"Alright, I'll head to Marineford at once," Dracule Mihawk said with a firm nod.
He had already decided on the explanation for the destruction of his island. Since his home had always been covered in thick purple mist and was feared as Mihawk's territory, outsiders never dared to approach. If the Marines questioned him, he would simply say the destruction was the result of getting carried away during training.
For anyone else, such an excuse would be laughable. But coming from Mihawk, no one would doubt it.
After bidding farewell to Ashveil and Perona, Mihawk boarded a small bamboo raft and set out alone toward Marineford. Few in the New World would dare to challenge such a lone raft, not when it carried the World's Greatest Swordsman.
To avoid drawing suspicion toward Mihawk, Ashveil chose not to travel with him. Instead, he boarded his own warship, stretched across the deck, and closed his eyes under the warm sun.
"No need to rush," Ashveil murmured lazily. "Ace's execution hasn't started yet. I'll relax for a bit. Let Mihawk arrive first and attend the Shichibukai meeting."
He tilted his head and called out, "Urouge, bring me something good to eat."
Ever since Urouge had become his subordinate, Ashveil's habits had grown more indulgent. Even simple tasks now seemed bothersome. Urouge, however, obeyed with eagerness, quickly bringing food and drink to his captain.
To Urouge, serving Thorne Ashveil was not a burden but an honor.
The deck soon filled with fine food and wine. Ashveil reclined with a glass in hand, enjoying the sea breeze and sunshine.
Just as the moment settled into peace, the sky suddenly shifted. Dark clouds swirled overhead, thunder rumbled, and jagged streaks of violet lightning split the heavens.
Urouge, who had just finished cleaning the deck, stiffened. "Captain Ashveil, the weather's turned fierce. Please, go inside the cabin."
Ashveil opened one eye and smirked. The rain pouring from the heavens never touched him, an invisible barrier forming above his head. Water cascaded harmlessly down its surface onto the deck.
"I don't think the cabin will help. This isn't the weather turning against us," he said softly, his smile widening. "Someone's coming."
Extending his senses, Ashveil detected it instantly—a massive azure dragon racing toward him from the north.
There was only one person in the seas who could transform into a dragon like that.
Kaido of the Beasts, the so-called strongest creature in the world.
Ashveil chuckled, leaning back. He had been wondering how to pass the time. How thoughtful of Kaido to deliver himself as entertainment.
"Revenge?" Urouge repeated, confused.
The answer soon revealed itself as the colossal form appeared over the horizon. The sky darkened further as the dragon's vast body blotted out the sun. Its bell-like eyes glared down, overflowing with oppressive might.
Urouge's face drained of color. "A… a dragon?!" His voice shook as fear coursed through him. His captain's enemies were never ordinary. First Admirals, then Mihawk, and now… a Yonko. Urouge could hardly keep up.
Kaido's voice boomed like thunder. "I finally caught up, brat!"
The dragon's maw curled into a cruel grin. "Because of you, I missed the Sabaody Archipelago. You're the one who killed Jack, aren't you?"
His massive head lowered, eyes narrowing in disdain as they studied the young man on the warship. No matter how he looked, Ashveil didn't seem like the type who could slay one of his calamities.
Ashveil smirked. "That's right. I killed that fool Jack. In fact, I turned his tusks into ornaments. Would you like me to show you?"
Kaido's eyes bulged, his enormous face twisting with fury. For Ashveil to speak to him, Kaido, the indestructible, in such a manner…
"Dragon's Breath!"
Kaido opened his jaws wide. A torrent of searing fire erupted forth, an attack powerful enough to reduce mountains to ash. The flames roared toward Ashveil's ship, devouring the sea air.
Ashveil did not move. He closed his eyes, lips curving upward.
The Conqueror's Haki barrier flared into existence, invisible yet immovable. The blazing torrent struck the shield and halted, unable to advance even an inch. Steam rose as the surrounding air evaporated, but the barrier held firm.
Urouge gaped, his body trembling. That blast alone was enough to obliterate anything in its path, yet his captain had stopped it as if it were nothing.
Ashveil sighed, opening his eyes. "Kaido, you're too short-tempered. Why don't we take this fight to the island?" He gestured toward nearby Kuraigana Island. "I can't stretch properly on this ship."
The warship was far too valuable to risk in the battle. Kuraigana Island, already half-ruined, was a better stage. Ashveil smirked inwardly. It would be unfortunate for Mihawk, but he could always repay him later with a few tricks of swordsmanship.
Kaido laughed, his thunderous roar shaking the sea. "Anywhere you want, brat. I'm invincible in one-on-one fights!"
Ashveil glanced at the clock on deck. Twenty minutes remained before he needed to depart. More than enough time to put Kaido through some suffering.
When they arrived on the island, Kaido's dragon eyes narrowed. "So, you withstood my Breath. Impressive. No wonder you defeated Sakazuki. But you must have been exhausted then, right?"
Ashveil raised an eyebrow.
Kaido continued, smug. "It must have been the Barrier Fruit. I know its weaknesses. One of my collaborators in Wano has a subordinate with the same power." His grin widened. "Your little trick won't save you now."
Understanding dawned on Ashveil. So that was Kaido's reasoning. He believed the victory over Akainu had been thanks to the Barrier Fruit. That misplaced confidence explained his arrogance.
Ashveil chuckled. Kaido was certainly smarter than Jack, but still hopelessly wrong.
"Kaido," he said calmly, "you'll see soon enough whether I have the Barrier Fruit or not." His smile sharpened. "Captured eighteen times, and you still call yourself invincible? Others might believe it, but not me."
His eyes gleamed. "Whitebeard's beaten you one-on-one more than once. I even know the details. He told me himself."
Kaido's massive body stiffened, veins bulging on his dragon head. Ashveil had struck directly at his pride.
With a furious roar, Kaido's patience snapped. He surged forward, the island trembling as the strongest creature in the world descended upon Thorne Ashveil.
And Ashveil welcomed him with a smile.
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