G-5 Base Ruins, New World.
"Blazing Dragon Slash!"
Sephiroth shot forward, his sword creating the illusion of a dragon's head that radiated hot energy. Dark red thunder and lightning twisted around it, adding to its destructive power.
Kaido activated advanced Kenbunshoku Haki, reading Sephiroth's movements. Instantly, purple lightning appeared, enveloping his body and his club.
"Raging Roar!"
Kaido stepped forward, the ground sinking. He shot forward like an arrow, appearing in front of Sephiroth. He hardened his hand with Busoshoku Haki, then swung his club toward the head of Sephiroth's fire dragon.
BLAM!
The hard purple lightning shattered the dragon illusion, and Kaido's club hit Sephiroth's face squarely. The sword slash that coated the fiery dragon only left a shallow scratch on Kaido's arm.
Sephiroth's pupils shrank. How? he wondered. I've combined Haoshoku Haki and Busoshoku Haki… Even Kaido shouldn't be able to withstand it without a wound.
A new realization dawned on him: This is advanced Haoshoku Haki coating the entire body!
"ARRGHH!"
Kaido's club hit Sephiroth's forehead, throwing him backward. His body slammed into a mountain, creating a large crater. Rocks broke and collapsed, burying Sephiroth beneath them.
It hurts! It hurts so much!
Sephiroth nearly passed out. However, his Vampire Vampire no Mi worked quickly, the pain fading, and his mind clearing.
Behind a distant rock, Photo-King, who witnessed the scene, was stunned. He pressed the camera button, capturing the collapse of the mountain.
After a few seconds.
BOOM!
Sephiroth's figure emerged from the rubble, enveloped in red thunder and lightning, black wings spread on his back. He hovered in the air.
"Yes… Attack and defense power can be mutually converted… Haoshoku Haki is not just for attacking, but can be combined with Busoshoku Haki to enhance defense…" Sephiroth mumbled, realizing his fatal flaw.
Kaido saw this, a satisfied grin appearing on his face. "Oh, oh, oh! You learn quickly, kid! Want to join me? Forget all the old grudges. Your power is too valuable!"
Sephiroth asked in return, "How about the other way around? You join me, and we forget everything."
Kaido's grin vanished. "You've chosen the path of death. In that case, I'll finish this!"
Kaido leaped high, his club raised.
"Dragon King Death Strike!"
A cross-shaped lightning strike shot from Kaido's club. Sephiroth just swung his sword, manipulating the lightning to turn around and fall into the sea below.
BOOM!
The massive explosion in the sea created a huge wave. Fish, even Sea Kings, were overturned.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
In the sky, their weapons continued to clash. Sephiroth realized his weakness: he couldn't unleash his full power while hovering in the air, while Kaido could create fire clouds beneath his own feet, making it as if he were fighting on land.
"There's a gap!" Kaido grinned. He shot forward, appearing above Sephiroth.
"Third Generation: Hinaraku!"
Kaido's club slammed down, and Sephiroth, who had no footing, was thrown to the ground, creating a new crater.
"Damn it!" Sephiroth got up. Kaido attacked again, forcing him back. His strength, speed, and Haki were slightly below Kaido's. Kaido was taking advantage of it, forcing him into a direct fight.
If it weren't for the Vampire Vampire no Mi, I would have been crushed by now! Sephiroth cursed inwardly. What did Luffy do to defeat Kaido?
Oh, right. Luffy was helped by a lot of people, and Kaido was also tired. I forgot that…
Despite being pushed back, Sephiroth was sure he could win. He just needed to delay the fight, whittling away Kaido's strength, while his vitality continued to recover.
In the distance, Photo-King saw the increasingly intense battle. He ran into the city, took out a Transponder Snail, and contacted Morgans.
"Hello, this is the World Economic Journal!" Morgans' bird voice sounded.
"Morgans! It's me, Photo-King! I have a big scoop, are you interested?"
"Tell me!"
"Kaido is destroying the G-5 base, and he's in a fierce fight with a young Marine!"
"Interesting! Tomorrow's main headline is set!"
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