Earthquake Dragon Form

"ROOOOAR—!!!"

Another roar shook the atmosphere and the vast seas.

The dinosaur, as massive as a small hill, blew away incoming cannonballs with nothing but its breath. It strode across the land with legs as thick and powerful as pillars, each step triggering a minor earthquake. Mushroom Rocks that had stood for hundreds or even thousands of years crumbled like chocolate cookies under its crushing feet.

A flat head, a long neck, robust limbs, and a tail accounting for three-fifths of its body length.

Dragon-Dragon Fruit: Earthquake Dragon Form.

This was the Devil Fruit Eschbach had eaten.

However, this was no purchased Devil Fruit. In the New World, with the 'Beast'—a Pirate Emperor intent on building an army of Zoan users—it was virtually impossible to buy Zoan-type Devil Fruits on the open market. Whether through legitimate channels or the black market, few dared to offend the 'Beast.'

Not to mention Ancient Zoans; even ordinary Zoan-type Devil Fruits were hard to come by.

Aleus had originally only picked an ordinary Zoan-type Devil Fruit from his family's treasury and eaten it. It was only later that the [Hogyoku] evolved it into a never-before-seen Mythical Zoan—the Black Winged Great Demon Form. Having set this precedent himself, he began to entertain more ideas.

He retrieved another ordinary Zoan-type Devil Fruit from the family treasury—the Lizard-Lizard Fruit: Komodo Dragon Form. He had his Aide, Eschbach, eat this Devil Fruit while simultaneously infusing it with the power of the Hogyoku.

Thus, the ordinary Zoan: Lizard-Lizard Fruit: Komodo Dragon Form

evolved.

Ancient Zoan: Dragon-Dragon Fruit: Earthquake Dragon Form—this was the new power Eschbach now possessed.

Eschbach was just the beginning. The other Aides gradually received new powers as well. Dick's Ancient Zoan Giant Leopard Form was the result of the same process. Otherwise, where would Aleus have gotten so many Ancient Zoan fruits?

Even Kaido, that mad Emperor, hadn't managed to collect many Ancient Zoan Devil Fruits over all these years.

That was precisely why he had partnered with Doflamingo to trade in Artificial Devil Fruits. Well, it was still Marineford Era 1517, and M. Caesar Clown was still a member of the Navy's Science Unit. Punk Hazard's research base remained under the Navy's tight protection, with Kizaru, one of the Three Admirals, stationed there long-term, ensuring they could hold their own even against a Four Emperors' invasion.

Without the alliance of that mad scientist who constantly dreamed of surpassing Vegapunk, Kaido and Doflamingo's Artificial Devil Fruit trade hadn't even taken shape yet!

Hmm, getting off track!

In short, the Ancient Zoan-type Devil Fruits Eschbach and Dick had eaten were all results of Aleus's interference using the Hogyoku.

Now, Eschbach was using that power to clear the enemies before Aleus.

"If you don't want to die, then lay down your weapons."

Transformed into a giant dragon, Eschbach issued his final warning in a voice like thunder.

He was still so kind.

Unwilling to cause too much slaughter, he had chosen to strike first, even going so far as to directly unleash his Devil Fruit's power, revealing his true Earthquake Dragon form, in an attempt to crush the morale of Umit's army and thus achieve the goal of reducing unnecessary casualties.

"Tch, that softhearted Eschbach."

Dick, who had been beaten to the punch, muttered. He looked up at the colossal creature before him, a little regretful that he had missed his chance to shine. Though both were Ancient Zoan users, he had to admit that Eschbach's Earthquake Dragon form was far more eye-catching than his Giant Leopard form.

And Eschbach's strength was, without a doubt, the undisputed first among the four Aides.

Whenever Eschbach made his move, it meant the other three could only fade into the background.

Still, it was just a regret.

They were not only colleagues but also friends who had grown up with Aleus. Jealousy was human nature, but this nature, restrained by the bonds cultivated over the years, had not developed in a bad direction. Aleus would not allow internal division among his Aides.

"Looks like Eschbach is wasting his effort this time."

Kappas yawned, struggling to open his sleepy eyes to watch the distant scene. "We've told him many times, but this guy just won't listen. Not everyone will accept his goodwill... In some people's eyes, his kindness is nothing short of mockery. Doing this will only enrage them."

"Huh?"

Dick blinked, his face wearing an expression that screamed, "What the hell are you talking about? Explain it to me, dammit!"

Kappas yawned again.

He looked down slightly at Dick. At two hundred thirty-seven centimeters tall, he was fifteen centimeters taller than Dick. He looked at Dick, a troubled, weary expression on his face, regretting having spoken too much and drawing the attention of this brain-deficient idiot. "I'm saying, Dick, couldn't you have used your brain a little more and listened properly to the teachers back then?"

"Why are you bringing up old scores now? Hey, Kappas, are you picking a fight?"

"Hmm, I guess I'm still half-asleep."

Kappas patted his forehead. Explaining this to Dick would only waste his energy. He asked bluntly, "Dick, if someone were to move against His Highness, what would you do?"

"Is that even a question? I'd kick their ass."

"Even if it means dying?"

"Of course."

Dick answered without hesitation.

"The enemies standing across from us now have the same mindset. The will they hold might not be the same, but to them, Umit is what His Highness is to us—someone they must protect with their lives... Eschbach's kindness is misplaced."

Saying this, Casper lifted his chin and pointed ahead. "See? Our enemy is furious at Eschbach."

Just as Casper said, the subordinates Umit had mobilized were all true confidants—ironclad followers he had cultivated over many years. They were loyal to Umit not only in ideology, but their own vital interests were entirely built upon his identity as the King of Maritime Transport. If Umit fell, they would lose everything.

And as long as Umit continued to dominate the New World, even if they died, it would only bring a better future to their families and loved ones.

Thus, faced with Eschbach's goodwill, they felt it as a condescending handout, a deep humiliation.

"Boom!!"

The cannons firing once again gave their answer.

Even though the previous scene had proven that cannonballs had no effect on Eschbach, they still opened fire without hesitation.

"I see. That was careless of me."

Eschbach seemed to understand their choice.

He did not continue to offer his goodwill. Though Dick muttered that he was a soft-hearted fool, his kindness was not cheap enough to give away for free. Moreover, he respected enemies who held fast to their convictions.

And his way of showing respect

was to give them a dignified funeral with the utmost violence.

"Smack!!!"

The thirty-meter-long tail lashed against the ground.

The coastal land shook once more.

Winding fissures spread like a spiderweb, instantly shattering the tightly formed defensive line. The gaping cracks, like the maw of a fierce beast, devoured one living soul after another.

"Hey, big guy, here it comes!"

Just then, a man's flippant voice reached Eschbach's ears.