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Chapter 14 Go To All Countries, All People Emission!
After hanging up the phone, Flying Six shivered. They could already envision the rage of a queen who had founded a nation with her own hands, and they knew how terrifying she could be when angered. Their own leader, Kaido, seemed to be gearing up for a fierce confrontation.
At this moment, even infiltrating the enemy's stronghold posed a significant challenge. The nation was an archipelago comprising 34 islands, with the Queen's Castle Cake Island positioned at the center. Should they attempt to break in, they would likely be halted at the periphery. In such a scenario, Kaido would have to face the combined might of BIGMOM and her top officers alone. It was a blatantly unfair fight.
Once the battle commenced, their leader might emerge victorious, but their ranks would suffer heavy casualties. Even with the power of flight, it was improbable to escape completely unscathed.
"Do we have to fight?" Page One, the youngest, failed to grasp the necessity for war. He believed another solution should be sought if the odds were stacked against them. Negotiations with the enemy, he thought, were not out of the question.
However, Who's-Who, Sasaki, and Maria understood the situation well. "Nonsense, we must be at the front line," they insisted. They knew that as the captain, Kaido would carry out his own directives and risk his life for them. This had nothing to do with strategic advantage or timing. Acknowledging Kaido as their leader meant accepting necessary sacrifices.
"No, this time I will go alone. You must prepare in advance what I have entrusted to you," Kaido said with a profound gaze, catching Who's-Whokong and the others off guard. They were suddenly grappling with a sense of exclusion.
Who's-Who, agitated, spread his arms wide and asked, "Big Brother Kaido, do you think of us as a burden?"
Sasaki's fangs clenched as he spoke with fervor, "The war involves us all! How can you take it on by yourself? We owe our lives to you, big brother, and we'll never back down on the battlefield!"
Mary buried her head and caressed her white arm, "Allowing you to face thousands of troops alone is a grave failure on our part. Please, let us follow in your steps!"
Ulti wanted to add her plea but was cut off by Kaido. All she could do was gaze at Kaido with resentment.
"Enough! I've made my decision," Kaido announced with absolute authority, his voice clear and commanding.
The five comrades hesitated, wishing to protest, but Kaido stood up and headed for the door. Glancing over his shoulder, he instructed, "Your tasks are just as important. I expect results upon my return."
Without giving them any further opportunity to contest his decision, he morphed into a green dragon and soared into the sky, leaving no lingering flame clouds beneath him. He departed under their watchful eyes.
The remaining five members of the Flying Hexacytosis gazed at one another, filled with concern. They felt as if a thousand needles were lodged in their hearts. They knew the task at hand must be completed swiftly, or they might lose their chance to stand beside their leader in battle.
The prospect of four emperors clashing and snatching people heralded a war for the ages. Yet, the regret of not participating themselves was palpable. With Kaido venturing alone into the face of an overwhelming force and potential ambushes, his triumphant return was far from guaranteed.
A few hours ago, dawn had just broken. The five had finished their banquet and hadn't yet slept when they were summoned to the top floor. Kaido was ready to teach them advanced armament Haki techniques and assign them new tasks.
"Emission?" one asked.
"Flowing armament Haki?" another wondered.
"Able to inflict powerful damage from the inside out?" they contemplated together.
Standing before Kaido, the group felt as if they were in a fantasy tale, their minds swirling with confusion. They couldn't fathom that such a technique existed. One thought crossed their minds: Could it be that Big Brother Kaido had drunk too much and lost his sanity?
Kaido's next words electrified their fighting spirit. "The only wound on my body was made by Kozuki Oden using that technique." The five looked at Kaido's abdomen, at the scar that spanned his chest and abdomen.
"Huh? It's true?!" they exclaimed in surprise.
"Then that's the technique I want to learn!" one declared with determination.
"Just taught us... Are you sure it's alright?" another asked with concern.
Ulti raised her hands, cheering joyfully, only to be distracted by Sasaki, which caused her to pout and turn to face him. Who's-Who, having the same worry, asked, "Or should we forget it, Brother Kaido? Isn't it better if fewer people know about this?"
The others nodded in agreement. They knew well that teaching others to inflict damage on Kaido demonstrated the power of the technique and its allure. However, if a traitor were to learn and spread this knowledge, it could strengthen the enemy and weaken Kaido by mistake. It seemed the risks outweighed the benefits.
To their surprise, Kaido sneered, not endorsing their cautious stance. His aura intensified with confidence and a touch of scorn for small concerns. "The Four Emperors haven't become what they are by hiding from danger. Those who dare not wield their power will never be emperors themselves," Kaido declared with conviction. "If anyone believes they can defeat me with this power, let them try. I will ensure they meet a grisly end."
He continued, asserting that it wasn't enough just to learn the technique; they had to take responsibility for teaching it to every member of their ranks, from the high-profile fighters down to the rank-and-file soldiers. "Make the pirate group as strong as possible quickly. Those who lack strength won't be able to follow me to the bitter end!"
Silence descended among the group, but they could feel Kaido's monstrous fighting spirit and powerful drive. It stirred the warm blood in their veins and heated their entire bodies. They recognized the true spirit of Kaido-sama: to strengthen his subordinates without hiding his vulnerabilities. Respect and awe filled them, as did a firm resolve. They even valued Kaido over their lives, vowing to devote their full strength to him.
What Kaido meant by 'fighting to the end' remained unclear, but they trusted its significance. Big Brother Kaido would surely need them. So, without worries, they embraced the path to strength.
"We request that you teach us, Brother Kaido! Flowing armament Haki!" the five declared, fists clenched and spirits resolved to follow Kaido to the very end.
Kaido looked upon the group whose morale he had boosted and felt satisfaction. The essence of Haki began to manifest around his fist, and as he displayed it, he began explaining, "Listen, this so-called power of flow..."