The clash of gold and iron echoed through the air.
Morgan's face was filled with shock.
He said in disbelief:
"How... how is this possible?"
As the scene shifted, it was revealed that Kai had caught Morgan's axe with just one finger.
And there wasn't a single scratch on his fingers.
Although the Iron Block is often considered the least impressive of the Six Styles, it's still utilized by many. In the early stages, it can be quite effective, though it's later replaced by Haki.
Kai looked at Morgan calmly and said:
"You've been attacking for so long, so it's my turn now, right?"
Morgan, still reeling from the shock, trembled at Kai's words. A thought crossed his mind.
"No!"
Before Morgan could react, Kai's fist appeared in front of him and struck him directly in the stomach.
"Puff!"
Morgan was launched into the air, coughing up blood as he flew off the rooftop and fell toward the execution ground below.
"Shave!"
Kai's figure vanished from the rooftop and reappeared at its edge. He watched silently as Morgan lay on the ground, bleeding and unconscious.
Honestly, this outcome was because Kai had used quite a bit of strength. He originally intended to just make Morgan suffer a bit and leave the final blow to Zoro.
But, it turned out Morgan couldn't withstand even 30% of his strength. Now, Zoro wouldn't get a chance to practice!
But it didn't matter. Fighting this rookie wouldn't bring much improvement. The next few experience points were for Zoro.
Just as he thought about Zoro, Luffy's voice came from the stairs.
"Kai , wait a minute! Zoro and I are here to help you!"
When Luffy and the others reached the roof, they were met with a bizarre scene.
Kai was standing at the edge of the roof, while the Marine sidekicks huddled in the corner, their eyes filled with fear as they looked at Kai.
Luffy, not thinking too much, asked Kai directly:
"Where's the big axe?"
"Down there," Kai said, pointing toward the ground.
"Um??"
Luffy and Zoro looked puzzled and peered over the edge.
They saw Morgan lying on the ground of the execution ground, surrounded by blood stains.
"Kai , you're amazing!" Luffy exclaimed.
"Just keeping it low-key. It's normal," Kai replied, though his expression betrayed his pride.
Zoro was surprised to see how quickly Kai dealt with Morgan. It seemed as if his expectations were right. Kai was indeed strong.
Zoro smiled. It seemed the days ahead would be interesting!
After a while, Kai looked at Luffy and Zoro with a hint of surprise.
Earlier, while Kai was dealing with Morgan, Luffy had already managed to bring Zoro aboard the ship. Kai had thought it would be difficult to convince Zoro, but Luffy did it effortlessly.
Perhaps it was Luffy's charm that made it so easy?
Kai smiled.
With that, Zoro officially became the third member of the Straw Hat Crew!
"Let's go! Time to head to town and eat some meat!" Kai said cheerfully.
"Meat!!!" Luffy's eyes sparkled.
"Okay, okay, let's go!" Luffy exclaimed, jumping and running toward the town.
Zoro, watching Luffy, smiled disdainfully.
"What's so great about meat?"
"Huh? I remember you were quite happy when I gave it to you just now!" Kai teased.
Zoro's face froze for a moment. After a while, he retorted:
"I was just really hungry!"
"You said you have the most perseverance, didn't you?" Kai prodded.
"I..."
"Kai , are you looking for trouble?" Zoro fumed.
"Hahaha..." Kai enjoyed the playful banter.
Then he added:
"What if there's also wine?"
"Wine?" Zoro's anger vanished, replaced by a look of longing.
He cleared his throat.
"Ahem, let's go then!"
With that, he ran after Luffy, shouting:
"Luffy, why are you running so fast?"
Looking back, he said:
"Kai , if you don't hurry, you'll be the last one!"
A smile curled on Kai's lips.
"Impossible!"
Using Moonwalk, he soared into the sky and combined it with Shave to teleport through the air. As he passed Zoro, he taunted:
"I'm not the slowest now! Goodbye!"
And then vanished instantly.
"You cheated!!"
...
Later that night...
"Gulu Gulu~"
After eating and drinking, Luffy and Zoro lay down in the room, fast asleep.
Kai , however, stood up, pushed open the door, and walked out.
Using Moonwalk, he soared into the night sky.
In just moments, he arrived at the Marine base.
He had been so preoccupied with Luffy and the others that he almost forgot about his actual mission.
Upon entering the base, Kai saw a man sitting on the wall of the execution ground.
Curious, Kai approached.
"Hey, isn't that Helmeppo?"
"Why are you staring at the stars in melancholy after your father fell?"
Helmeppo, staring blankly at the sky, was startled by the sound and nearly fell off the wall. When he saw Kai , he did fall, hitting the ground.
Kai was slightly annoyed by Helmeppo's fearful reaction.
"Why, do I look that fierce?"
"N-no!" Helmeppo stammered.
"Then why are you so afraid of me?"
"Well..."
Helmeppo was at a loss for words. After all, Kai had nearly killed his father.
Kai shook his head and moved on.
He asked directly:
"Hey, where does the Marine Base store its treasures?"
"Take me there!"
"Yes!" Helmeppo replied, trembling.
Soon, guided by Helmeppo, Kai arrived at the treasure vault.
"This... this is where the treasure is kept!"
"Very good!"
"I'll go in by myself. You don't need to follow me," Kai said.
With that, he pushed open the gate and walked inside.
As soon as he entered, Kai noticed a shadow flicker past him.
A smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"Interesting!"