The scorching heat instantly evaporated the surrounding storm clouds around Kaido's dragon head. The sky turned into a blazing inferno, like a volcanic eruption, as magma-level flames poured down toward Hawk-Eye's position.
Kaido's words stunned everyone.
Could this be real?
Could Hawk-Eye Mihawk merely one of the Seven Warlords, actually injure a Yonko like Kaido?
"How is this possible?!"
Akainu was shocked. In his mind, Kaido's strength surpassed even his own. Even Kaido's Dragon Breath possessed temperatures that rivaled magma.
Not to mention Kaido's terrifying durability. Even Shanks couldn't inflict real damage on him, yet Hawk-Eye had done it?
Akainu couldn't accept it.
Someone he looked down on… hurting Kaido?
How could he tolerate that?
Sengoku suddenly burst into joyful laughter. The oppressive tension in the Marine Headquarters conference hall lifted. As expected Mihawk truly lived up to the title of the world's greatest swordsman.
Originally, Sengoku only intended for Hawk-Eye to assist Shanks in stalling Kaido. He never expected such a pleasant surprise.
Shanks had failed to injure Kaido.
But a Warlord, Hawk-Eye did.
That meant Hawk-Eye's strength might already be on the level of a Yonko. If so, Sengoku would need to reinforce ideological guidance for Mihawk. If Mihawk could be persuaded, the Marines' overall strength would greatly increase, crucial for future wars.
"He actually hurt Kaido! I knew my idol wouldn't disappoint! He's stronger than Shanks!"
Zoro stared at the livestream in shock. Kaido's acknowledgment made his heart surge with excitement. In Zoro's eyes, Hawk-Eye's power had risen even higher.
The peak of swordsmanship was far from ordinary!
"Did you see that? That's the power of Yonko Shanks! Back when we were on the Pirate King Roger's ship, we were crewmates! Not gonna lie, Shanks once fetched wash water for me! Haha!"
Buggy stood at the bow of his shabby ship, waving a tiny fruit-cutting knife, bragging to the new underlings he had just recruited.
"As long as you follow the great Captain Buggy! One day, I too will rise to the throne of the sea! I will become the fifth Emperor! Row faster!"
"Wow! As expected of Lord Buggy! Even Shanks gives our captain respect, let alone Kaido and Whitebeard!"
"We'll help Lord Buggy ascend the throne of the sea! Endless treasure awaits us! Charge!"
"Buggy is the man closest to becoming Pirate King! Long live Lord Buggy!"
The crew, fully deceived, rowed even faster as they headed toward Marineford.
"Controlling a thousand blades simultaneously… you probably don't have the focus left to handle that sea of fire, right?"
Shanks was shocked but didn't show it. This was still a battlefield, any distraction could shift the tide.
And according to Kaido, those vanished thousand slashes really had inflicted serious damage.
Since that was the case, he'd let Hawk-Eye focus on restraining the dragon claw.
Shanks would handle the rest.
Without hesitation, he leapt into the air, rising into the sky instantly, drawing his blade to intercept the incoming firestorm.
If he could stop Kaido's attack, he definitely owed his old friend a heavy drink later, until they both passed out. And he wanted to discuss how Hawk-Eye's swordsmanship improved so dramatically.
Even Shanks, who had seen countless things, had never heard of sword energy that could merge into the body.
Unimaginable!
The massive Dragon Breath split apart before his blade. Shanks adjusted his angle with care, directing the parted flames toward the sea outside the island.
Sizzle, !!
The flames met seawater, creating towering clouds of white steam. Many nearby Sea Kings were instantly cooked, floating lifelessly on the surface.
Countless fish died as well. The spectacle was overwhelming.
Shanks' action also saved many Wano citizens who would have been incinerated. They sent him tearful looks of gratitude.
"What a good man… If not for him, the flames would have swallowed everything. Our village would be gone."
Some fell to their knees, bowing toward the red-haired swordsman. If Kaido was a demon sent to destroy them, then Shanks was a heavenly emissary sent to save them.
"I never thought I would one day be saved by a pirate. Maybe not all pirates are monsters like Kaido…"
An elderly man, frail from lifelong starvation, wept as he looked toward Hawk-Eye.
"He's the one who stopped that dragon claw. He saved this island. He's our true benefactor."
Generations had lived in Wano, and their attachment to this land surpassed even their attachment to life. Since Kaido invaded, countless people could have fled, yet most chose to stay.
Even if they suffered, someone had to remain to protect their homeland. Even when they saw the descending dragon claw, many accepted they would sink into the sea along with their island.
But Hawk-Eye Mihawk had given them hope.
The people who once hated pirates to the bone now felt something shifting inside.
"Please, let the demon Kaido be expelled from Wano!"
"Everyone! Look at the sky! The dragon claw is moving again! Kaido isn't done!"
"What?! No! Are we really doomed? Is our home going to sink into the sea?"
The enormous shadow covering the sky began to move again, now falling even faster.
It seemed Hawk-Eye's damage hadn't stopped Kaido, only enraged him further.
To Kaido, one clown after another was getting in his way, even invading his territory. His dignity as a Yonko could not be tarnished. And more than that, he yearned for battle. Hawk-Eye's strength made him an exciting opponent.
"Kaido! If you move again, I won't mind chopping that claw off!"