Shiro's expression hardened. With a light tap to his chest, he activated his Paw Paw Fruit power. In an instant, he teleported behind Kaido.
"What?! That speed…"
Kaido's pupils constricted. He barely had time to react, relying on years of battle instinct, and swung his kanabo again. The force of the strike stirred up rocks and dust into a small whirlwind.
Shiro moved nimbly between the attacks, teleporting with perfect timing, weaving through Kaido's strikes. He observed every motion, seeking an opening for a counterattack.
After a few wild swings, Kaido realized he couldn't land a single blow. Rage flared, his face twisted in anger, veins bulging on his forehead, each roar louder than the last.
Seizing a brief opening, Shiro drew his sword and enveloped it with Armament Haki. He slashed furiously at Kaido, blade flashing with fierce intent.
But to his frustration, the sword merely sparked against Kaido's scales. Not even a scratch.
Kaido laughed arrogantly, mocking the boy:
"Oh hohoho, kid! You've piqued my interest! Thunder Bagua!"
With a roar, Kaido swung his kanabo again. Black Armament Haki wrapped the weapon tightly, radiating suffocating power. The strike moved faster than lightning, cutting through the air, leaving a long black trail that seemed to tear space itself.
Shiro's heart pounded. He could feel the terrifying force barreling toward him like a mountain about to crush him.
Summoning every ounce of strength, Shiro twisted his body, narrowly dodging the fatal strike. The kanabo grazed his clothing, leaving a red mark from the wind blast. He knew that if it had hit his head, he wouldn't have survived—he didn't have Luffy's ability to recover from certain death.
"This stubborn little brat is tricky!"
Kaido, frustrated at missing every attack, began swinging wildly, his blows unrestrained yet packed with immense power, shaking the ground and sending debris flying.
Shiro seized an opportunity and unleashed an air shockwave toward Kaido, who staggered back slightly—but then smirked. It was a feint, a deliberate flaw to lure Shiro into action.
"Die, kid! Military Dragon Strike!"
Kaido spun his body like a colossal top, unleashing purple energy fists with every swing. The blows shattered the ground, cracked the trees, and kicked up dust everywhere.
Shiro attempted to teleport but was half a beat too slow. A purple fist struck his right chest, breaking ribs. Pain surged through him; he coughed up a mouthful of blood, which arced through the air and stained the ground crimson.
"Conqueror of Three Worlds Ragnarok!"
Kaido transformed into his half-dragon, half-human form mid-air, wrapping Armament Haki around his kanabo. The sky darkened, lightning flashing violently. Silver streaks converged on the weapon, forming a terrifying surge of power. Clouds roiled under the force of Haki.
Shiro, already injured, couldn't react in time. He was about to be struck by a devastating Haki-imbued blow when a gleaming blade suddenly appeared before his forehead, colliding with Kaido's kanabo.
It was Roger. Anticipating Shiro's move, he had arrived at full speed. His presence was godlike, eyes sharp and resolute. The two powerful Haki auras clashed violently, distorting the surrounding air and shaking the ground.
In moments, Kaido was forced back three steps, each leaving a deep imprint. Shiro was knocked unconscious by the shockwave, flying backward.
"Roger, mark my words! I'll settle this score with you eventually!"
Kaido disappeared into the forest, leaving only chaos behind.
"Such a troublesome kid!"
Roger sighed, lifting the unconscious Shiro carefully and returning to the Oro Jackson. On deck, bathed in golden sunset light, Roger placed him on a bed, eyes filled with concern.
Half an hour later, Shiro awoke. Feeling pain in his head and chest, he immediately used his Paw Paw Fruit powers to purge the injuries. Soft pink energy flowed from his hands, transforming the pain into visible energy streams and sending it into the air. He then transferred some to nearby Sea Kings, who let out cries of pain and sank.
"That Haki infused clash with Kaido and Captain Roger… was insane!"
Shiro marveled, sitting at the bow and gazing at the glittering sea. Close contact with Haki-embedding had inspired him.
He picked up his sword, infused it with Armament Haki, and swung at the sea. A black-and-red lightning-charged slash split the water in two, forming a massive chasm. Fish and shrimp caught in the path were cut in half, blood tinting the surrounding sea.
"I… I did it! I've mastered Emission Haki!"
After three months of fruitless training, the battle with Kaido had finally allowed Shiro to grasp this advanced combat skill.
"Teacher Kaido is truly world-class. Not a single word of exaggeration!" Shiro thought with admiration.
Catching Rayleigh's gaze, he couldn't help but twitch his lips. Rayleigh smiled quietly, watching him.
Roger looked on, satisfied, whispering to himself:
"Our little monster has grown again. At this rate, the world will be turned upside down!"
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