Kaido, Want to Learn? If You Do, I'll Teach You!

"Vorororororo~~"

Rocks's laughter rang out behind Ron. Ron turned around and saw Rocks approaching at an unhurried pace, a long sword slung over his shoulder.

"I never expected this... I really never expected this, Ron." Rocks stopped in front of him, tilting his head as he sized him up. An unreadable smile hung on his lips. "You brat had been hiding your strength that well. If Kaido found out that the move you used when you sparred with him was your weakest one, do you think he'd lose it?"

"Heh." Ron chuckled softly. He felt it was necessary to explain. "Watch what you say, Rocks. I've always shown my opponents plenty of respect."

"Oh?" Rocks's lips curled up in an exaggerated grin, his teasing tone making his disbelief obvious. "So you're saying all those powers and abilities you showed later were learned after we parted ways?"

Ron nodded lightly, his tone carrying an honesty that even he found absurd. "It might sound unrealistic, but if I said that was exactly what happened, would you believe me?"

"Heh heh~" Rocks gave a smug chuckle, instantly changing his expression. "Do I look mentally disabled to you?"

"..."

Ron could not be bothered to explain anymore. No one would believe something like that. It really was far too absurd.

Not long ago, he had been a "turret" who relied on Tailed Beast Bombs to conquer the world. A few days later, he had become an all-around fighter wielding both the Eight Gates and Ice Release. Even he felt like he was bragging whenever he said it aloud.

"All right, brat, go back and get some rest." Rocks patted Ron on the shoulder, passed him, and headed straight ahead. "Leave the rest to me."

"I can help." Ron followed after him. He had already tested the Eight Gates, but he had only just begun with Ice Release.

"Heh." Without looking back, Rocks spoke with a hint of disdain. "You're underestimating your captain too much, brat."

He paused, then added, "And besides, you're a little too bloodthirsty. You'll ruin my plans."

Ron stopped and watched Rocks's back, his brow twitching slightly. "Plans? Do you have something to discuss with Roger?"

Rocks stopped as well, though he still did not turn around. "Not long ago, I learned some truths. But for all of you, it is still far too early to know them."

He turned his face slightly, revealing half his profile. "There were too many people ahead, so I had no chance to say anything. But now is a good opportunity. I'll go ask what he intends to do."

Ron did not respond right away. When he had transmigrated, the anime One Piece had not yet ended, and many truths were still unknown to him as well.

But he was not in a hurry. Sooner or later, he would learn everything.

"All right." Ron did not press further or say anything else. He answered, then turned and left.

On the Saber of Xebec, the atmosphere was surprisingly peaceful.

Golden Lion and Linlin were settling accounts, calculating how much treasure they had stolen from Roger's ship.

They did not care in the slightest that Rocks had gone after Roger.

Whitebeard sat cross-legged on the ship's railing, propping up his head with one hand as he gazed toward the activity on the island in the distance, seemingly lost in thought.

Annika sat beside the steps at the entrance to the ship's hall, both hands properly resting on her knees. From time to time, she looked toward the island to see whether Ron had returned.

She had only just entered this completely new environment and was still adapting to everything, making her appear somewhat cautious.

At that moment, Whitebeard's gaze lowered slightly and landed on Kaido, who was slowly making his way back. The man looked somewhat dejected, as though he had lost something. He usually carried his spiked club on his shoulder, but now he was dragging it behind him.

"Got beaten up?" Whitebeard spoke first, his tone teasing. "Why the long face?"

Kaido raised his head at the sound of his voice and glanced at Whitebeard, but did not answer immediately.

He quickened his pace, then leaped up and landed steadily on the railing, sitting beside Whitebeard.

"Newgate."

Kaido fell silent for a moment before suddenly speaking. "Tell me... when will I be able to get a powerful Devil Fruit?"

Whitebeard glanced at him from the side.

There was no need to ask. This guy had definitely been provoked by Ron again.

"Didn't I tell you?" Whitebeard looked away and spoke leisurely. "Things like that depend on timing, location, and luck. You can't rush them."

"Do you know any taijutsu techniques?" Kaido asked tentatively.

"What kind are you talking about?" Whitebeard looked at Kaido beside him with interest.

"Uh..." Kaido frowned, as if trying hard to recall a blurry image. "The kind where you shout something like 'Open,' and then your strength suddenly skyrockets."

After hearing that, Whitebeard looked at him with disgust. "Are you still half asleep? What kind of daydream is that? How could something like that exist? If it did, you teach me."

"Tch, Newgate, you're so narrow-minded!"

Kaido suddenly became animated. He even straightened his back, his voice carrying the smugness of someone who thought the other person simply did not understand.

"I'm telling you, Ron knows it! Just now, he was going to show me this world's 'Ultimate Taijutsu,' then he shouted one word and his strength exploded!"

Whitebeard chuckled and shook his head. "Is it possible... he was just messing with you?"

"Impossible!" Kaido declared firmly.

Just then,

A figure descended from the sky and landed steadily on the deck of the Saber of Xebec.

"Ron, you're back just in time!" Kaido turned his head and said, "Newgate actually doesn't believe you know the strongest 'Ultimate Taijutsu' in this world!"

Ron glanced at Kaido, then at Whitebeard's expression that seemed to say, Let's see how you make this up. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

Rather than explain anything, he teased Kaido. "Kaido, do you want to learn? If you do, I'll teach you."

Before Kaido could respond, an unexpected voice came from nearby.

"Lord... Lord Ron," Annika said. At some point, she had stood up from the steps, nervously clutching the hem of her clothes with both hands. Her eyes held both expectation and caution. "C-can I learn too? If I learn it, I'll be able to help you in the future."

Ron paused slightly and looked at Annika.

The main problem was that he still was not sure whether people in this world could learn the Eight Gates.

"Ron!"

Kaido had already rushed over in excitement and urgently asked, "What did you just say? Did you just say you'd teach me?!"