A storm isn't just a natural disaster—it's an intense disturbance in the atmosphere, characterized by violent weather changes. From powerful thunderstorms, squall lines, and tornadoes to typhoons, low-pressure systems, and cold waves, storms encompass a range of extreme weather conditions, all capable of immense destruction.
Dragon's Armament Haki had already reached the "bone-tempering" stage, as confirmed by Jack. It wasn't much weaker than Garp's, and his Conqueror's Haki had also reached the same level as Jack's. Combined with the abilities of his Storm-Storm Fruit, Dragon was the most troublesome opponent Jack had ever faced.
Not because Dragon was stronger than Garp, but because his fighting style was far more unpredictable. Unlike Garp's straightforward, brute-force approach, Dragon employed diverse and elusive techniques.
While Dragon's techniques were formidable, he quickly realized that he couldn't overpower Jack in direct combat. Adapting to the situation, he began integrating his Devil Fruit abilities into his attacks. Thunder, gales—his relentless onslaught of elemental attacks irritated Jack to no end.
It was evident that Dragon had reached a profound mastery over his Devil Fruit, seamlessly incorporating its abilities into close combat. His elemental form was particularly unusual, lacking a fixed color, making him appear ethereal and hard to pin down.
Yet, no matter how diverse Dragon's attacks were, they ultimately failed to inflict any real damage on Jack.
After battling for most of the day, Dragon finally came to a realization—the only way he could truly hurt Jack was through Conqueror's Haki infusion and Armament Haki. Jack's resistance to natural elements had reached an almost inhuman level.
What was even more troubling was that Jack's Haki wasn't any weaker than Dragon's—if anything, his Armament Haki was even stronger.
With this in mind, Dragon understood that victory or defeat would come down to endurance.
But Jack had consumed a Zoan-type Devil Fruit. His recovery rate far exceeded Dragon's, and his defense was on another level entirely.
If this fight dragged on, the outcome was obvious.
Even if Karasu and the others managed to defeat their opponents and join forces against Jack, their chances of winning were slim. And if they did manage to take Jack down, Kaido would likely arrive soon after.
Weighing his options, Dragon decided it was time to retreat.
Boom!
Jack remained unfazed by yet another one of Dragon's attacks, prompting Dragon to shake his head in resignation.
"The Strongest Fish-Man, Jack the Drought..."
"Not just a mere subordinate of an Emperor, but acknowledged as the 'Fifth Emperor' of the seas..."
"That title is well deserved."
"We'll settle this another time."
Hearing this, Jack's eyes widened before he let out an enraged roar.
"Trying to run?"
"In your dreams!"
"I'm gonna beat you so bad, your own father won't recognize you!"
Dragon chuckled lightly. In an instant, a powerful whirlwind erupted between them, expanding rapidly and forcing Jack back.
With the wind beneath his feet, Dragon soared into the sky. A blade of wind slashed toward Jack, stalling his pursuit just long enough for the whirlwind to completely engulf him. Then, several more wind blades followed, ensuring Jack was fully trapped.
As Dragon hovered above, he spoke softly.
"There isn't a soul in this world who can beat me to the point where my own father wouldn't recognize me."
"Monkey D. Dragon, huh? I'll remember that name!"
Jack's furious voice echoed as he was swept away by the raging storm. Despite his strength, he was unable to break free, forced to go wherever the whirlwind carried him.
Seeing this, Dragon wiped the sweat from his brow and swiftly departed.
Not long after the two vanished from the battlefield, a massive azure dragon descended from the sky, music playing in the background.
"Hic..."
"Jack! You brat! Where the hell did you run off to?!"
"I'm gonna teach you a lesson today!"
"And Yamato! You actually smashed up my hot springs! You two little brats—"
"Hic..."
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Dozens of sake gourds tumbled from the sky as Kaido scratched his chin, leaving only one in his grasp. He uncorked it and downed the remaining liquor.
Gulp, gulp, gulp...
"Hic..."
Smash!
Tossing the final gourd aside, Kaido wiped his beard and frowned.
"I could've sworn I sensed Jack's presence here…"
"Where'd he go?"
"Hic..."
"Let me see…"
"Oh, that way!"
Whoosh!
With a drunken sway, Kaido shifted back into his dragon form and wobbled toward Renske.
Splash!
As the fierce winds dissipated, Jack once again found himself admiring the ocean floor.
"Damn it, I knew this would happen!"
"Wait… Yamato and King... They aren't a match for that guy."
"But I sensed Kaido's presence..."
"How did he get here so fast?"
"Well, whatever. It should be fine."
Surrounded by strange deep-sea creatures and utter darkness, Jack sighed. Unlike humans, he could survive in the deep ocean, but that didn't make it any less of a pain.
While drifting, he replayed his battle with Dragon in his mind, analyzing his techniques. Even if he couldn't match the legendary warriors who could learn mid-battle, he now had a better grasp of Dragon's fighting style. Next time, there was no way he'd fall for the same tricks.
Still... Damn it!
No ship again?! Maybe next time, he should carry a toy boat just in case.
This underwater sightseeing trip lasted a week before Jack was finally retrieved. Oddly enough, it wasn't Finder and his expert retrieval crew who pulled him out—it was the second-tier squad from Renske's port, led by Yamato.
The moment he stepped onto the ship, Jack relaxed. Seeing Yamato happily munching on roast chicken, and Ulti riding atop Page One's head, he knew there was no need to ask about the battle.
Their side clearly hadn't suffered any losses.
Kaido's attack power might be slightly lower than Dragon's, but his defense and recovery abilities completely outclassed him. As long as he wasn't a fool, Dragon wouldn't linger in Beasts Pirates' territory for long.
Yamato, meanwhile, took her two "followers" to visit Kuriya, leaving Jack to search for Kaido and King.
Following his senses, he navigated through the dim corridors of the stronghold. As the guards eagerly opened the doors to the prison cell, he took in the scene inside.
Betty hung suspended in chains.
King stood nearby, holding a torture device.
Kaido sat off to the side, drinking and watching intently.
Jack blinked, then swiftly stepped inside and shut the door behind him.
"Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt your fun!"
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The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg