THE STRONGEST CREATURE OF THE BEAST PIRATES

Kaido's mighty kanabo, wrapped in the crackling energy of Haoshoku Haki and lightning, smashed down with unstoppable force. The overwhelming power of the attack caused Alastor to lift his gaze, and what he saw bore the grim visage of death itself. The air seemed heavy, suffused with an oppressive aura, and the faint taste of mortality lingered on his tongue.

Kaido, in his drunken, bloodthirsty mode, was unrelenting. The mightiest creature on the seas was pulling no punches. Very few in the world—perhaps a handful at best—could withstand an attack imbued with both Haoshoku and Ryou, techniques reserved for only the strongest.

Yet, despite the sheer weight of the situation, Alastor remained eerily composed. His eyes betrayed a flicker of tension, but deep down, there was no panic. He had faced death before—countless times. The first, a near-fatal clash with Whitebeard himself; later, during the chaos of the Paramount War at Marineford, where he survived five brushes with the grave. For Alastor, this sensation was not unfamiliar. His spirit had been tempered, and his resolve sharpened through such trials.

Instead of despair, Alastor allowed himself a moment of grim amusement. As Kaido's kanabo descended, he unleashed his Kenbunshoku Haki, honing his senses to their limit to fully grasp the overwhelming force of the attack. This battle was an opportunity—a chance to push his mastery of Haki to new heights and unlock the long-coveted ability to imbue attacks with the entangling power of Haoshoku.

In Kaido's drunken yet sharp eyes, Alastor's demeanor shifted. The faint glimmer of fear gave way to a determined smile, laced with a peculiar hint of anticipation.

"This brat…" Kaido muttered, the haze of alcohol clearing slightly. Waves of curiosity rippled through his mind. "Even in the face of death, he's grinning. What does he think he'll achieve? Does he wish to die?"

Kaido's grin widened. "Interesting…"

With a surge of strength, Kaido infused even more power into his swing, determined to crush the challenger beneath the weight of his might.

Alastor, however, was not defenseless. He layered his body with Raimei Yoroi—a barrier of lightning formed from his mastery of electricity—and fortified it further with Busoshoku Haki. Every cell in his body mobilized, simultaneously generating currents to thicken his armor and greedily absorbing the electricity emanating from Kaido's kanabo.

Kaido's Haoshoku-infused strikes weren't ordinary. They carried not just crushing physical force but an elemental Raimei enchantment, amplifying both destructive and penetrative power. This lethal combination had toppled even legends like Kozuki Oden and left the Straw Hat Luffy unconscious with a single blow.

But Alastor was different. Thunder wasn't his bane—it was his ally. The very electricity meant to amplify Kaido's attack instead strengthened Alastor's Raimei Yoroi.

When the kanabo struck, the thunder armor endured for several seconds, absorbing all the lightning before shattering. Yet, the mace's devastating physical impact remained.

Jet-black and crimson streams of energy cascaded down like a torrent, shattering the ground beneath them. The roof of Onigashima trembled, rocks flying in all directions. Waves of Haoshoku Haki rippled outward, filling the sky with a storm of black and red lightning.

From a distance, members of the Beast Pirates struggled to stand against the force of the shockwaves.

King's voice trembled as he spoke: "This is the true strength of Kaido-sama. The power feared by the entire world government—the pinnacle of strength!"

Sasaki growled in agreement. "No one survives a blow like that. That brat is as good as dead."

Page One's voice cracked as he retorted, "Brother Alastor won't die! He's tougher than anyone!" Despite his words, his heart was heavy with concern.

Ulti, steadfast even in the gale, slammed her claws into the ground for stability. She shouted, "If that idiot dies, I'll kill him myself! His life belongs to me!"

As the storm raged, a sudden figure emerged, leaping through the chaos.

A streak of white burst into the sky, slicing through the Haoshoku waves with sheer determination. Maroon eyes blazing with fury, the figure roared, their voice echoing across the island.

"KAIDO!"

It was Yamato.

Moments earlier, she had been attending to the affairs of Wano in the General's Mansion when Alastor's desperate call reached her. Now, filled with rage and a protective fire, she soared toward the roof of Onigashima, leaving a streak of frosty air in her wake.

Yamato possesses exceptional talent and intelligence. Stripped of Kozuki Oden's influence, she reveals herself as a rare genius in the One Piece world. Her natural aptitude for combat and leadership shines, demonstrating her unparalleled potential.

While Alastor struggled to grasp complex techniques, Yamato had mastered them effortlessly long ago, displaying her innate ability to excel. Although governing Wano as a general differs greatly from fighting on the battlefield, Yamato quickly adapted. Through months of diligent study and determination, she became fully qualified to lead Wano.

Yamato also trained ministers of high moral character and exceptional capability to handle most of the country's affairs, reserving only critical matters for her review. As a result, her duties as general became more manageable, allowing her to dedicate more time to her training.

Her goal remained clear: to surpass Kaido, assume the mantle of Joy Boy, and liberate the world. Her experiences governing Wano, exploring the wider world, and clashing with formidable opponents like Ben Beckman of the Red-Haired Pirates and Marco of the Whitebeard Pirates greatly expanded her perspective. These encounters strengthened both her resolve and power. Yamato now possessed a clearer understanding of the world and an unwavering determination to pursue her destiny.

In her training, Yamato felt at ease, uncovering even deeper reserves of strength within herself.

"It seems I'm growing stronger," she murmured.

At that moment, Alastor contacted her, warning her to pay attention to the situation on Onigashima. Initially dismissive, Yamato was unaware that Alastor had killed Doflamingo, whose death greatly impacted Kaido. She believed Alastor, despite being a highly valued subordinate, was still following Kaido's orders. Yamato warned him against blindly obeying Kaido.

However, as she approached Onigashima, an ominous aura caught her attention. Sensing something was wrong, Yamato's expression darkened. Without hesitation, she transformed into her animal form using the powers of the Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Okuchi no Makami, and raced towards the island at an incredible speed.

Upon arrival, Yamato ignored the shocked looks of the Beast Pirates and rushed to the rooftop. Transforming mid-air into her hybrid form, she witnessed a terrifying sight—Kaido's kanabo, infused with Conqueror's Haki and thunder, was descending toward Alastor's head.

Yamato's pupils contracted sharply before she erupted in a fury.

"Kaido, what are you doing to your son-in-law, you cold-blooded old bastard who even turns against family!" she roared.

With a burst of icy energy, Yamato swung her kanabo, shouting, "Kamiyuki: Hyou no Zansetsu!" The weapon, imbued with extreme cold, struck Kaido's face with immense force, sending him sliding across the rooftop.

Kaido's body came to a stop, his face bruised and slightly frozen. Touching his cheek, he smirked.

"Yamato… Your strength has grown. Impressive," he remarked.

"In order to defeat you and become Joy Boy, I cannot remain stagnant," Yamato declared, her determination unwavering. Her white hair flowed in the wind as her presence grew even more commanding.

Kaido sneered. "Joy Boy? You're dreaming, Yamato. And don't forget—you should be calling me Father. After all, your precious man is my son-in-law."

"You are no father of mine!" Yamato snapped, gripping her kanabo tightly. "No real father would attempt to kill his own child! You're nothing but a monster!"

Kaido erupted into laughter.

"This is the life of a pirate! Submit or perish. Family is only for the obedient!" Kaido bellowed, his ambition to dominate the world driving his ruthless ideology.

Before Yamato could respond, a ragged cough interrupted the tension.

Emerging from the rubble Kaido had created earlier, Alastor staggered to his feet, his tattered clothing and battered form testament to the brutal clash he had endured.

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