"DOMINANT SEA!!!"
The shockwave tore through the sky!
By the time the dust settled, the Azure Dragon had coiled into a Serpent Formation, its Dragon Scales all upturned, blood gushing from the gaps like an endless fountain.
In an instant, its body was drenched in crimson.
"Urorororo."
The Azure Dragon raised its head with a low growl, glaring down at Gurd and Yamato. After catching its breath, its eyes were filled with shock and fear.
When did these two master Dominant Sea?!
It hurt—everywhere hurt!
That almost killed him!
"You actually withstood it?"
Gurd raised an eyebrow and lifted his weapon again.
"Yamato, let's go again!"
"Right!"
Yamato excitedly raised her Spiked Club.
For some reason, this battle felt unusually exhilarating. The more she fought, the better her condition became, as if she had boundless energy.
This was pure, unbridled joy!
She could keep going!
Seeing their daughter and son-in-law preparing another Dominant Sea, Kaido's face turned several shades paler. He quickly roared:
"Stop!"
"Huh???"
Gurd and Yamato paused.
"Urorororo!"
Kaido gritted his teeth, his body gradually shrinking back into human form. Blood seeped from every inch of his body—clearly, he was severely injured.
He could barely stand steady.
"Gurd, Yamato."
Facing the still-eager couple, Kaido forced a smile uglier than crying. "Let's call it a day. I acknowledge your strength!"
"Fine."
Gurd knew when to quit.
After all, Kaido was the captain. There was no need to humiliate him in front of the crew. He and Yamato had teamed up precisely to save face for their elder.
After a moment's thought, Gurd whispered a reminder.
"Yamato, sit down and rest."
"Huh?"
Yamato didn't understand, but seeing Gurd plop down, panting heavily in exhaustion, she quickly followed suit.
The scene didn't escape the crew's eyes.
"Incredible!"
"They fought evenly with Captain Kaido!"
"Lord Gurd and Lady Yamato are too strong!"
"The Beasts have two of the Four Emperors now!"
The pirates were ecstatic.
In their narrow worldview, Kaido was the strongest—invincible, unbeatable by anyone.
Lord Gurd was undoubtedly powerful, but for him and Lady Yamato to fight Kaido to a standstill—even gaining a slight upper hand—was unexpected yet reasonable.
Truly worthy of being the Beasts' next captain!
"Urorororo, bring me booze!"
"YEAHHH!!!"
The pirates roared excitedly, hauling barrels of fine liquor and platters of food onto the battlefield.
Kaido gulped down alcohol to dull the pain, his gaze shifting between satisfaction and melancholy as he watched Gurd.
This brat had truly caught up to him.
In a one-on-one, he didn't think he'd lose—but to win, he'd probably have to go all out.
Had he become a relic of the old era too?
Linlin...
Kaido took another deep swig before glaring at Gurd. "Brat, you're really making me feel my age."
"Big Brother Kaido, everyone grows old."
Gurd pulled Yamato close, grinning. "Don't worry, Yamato and I will take care of you in your retirement."
"Hmph!"
Kaido snorted.
This brat had grown too bold, daring to look down on him so soon.
After more drinking, Kaido's drunkenness took hold. Shifting back into his Azure Dragon Form, he soared into the sky, flying toward the island's edge.
Gurd quickly stood and called out.
"Big Brother Kaido, where are you going?"
"Urorororo, just clearing my head!"
Kaido left without looking back.
Needing some fresh air?
Gurd withdrew his gaze, rubbing his chin.
Judging by the direction Kaido was heading, it seemed to be toward Totto Land. Could it be that he was so shaken he wanted to reminisce with Auntie Linlin?
Ah, empty-nest elders need comfort too.
Yamato tugged at Gurd's sleeve and asked cheerfully, "Gurd, did we just win?"
"Sort of."
Gurd nodded with a smile.
"Wahahaha, that's great!"
Yamato's face lit up with joy, but then she suddenly burst into tears, burying her face in Gurd's chest as she sobbed pitifully.
She had finally defeated her father.
Though it was only half a victory since she had teamed up with Gurd.
But half a win was still a win.
From the age of eight until now, nearly twenty years had passed. She had lost countless times—but this time, she had won.
After crying for a while, Yamato sat up sheepishly, wiping her swollen eyes and sniffling.
"Thank you, Gurd."
"Mhm."
Gurd ruffled Yamato's hair.
Having Kaido as a father—this girl really had it rough.
Meanwhile, at the port of Hachinosu Island.
A smuggling ship from a certain kingdom docked.
Inside the cabin, the king and nobles were tied up, facing the Pirates who had hijacked them. The king roared in fury.
"I'll have you all burned alive!"
"..."
Law stared coldly at the king.
He had received intel that a Road Poneglyph had appeared on Hachinosu Island.
Reaching the New World meant the journey was nearing its end. To find the One Piece, he needed all four Road Poneglyphs.
Even if he wasn't sure whether the one on Hachinosu was a Road Poneglyph, he couldn't afford to miss any possibility.
That was why he had hijacked this ship to sneak onto the island—only to find out it was a smuggling vessel carrying a king and nobles.
The Marines would undoubtedly take action. As the mastermind behind the royal kidnapping, he would be their primary target.
This was trouble.
Ideally, he wanted to avoid drawing attention—after all, Hachinosu was no friendly place.
"Captain!"
Bepo and the rest of the crew rushed into the cabin excitedly, arms laden with treasure. Clearly, they had struck gold.
"This ship is loaded with treasure!"
"Got it."
Law had little interest in treasure. Right now, all he cared about was the Road Poneglyph—and how to escape afterward.
Hachinosu was Beasts' territory. Small skirmishes were fine, but causing too much trouble would provoke them.
Add the Marines to the mix.
If he angered both sides, they'd have nowhere left to run.
"Captain, trouble!"
A lookout barged in, urgently reporting, "A large group of Pirates is heading this way! They must have dealings with this ship!"
"Prepare for battle!"
Law's expression darkened.
When he realized it was a smuggling ship, he had anticipated this. After all, smuggling ships always had business partners.
Conflict was unavoidable.
Still, he had an idea.
"Room!"
Chaos soon erupted at the port.
On the other side of the island, the Sword squad of four rowed a small wooden boat ashore, climbing up the rocky shore.
"I really don't want to be here!"
"Same here!"
Kujaku and Grus exchanged glances, unpleasant memories flooding back. If they had a choice, they'd never set foot on Hachinosu again.
"Senior Kujaku! Senior Grus!"
Koby followed behind, reminding the two seniors, "We need to hurry. We just received word that the royal ship of the Koya Kingdom has arrived at Loki Port, and Trafalgar Law has been spotted!"
Their mission was to protect the nobles and civilians on board!