Kaido's momentum was interrupted again and again, and his irritation quickly flared. But the moment he turned and saw that the ones interfering were Youki and Wyper, his anger shifted into excitement.
In Kaido's eyes, Sali was already down, so claiming that victory could wait. What mattered more was Youki. If he truly possessed a Mythical Zoan ability, then recruiting him would be a perfect addition to the Beasts Pirates.
As for Wyper, Kaido recognized his strength. Still, he had no interest in Logia users. His focus remained on building a crew centered around Zoan power.
Youki abandoned his clash with King and charged straight toward Kaido, which immediately enraged King.
His opponent had the freedom to ignore him and go after the Governor-General. That could only mean one thing in King's mind, he was being treated as insignificant.
Fury surged through him. King transformed into his Pteranodon form and gave chase.
But after flying only a short distance, his instincts screamed in warning. He abruptly halted.
A cyan arrow shot past his face in the next instant, slicing through his mask and leaving a deep cut across his cheek.
King touched the wound, staring at the blood on his glove before turning toward the attacker.
Pini hovered in midair, bow in hand, another arrow already drawn. A mocking smile rested on his face.
Queen, who had originally been facing Pini, was now intercepted by Dicken, who had stepped in seamlessly. Compared to Pini's precise control over wind and lightning, Dicken's abilities were far more effective against Queen's brute style.
Although King and Jack were technically free after Youki and Wyper withdrew, Jack was in no condition to act. Wyper had already beaten him into a daze, and he only just realized his opponent had left.
Before he could react, Dai Li stepped in front of him, cracking his knuckles with a sharp series of pops.
Meanwhile, Sasaki and Who's Who had long since been knocked unconscious.
Jason had initially planned to step in when Queen and Jack became available, but Dicken and Dai Li moved faster. Left with nothing to do, he turned his attention elsewhere.
What he saw made him pause.
Tsuki had already begun "training" Ulti and Page One.
As the youngest member of the Dawn faction, Tsuki finally had a chance to assert himself. Against Ulti and Page One, he fought with ease, holding back his Armament Haki so he would not knock them out too quickly. He clearly intended to enjoy himself.
Seeing that his targets were taken, Jason looked elsewhere, only to find Black Maria already defeated. Jella had not only knocked her out but also tied her up in an intricate and rather excessive binding.
She now stood among the Skypiea trio, quietly watching the battle.
Jason sighed. "This is frustrating. When are we going to get opponents worth our strength?"
King surveyed the battlefield. Aside from Kaido, who still held complete control, and himself being locked in a stalemate, the rest of their forces had collapsed.
Even Queen was being overwhelmed after his poison gas proved useless.
King glanced at the blood on his glove again, then reached up and tore off his mask.
Long white hair flowed back, revealing a sharp and striking face.
He looked once more toward Kaido, who was laughing wildly as he swung his kanabo, completely suppressing Youki and Wyper.
Their captain was enjoying himself again.
Letting out a quiet breath, King steadied himself. As long as Kaido stood, victory would belong to the Beasts Pirates.
He only needed to defeat the opponent in front of him.
Flames ignited along his blade as he beat his wings and charged straight at Pini.
On the bow of the Dawn ship, Ash had been lounging lazily, watching the battle unfold.
The moment King removed his mask, Ash sat up.
Saff and the others looked at him curiously as he sighed.
"You took off the mask too soon. I was waiting for that ridiculous move of yours. Still, I have to admit, the guy lives up to the name. That face stands out."
Kirk appeared beside him, rolling his eyes. "That was a terrible joke."
Even so, he glanced at King and nodded. "He does look impressive."
"Oh, Kirk."
Ash leaned back again, completely relaxed.
"Go bring Sali back. Lying on the ground like that is uncomfortable."
This time, not just Kirk, but Saff and the others also rolled their eyes. Sali had been down for quite a while, yet only now did Ash comment on it.
Kirk said nothing. He vanished and reappeared instantly, carrying the unconscious Sali back.
Saff stepped forward, worry clear on her face. "Is Sali alright?"
"He's fine," Ash replied. "Zoan users are tough. He'll recover soon enough."
After a brief pause, Ash turned to Lanchi.
"If you're still concerned, use your ability. Send some energy into him and he'll wake up faster."
At that moment, the situation on the battlefield shifted again.
Wyper took a direct hit from Kaido's Thunder Bagua. Although his durability allowed him to remain standing, the balance of the fight was broken.
The spectators immediately reacted.
Jella and the others rushed forward without hesitation.
As Jella passed Tsuki, she called out, "Stop playing and go heal Wyper."
Gratitude flashed across the faces of Jebao and the others.
Tsuki had already been watching closely. Knowing his own limits, he had avoided joining earlier, but now he had a clear role.
With two quick strikes, he knocked Ulti and Page One unconscious and hurried after the others.
Kaido appeared completely immersed in the fight, but in truth, much of his attention remained fixed on Ash.
He did not care that Sali had been taken away. He did not care that more opponents had joined the fight.
Even now, as more enemies rushed in, he remained indifferent.
To Kaido, this was nothing more than a repeat of the battle against the Akazaya Nine years ago.
Even if these opponents were stronger or more numerous, it made no difference.
They were still not enough.
Sali, Youki, Wyper, they reminded him of powerful warriors from the past, but none of them posed a true threat.
Only one person did.
Kaido's gaze shifted toward the Dawn ship.
Toward Ash.
The only man here who could truly challenge him.
"So this is your plan," Kaido muttered, his grin widening. "Wear me down with numbers."
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