"I heard your Devil Fruit power is a dragon. Show me."
Boom!
The ground trembled as massive cracks spread across the battlefield. Seawater mixed with the remnants of floating ice, rushing into the fissures and creating powerful whirlpools on the surface.
Hiroshi effortlessly caught Kaido's spiked club, which crackled with black and purple lightning, and smiled lightly. "I told you to transform, so why haven't you?"
As his open palm slowly tightened, the massive club twisted and broke apart with an ear-piercing screech.
Thud!
Hiroshi yanked the now-deformed weapon from Kaido's grasp and swung it playfully. Looking down at the toppled Kaido, he smirked. "Well done! Hahaha!"
Lying on the fractured ground, Kaido's body began to sprout cyan scales, growing even more robust. Rising slowly, he stood with a calm gaze fixed on Hiroshi, the previous fury in his eyes replaced with solemnity.
"It seems… not only has Linlin died, but I might die here too," Kaido muttered, his voice carrying an eerie calm. "Good. This is perfect. Hahaha!"
Black armor-like markings spread across Kaido's body as his Armament Haki enveloped him. The tattoos resembled the inferno of hell, while black and purple lightning danced around his dragon-like claws. With a roar, he struck toward Hiroshi, tearing through the air.
The dragon claw descended like a meteor, compressing the atmosphere into liquid form. The impact shook the already-ruined battlefield, sending shockwaves through the air.
As soil and seawater sprayed everywhere, Hiroshi looked up at Kaido's incoming fist and smiled. "This power indeed carries the aura of a true dragon."
Crystal-clear dragon horns emerged on Hiroshi's forehead, and his right hand clenched tightly. "Since that's the case, I'll get serious."
Kaido's expression shifted to one of shock as Hiroshi's pupils turned into dragon-like slits. Hiroshi's punch struck Kaido's jaw with such force that teeth flew from his mouth, and the massive figure was launched through the air, breaking the sound barrier and crashing into the Beasts Pirates' ships.
"Governor!"
Amidst panicked cries, Kaido emerged from the wreckage of the ruined ship. Bloodied but defiant, he stared at Hiroshi with incredulity. "Why does your presence suppress mine?"
"Oh, that?"
Hiroshi smiled faintly and raised his hand, motioning toward the Beast Pirates approaching him.
Thud, thud, thud!
The pirates collapsed en masse as Hiroshi's gaze returned to Kaido. "Because I am a dragon."
Within Hiroshi's domain, the silhouette of a true dragon appeared, roaring silently across an endless expanse.
"Devil Fruits… truly live up to their name."
Murmuring softly, Hiroshi observed a colorful sphere in his palm, pulsating with dark will and a strange power struggling to break free. "They're indeed products of corruption."
With a wave of his hand, Hiroshi deflected another incoming attack from Kaido, sending the dragon-like figure hurtling skyward.
"I suddenly thought of something interesting," Hiroshi remarked, disappearing in a blur and reappearing beside Kizaru.
"Old man," Hiroshi began, "what do you know about this world's fight against demons? You're a native, after all."
Kizaru tilted his head, his expression playful. "Oh? You figured it out, Hiroshi?"
"Just a hunch," Hiroshi replied, "but your reaction confirms some things."
Above them, a thunderous dragon's roar shattered the air as storm clouds gathered. A massive azure dragon coiled through the sky, summoning bolts of lightning. Below, whirlwinds began to churn on the ocean's surface.
Hiroshi glanced at the dragon's massive form, then down at the sea. "If my theory is correct, it's a shame. This world was once close to developing its own consciousness, but then demons invaded."
He continued, "These Devil Fruits must be their creations, tools for corrupting this world. And the sea, the most vital force here, is the world's defense. Seastone likely emerged as another protective measure."
Kizaru's nonchalant demeanor shifted slightly. "When I broke through to a demigod state and returned to the sea, I realized its power no longer affected me."
"The sea… spoke to me," Kizaru added. "Fragments of messages revealed the truth—the Celestial Dragons and World Government are the root cause of this world's ruin. Even Roger, the Pirate King, was chosen to challenge their tyranny, hoping someone could rise to overthrow them."
Hiroshi shook his head. "Why didn't you mention this earlier?"
Shrugging, Kizaru replied, "Most of it's speculation, and Riku and the others already hinted at it. I assumed they'd told you."
"Emmm," Hiroshi muttered, rubbing his forehead. "Fine, no big deal. We'll sort this out when we handle the World Government and Celestial Dragons."
Overhead, Kaido's draconic roar intensified as lightning and winds grew in fury. His towering dragon form descended with apocalyptic force.
Hiroshi sighed, his patience wearing thin. "Can you stop? You gave me some inspiration, but do you have to interrupt my thoughts?"
With a single punch, Hiroshi shattered the oncoming attack. Blood sprayed, only to be vaporized by the dragon's own lightning. A wave of his hand dispelled the remaining storm.
As the battlefield settled, Hiroshi tapped the ground. The ruined port quaked, reshaping itself until it returned to its original form. Kneeling by the water's edge, Hiroshi gazed at his reflection alongside Kizaru's.
"So, this world is losing, isn't it? That's why the oceans are filled with unrelenting despair."
Kizaru removed his sunglasses, his voice calm. "I only know this: the sea's plea was clear. It seeks salvation, and we are its last hope."