelled by the four dragon claws.
The massive, ferocious dragon's head swayed from side to side, as if not entirely ridding itself of the drunken haze. When it spotted Sakazuki's presence on the warship, it was surprised, but then chuckled to itself.
"Marines? Sakazuki? Wororororo!"
"Bolo breath!"
Before Sakazuki could utter any harsh words, Kaido seized the initiative and unleashed a powerful attack on the warship, engulfing it in majestic flames.
"hmph!"
Sakazuki felt a twinge of anger. It wasn't that he couldn't let go; he had a duty to safeguard the soldiers on this ship. Deep down, he believed that if he could detain Kaido here, it would be a worthwhile sacrifice, even if everyone on the ship, including himself, perished.
Among the three formidable Marine Vice Admirals, Kuzan excels in naval combat, Borsalino dominates in air combat, while Akainu, he specializes in land combat. This distribution of expertise is dictated by their respective Devil Fruit abilities. The current scenario is certainly not favorable for Akainu. Even utilizing won't allow him to sustain a prolonged battle. After all, Geppo places a significant strain on physical energy resources.
"Vice Admiral Sakazuki, allow me to handle this!"
Atlas intervened, signaling Sakazuki to cease his actions. Without speaking a word, he adopted a ready sword-drawing stance. His arm muscles throbbed, transmitting substantial power from his waist and abdomen to his arms.
Ittōryū Bushinwan Ryūgiri(Martial God Arm Slaying the Dragon)
The massive crescent-shaped slash abruptly collided with the searing breath, slicing through Kaido's intense exhale right down the middle. The scorching heat, initially aimed at the warship, diverged on both sides with the warship at its center. The billowing heat wave swept past everyone on the warship, dissipating into the sea and further thickening the fog across the entire sea area.
"Atlas, guide the others on the warship to safety! I'll handle him!"
Sakazuki swiftly reached a decisive conclusion. The presence of the soldiers on the warship would only hinder him in this confrontation. While he was not averse to sacrifices, he preferred them to be meaningful. Uttering these words, Sakazuki executed a Geppo, lifting off and fixing his gaze on Kaido's dragon head with a cold determination.
"Yes!"
Atlas responded emphatically. His immediate priority was to comply with the order. The question of engaging in combat could be addressed once he ensured the safety of everyone on the warship.
Inugami Guren (Dog God Crimson Lotus)
Sakazuki never held any favorable opinions about pirates. His arms swiftly transformed into lava, a continuous flow of magma emanating from his body. Two colossal dog heads with razor-sharp teeth materialized, lunging to bite Kaido!
Kaifuu
Kaido opened his mouth and expelled a multitude of wind blades, resembling the slashes of a sickle and weasel. These blades tore through the air, cutting wildly at the lava dog's heads, causing a substantial amount of lava to cascade down from the air.
Kamisori(Razor)
This is a fusion move of Geppo and Soru, allowing Sakazuki to move swiftly and continuously in the air. Almost instantly, Sakazuki ducked in front of Kaido, and his hands were suddenly covered with armor. Dark armor suddenly appeared on his arms. The blood flowed rapidly, as if a volcanic eruption was brewing within the body. The target of the armed-colored fist was clearly Kaido's right eye.
Upon seeing this, Kaido quickly closed his eyelids and also covered his face with armament haki!
Boom!
With a muffled sound resonating throughout his body, Sakazuki's armament haki directly penetrated Kaido's defense and struck his eyeball. Even the robust defense of the mythical zoan species couldn't withstand the vulnerability of the eyeball. Kaido experienced a sharp pain in his eyeball, a blackened bruise forming in his right eye. His body wavered, struggling to maintain stability, and nearly teetered into the sea!
"Asshole Marine!"
Kaido became visibly angered and promptly transformed into his dragon form. Despite the formidable power and flying capability of the azure dragon form, its sheer size and expansive impact area made it susceptible to being targeted by equally powerful adversaries.
Raimei Hakke (Thunderous Eight Trigrams)
Kaido drew the mace he carried with him, and potent lightning instantly enveloped him. The massive club was wielded so swiftly that it left almost no afterimage.
Meigo (Dark Hound)
Sakazuki's lava-covered arms swiftly extended, meeting Kaido's mace head-on!
Buzz!
The intense impact radiates in all directions where the two forces collide!
"Sakazuki! Face me! Kill me ! Worororo!"
Kaido's grin took on a touch of madness as he shouted at Sakazuki, his teeth bared.
"Hmph! Evil pirate!"
Sakazuki was not to be outdone, raising his fists to launch another assault on Kaido. Both of them were formidable beings among monsters, yet Kaido's Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon were bugs in the perilous world of pirates. Immersed in the sea, they would survive. Additionally, Kaido's tough skin and thick flesh meant that Sakazuki suffered a lot.
Atlas, who had skillfully navigated the warship away from the ongoing battle in the distance, silently employed to position himself behind Kaido.
----------
As I promised in my 'Confession' chapter, here is the bonus for reaching 300k views! I can't believe how many of you are reading and enjoying this fanfic. You have no idea how much your support means to me. You are the reason why I decided to upload this fanfic in the first place.
Read 20 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari