On Hachinosu, aboard the Rocks Pirates' flagship, the Giant's Chamber.
On the training grounds of this fortress-like warship, a wild figure brimming with explosive power was furiously venting his boundless energy.
"Wororororo!"
He was bare-chested, revealing terrifying muscles that looked cast from steel and brimmed with primal strength. He swung a huge, spike-covered club. Every swing brought a shriek that tore through the air, smashing the training dummies made of special alloy to pieces amid showers of sparks!
He was the future Kaido of the Beasts.
But for now, he was merely a much-watched "apprentice crew member" aboard the Rocks Pirates' ship.
An... apprentice.
"Bastard! Bastard! Bastard!"
Kaido roared in frustration as he smashed away.
"Why did that old hag Linlin get to go?! That brat named Yas, that incredible power! That form that destroys everything! That's the opponent I've dreamed of!"
"I want to go too! I want to have a proper, all-out fight with him!"
He smashed the last dummy into fragments that flew everywhere, then slammed his massive club against the ground with a thunderous thud.
He tipped back his head and gulped down an entire gourd of strong liquor, his eyes filled with frustration and fervor.
"Jihahahaha! Shut up, Kaido! You brute-force idiot!"
An arrogant voice came from the second floor of the training grounds.
Golden Lion Shiki sat with his legs crossed, leisurely smoking a cigar as he looked down at Kaido, his eyes full of mockery.
"You're just an apprentice. What right do you have to shout your head off here? Who are you to question the captain's orders?"
"What did you say?! You bastard who does nothing but float around in the sky!" Kaido was instantly enraged. His beastlike eyes glared fixedly at Golden Lion, and a terrifying aura erupted from his body.