Whitebeard froze, unable to comprehend Kai's words. But Kai didn't bother to explain. Instead, his aura erupted, a tidal wave of pure life force radiating from him and washing over Whitebeard.
Instinctively, Whitebeard tried to dodge—but his body refused to obey. It was as if some ravenous beast, starved for ages, had taken over, greedily devouring the energy pouring from Kai.
The old pirate's heart raced—then suddenly, everything changed. His pupils widened, shock and confusion flooding his gaze as he stared at Kai.
His body… was growing younger?
Impossible. Yet the transformation was undeniable.
Whitebeard had ruled the seas for decades, survived more battles than any man alive. His body was littered with scars, both visible and hidden. Unlike Sengoku or Garp, who were lively in their old age, Whitebeard had relied on IV drips just to keep going.
But now, he could feel his aging cells bursting with vitality. Even injuries from decades past were fading away, every fiber of his being rejuvenated.
For nearly fifteen minutes, the changes continued—until finally, the surge of life force subsided.
"This… how can this be… I…" Whitebeard's voice trembled with awe. He looked up at Kai, desperate for answers.
Kai smiled. "That's right, Whitebeard. You've regained your youth."
Yang Release.
The power of pure life, injected straight into Whitebeard's cells. With such overwhelming vitality, how could he not be restored?
Maybe it was the sheer scale of the One Piece world's population, but over the past five years, Kai had amassed a staggering twenty million reputation points. He'd spent those years honing his body, merging his Yang Release with the world's laws of power.
Whitebeard opened his mouth to speak, but words failed him. He knew his body better than anyone—this was no illusion. He was at his physical prime, as strong as he'd been in his thirties. And now, with mastery over the Tremor-Tremor Fruit he'd never possessed in youth…
He was stronger than ever. No—this was his true peak.
"Marine brat… I don't know how you did this, but I owe you. Let's fight for real!"
Whitebeard's eyes flashed with newfound vigor. He swung his naginata at Kai, the air shattering with the force of his blow.
Even in his weakened state, Whitebeard could match Kai's strength. Now, in his prime, he was even stronger—his raw physical power outstripped Kai's by a wide margin. The naginata's swing alone was enough to terrify anyone.
Kai wasn't stupid. Even if he could withstand Whitebeard's monstrous strength, he had no intention of trading blows head-on.
Six Powers: Paper Art—Infinite Body!
Kai's body twisted at an impossible angle, narrowly dodging Whitebeard's slash.
Whitebeard saw Kai evade and, using brute force, halted his naginata's momentum mid-swing, sweeping it sideways at Kai.
Armament Haki—Full Body Armor!
Black Haki flooded over Kai, forming a suit of armor that gleamed in the sunlight.
BANG! Whitebeard's naginata slammed into Kai's armored body.
Kai barely shifted his stance, one foot sliding half a step to steady himself. The naginata's impact didn't even scratch his Haki armor.
Kamui Strike!
Kai's right fist shot forward, unleashing the full force of Kamui Strike.
With the two so close, Whitebeard had no chance to dodge. The attack crashed into him, sending Whitebeard flying backward, smashing through tree after tree before slamming into a massive rock wall.
"Kuhahahaha… You're as strong as they come, Marine brat!" Whitebeard's voice rang out, robust and full of life.
Kai's eyes flickered with surprise. He hadn't expected Whitebeard to sound so unfazed after taking such a devastating hit—clearly, the attack hadn't done much damage.
It was proof: Whitebeard's body had reached an almost inhuman level.
No wonder, Kai thought. During the war at Marineford, Whitebeard had fought on after being stabbed through the chest, and even with half his head blown off, he'd refused to die.
"If that's the case… brat, let me show you what a Devil Fruit's second awakening can do!" Whitebeard's voice grew serious, leaving Kai momentarily stunned.
Second awakening? Kai had never heard of such a thing.
He'd spent plenty of time in Sabaody Archipelago, and the only awakened user he'd seen was Old Dog with the Jackal Fruit. Kai had dug through Navy records, but information on awakenings was scarce—Zoan types awakened most easily, then Paramecia, then Logia.
He'd even asked Garp. Of the current three Admirals, not a single one had achieved awakening.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
🔥 Want to read the next 60 chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on Patreon - patreon.com/DarkGolds]