Chapter 208:A Pirate’s Cruel Fate

As Kaido voiced his suspicions, he turned a wary gaze to Shin. "What on earth is this devil fruit?"

A faint smile spread across Shin's face. "Why don't you test it out yourself? See if there's any difference between this devil fruit and your original Azure Dragon fruit."

"Hmph!" Kaido scoffed, roaring and launching himself into the air. He transformed instantly into a massive dragon, though his scales were not blue but a peculiar shade of pink this time.

He experimented, unleashing dragon's breath, violent winds, thunderbolts, and flame clouds—all abilities felt nearly identical to those of his Azure Dragon fruit. The realization struck him: this fruit seemed like a replica.

A flicker of recognition crossed Kaido's mind, memories stirring from his time as a young captive of the World Government, experimented upon without mercy. That was when he learned about artificial devil fruits. It had been Dr. Vegapunk, the World Government's top scientist, who had tried to clone his Azure Dragon fruit using his genetic material.

Kaido had believed the government's attempts at artificial devil fruits had failed, and Caesar's creations were the peak of what could be achieved. But now, realizing this fruit mimicked his original abilities, he felt the creeping suspicion that Shin's gift had a hidden purpose.

Then, the dreadful possibility hit him: artificial devil fruits had a significant flaw, the Dango-Dango fruit. Wasn't that devil fruit consumed by that little girl, Tama? Once affected, anyone who had consumed an artificial devil fruit would be completely obedient to the user of that fruit, with no ability to resist.

"This is... an artificial devil fruit!" Kaido roared, his voice echoing through the sky. His gaze burned with fury.

Shin grinned slightly. "Very quick to catch on, Kaido. Now, why don't you guess what I intend to do next?"

Ignoring the question, Kaido whipped around to flee, resolved to distance himself from Shin and Wano. He vowed that any hint of their presence in the future would drive him to run without hesitation.

But Shin pulled out a uniquely styled Den Den Mushi, decorated with a cute, frilly outfit. A young girl's voice came from the receiver: "Big…big pink dragon, come back!"

The instant Tama's words echoed from the snail, Kaido's draconic form faltered, and he unwillingly wheeled back, landing right in front of Shin.

Back in Wano, Shin had tested Tama's ability with her Dango-Dango fruit on a random beast, confirming that commands issued through a Den Den Mushi would work just as effectively as if Tama herself had issued them in person. Before departing, he had carefully coached her on what to say.

Kaido's face was twisted in silent fury, struggling to resist the compulsion. But he couldn't hold back for long.

Tama's voice came again through the phone. "Sensei, what should I have him do next?"

Shin responded, "Tell him to gather his subordinates and bring them all to Wano. Once he arrives, he and his crew are not to harm anyone. From now on, Kaido will truly serve as Wano's protector. If you need him, he'll be there to support you."

Kaido's face was a mix of anger and distress, but as Tama's gentle voice flowed through the receiver, his expression softened, becoming disturbingly compliant.

Shin observed the scene with a slight surprise at the effectiveness of devil fruits. Often, the more eccentric a fruit's conditions, the more potent its effects. Once those conditions were met, the fruit's power became nearly absolute, unaffected by even the strongest defenses.

As Tama finished giving her instructions, Kaido, though clearly still fuming at Shin, turned and began preparing to assemble the Beast Pirates to head for Wano.

"Brother Kaido…" Among Kaido's followers, King appeared utterly disheartened, his expression blank with shock.

Meanwhile, the three giant henchmen looked on, blissfully unfazed.

"You—you monster! Release Captain Kaido!" King roared in desperation, ready to charge at Shin. But Kaido reached out and placed a heavy hand on his shoulder.

"It's over, King," Kaido said, his voice resigned. "The pirate's way is a world of victors and losers. In the end, we must accept our fate."

Kaido's gaze grew distant. "I lost. I don't have the power to become the Pirate King or change the world."

He sighed, looking at his comrade. "If you're disappointed, leave. Seek out the new 'Joy Boy' who might have a chance to change the world."

King's shoulders slumped, and his fiery resolve extinguished. He let out a long, sad sigh. "I'm not leaving you, Captain Kaido. I've been with the Beast Pirates too long and spent twenty years in Wano. I think... retiring there might be the best choice after all."

Shin listened to the exchange with a cool detachment. Kaido was right about one thing: piracy was a ruthless existence characterized by a winner-takes-all mentality. The sea was littered with the crushed spirits of those who dared to dream—Gecko Moriah, who was defeated and left a broken shell after Kaido slaughtered his crew; Crocodile, whose failure stripped him of the confidence to set foot in the New World.

These former contenders might once have possessed unshakeable determination, but defeat had left them shattered. The savage nature of the pirate life exposed the harsh reality of such losses.

Even Monkey D. Luffy, the so-called "child of destiny," once faced utter despair at the hands of Bartholomew Kuma, collapsing when he believed his crewmates had been killed. If Kuma hadn't been a double agent for the Revolutionary Army, that mental blow would have ended Luffy's journey then and there.

*******************************

For each power stones milestone—25, 50, 100, 150, and beyond—I will release a bonus chapter.

If you would like to gain early access, you can join me at www.patre on.com/bookbattalion