Kaido's teeth ground together audibly at Luffy's revelation about the replicated Devil Fruit. Having been captured and imprisoned in a World Government research facility earlier in his life, he harbored a profound hatred for government scientists like Vegapunk.
The knowledge that his Azure Dragon Fruit had been successfully duplicated—even with a different coloration—was particularly infuriating. Only Vegapunk's absence saved him from becoming the target of Kaido's immediate wrath.
That damned scientist, Kaido thought bitterly. He claimed the fruit was a failure, insisting it should remain classified... yet here this brat is, openly broadcasting its existence to the world!
After completing his warm-up stretches, Luffy stood directly across from Kaido. The two powerful fighters faced each other, creating an almost palpable tension in the air. Unexpectedly, Luffy broke the silence with a contemplative sigh.
"Kaido," he began, his tone surprisingly respectful, "allow me to address you as Kaido-sensei."
The Emperor's eyebrows raised slightly at the unusual form of address.
"You probably don't realize this," Luffy continued, "but I should thank you. Thanks to your subordinate Jack, I was able to master the internal destruction technique of Armament Haki."
A slight smile played at the corner of his mouth. "During our last confrontation, I touched the threshold of advanced Conqueror's Haki. And now, you've even helped Yamato awaken her own Conqueror's potential."
Luffy gave a small, theatrical bow. "To be honest, I'm not sure how to properly express my gratitude. It's truly a waste of your talent to roam the seas as a pirate." His eyes gleamed with mischief as he delivered his final jab. "Why not disband your crew and return to Marine Headquarters with me? With your teaching abilities, you might even compete with my other mentor Zephyr for the title of Marine Chief Instructor."
Luffy's words were a calculated blend of genuine acknowledgment and deliberate provocation. Kaido's expression shifted between surprise and irritation as he processed this unusual approach.
I didn't expect this brat to have mastered the art of verbal combat so thoroughly, Kaido thought. What game is he playing? Is he actually thanking Jack and me for being his training partners?
His massive hands tightened around his kanabo as his annoyance grew. Damn Marine... I'll definitely teach him a proper lesson soon enough.
Kaido's gaze briefly flickered upward, noticing Viola in the distance holding a Visual Den Den Mushi that was recording their conversation. Understanding dawned on him—this was a performance with a specific audience in mind.
A slow, knowing smile spread across his face as he returned his attention to Luffy.
"It seems you're also someone who can't bear to be alone," Kaido observed sarcastically. "Are you really so eager to use me as a stepping stone? What's your endgame here?" His eyes narrowed accusingly. "Do you aspire to become King as well?"
Luffy spread his hands in an exaggerated gesture of innocence. "Hey, hey, don't think you can spout nonsense just because I called you 'teacher.'"
His expression shifted to one of exaggerated patriotism. "My Monkey family is renowned for our loyalty to the World Government. My grandfather, 'Fist of Love' Garp, sacrificed his blood and sweat in service to the government, making tremendous contributions."
He thumped his chest proudly. "I'm no different."
His eyes took on a mischievous glint. "As for planning... don't overthink it. I simply wanted to capture footage of your defeat while simultaneously boosting the morale of Marines and citizens worldwide." He shrugged casually. "And yes, I intend to use this victory to secure a promotion to Admiral—perhaps even Fleet Admiral eventually—so I can more effectively eliminate pirates like yourself."
"Ha!" Kaido's booming laugh echoed across the battlefield. "That serious tone while speaking complete nonsense... you're certainly qualified to be Fleet Admiral already."
Luffy nodded thoughtfully, his expression one of mock revelation. "So that's how you view Fleet Admiral Sengoku. Interesting! I'll be sure to relay your assessment to him verbatim."
"You silver-tongued devil," Kaido replied, genuinely amused by Luffy's shamelessness.
"Your talents are wasted as a Marine officer," the Emperor continued. "With your gift for fabrication and false accusations, you should join the World Government directly and serve as the Celestial Dragons' lapdog." His eyes glinted dangerously. "Though I nearly forgot—the Marines are already the Celestials' obedient hounds."
As he spoke, Kaido watched Luffy carefully, curious to see how the young officer would respond to such a direct challenge to his integrity.
To his surprise, Luffy merely nodded in seeming agreement. "Well, some truths are better left unspoken between those who understand them. It wouldn't sound pleasant if discussed openly."
"You little devil..." Kaido was about to laugh at Luffy's audacious flexibility and the Marine's apparent lack of principles.
But something gave him pause.
He had experienced the young man's Conqueror's Haki before—that overwhelming presence didn't align with someone content to serve as a pawn for the Celestial Dragons. Kaido's interest deepened as he contemplated what Luffy might be concealing.
Perhaps this ambition to climb the ranks has a different purpose, Kaido mused silently. Does he truly reject being the Celestials' puppet? Is his real goal to attain the position of Fleet Admiral from within?
His eyes narrowed in speculation. This clever devil... what is he truly after?
Though Kaido kept these thoughts to himself, his expression shifted subtly. When he looked at Luffy again, his gaze contained newfound curiosity and anticipation. If his suspicions were correct, the situation was far more intriguing than he'd initially assumed.
Luffy, utilizing his advanced Observation Haki to sense Kaido's shifting emotions, couldn't help but inwardly sigh with satisfaction. The Emperor's reputation for cunning was well-deserved—beneath that brutish exterior lurked a perceptive and calculating mind.
Deciding he'd engaged in enough verbal sparring, Luffy rolled up the sleeves of his shirt with deliberate slowness. He cracked his knuckles, his body language shifting from casual diplomat to focused combatant in an instant.
"Enough talk, Kaido," he said, voice dropping to a more serious register. "Let me experience the full power of your Conqueror's Haki once more."
A predatory smile spread across Kaido's face, his excitement building at the prospect of a worthy challenge. "Hmph, arrogant brat. Allow me to show you something truly special—"
His massive form began to radiate dark energy as he prepared for battle. "The pinnacle of power in this world!"
As the final words left his mouth, both warriors launched into action simultaneously. The earth beneath them cracked from the pressure of their movements alone.