Over time, Shiro gradually adapted to Conqueror's Haki. Yet he was far from satisfied. His eyes burned with a thirst for knowledge as he respectfully bowed to Rayleigh and asked for tips on using advanced Haki techniques, especially Conqueror's Coating in combat.
After all, the renowned teacher Kaido once said with undeniable authority:
"Haki must reign above all!"
Those words were deeply etched in Shiro's soul.
Rayleigh, a veteran of countless battles with immense experience, smiled kindly and generously shared all his knowledge of Conqueror's Coating. Shiro listened intently, his eyes fixed on every movement, mentally recording every detail.
Afterward, Shiro found a quiet corner and devoted himself to practicing Conqueror's Coating. He held his breath, attempting to twist his Conqueror's Haki in the prescribed way. Yet every attempt felt like groping in the dark—he couldn't find the right method.
Unsurprisingly… he failed.
Three months passed. Every day, before dawn, Shiro trained relentlessly, sweat soaking his clothes, his hands calloused from hours of channeling Haki. Despite his efforts, the mysterious skill eluded him.
Rayleigh, seeing Shiro's determination, patted his shoulder with a warm smile. "This is an advanced combat skill. It took me five years to master after awakening Conqueror's Haki. Take your time—you don't need to rush."
Shiro couldn't help thinking, "Maybe you should reflect on your teaching skills!"
Even though Shiro hadn't yet mastered Conqueror's Coating or even Armament Emission, his strength steadily increased. His Haki became more refined, his reflexes sharper, and his physical power noticeably stronger.
One day, Shiro trained on the deck of the Oro Jackson as usual, unaware of the gentle sea breeze tousling his golden hair.
The ship approached an unknown island, lush and shrouded in mystery. Just as the crew prepared to land for fresh water and food, the sky above darkened. Clouds gathered and lightning cracked across the horizon.
A massive figure rose from the island depths—a blue dragon hundreds of meters long. Its body blotted out the sky, and each movement sent gusts of wind roaring across the island.
Buggy turned pale, his legs gave way, and he collapsed. Shiro's eyes widened—he instantly recognized Kaido's azure dragon form, and a chill ran down his spine.
Kaido's deep, thunderous voice rolled across the island:
"Roger! How dare you rampage on my turf!"
Roger scratched his chin, thinking for a moment before realization hit. "You… you're Kaido? How did you end up like this?!"
Kaido's rage flared. "Roger, you fool! Don't you know this is the Fish-Fish Fruit, Mythical Zoan: Azure Dragon Form?!"
Roger turned to his crew, whispering: "Is that true?"
The crew nodded solemnly.
Roger coughed awkwardly and said to Kaido, "Kaido, we're just here for some fresh water and supplies. No need to be petty!"
Kaido roared, enraged, unleashing a blast of fiery breath from his dragon mouth. The air shimmered with intense heat, and the surrounding sea boiled violently.
"Whoa… this thing's even stronger than before!" Roger muttered, sensing the overwhelming power.
Rayleigh pushed his glasses up, his expression serious. "We need to stop him, or our ship will be destroyed!"
"Divine Departure!" Roger shouted and slashed with his black-and-red lightning-infused sword. The strike split Kaido's powerful orange aura in two.
Kaido reacted quickly, shifting back to human form just in time to dodge.
"Missed… what a shame," Roger muttered, sheathing his sword.
"Wait… where's Shiro?" Gaban looked around anxiously.
Shiro was nowhere on the Oro Jackson. Roger's heart raced.
Meanwhile, Kaido, still wary, lifted his spiked kanabo "Eight Rites" and thought:
Roger's power is terrifying. If he hit me, my dragon body would be pierced. Better not provoke him yet.
As he prepared to retreat, he noticed a figure behind him—a ten-year-old blond boy.
It was Shiro, who had used his Paw Paw Fruit powers to launch himself in front of Kaido. His gaze was steady, unafraid.
"You… kid, when did you get here?" Kaido said, pointing his kanabo, eyes sharp with suspicion and lethal intent.
"I just arrived! As soon as you changed from dragon form, I came!" Shiro said, calmly studying Kaido.
Even in human form, Kaido's nearly eight-meter-tall, muscular body radiated overwhelming power. Yet Shiro's gaze didn't waver.
Kaido narrowed his eyes, looking at the much smaller boy. "You… are with the Roger Pirates?"
Shiro tightened his grip on his sword. "Yes. I'm here to face you!"
"Kid… you're asking for death!" Kaido bellowed, swinging his massive kanabo. A gray shockwave tore through the air, screaming toward Shiro.
The stage was set for a clash between the young prodigy and one of the strongest beings in the world.
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