Kaido: I'll Be Your Opponent

"Tch!"

The expression beneath Silver Axe's mask was one of extreme disapproval. He curled his lip and said, "How could that be? After all, Linlin is a monster like no other in this world. How could this brat possibly compare to a freak like her?"

"You know how tough Linlin's body is."

"Without the strength of a Great Swordsman, don't even think about cutting through her skin!"

This young man before them might look incredibly burly, his muscles bursting with explosive power, exuding a fierce, beast-like aura.

But in this world, a human who could match a monster like Linlin hadn't been born yet.

Linlin's physical gifts were so overwhelming that others could only stare in awe.

If Linlin hadn't been so fixated on having children, she could probably have surpassed Whitebeard and Golden Lion to become the strongest officer of the Rocks Pirates.

"That's true..."

Ochoku agreed, reaching up to stroke his black beard, which was nearly as long as his own height. "Even if he's not a super monster, this guy's potential can't be underestimated."

His gaze fixed on Ares, whose face showed no trace of fear, and then he chuckled. "Heh heh... let's just see how the Captain deals with this one."

Ochoku watched Ares with keen interest, curious to see how the Captain would put him in his place.

Captain Rocks' strength was unquestionably the greatest on the entire ship.

No doubt about it!

No one dared to challenge Rocks' position or authority aboard the ship.

It was precisely because his power surpassed everyone else's

that so many strong individuals had gathered here, obeying Rocks' commands!

The surrounding pirates all wore expressions of eager anticipation.

Suddenly.

A booming voice rang out: "Kid, you're not qualified to challenge the Captain yet!!"

"I'll be your opponent!!"

A towering, broad-shouldered pirate stepped forward, two bull horns jutting from his head, a massive spiked club slung over his shoulder.

He stood an estimated seven or eight meters tall, like a three-story villa, nearly twice the height of Ares, who was four meters himself.

His muscles bulged in distinct ridges, his six-pack abs as hard as steel plates, his enormous pectorals like the front of a truck.

A truly fearsome sight!

He emerged from the crowd, and the pressure of his massive frame sent the surrounding pirates scrambling out of his way.

"It's the monster intern—Kaido!!!"

"Tch tch... Kaido wants to teach this brat a lesson for the Captain, score some brownie points, huh?!"

"Now this is gonna be good. Both of them are built for power—wonder who'll come out on top?"

"Kaido, obviously. His size and strength speak for themselves—he's got three or four meters on that kid!"

"Interesting... a clash between two little monsters!"

"Kaido, teach that arrogant punk a lesson! Show him what the Rocks Pirates' rookies are made of!!"

"..."

The surrounding pirates erupted in excitement, cheers and whistles filling the air.

Rocks shifted his gaze to Kaido, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "Ze ha ha ha... if it isn't the rookie Kaido!"

"Want to have a go at this guy?"

Among the newcomers, Kaido left the deepest impression. Not only was he blessed with raw strength, but he was also an incredibly hardworking, ambitious pirate.

Just the kind of pirate Rocks liked!!

Kaido stepped forward twice, stopping right in front of Ares. His expression was fierce, and he bared his teeth in a grin. "Course I wanna have a go at this little brat."

He flexed his arm and lowered the heavy spiked club from his shoulder.

The club hit the ground with a dull thud, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Rocks' grin widened. "Haha... fine, then he's yours!"

"I want to see just how much strength this little guy really has."

He truly had no intention of stepping in himself. After all, only those who stood as powerhouses on this sea could be worthy opponents for me, Rocks!!

Kaido's appearance was perfect—let him test this somewhat unhinged little brat.

Kaido strode forward and stood before Rocks, his massive shadow engulfing Ares.

The two stood several meters apart.

Kaido looked down at Ares with a mocking glint in his eyes and laughed. "Kid, you're not even close to being worthy of challenging Captain Rocks."

"Let me teach you a proper lesson and show you the might of the Rocks Pirates!"

Ares lifted his head, but his starry eyes were as calm as a still lake, showing not a trace of fear toward the colossal Kaido.

He asked Kaido flatly, "You want to fight me?"

"Rorororo..."

Kaido threw his head back and laughed. "I'm not fighting you—I'm teaching this brat who doesn't know the vastness of the sea a lesson!!!"

"This punch of mine, you can't take it!!"

With that.

He raised an arm as thick as a stone pillar, bulging with sturdy, iron-hard muscles.

A fist whistled through the air as it blasted toward Ares.

The tearing sound and the fierce howling gale made clear just how devastating this punch was.

The other pirates present all widened their eyes.

They wanted to see how this brat Ares would withstand Kaido's heavy, overwhelming blow.

Boom!!!

With a thunderous crash, everyone was instantly stunned.

Ares' figure flew backward dozens of meters, slamming into the ground with a loud bang, kicking up a huge cloud of dust that hung in the air.

Every pirate on the scene, and even the villagers on the island, were frozen in shock for several seconds.

It was honestly... anticlimactic!

"This brat... that's it?! He got taken down by Kaido in one punch?!"

"Is he an idiot?! Why didn't he dodge or resist Kaido's attack?!"

"I thought this kid was something special... turns out he's just a fool who can't even dodge an attack!!"

"Hahaha... I'm dying of laughter, did this kid pick up that tiger of his in the forest?!!"

"·········"

The surrounding pirates burst into raucous laughter, faces full of contempt and scorn.

And here they thought this tough, sturdy-looking brat might actually put on a good fight with Kaido!

But in the end...

In the end, he just got sent flying by Kaido's punch for no reason.

It was like someone who'd been excitedly looking forward to watching a video, only to open it and find a legal lecture.

Completely dull.

And even a little infuriated.

Shiki the Golden Lion, however, wore a knowing smile as he turned his head to look at Whitebeard beside him.

And Whitebeard, as if sensing it, turned his head to look back at Shiki the Golden Lion.

There was a glint of excitement in both their eyes.

It was definitely not the spark of "passionate bromance"!