Garp did not retreat in the slightest. With unwavering resolve, he threw another punch. This time, the shockwave generated by his fist was even more devastating. Though several hundred meters separated him from Kaido, the collision between his punch and Kaido's spiked club once again produced a violent shockwave. From the point of impact, furious gales and raging air currents burst outward, as destructive as a natural calamity, forcing nearby warships and pirate ships to pull back under the overwhelming pressure.
"Worororo, let's see how long you can keep this up!" Kaido roared with wild laughter, gripping his kanabo with both hands. "Gundari, Ryuseigun!"
He swung his weapon repeatedly, releasing one purple, club shaped blast of energy after another, each infused with Busoshoku Haki, tearing through the sky as they shot toward Garp.
Garp refused to yield. In his youth, he had been reckless and fearless, and even now at seventy seven, his spirit remained unchanged. He let out a hearty chuckle. "You think this is enough to beat me? Don't make me laugh. Fist of Bone, Meteor Shower!"
His fists descended like a torrential storm. Each punch shattered the air itself, generating explosive shockwaves that roared toward Kaido. Instead of engaging at close quarters, the two titans exchanged devastating long range attacks, their Busoshoku Haki and monstrous physical strength clashing violently in midair.
Every collision between Kaido's energy blasts and Garp's shockwaves triggered massive explosions. The sky trembled as hurricane force winds spiraled outward, battering everything within range.
Faced with such a battle, both Marines and pirates kept their distance. Cannon fire had become meaningless. Compared to the energy released by Garp and Kaido, even a barrage of artillery seemed trivial. To those watching from their ships, the two men looked less like humans and more like living disasters.
Even Sengoku's expression darkened as he observed the clash. If this had been the Garp of decades past, he would not have worried. But Garp was no longer in his prime. Age weighed on his body, no matter how indomitable his spirit remained.
"Worororo! As expected of the Marine Hero!" Kaido's laughter grew louder as his swings became faster and more ferocious. His only objective was clear, defeat Garp as quickly as possible. Even if he had to endure injuries, he would end this swiftly.
The Three Emperors alliance had only just been established. The Marines and the World Government were already eager to dismantle it. If Marco and Big Mom were both eliminated on Whole Cake Island, the consequences would be disastrous. Kaido knew full well that even he and the Beasts Pirates could not stand alone against the combined might of the Marines and the World Government. To ignite the world shaking war he desired, he needed powerful allies.
Garp gritted his teeth and continued throwing punch after punch. As time passed, fatigue crept into his arms. His stamina was steadily declining, yet he could not afford even a moment of hesitation. Each strike produced thunderous sonic booms and crushing shockwaves, colliding head on with Kaido's attacks and dispersing into spiraling tempests.
The battle raged on. The explosions from their collisions echoed across the sea, audible even dozens of kilometers away. Shockwaves rippled visibly across the sky and ocean alike.
The surrounding fleets had ceased their bombardment entirely. Survival became their sole concern. The violent winds generated by the clash tossed massive warships like toys, forcing seasoned Marines and hardened pirates alike to cling desperately to stability.
More than ten minutes passed in this relentless exchange. In the end, time proved to be Garp's greatest enemy. The power behind his punches gradually weakened. Kaido sensed the shift instantly.
"Garp…" Sengoku muttered, alarm flashing in his eyes as he prepared to intervene.
Before he could move, King and his aerial unit swooped down to block him. Though none of them could match Sengoku's strength, delaying him for even a moment was enough.
"To show me your back, that's a grave mistake, Sengoku!" King roared as he lunged forward. "Dan Gun, Imperial!"
Thanks to his superior Observation Haki, Sengoku sensed the ambush without turning his head. He thrust his palm backward just as King's wing blade descended.
A metallic clang rang out as palm and blade collided.
King was not surprised that his attack had been stopped. Calmly, he said, "As expected of the former Fleet Admiral of the Marines."
Sengoku had used advanced Observation Haki, his awareness extending slightly into the future. King did not possess such ability, yet his Lunarian durability allowed him to withstand almost any frontal assault. Very few in the world could break through his defense by sheer force.
Sengoku's gaze hardened. "Damn it…"
Out of the corner of his eye, he continued to watch Garp, concern weighing heavily on him.
"Even if it costs me my life," King said coldly, "I will not allow you to interfere with Kaido."
Meanwhile, Garp abandoned the direct clash and launched himself skyward using Moonwalk. He stepped on the air itself, evading Kaido's incoming blasts.
Seeing Garp retreat, Kaido pursued him instantly. "Don't think you can run, Garp!"
Garp's expression darkened. Because of Sengoku's orders, the Marines were forbidden from landing on the island to engage in full scale ground combat. As a result, the battle had become one fought across sea and sky.
Garp could not truly fly. His aerial combat relied entirely on Moonwalk. Against an ordinary opponent, this would suffice. Against a monster like Kaido, it placed him at a severe disadvantage. Fighting midair prevented him from exerting his full power.
As Garp dodged rapidly, Kaido's irritation flared. "What happened to the courage of the Marine Hero? Where's the man who defeated Rocks? Where's the one who chased Roger across the seas?"
With a furious roar, Kaido swung his kanabo with overwhelming force.
Garp crossed his arms to block. The impact detonated the air itself. With a thunderous explosion, his body was sent flying like a cannonball.
He plummeted toward the sea, but quickly regained control. Using Moonwalk repeatedly, he kicked against the air, leaving trails of white vapor beneath his feet as he redirected his momentum and forced himself backward, barely neutralizing the crushing power behind Kaido's strike.
Kaido did not hesitate. Seizing the advantage, he charged after Garp once more.
He had no intention of dragging this battle out any longer.