As his physique continued to accumulate strength, Ash had long surpassed anything the natives of the Pirate World could comprehend.
The Pirate King's left hand, a man who stood at the pinnacle of the seas alongside Silvers Rayleigh, could not withstand even a single move from Ash before being defeated.
This scene was witnessed clearly by Yamato, who was rushing toward the battlefield, and Kaido, who was currently being overwhelmed by Sali and the others.
Yamato did not recognize the old man wielding twin axes, but Kaido certainly did.
Earlier, when Kaido read the news claiming that Ash had defeated Rayleigh in a single move, he dismissed it as exaggerated nonsense from Big News Morgans.
But now, seeing Ash send Scopper Gaban flying with a single kick, leaving his fate uncertain, Kaido was shaken to his core.
Gaban was no ordinary figure.
He was one of the Pirate King's two greatest subordinates, standing shoulder to shoulder with Rayleigh.
Decades ago, he could clash with Edward Newgate. He had also fought Kozuki Oden for days without a decisive result.
Back during the era of the God Valley Incident, Kaido himself would not have dared to face someone like Gaban. At that time, he would have been killed instantly.
Only after years of growth, especially following his battle with Oden, had Kaido reached the level of a true top-tier powerhouse.
Even so, facing opponents like Rayleigh or Gaban required his full attention and utmost caution.
Yet Ash had defeated Gaban effortlessly.
Kaido felt as if everything he understood about strength had collapsed.
Where had this monster come from?
Even Rocks D. Xebec had not inspired such overwhelming dread.
Because of his shock, Kaido lost focus and took several heavy blows from Sali and the others. Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth, yet he barely reacted.
It felt pointless to resist.
Ash naturally noticed the shift in Kaido's mentality, but he had no interest in addressing it.
Kaido was not foolish. As long as he could still fight back, he would continue to serve as a useful opponent for Sali and the others.
That alone was enough.
Ash briefly spared a thought for them, then raised his hand.
Gaban's unconscious body was pulled back through the air and into his grasp.
Seeing Pini and Kirk still standing nearby, Ash spoke casually.
"If you have not had enough, go fight Kaido. Why are you standing here?"
Kirk rolled his eyes and vanished instantly, likely heading back to the kitchen.
Pini glanced at the unconscious Gaban and asked, "Who is this old man? He seems strong."
Ash replied, "The Pirate King's left hand, Scopper Gaban."
Pini nodded in understanding.
"No wonder he came demanding we release Rayleigh."
He paused, then asked, "What are you planning to do with them?"
Ash sighed.
"What use would I have for them? They are top-tier fighters who possess all three types of Haki. Naturally, they will be used as sparring partners."
"When you can defeat them one on one, you can decide what happens next."
Pini grinned and gave a thumbs-up.
Ash ignored him and disappeared, reappearing inside the prison chamber within the Dawn Ship.
Inside, Silvers Rayleigh was restrained with Sea Prism Stone.
Ash lifted Gaban slightly and said, "Old man, I brought you company."
Rayleigh immediately noticed the wound on Gaban's body and understood what had happened.
Before he could speak, Ash tossed Gaban aside.
"Save your words. If we delay, he might die."
Ash raised his hand, and a bluish-black Devil Fruit with chain-like patterns appeared.
He forced Gaban's mouth open and fed him the fruit. After confirming it had taken effect, he bound him tightly with Sea Prism Stone chains.
After checking everything carefully, Ash extended his hand again. A faint green light formed in his palm, and he pressed it against Gaban's chest.
Only after ensuring his survival did Ash leave the cell.
Silence filled the room.
Moments later, Gaban regained consciousness.
A heavy weakness spread through his body.
"What... what happened to me?"
"It is nothing serious," Rayleigh replied weakly. "You were fed a Devil Fruit and restrained with Sea Prism Stone."
Gaban turned and saw Rayleigh in the corner.
"You were captured too?"
"As you can see."
Rayleigh exhaled.
"I experienced the same thing. While unconscious, I was likely fed a Devil Fruit as well."
Gaban looked at himself, then at Rayleigh, both bound tightly.
"They used Devil Fruits just to imprison us?"
His eyes widened.
"Are these youngsters insane?"
Rayleigh shook his head.
"You have been out of touch. These people have been hunting pirates across the seas, even near Twin Capes. Their gains must be enormous. The fruits they gave us are likely of little value to them."
Gaban scoffed.
"Even the worst Devil Fruit is worth at least 100 million Berries. And I left a peaceful life behind just to save you."
Rayleigh sighed.
"Forget the fruits. Our heads alone are worth far more."
He then asked, "How did you find me?"
Gaban replied, "From the newspapers. Shanks returned to Elbaf with Loki and mentioned that the target of the Seven Warlords of the Sea was likely Kaido in Wano. So I came."
"I intended to observe first, not attack directly. But when I saw Kaido being surrounded, I thought I had a chance."
Rayleigh raised an eyebrow.
"And then?"
Gaban snorted.
"And then I ended up here with you."