Chapter 31: Division commander

"Kaido..." Moria growled, trying to maintain his composure. "I've come for your head!"

Kaido's lips curled into a smirk as he surveyed the battlefield. "You've come to my island to die, Moria."

Undeterred, Moria launched himself at Kaido, using his Devil Fruit powers to manipulate the shadows around him, attempting a sneak attack. But Kaido was ready. His eyes followed Moria's every move, anticipation thick in the air.

Their weapons clashed, sparks flying as Kaido swung his massive Axe against Moria's Long knife blades. Kaido had to admit, if there was no Haki in the world, giants like Moria would undoubtedly rule. But as he tightened his grip on his weapon, his smirk widened. "Too bad for you, Moria—there is Haki."

Moria's eyes widened with shock as his most confident attacks were easily countered by the overwhelming force of Kaido's Haki.

"Is this the best you've got, Moria?" Kaido taunted, his voice booming across the battlefield as he coated weapon in Armament Haki, creating a surge of power.

"Ki…Kishishishi… Kaido, don't be so arrogant. The only reason you're still standing is because of your Zoan powers!" Moria spat, frustration creeping into his voice.

Kaido chuckled, his deep laugh reverberating through the air. "Worororo, so what if it's my Zoan fruit or my raw strength? They're both me. All you've got are excuses. Now, have you accepted your death yet?"

Moria's heart pounded as Kaido's bloodlust grew palpable. The Emperor's heartbeat echoed in the chaos of the battlefield, his blood rushing through his veins like wildfire. With a mighty roar, Kaido surged forward, his Axe gleaming with lethal intent.

Feeling the immense pressure coming from Kaido, Moria stopped playing tricks and used his ultimate trump card. He swallowed the shadows of his remaining minions, causing his body to swell in size. Now towering over Kaido, Moria charged with newfound speed and ferocity, aiming to crush his opponent in a single blow.

But Kaido was unfazed. As Moria closed in, black lightning crackled from Kaido's naginata, the force of his Haki so overwhelming that the air itself seemed to tremble. With one powerful swing, Kaido met Moria's attack head-on, their clash sending shockwaves through the battlefield.

The ground beneath them cracked and crumbled. Moria, despite his enormous size and enhanced strength, was no match for Kaido's sheer power. He was sent flying, crashing into the ocean with a thunderous splash. The moment Moria hit the water, his Devil Fruit powers faded, and the shadows he had stolen returned to their rightful owners.

Both Moria's crew and his allies stood frozen in disbelief, watching their captain's defeat unfold before their eyes. Panic gripped Moria's men, but one brave crewmate dove into the ocean, pulling Moria to safety as their ship broke through the Beast Pirates' blockade and disappeared into the distance.

Kaido watched them flee but made no move to chase. His eyes were now fixed on someone else: the new Supernova, the user of the Metal-Metal Fruit, who had fought valiantly but cautiously throughout the battle. The young pirate had the power to transform his body into any metal he touched, and Kaido saw potential.

As the Metal-Metal Fruit user stood among the scattered remains of the battlefield, Kaido approached, his towering presence casting a long shadow over the newcomer. "You fought well," Kaido rumbled, his voice thick with authority. "How about joining me? I'll give you command of your own fleet as captain under my flag."

The pirate, still reeling from witnessing Kaido's raw power, hesitated for only a moment before nodding, realizing the opportunity laid before him.

As Kaido subdued Gravel, the Metal-Metal Fruit user, King also stood victorious, having defeated the last of the Supernova who dared challenge the Beast Pirates. With their enemies crushed and their new allies standing by their side, the Beast Pirates roared in celebration, their victory echoing across Shirakawa Island. Kaido stood tall at the center of it all, a figure of undeniable strength and leadership.

The world, watching from afar, took notice of the growing power of the Beast Pirates. No longer seen as just a ragtag group of dangerous criminals, they had evolved into a formidable, disciplined force—an army of hardened warriors with terrifying coordination. Whispers spread throughout the seas, from the streets of lawless towns to the courts of powerful kingdoms. Some nations, already trembling at the thought of pirate attacks, now feared the unstoppable rise of Kaido's crew. They had become a nightmare to many, their might surpassing even the armies of some sovereign nations.

The world began to speak Kaido's name in a different tone, a mix of awe and dread. They started calling him the "Emperor of the Sea," a title that placed him alongside the likes of Big Mom and Whitebeard. The Beast Pirates, under Kaido's command, were no longer just another pirate crew—they were becoming an empire, one that could shake the very balance of power in the New World.

Aboard the Moby Dick, the ship of the Whitebeard Pirates, the atmosphere was lively as usual. The crew gathered around, sharing drinks and tales of their latest adventures. But something else was on everyone's mind—the latest headlines about Kaido's growing empire.

"Pops! Did you see the news about Kaido?" Marco, the First Division Commander, waved the newspaper in the air. "He's at it again. Building up his crew, taking down Supernovas, and people are even comparing his crew to ours and Big Mom's."

Whitebeard, sitting on his massive throne-like chair, let out a deep, rumbling laugh. "Guhahaha! Kaido, that punk, huh? Let 'em talk. They always compare the young ones to the old dogs."

One of the younger crewmates chimed in, "But Pops, they say Kaido's becoming one of the Emperors of the Sea! His crew is getting stronger by the day."

Whitebeard's grin widened as he raised a giant jar of wine to his lips, taking long, hearty drink. "Guhahaha! Let them try! I am Whitebeard, the strongest man in the world and no one's taking that title from me. Not Kaido, not Big Mom, not anyone."

"That's right! Pops is the strongest!" another crew member shouted, and soon the entire deck was filled with cheers of agreement.

"Yeah, Kaido is nothing compared to Pops!" another added.

Whitebeard's sons raised their cups, celebrating their father's power and dominance. The mighty pirate simply smiled, his sharp eyes glancing out at the horizon. "Let Kaido do as he pleases. It won't change a damn thing. The seas still belong to Whitebeard pirates."

As crew continued to cheer and drink, the confidence in their captain was unshakable. To them, Whitebeard wasn't just the strongest man in the world—he was the very symbol of an era that no one, not even World government, could topple.