Kaido drew in a deep breath. He knew the gap between himself and Ares was still vast. Ares had already risen to a level that rivaled the cadres of the Rocks Pirates.
And him? He still had a long way to go.
But Kaido wasn't one to be crushed by defeat. Who was he? He was Kaido of the Beasts, the man who would one day be known as the "Strongest Creature," feared as the world's mightiest in single combat. If one phrase could describe him it was "destined for greatness."
Steeling himself, Kaido grinned at Ares.
"Ares-ani, let's keep going!"
He stomped forward, the ground trembling underfoot, charging like a raging bull.
Hours later.
Kaido lay sprawled across the ground, bruised and battered. Their spar had dragged on for hours, testing every technique and ability they had honed.
Exhausted but still brimming with vitality, Ares dropped beside him, eyes fixed on the sky.
"Your club aura already rivals a swordsman's slash," he praised. "And in just over a month. Your body has toughened as well. It won't be long before you're a reliable cadre within the Rocks Pirates."
Kaido's chest rose and fell like twin peaks. He gave a crooked smile.
"Before I met you, Ares-ani, I was already the 'monster rookie' on Rocks's ship. My talent isn't exactly small-time either, you know. It's just… your talent is monstrous even by comparison."
Defeated again, but strangely satisfied, Kaido felt fulfilled. The past month had been the most rewarding time of his life, his strength growing beyond his own expectations.
He turned his head to Ares, eyes filled with gratitude.
"If not for you teaching me slashing techniques, pointing out the flaws in my training… I'd never have progressed this fast. My growth rate's multiplied several times over."
"How do you even do it?!"
He couldn't fathom it. Ares always spotted his weaknesses, yet Kaido couldn't see a single flaw in Ares's training.
Ares chuckled.
"Because the world I see is different from the one you see. I can slow things down in my mind observe every detail. Maybe it's just my memory being sharper than most."
The truth was deeper. With the memories he carried from another world, and his inexplicable "cheat-like" perception, Ares's state of awareness was unlike anything Kaido could imagine.
Kaido scoffed, though his lips curled in reluctant admiration.
"A different world, huh? Figures. Geniuses really do see things differently. Me? I don't see any special world at all."
He waved the thought aside. "So, Ares-ani… when are we heading back to Hachinosu?"
Ares's gaze lingered on the sky before he replied.
"Not yet. I'm still not strong enough to give Newgate and the others a real shock. I need more time for swordsmanship, my body, my Devil Fruit powers, even the martial arts I aspire to. Everything takes time."
He wanted to return not as the same man, but as someone who could stand shoulder to shoulder with Whitebeard, Shiki, and Wang Zhi.
Kaido nodded in agreement.
"Yeah… let's wait. My club techniques are still just beginning, and my body's got room to grow. When we return, I refuse to be just another rookie."
His eyes gleamed with ambition as he turned to Ares.
"Ares-ani, when we go back, you should apply to be a cadre in the Rocks Pirates. I'll follow you. Hell, we could even invite the Mink warriors here to join us. They're natural-born fighters, and their strength's no joke!"
He had witnessed their agility and their ability to wield electricity. The thought of them as allies stirred his blood.
"Cadre?"
Ares's clear eyes hardened with resolve.
"Titles will come if they're meant to. As for the Minks, let's not disturb their peace. Besides, most of our time is spent training and healing. Recruiting would only slow us down."
Kaido paused, then slowly nodded.
"You're right. Especially since Doctor Three-Goat's been patching us up nonstop… wouldn't sit right to drag his people into this."
He raised his arm, spreading his fingers wide.
Ares clasped it firmly, their grip like iron.
Kaido grinned fiercely.
"Ares-ani, let's turn this world upside down!"
Ares's smile was sharp, filled with wild anticipation.
"Sounds fun. I'm in."
Two months had passed since Ares and Kaido's disappearance. Still, there was no word of Ares.
Meanwhile, a clash erupted between Whitebeard and the Golden Lion. Their battle raged for seven days and nights, ending only when Whitebeard eked out a narrow victory.
The bond they once shared was shattered. From that day forward, they were no longer comrades, but bitter enemies. The rift born from Ares's absence had severed them completely.
Today, as usual, Whitebeard Edward Newgate sat upon a massive boulder, staring at the empty training grounds before him. His eyes seemed to search for the ghost of Ares's presence.
"Ares… if you're still alive, come back soon…" he muttered, his face tinged with sorrow.
The whole world now knew the Rocks Pirates were searching for Ares. Despite pouring enormous manpower and resources into the hunt, no trace had been found.
Even Rocks himself had shifted focus, ordering the crew's attention to the upcoming event that could shake the world the Reverie.
"Haah…"
A sigh broke the silence.
Wang Zhi stepped up beside Newgate, clapping a hand to his shoulder.
"That kid's tough. He'll be fine."
But Newgate's eyes didn't change, still lost in melancholy.
Wang Zhi pressed on, finally voicing the reason he had come.
"Newgate, the captain's summoned all cadres. There's important business to discuss."
Whitebeard's gaze finally lifted, his features hardening.
"It's about the Reverie, isn't it?"
"That's right," Wang Zhi confirmed.
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