Chapter 33 : Confrontation
Coastal areas of Shirakawa Island, 2nd half of Grandline
As Oden's ship drew closer to Shirakawa Island, the lush greenery and jagged peaks of the island came into view. The waters surrounding the island were calm, but there was a distinct feeling of unease in the air. A patrol ship from the Beast Pirates, concealed among the rocks, spotted the approaching vessel. The crew, recognizing the distinct sails of a Wano ship, quickly sent an urgent report back to the control center.
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The message was relayed with precision: "A samurai ship from Wano is approaching Shirakawa Island." Kaido's strict orders were clear—no samurai were to set foot on his island. Immediate action was required. The message traveled up the chain of command swiftly: from the control center to the island manager, and finally, to Kaido himself.
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In the heart of Shirakawa's central district, Kaido received the news. He sat in his chamber, reviewing maps of nearby territories when a subordinate knelt before him, delivering the report. His eyes narrowed at the mention of a samurai ship, and a sly grin crept across his face.
"Samurai from Wano, eh?" Kaido muttered. His mind immediately went to Oden. "So, he's finally come."
Without hesitation, Kaido ordered a scout ship to trail Oden's vessel. His instructions were precise: "Keep a safe distance but watch them closely. Don't engage unless necessary. Let's see what the samurai intends to do."
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Water near Shirakawa Island
Oden stood at the helm of his ship, gazing toward Shirakawa Island. His crew, composed of retainers and loyal samurai, prepared themselves for what lay ahead. As the scout ship appeared on the horizon, Oden could sense their presence, but he gave no order to attack. Instead, he watched as they followed, keeping their distance.
Suddenly, cannon fire erupted from the scout ship. The cannonballs soared through the air, aimed at Oden's ship, but the samurai onboard, trained and skilled, deflected or dodged each attack with ease. Oden himself remained calm, his hand resting on his swords as if awaiting something more.
As scout ship kept firing them to force them to change their course
Above, the skies began to churn with dark clouds. The wind picked up, and a distant roar echoed across the sea. Oden's retainers looked to the sky, their eyes widening as they saw a massive dragon descending from the clouds. Kaido, in his dragon form, flew overhead, his immense figure casting a shadow over the ship and the surrounding waters.
As dragon form coil around sky at fast speed, Kaido created a gust of wind so strong that it forced Oden's ship off course, steering it toward a deserted island nearby. The ship's crew scrambled to maintain control, but the wind was too powerful.
As the ship neared the shore, Kaido descended, landing with a thunderous crash on the beach. His dragon form shifted as he transformed into his hybrid state—towering, muscular, and fearsome, with dragon scales rippling across his body and horns crowning his head. He blocked the path of Oden's ship, his presence alone stopping them in their tracks.
As Kaido landed at a cliff, his deep voice booming as he addressed Oden. "I expected you to come eventually. But I must apologize—I won't be welcoming you to my island. You see, in civilized society, we have *standards*, and half-naked men like you don't quite fit the bill."
Oden's retainers, staring up at the massive figure before them, were struck with a mix of awe and fear. Some of them were visibly shaken, recognizing the legend of the dragon that arrived at wano during sword god time. But Oden remained unphased, having already traveled the world and learned of Devil Fruits. His gaze remained locked on Kaido, unyielding.
"I'm not here for your standards, Kaido," Oden replied, his voice calm but resolute. "I'm here to avenge the people you've killed in Wano."
Kaido raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "Avenge, you say? Worororo! You think you can *avenge* them?"
With a swift movement, Kaido manipulated the wind and clouds around the island, causing a violent storm to form overhead. The island was now isolated, the sky darkening as lightning flashed across the horizon.
"Or," Kaido continued, his tone turning more menacing, "are you afraid that I'll tell the World Government about the ancient weapons and the secrets buried in Wano?"
At those words, Oden's expression shifted to something more serious. Kaido had struck a nerve, but Oden kept his composure. He responded with steely determination, "I don't care about you knowing the secrets of Wano. I'm here for one reason: to make you pay for the lives you took at the capital."
Kaido tilted his head, looking confused for a moment. "Orochi and his family? You're here to avenge *them*?"
"No," Oden shot back. "The workers. The people who labored in the capital. They took care of me when I was young. And you butchered them."
Kaido's expression darkened. "You're saying that's *my* fault?"
"Yes," Oden replied, his voice firm. "And I'm going to punish you for it."
Kaido let out a roaring laugh, shaking the very ground beneath them. "Worororo! Who do you think you are, Whitebeard? You say I killed them, and you know what? *Physically*, I did. But what about your father? He didn't take his position seriously and lost it. And what about *you*? You left them behind when you abandoned Wano. You're just as much to blame for their deaths."
Oden's grip on his swords tightened, his fury barely contained.
"But let's forget about that for now," Kaido continued, his voice dripping with mockery. "When was the world ever fair? If you think you're strong enough to judge me, then come. Let's see what your honor and your swords are worth against me."
Without another word, Oden drew his swords, their blades gleaming in the storm's dim light. His stance was firm, his resolve unshaken.
Kaido grinned wickedly, his dragon eyes glowing with anticipation. "Let's see if you're strong enough to survive the wrath of a dragon!"