That night, the skies above Wano darkened with sudden, violent thunder. Only moments earlier, the moon had shone brightly over the Flower Capital, and countless citizens had gathered to enjoy the warm night air.

The recent death of Kurozumi Orochi had brought relief and joy to the people. Laughter filled the streets, shops were still open, and excitement buzzed like electricity.

Word had spread that a new ruler had arrived. Someone who promised to open Wano's borders, to end its centuries of isolation. For the first time in generations, Wano would connect with the world outside. Its people would be free to travel, trade, and learn.

That new ruler was a young man—Rhett Vane.

But just as hope was taking root, darkness crept over the land. Clouds thickened overhead. Lightning danced between them. The joyful celebration froze.

"He's here…" someone whispered, eyes fixed on the sky.

"It's Kaido of the Beasts!"

Panic followed the realization.

The residents of Wano knew this phenomenon too well. When Kaido, Emperor of the Sea, transformed into his Azure Dragon form, day could turn to night in seconds. And that's exactly what was happening now.

The strongest creature on land, sea, and air had returned.

High above the capital, a colossal shape slithered between the clouds—a massive dragon. Kaido.

"Vane!" Kaido's voice boomed like thunder itself. "Where are you, boy?! This land is mine!"

He hovered above the Flower Capital like a god of destruction, peering down at the people as though they were nothing but ants beneath his claws.

Kaido's dragon form was monstrous—terrifying in size, with gleaming scales, glowing eyes, and teeth like swords.

To some, dragons were mythical, majestic beings. But to the people of Wano, Kaido's form symbolized pain, oppression, and destruction. He was the reason their country had suffered for so long. Orochi had only been a puppet. Kaido was the true tyrant.

And now, he was furious.

"Rhett Vane!" Kaido roared again. "I'll destroy the Flower Capital for your arrogance! Because of you, these people will pay!"

Lightning curled around his body, feeding on his fury. His immense presence made the clouds churn, and bolts of energy sparked across the sky.

The city below erupted in chaos.

Men, women, and children ran for their lives. Everyone understood what Kaido's threat meant. If he said he would destroy the capital, he would.

"He's drunk again," muttered Queen the Plague, frowning. "He's always like this when he drinks."

"He's worse when he's drunk," added King, unfazed but visibly annoyed. "To be honest, I kind of liked this place… but now…"

Only three of Kaido's All-Stars were present: King, Queen, and Jack. Most of the Beast Pirates' elite forces had also arrived, but even they weren't sure how useful they'd be tonight.

They could all feel it—Vane's side wasn't ordinary.

In particular, the long-haired woman with icy blue hair stood out. She was beautiful, cold, and dangerous.

Kaido raised his voice once more.

"Vane!"

His giant dragon maw began to glow with an ominous red light. Heat radiated from within like a molten furnace.

He was charging up his Heat Breath—a blast so powerful it could vaporize a mountain.

Kaido didn't care if he destroyed the Flower Capital. It was his land. If anyone was going to burn it down, it would be him—not some upstart pirate.

That's when a calm, strong voice echoed through the sky.

"I'm right here, Kaido."

Rhett Vane appeared—not beneath Kaido, but standing on top of his massive dragon head.

The sight was shocking.

Even the Three Calamities were stunned.

Vane stood tall, unfazed by Kaido's terrifying form, the clouds, or the lightning that danced around them. His coat flapped in the wind as he stared down the Emperor of the Sea without flinching.

Then, without hesitation, he punched downward.

Right into Kaido's head.

The strike landed cleanly. Kaido's glowing jaws snapped shut before he could release the Heat Breath. The blast fizzled inside him.

Boom!

The sound of Vane's punch was louder than the thunder above. Kaido's eyes bulged, and his enormous head reeled downward. He dropped ten meters in an instant, his colossal form thrown off balance.

Vane frowned.

"This guy's skin really is hard."

He hadn't held back, but Kaido's hide was nearly impenetrable. No wonder he'd tried to kill himself so many times without success.

Still, Vane didn't pause.

He rushed forward, striking again—another crushing blow to Kaido's skull.

Then another.

And another.

Punch after punch landed, each driving the dragon back further, slamming him toward the earth. Vane's strikes were relentless, hammering Kaido with precision and force.

"This is the Flower Capital," Vane growled. "You don't get to burn it down. Go torch your own mountains."

Below, the Beast Pirates stared in disbelief.

They had never seen anyone land this many hits on Kaido.

And Kaido… wasn't even fighting back.

"Kaido Sama… he's being pushed back?!"

"Is he even awake?!"

Vane's assault didn't let up, and Kaido's massive body kept crashing toward the city. His drunken state had dulled his reflexes, leaving him open to every brutal blow.

But it wouldn't last.

Everyone watching knew that once Kaido sobered up, the true battle would begin.

The world had feared Kaido for decades—for good reason.

But tonight, for the first time in a long while… the people of Wano had hope.

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