For several minutes, Kaito and Shiki clashed blades in a storm of swordsmanship. Hundreds of exchanges took place, each one more intense than the last. The crew of the Rocks Pirates watched in awe as the younger swordsman not only held his ground, but steadily refined his technique.
Golden Lion Shiki's swordsmanship was as relentless as it was masterful. His strikes were precise, his technique flawless, and his control unmatched. Even though he wasn't going all out, his sheer skill presented a mountain-like challenge. Yet Kaito adapted with every blow.
"Your swordsmanship is improving as we fight." Shiki's golden eyes glinted with surprise. He had fought countless opponents, but few had sharpened their skills mid-battle. Kaito's ability to learn and evolve under pressure was extraordinary.
It wasn't merely imagination. As a master swordsman, Shiki's instincts were honed to detect even the slightest shift in his opponent's style. And Kaito was not only adapting—he was growing stronger with each passing second.
But after dozens of exchanges, Kaito jumped back, breaking off the engagement. He stood still for a moment, his breathing measured, his blade at rest.
"I think I've learned all I can for now," Kaito said, his voice calm.
He had gleaned a great deal from their duel. Every movement, every parry, every strike from Shiki had been a lesson. But he could sense the limit of what he could currently absorb. Any further fighting would be redundant until he fully digested what he had just learned.
"I see." Shiki lowered his swords slightly, his smirk returning. "So, what's next?"
Kaito's expression changed subtly, a faint smile playing at his lips. "I'd like to test something new."
With that, he sheathed his blade and stepped back, raising his hand.
In the center of his palm, a glowing purple-black sphere began to take shape. Its swirling energy radiated immense pressure, a force so overwhelming that the entire crew felt it. Even the deck beneath Kaito's feet groaned under the weight of his unleashed power.
"What's that?" Whitebeard tilted his head, his brows furrowing. "Some kind of Devil Fruit ability?"
The surrounding pirates murmured nervously.
"That thing is terrifying…"
"It's not just his swordsmanship—this kid's got something else entirely."
"Whatever it is, we need to back up!"
They scrambled to put distance between themselves and the building energy.
Shiki's grin widened. "I knew you had more up your sleeve. Let's see what you've got, kid."
The purple-black sphere, now fully formed, hung ominously in the air above Kaito's palm. It was small—only about a meter across—but the intensity of its energy was palpable. The very atmosphere seemed to warp around it, and even the most seasoned pirates on the Rocks crew couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease.
"Gu la la… It's been a long time since I felt pressure like this from someone so young," Whitebeard admitted, watching the scene unfold.
Charlotte Linlin, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. "He's not just strong—he's got something unique. At this age, that's no small thing."
Ochoku leaned against the railing, smirking. "A hundred-million-berry rookie putting out pressure like this? He's full of surprises."
Rocks himself, who had remained silent throughout the duel, finally spoke. "This one… will go far." His grin was slight, but the approval in his voice was clear. Even Rocks, a man who had assembled the most fearsome crew in the world, could see Kaito's potential.
"This is my strongest move," Kaito said quietly. The sphere in his hand pulsed with raw energy. Though he'd only recently unlocked this ability, he knew it was his ultimate technique. The Tailed Beast Bomb, an S-rank jutsu from the world of ninja, was a power he had never unleashed in combat before.
Though the bomb wasn't nearly as large or destructive as the ones he had seen in the Naruto series—Kaito had only unlocked one tail's worth of power, after all—it still radiated overwhelming force. Kaito could feel the immense strength surging through him.
With a push of his palm, he launched the sphere toward Shiki.
The Tailed Beast Bomb shot forward at blinding speed, leaving a trail of crackling energy in its wake. The force was so great that it seemed to distort the air around it, and a low, resonant hum filled the space as it approached its target.
Even Shiki, who had faced countless powerful opponents, felt the weight of the attack. His smile faded slightly as he steadied his stance, gripping his dual blades tighter. He would have to meet this power head-on.
All eyes were on the glowing projectile as it closed the distance between Kaito and Shiki. The crew held their breath, waiting to see how their golden-haired commander would respond. Kaito, meanwhile, watched intently, eager to gauge just how far his newfound strength could take him.