"How can this be the only way!"
Zoro said calmly, tying the scarf around his head and sheathing his sword.
"Itto-Ryu: Iai: Death Lion Song!"
In a flash, Zoro lunged at Kai with incredible speed.
But—
With a clang, Kai caught Zoro's blade with one hand and said lightly, "Your speed is impressive, but... your strength is lacking!"
Then, Kai delivered a swift kick, sending Zoro flying.
"First Kick!"
Kai dodged Sanji's incoming kick with a slight turn and then punched him in the stomach.
"Gomu Gomu... Machine Gun!"
Just as Sanji was down, Luffy's attack reached Kai.
Kai raised his hands slowly, seeming almost leisurely, but he caught Luffy's arm with precision. He shook it firmly and then tossed Luffy aside.
Kai gestured for the three of them to get up.
"Come!"
A short while later, Luffy and the others were once again knocked out, lying on the ground and gasping for breath.
Usopp and the others, watching in astonishment, were stunned despite knowing the outcome beforehand.
They didn't expect Kai to be so effortlessly dominant. It was like watching a father spar with his kids.
Luffy and the others had fought vigorously but hadn't even scratched Kai. In contrast, they were now battered and bruised.
Kai looked down at the three of them with an indifferent expression and said, "If this is all you've got, there's no point in continuing."
The battle was becoming tedious for Kai, but Sanji had successfully mastered the Color of Armament in the fight, so it wasn't without benefit.
Still, whether he had Armament Haki or not made little difference to Kai; the strength disparity was simply too great.
"Ahem!" Slowly, Luffy and the others picked themselves up.
"In that case, let me show you something interesting!" Luffy said, crouching down and placing his fist on the ground.
"What's this?"
Kai's eyes widened in surprise, and his lips curled into a slight smile.
"Gear Second !"
Luffy's legs began to pump up like a piston. Gradually, steam emitted from his body, and his skin turned pink.
Luffy stood and said, "This is my new development, Second Gear. It'll definitely surprise you!"
"Really?" Kai smiled faintly.
"Give it a try?"
"Be careful, Kai!"
Luffy's figure disappeared in an instant.
Kai raised an eyebrow. With his enhanced senses, he could easily track Luffy's movements, but Luffy's speed was impressive.
In Second Gear, Luffy's speed was at least doubled, but Kai was curious about the power behind his punches.
Kai quickly reached out and caught Luffy's fist.
Sensing the increased strength, Kai's smile widened slightly.
"Interesting. This is getting fun!"
Luffy, missing his target, stepped back, then prepared for another attack.
"Gomu Gomu: Jet Rocket Launcher!"
Kai didn't dodge but instead blocked the attack with his body, remaining stationary.
"How... is that possible?"
Luffy was horrified. He understood why his attacks didn't harm Kai before activating Second Gear, but now, even in Second Gear, he couldn't break through Kai's defenses?
Luffy's expression darkened.
"It's a mistake to get distracted during a fight, Luffy!"
A voice from behind made Luffy break into a cold sweat.
"Now!"
Before Luffy could react, he felt a sharp pain in his abdomen. His body felt weightless before he was sent flying backward like a meteor.
Kai then turned to Zoro and Sanji and asked, "What about you two? Got any special moves?"
"Ha! Don't worry, Kai, you won't survive my attacks!" Zoro declared.
"Green algae head is right. You should be worried about yourself!" Sanji added, puffing on his cigarette.
"Oh? You seem quite confident," Kai said, raising an eyebrow.
"You'll see soon enough!"
Zoro assumed a half-crouched stance, a strange aura emanating from him as the air around him began to distort.
"The Way of Ashura?" Kai murmured.
Simultaneously, Sanji started to spin, his right foot changing color.
Luffy, having recovered, charged back, placing his fingers in his mouth.
"Demon Aura: Nine-Sword Style!"
"Diable jambe!"
"Second Gear!"
The three of them launched their coordinated attacks.
Watching this, Kai smiled and said, "Since you're putting in this much effort, I'll give it my all too!"
With a thought, Kai summoned his black stick and prepared for action.
As he entered their attack range, they unleashed their moves one by one.
"Nine-Sword Style!"
"Diable Jambe!"
"Giant Elephant Gun!"
Three fierce attacks surged toward Kai, who responded calmly:
"Thunder Bagua!"
Kai kicked his legs with force, instantly moving past the three attackers.
The trio maintained their assault posture but were unable to move. Kai sheathed the stick and walked toward Nami and the others.
Moments later, the three of them spat out blood and collapsed to the ground.
w(゚Д゚)w!
"Is this... is this Kai's strength? He defeated Luffy and the others so effortlessly!" Chopper exclaimed in shock.
Then he realized a problem.
With Luffy and the others injured like this, Chopper might have to work extra to heal them. Wasn't this adding to his workload unnecessarily?
Chopper's anger flared, and he shouted at Kai, "Kai, why didn't you hold back? Now I have to deal with this!"
"Oh, don't worry about the details, Chopper~"
"You're a renowned doctor; I trust this will be easy for you. And... I'll buy you plenty of marshmallows next time!"
"Hmm…"
Chopper's anger vanished, replaced by a pleased grin.
"Even if you call me a famous doctor, it doesn't make me happy, you jerk!"
"Alright, I'll help them heal!"
Chopper dashed off, but halfway there, he turned back to Kai. "And don't forget the marshmallows!"
"Don't worry, I won't forget!" Kai replied with a smile.
Under the double pressure, resisting Kai was impossible!
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Power Stones would be appreciated if you liked the story.