Chapter 28 – Blackbeard’s Test

The morning fog draped over the western forest like a silken shroud, quiet yet suffocating.

Each step Kaito's crew took through the tangled undergrowth brought them closer to the chaos. They could hear the distant clanging of steel, the rumble of collapsing trees, and the roar of a monstrous laugh that echoed like a cannon through the woods.

The shadow of Blackbeard loomed.

But this wasn't the man Kaito briefly crossed paths with before.

This time, Teach had arrived with his full crew.

And he was hunting.

The Battlefield

When they reached the forest clearing, the devastation was already apparent.

Splintered trees, scorched earth, and unconscious pirates littered the area—bounty hunters who had foolishly accepted Blackbeard's public challenge.

Kaito's system pinged softly in his mind.

[Target: Marshall D. Teach – Blackbeard]

[Threat Level: Extreme]

[Current Combat Readiness: 60%]

[Warning: Avoid prolonged engagement.]

Despite the warning, Kaito stepped forward.

At the center of the clearing stood Blackbeard, larger than life, his wild black curls tangled over his shoulders, his grin stretching unnervingly wide. His crew—Jesus Burgess, Van Augur, Doc Q, and Lafitte—stood nearby, watching with amusement.

"Zehahaha! I didn't think you'd come, little rookie!" Blackbeard roared, spreading his arms as if welcoming an old friend.

Kaito's gaze sharpened. "You've been making a mess."

Blackbeard shrugged. "This is Jaya. The weak get crushed here. That's the law, isn't it?"

Kuina stepped beside Kaito, her hand resting casually on the hilt of her blade, faint arcs of lightning coiling around her fingers. "We're not here to listen to your philosophy."

Blackbeard's eyes gleamed when he saw her. "Ahh… the little thunder girl. You took Enel's fruit, didn't you?"

"You want to test me, don't you?" Kuina asked, her voice calm.

"Zehahaha! Oh, I will. But not today. Today, I'm here to remind you something, Kaito—this sea isn't yours to roam freely."

Kaito raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

Blackbeard's grin widened. "You've got strength. But you're not the only one hunting something on this sea. The era of Whitebeard, the era of the Warlords… they're crumbling. New monsters are rising. And I intend to stand at the top."

His fingers twitched, the faint pull of a black vortex forming for a split second before he restrained it.

"Relax. I'm not here to kill you. Not yet. Consider this… a test."

Jesus Burgess cracked his knuckles. "I wanna see what they've got."

Van Augur calmly loaded his rifle. "A passing glance at potential rivals."

Lafitte smiled eerily. "A dance to measure distance."

Doc Q, perched on his pale horse, yawned. "It'll be interesting to see who survives."

Blackbeard gestured lazily. "Let's see how far you've come, Kaito. Pick one. We'll give you a proper spar."

Kaito's system flickered.

[System Suggestion: Controlled engagement recommended. Retreat possible.]

Kaito smirked.

He wasn't going to retreat.

"Kuina. Go."

Kuina stepped forward, lightning crackling as she drew her twin blades. "Who's stepping up?"

Burgess stomped forward, his towering frame shaking the ground. "I'll take her."

The impromptu duel began with no formal countdown.

Kuina vs. Jesus Burgess

Burgess lunged first, his massive fists swinging with devastating force, aiming to flatten Kuina in a single blow.

Kuina vanished, Thunder Step propelling her behind him in an instant.

Her blade slashed across his side, sparks flying as her lightning-infused sword bit into his flesh.

Burgess grunted but grinned. "That tickles."

He spun, his elbow crashing toward her, but Kuina darted low, her movements sharp and precise.

Another burst of lightning.

Storm Crescent.

The arc of thunder sliced toward Burgess, forcing him to block with crossed arms.

The impact burned through his sleeves, but his sheer durability allowed him to tank the hit.

"You're fast!" he laughed, charging again.

Kuina tightened her grip. She couldn't rely on power. She had to outmaneuver him.

Burgess lunged, aiming to crush her with both palms, but Kuina jumped, flipping over him and landing on his back, pressing her palm against his exposed skin.

"Thunder Pulse."

She discharged a concentrated burst of electricity directly into his spine.

Burgess roared in pain, collapsing to one knee.

But before Kuina could press the advantage, Van Augur fired a warning shot, the bullet zipping past her face.

"Zehahaha! That's enough," Blackbeard called out, his voice still laced with humor. "This ain't the day we kill each other."

Kuina didn't move.

Her blade remained poised.

Kaito's system chimed again.

[Retreat suggested. Blackbeard's crew: Combat intent rising.]

Kaito raised his hand. "Kuina. Return."

She reluctantly stepped back, electricity still dancing across her skin.

Burgess coughed but was already getting back on his feet, grinning despite the burns on his back.

"That was fun," he muttered.

Blackbeard tipped his hat. "I like you, Kaito. You've got guts. And your crew's got bite. Next time, maybe we'll see who's worthy of what title."

He turned away, his crew melting into the forest shadows.

"Zehahaha! The sea is wide. Let's see who reaches the top first."

Aftermath – Reflection and Resolve

As Kaito's crew regrouped, Kuina exhaled slowly, her heartbeat gradually settling.

"He's dangerous," she admitted, wiping a trace of blood from her lip. "That man's not like the others we've faced."

Kaito nodded. "He's the type who moves when the world's watching something else. He'll strike when the balance is weakest."

Nojiko folded her arms. "So we're letting him go?"

"For now." Kaito's eyes were steady. "But next time… we'll be ready."

Khalifa adjusted her glasses. "It seems we're not the only crew changing the current of this era."

Aisa frowned. "Do you think Luffy's crew will cross paths with him too?"

Kaito smirked. "Knowing Luffy? Definitely."

They boarded the Queen's Grace, the weight of the encounter lingering with them.

Blackbeard's message was clear.

This wasn't just a journey to enjoy the sea anymore.

The era was shifting.

The monsters were moving.

And they were part of it.

Straw Hat Perspective – Echoes of the Clash

That same afternoon, Luffy's crew heard the whispers in Mock Town.

A crew matching Blackbeard's description had clashed with another rising pirate group.

Luffy's grin widened when he heard the names.

"Kaito and Kuina, huh? They're moving fast."

Zoro rested his swords against his shoulder. "Looks like we'll cross blades sooner than we thought."

Nami sighed, but her eyes were firm. "We'll keep up. We'll surpass them."

Sanji cracked his knuckles. "Let's see whose crew reaches the New World first."

Robin quietly observed, her smile subtle but intrigued. "Two rivalries. Two paths."

Chopper blinked. "Are they… friends or enemies?"

Usopp laughed nervously. "Probably both."

Luffy simply laughed. "We'll meet them again. And next time, we'll go all out!"

Their own journey continued, but the pace had changed.

Both crews were accelerating.

Both were sharpening themselves against the waves.

And in the background, Blackbeard's shadow loomed larger.

Closing: Toward the Knock-Up Stream

Onboard the Queen's Grace, Nojiko finally locked the Log Pose toward the sky.

"The Knock-Up Stream… it's forming again. If we catch it, we can ride it toward the ancient ruins Enel was talking about."

Kaito crossed his arms. "Time to move."

Kuina sheathed her blades, her storm more refined than ever.

The sea rumbled beneath them.

The sky stirred above them.

The next destination awaited.