Chapter 15: Krampus-Wannabe!

Leo stepped onto the shores of Xoprary, the revered island ruled by the formidable Klaverjas Kurogane. Once a captain of ninjas, Klaverjas had traded his blades for melodies, leaving behind the Goldeneye Pirates shortly after their disbandment, a mere three and a half years into his musical journey. His reputation was formidable, with a bounty of 557,000,000 hanging over his head. Unlike his towering siblings, Klaverjas concealed his true size, which dwarfed the island itself, presenting instead a more diminutive figure. He wielded the powers of the Kuranpusu Kuranpusu No Mi Model: Krampus, granting him the eerie ability of Hemokinesis. Clad in an elegant red suit and topped with a stylish hat, his striking red hair cascaded down, while a black oni mask obscured the lower half of his face. His eyes, transformed into a bloody red hue, bore the rare Eyesore Chi, a testament to his unique abilities. Sharp nails, hidden beneath black gloves, hinted at the danger he possessed, as he could manipulate the blood of his foes and shift into the fearsome Krampus, either in full or hybrid form. Additionally, he could enhance his limbs with Blood Crystallines, making him a formidable opponent.

As Leo reached out for a handshake, hoping for a cordial greeting akin to his encounters with the other warlords, he was met with disdain. Klaverjas, ever the arrogant figure, dismissed Leo's gesture with a swift shove and landed a punch squarely on his cheek. Despite the provocation, Leo refrained from retaliating, enduring a flurry of punches and kicks from the irate leader. He dodged each blow with agility, but the relentless assault began to wear on him. In a moment of clarity, Leo countered with a single, decisive punch that sent Klaverjas sprawling. Yet, the victory was short-lived; Klaverjas, fueled by rage, transformed into his hybrid form, towering over Leo at an imposing 7'3 feet. 

A fierce battle erupted as Klaverjas unleashed a devastating technique known as "Bloody Rain," a barrage of poisonous blood fists aimed directly at Leo. With quick reflexes, Leo evaded the onslaught, but Klaverjas, utilizing his Hemokinesis, seized Leo and swung him around like a mere toy. Thinking swiftly, Leo focused on purging the blood from his veins, a desperate measure in the face of overwhelming odds. 

The air was thick with tension as Klaverjas observed Leo, who seemed to exist in a state of limbo between life and death. His complexion was ghostly, as if the very essence of vitality had drained from him. 

In a sudden burst of energy, Leo summoned his Chi, preparing to unleash a technique known as "Chi-man: Bloodless Snake." A serpentine form of energy shot forth, striking Klaverjas with a force that sent him sprawling to the ground. In that moment, Klaverjas reverted to his more diminutive shape, the impact of the attack evident in his demeanor. 

Leo, fueled by a mix of frustration and a desire to instill discipline, delivered a series of sharp slaps to Klaverjas. "You must never disrespect a proper handshake! Do you understand, you Krampus wannabe?" he admonished, each slap punctuating his words with emphasis. 

Klaverjas, reeling from the onslaught, coughed violently, blood staining the earth beneath him. "Alright, alright! I'm sorry," he gasped, the fight leaving him momentarily.

With a newfound humility, Klaverjas rose to his feet and bowed deeply to Leo, who mirrored the gesture in a show of mutual respect. In a gesture of goodwill, Klaverjas presented Leo with a Mirage Orb Fragment, a token of trust and allegiance. "I trust you with this," he declared, sincerity lacing his voice.

Leo, preparing to depart, readied his caravel, exchanging farewells with a nod. Klaverjas, a bright smile illuminating his face, waved enthusiastically, the earlier tension dissipating into the air like mist.