"Looks like it's over?"

Lu, the random guy peeked in from outside the temple, followed quickly by Xiao Yan and his sister, Xiao Mei, who cautiously poked their heads through the doorway.

When the clash between Tatsumaki and Esdeath erupted, the three of them had wisely chosen to flee immediately.

Now that the chaos had finally subsided, they crept back in to check whether it was safe.

"Teacher… compared to those two, how do you stack up?"

Xiao Yan asked quietly, his voice low enough that only Yao Lao, who was bound to his ring, could hear.

He had always known Esdeath was strong — but not this strong.

After personally experiencing the overwhelming aura Tatsumaki released while transformed, and then watching her nearly get instantly crushed by Esdeath, Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel shaken.

For someone fixated on getting stronger in time for his three-year promise, the sight was a brutal reminder of how far he still had to go.

Sure, the Dou Saints and Dou Emperors of the Dou Qi Continent were said to be godlike beings — but those were just legends. Esdeath and Tatsumaki were right here before his eyes. It was only natural that Xiao Yan's conviction in his chosen path began to waver.

It wasn't that he planned to abandon his Dou Qi training, but he did start to wonder if he should first focus on developing the power of the Devil Fruit he had eaten — a prehistoric saber-toothed tiger Zoan, stronger than most and second only to the Mythical kind.

"The blue-haired lass isn't bad," Yao Lao chuckled, clearly guessing Xiao Yan's thoughts. "Ordinary Dou Ancestor might not even be her match…"

No one understood Xiao Yan's hunger for strength better than Yao Lao. Yet in his eyes, his disciple's future potential far surpassed Esdeath's — there was no need to imitate someone else's path.

"Dou Ancestor, huh…" Xiao Yan murmured under his breath.

Xiao Yan's expression shifted slightly. Although he had spent the past few days trying his best to imagine just how powerful his teacher truly was, reality proved that he had still underestimated Yao Lao.

For Yao Lao to speak in such a tone when referring to a Douzong-level expert… it could only mean that, at his peak, Yao Lao's strength had far surpassed that realm.

The thought that he had such a powerful "grandpa" following him brought Xiao Yan's restless heart a rare moment of calm.

"But as long as it doesn't interfere with your Dou Qi cultivation or alchemy practice, you can spend some time studying that Devil Fruit's ability. After all, having more skills never hurts."

To Xiao Yan's surprise, Yao Lao didn't oppose the idea of him developing his Devil Fruit powers.

Even with Yao Lao's vast experience as a former Medicine Sovereign, he didn't dare underestimate Esdeath's strength or potential.

Someone who could possess power comparable to a Dou Ancestor at such a young age… given enough time, Esdeath might one day be able to contend with a Dou Venerate—or even a Dou Saint.

"Huh?"

Xiao Yan hadn't expected Yao Lao to suddenly change his tone and actually encourage him to take time developing his Devil Fruit abilities.

He had assumed Yao Lao would tell him not to get distracted—after all, in the Dou Qi Continent, only the path of Dou Qi cultivation was seen as the true and proper way!

"What's wrong? You thought your teacher was some stubborn old fossil?"

Yao Lao said with a smiling squint. Though he had already mapped out a clear path for Xiao Yan's growth, Yao Lao never intended to force him to follow it exactly.

As long as it didn't hinder his Dou Qi or alchemy training, Yao Lao didn't mind Xiao Yan learning more to become stronger.

After all, the enemies they would one day face weren't limited to that traitorous disciple, Han Feng.

"Of course not! Thank you, Teacher—I won't let my cultivation or alchemy training fall behind!"

Xiao Yan replied excitedly. In truth, he hadn't planned to devote too much effort to mastering the Devil Fruit ability anyway.

After all, even someone who had eaten a Mythical Zoan fruit had nearly been one-shot by Esdeath. And his own Ancient Zoan form wasn't necessarily any stronger.

Still, having such a power as a hidden trump card—something he could rely on in the early stages—would undoubtedly raise his combat potential to a whole new level.

"Cousin Xiao Yan, who were you talking to just now?"

Xiao Mei suddenly turned her head, curiosity shining in her eyes. Although he didn't think she would go around gossiping, Xiao Yan had always avoided telling her about Yao Lao's existence. The fewer people who knew, the safer they were.

"It's nothing. Let's go inside—looks like the two of them have finished fighting."

Xiao Yan shook his head. The stronger his teacher had been in the past, the more terrifying his enemies must be now. Such dangers weren't something he wanted Xiao Mei involved in.

"Okay! They were so amazing! I wonder if I'll ever be that strong someday!"

A look of admiration filled Xiao Mei's young face as she blushed slightly, sneaking a shy glance at her cousin.

If she could become strong enough, maybe she could help him one day.

"You definitely can. I believe in you."

Xiao Yan smiled. He wasn't about to underestimate his little cousin who had joined the Dimensional Chat Group. She might not even be a Dou Practitioner yet, but from what he knew, the benefits she'd received from that group were enough to make her stronger than most youths in their clan.

Since she had companions from the Dimensional Chat Group, even if Xiao Mei encountered an opponent she couldn't handle, she could always call for help from one of the big shots in the group.

From what Xiao Yan knew, that "Fleet Admiral Kizaru," who was completely different from the one in his own memories, often traveled between worlds.

If they could summon him in a critical moment, sweeping through Wutan City or even the Jia Ma Empire would be effortless.

At that moment, Kizaru—inside the temple—had just managed, with great effort, to calm down both Tatsumaki and Esdeath. He still needed to return to Marineford to stabilize the situation there; otherwise, with the methods of the Five Elders, it wouldn't be surprising if they caused trouble for the Marines.

"...Then I'll leave the rest to you. I hope the next time we meet will be in Mary Geoise."

Kizaru was about to say something else when his brow twitched slightly.

He glanced toward the temple entrance and vanished from sight in an instant.

Before anyone could react, a flurry of footsteps echoed outside. Moments later, Katakuri and King appeared at the temple gate.

Behind them stood a large group of pirate officers—clearly drawn here after sensing the disturbance.

"Lord Boros, we detected traces of battle in this direction..."

Katakuri cast a brief, surprised glance at the unfamiliar faces inside the temple.

Without bothering to ask questions, he respectfully dropped to one knee before Boros, as though explaining why they had rushed over.

The officers behind him followed suit, kneeling in unison—even those once proud and defiant members of Kaido's crew were no exception.

Even the newly joined officers of the Cosmic Dark Matter Pirates, after witnessing Boros single-handedly suppress two Emperors of the Sea, had completely submitted to their new captain.

"They're new—top-tier combatants. You can handle things yourselves. If something comes up that you can't manage, come find me."

Boros, seated on his throne, began to explain Esdeath and Tatsumaki's identities—but halfway through, he grew impatient and waved it off.

He'd let them deal with Katakuri and the others on their own.

After all, with him backing them, what was there to worry about?

And judging by Esdeath's displayed power, she could stand toe-to-toe with even Kaido or Big Mom.

Even Tatsumaki, though defeated by Esdeath, was still leagues above fighters like Katakuri.

Boros didn't believe either of them needed any hand-holding.

As for the other four standing behind Esdeath and Tatsumaki, Boros simply ignored them from the start.

"Top-tier?!"

The officers of the Cosmic Dark Matter Pirates gasped in disbelief.

They had spent enough time under Boros's command to understand his standards well—only those with overwhelming strength could earn his recognition.

Even Katakuri, one of Boros's most favored lieutenants, was still classified merely as a high-level combatant.

But now, two new top-tier combatants had appeared out of nowhere—fighters strong enough to rival the Emperors of the Sea themselves!

When had the ocean produced two such unknown monsters?

"That woman! The one with blue hair! She appeared during the Marineford War!"

Someone soon recognized Esdeath. After all, the Summit War had taken place only a few months ago, and nearly every officer here had seen the broadcast of Esdeath's battle against Delocas.

"I am Charlotte Katakuri of the Charlotte Family.

May I ask how we should address you, my ladies?"

Katakuri spoke with rare respect, his usually stoic face showing a trace of relief and even joy.

Although with Boros around he had never doubted their eventual conquest of Mary Geoise, no one truly knew how many trump cards the World Government held.

Even the Marine forces alone, not counting Boros, possessed enough high-level power to challenge the Dark Matter Pirates.

He had often wondered how many of his beloved brothers and sisters would die in the coming war.

The thought alone weighed heavily on his heart.

But now, with two new top-tier combatants joining their ranks, even without Boros himself taking action, their side had enough power to overwhelm the Marines' elite forces.

It was no wonder Katakuri looked so pleased—the stronger their side became, the safer his family would be.

"Esdeath... you're quite strong."

Esdeath took a measured glance at Katakuri, her eyes briefly sweeping over the officers behind him.

A flicker of surprise appeared in her gaze.

She had assumed Kizaru brought her here because these pirates weren't strong enough and needed assistance.

Yet after one look, she could sense faint traces of threat from several of them—especially from Katakuri himself.

Had it been before she mastered the Three Forms of Haki, defeating him might've taken her considerable effort.

°°°

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