*Chapter 135: Kaido’s Miscalculation*

After the news of Mihawk spread across the seas, a newly appointed Vice Admiral joined the Navy. In the New World, he boldly sought out the Red-Haired Pirates, who had recently gained some fame. Alone, he single-handedly defeated the crew, causing chaos among the Red-Haired Pirates.

His body's recovery rate was astonishing, comparable to that of Kaido of the Beasts. Any slight wound would heal in an instant. Even when cut in half at the waist, he could recover with the help of others. This made him practically an embodiment of immortality—no matter what the Grim Reaper did, it couldn’t kill him.

Following this, Tsunade was recognized by the people of the sea as possessing an immortal body, even more powerful than the legendary Kaido. Unless Kaido could reconnect his body if split in two, Tsunade was truly formidable.

When Red-Haired Shanks sliced her in half, everyone was terrified. But Tsunade activated the "Hundred Healings Technique," reattaching her body in no time. With the powers of the Wood-Wood Fruit, her Senju and Uzumaki bloodlines were fully activated. While her life force wasn’t as strong as Hashirama’s, it had started to resemble that of Ashura.

Tsunade instantly became famous across the seas, and with her strength, she quickly rose through the ranks. She was dubbed the “Immortal Vice Admiral” and became one of the Navy's candidates for the position of Admiral.

First, Mihawk, a member of the World Government's Shichibukai, became the world’s greatest swordsman. Now, with the addition of another powerful figure, the Navy’s influence reached its peak. Once dominated by pirates, the balance of power now tipped towards the Navy.

With the three Admirals, and now three candidates for Admiral, the Navy’s strength was undeniable. Even retired Navy veterans added to their force. The Navy was now considered the most powerful entity on the seas.

Furthermore, the presence of the Shichibukai—each an elite warrior—solidified their dominance. The recent events were so impactful that they nearly overshadowed the upcoming duel between Raijin Uchiha and Charlotte Linlin.

But while the world focused on the Navy, the New World, being a lawless place, paid little attention. The Navy’s posturing was seen as mere bravado. They wouldn’t dare to cause trouble in the New World, only targeting weaker pirates to demonstrate their might. In reality, they were too hesitant to confront the great pirates of the New World.

The seas had reached a strange balance, and breaking this balance would signal the eruption of the Great Pirate Era started by Roger. The Navy wasn’t fully prepared and didn’t intend to trigger such an event. So, for the time being, they refrained from making any moves against the New World pirates.

The duel between Raijin Uchiha and Charlotte Linlin was the main focus. The chosen battleground was a deserted island in the New World, overgrown with trees and teeming with wild beasts—a primordial forest where no one lived.

The day before the duel, ships had already surrounded the island. Dressrosa’s fleet had taken the prime spots for the various powerhouses. Nara Shikaku, a shrewd businessman, was coordinating the event smoothly, turning a profit for Dressrosa even before the battle began.

Normally, Dressrosa wouldn’t care about small profits, but given their current resource shortage, Shikaku, a close ally of Raijin Uchiha, ensured that everything was in order. He didn’t see himself as a sycophant but as someone acting out of instinct.

“Lord Raijin, it seems the Beast Pirates are on the move. Kaido has vanished from Onigashima. Many of his pirates have set sail, destination unknown,” reported a ninja to Raijin, describing Kaido’s recent strange behavior.

After Jhin was injured in Dressrosa’s colosseum, he had been recuperating there but showed no signs of improvement. Now, with Kaido growing impatient, he had become desperate. He hadn’t heard back from Jhin and feared the worst—that Jhin might have switched sides. Kaido planned to come personally to find out.

Kaido’s subordinates were terrified he might recklessly storm into Dressrosa. Raijin smirked. “Kaido must be getting impatient. But we have two Navy veterans here. That’s probably why Kaido hasn’t dared to attack Dressrosa. These veterans could give him a hard time, even if he showed up in person.”

Kaido was likely up to something else, as he had predicted Raijin wouldn’t take Jhin out to sea. Instead, Kaido planned to come to Dressrosa to find him. “Since Kaido is planning to come, I won’t have time to entertain him tomorrow. Have Zephyr come over. That old man has been learning a lot in Dressrosa; it’s time he did something useful,” Raijin casually instructed.

Raijin wasn’t afraid of facing Kaido. After all, Kaido wasn’t invincible; he was just strong with a tough body, possessed of Conqueror’s Haki, and a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit user. But Raijin had other matters to attend to, like facing the equally monstrous Charlotte Linlin. He didn’t have time for Kaido, so he decided to let others in Dressrosa deal with him.

Besides, Kaido wouldn’t have anticipated one thing: Raijin could store Jhin in the Kamui dimension. Even if Kaido turned Dressrosa upside down, he wouldn’t find him.

After a moment, a burly middle-aged man entered. He was strikingly handsome, with sunglasses and short hair. This was Zephyr, who had grown more confident and seemed to have regained his former Admiral’s demeanor. With the assistance of Hashirama’s cells, his old injuries and the frailties of age had been eradicated. Zephyr was now fully capable of fulfilling the duties of an Admiral. However, he no longer had any interest in the position. Being in Dressrosa was far more comfortable.

Moreover, the Navy didn’t suit his tastes—they didn’t let him create freely. But Raijin trusted him and allowed him to do whatever he wanted. Zephyr’s current passion was training Luffy and Ace for graduation.

“Raijin, I was about to take the students to watch tomorrow’s big fight. Why do you need me?” Zephyr asked, removing his glasses and looking at the man seated at the head of the table. He sensed that Raijin’s aura had grown even stronger since arriving on the island.

From the moment Zephyr had arrived, he’d been teaching the Uchiha clan and others about Haki. The best student was none other than Raijin, who had now mastered internal destruction with his Armament Haki—a significant achievement. As for Observation Haki, the Uchiha clan was peculiar. Their Observation Haki didn’t seem to add much compared to the power of their eyes. It was as if any movement slowed down in front of those eyes. This clan was far too reliant on their eyes!

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*But fortunately, Raijin had at least cultivated to a high level.*

*Even though he hadn't awakened the so-called ability to foresee the future, it was pretty close.*

"Are you sure you're suitable for this great battle?" Raijin didn't expect Zephyr to be so invested in this upcoming war.

Zephyr, this guy, why is he so focused on stirring up trouble now?

"Why wouldn't I be suitable? I've worked hard for almost my whole life; can't I enjoy myself in these last few years?"

"I came to Dressrosa to enjoy my retirement, and look how busy I've been teaching you guys."

Zephyr's face suddenly showed dissatisfaction. He not only had to take care of the kids at the Dressrosa Academy.

There were also these Uchiha clan members who hadn't even graduated yet, meaning he had to take care of at least 400 students.

Since coming to Dressrosa, the only break he had was when he followed Raijin to the East Blue.

Other than that, there was no time to rest at all.

"You can enjoy yourself, but I'm afraid there won't be any time off for you this time. Kaido might attack Dressrosa tomorrow."

"And I'm afraid Uchiha Tetsuka alone won't be able to stop him, so you'd better stay in Dressrosa and help me protect our homeland."

Raijin's mouth twitched as he looked at this new side of Zephyr.

He couldn't figure out when Zephyr had turned into this kind of person.

"Kaido? Now I'm suddenly interested. By the way, can I use that technique?"

A smile suddenly appeared on Zephyr's face, clearly very intrigued.

He had been worried there wasn't a suitable target in Dressrosa, and now one had just delivered itself to his doorstep.

Zephyr was just planning to test the results of his hard work!

"No problem, as long as Zong stays in Dressrosa, that's enough."

Raijin nodded, not refusing Zephyr's request.

In fact!

Raijin also wanted to see what would happen when Zephyr broke through the limits of the ocean.

When he walked a completely different path!

Would the world government have any reaction?

The appointment came as scheduled.

The deserted island was empty, and now everyone was waiting for the protagonists to appear.

The host in Dressrosa continued his commentary.

Using a Den Den Mushi (communication device) connected to various ships, he observed the movements on the island through binoculars.

"Neither Charlotte Linlin nor Lord Raijin has shown up yet!"

"I'm really curious to see how these two powerhouses will make their entrance!"

"Lord Raijin once said that prestige is something the weak don't need."

"But the strong must have it, and it must be unique to highlight their class."

"From what I know, one of the three Admirals in the Navy, Admiral Kizaru, is best known for making his entrance while standing on a cannonball."

"As for Admiral Kuzan, he freezes everything in sight whenever he appears, leaving a world of ice behind."

"Each strong figure has their unique way of making an entrance, and all are quite spectacular!"

"Let's first enjoy how these two big shots will make their entrance."

The host, holding the Den Den Mushi, stood at the highest point, looking around.

He was searching for Uchiha Raijin and Charlotte Linlin.

Many of the strong ones on the ships wore contemplative expressions.

Crocodile had always felt there was something missing between him and the other strong people on the sea.

Until today, he didn't realize what it was that set him apart from these others.

But suddenly, when the host mentioned the concept of "prestige," Crocodile's awareness was jolted awake.

"In the future, it's probably not suitable to ride a banana gator for travel! Kill all the banana gators in Alabasta."

Crocodile said to a pirate beside him.

The pirate quickly nodded and jotted it down.

Crocodile began to think about his future entrances, which would at least have to be more impressive than others, and also highlight his own strength.

Hmm!

How about appearing amidst a tornado?

That might actually work.

"Prestige, Kakashi, do we really need something like that?"

Hawkeye was lying on a sun chair at the bow of the ship.

Gently swirling red wine in his hand, his face twitched slightly.

This guy always comes up with novel concepts.

"Hmm! You might want to think about it seriously."

Kakashi fell silent. Ninjas didn't need prestige.

Except for his teacher!

Before the person even arrived!

The name of the technique was probably already known.

"How about a sword slash that tears apart the sea?"

Mihawk seriously began to consider it.

It suddenly made him feel exhilarated.

Imagining making his entrance by slashing the sea and creating a giant rift.

Everyone would immediately exclaim, "This is the world's greatest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk."

This kind of feeling...

Made Mihawk's mouth curl up more than an AK.

This strange idea spread across the sea, and many people began to consider its feasibility.

Obviously, this kind of thinking had taken root, and future entrances on the sea would surely be linked to prestige.

At this moment, the sea began to churn, and waves surged.

In just a few moments, the once-small waves had turned into giant waves.

And at the source of these waves, a massive woman was seen standing on the sea. The color of the waves under her feet seemed off.

It looked like syrup, and she was riding it straight through the ships' encirclement, landing on the island.

This kind of entrance was completely unexpected, and countless people were shocked.

They didn't expect Charlotte Linlin to appear this way.

"Where is he? Where is Uchiha Raijin?"

"Is that little brat afraid?"

Charlotte Linlin had just set foot on the island when a series of roars echoed.

Gales swept through, branches swayed, and animals fled in all directions.

None dared to approach the monstrous Charlotte Linlin.

*"Boom!"*

Thunder roared across the sky!

Pouring down in all directions.

A colossal giant appeared in the sky.

Tearing apart the black clouds above, a deep blue blade slashed down.

*"Buzz!"*

The entire sky cleared up.

Even the clouds that blocked the view disappeared.

Everyone could now clearly see a terrifying demon god with giant wings on its back.

Standing hundreds of meters tall, clad in fierce armor.

"Uchiha Raijin will win!!"

"Uchiha Raijin will win!!"

"Uchiha Raijin will win!!"

"Uchiha Raijin will win!!"

One of the Uchiha clan members shouted!

Immediately, the synchronized chant echoed across the entire sea.

Sasuke, standing among the crowd, stared in disbelief, his pupils contracting as he looked at the enormous Susano'o.

That Susano'o was beyond his imagination, at a level of a monster.

He was so small in front of it, smaller than a grasshopper by several times.

"So this is the Uchiha clan's third power, Susano'o! Damn it, this guy can actually reach this level."

"In the future, I must surpass him once I awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan!"

Sasuke stood among the crowd, feeling utterly crushed.

He hadn't expected Uchiha Raijin to be so strong.

To an outrageous degree!

He had become someone Sasuke could only look up to.

Even though he said he would surpass him, Sasuke felt it was a distant, almost impossible goal.

*Boom!*

A massive tremor sounded.

Waves rolled continuously on the sea.

The colossal Susano'o stood before Charlotte Linlin.

This made Charlotte Linlin's eyes heat up!

Whether or not this guy was a giant.

She had to have him.

After all, a giant over a hundred meters tall was far more imposing than those mere ten-meter-tall ones.

Giants were only about twelve meters tall!

But what about this guy?

Charlotte Linlin squinted her eyes, gauging how tall she stood next to this guy's feet.

It was clear!

This Susano'o in front of her was massive.

"Ma-ma-ma-ma, Uchiha Raijin, you've given this old lady quite a surprise."

"How about joining our Big Mom Pirates, and everything from before will be forgiven?"

"I think you're quite impressive. If we teamed up..."

Charlotte Linlin's mouth curled up as she looked at Raijin.

The Uchiha clan was far more perfect than she had imagined.

But before Charlotte Linlin could finish speaking, a massive blade slashed down.

It stabbed straight into the ground in front of Charlotte Linlin without harming her.

And that deep blue chakra blade slightly reflected Charlotte Linlin's face.

"Old hag, take a look at yourself before you think you can mess with me."

"If you want to fight, then stop talking and let's do it!"

Raijin frowned slightly, not expecting Charlotte Linlin to set her sights on him.

Although Raijin was prepared to sacrifice himself for the Uchiha clan, he wasn't planning on giving himself up like this.

Charlotte Linlin was not someone he could enjoy, so he'd better leave her to someone else.

Raijin quickly dispelled Susano'o!

The blue chakra on his body dissipated like flames.

Raijin's body lightly descended from the air.

Kicking up a bit of dust on the ground, it didn't even make a sound.

"What an arrogant brat."

Charlotte Linlin looked at the brat in front of her.

With a giant fan on his back and those ominously powerful eyes.

Charlotte Linlin didn't underestimate him in the slightest. The commotion this brat had just caused was not something a weakling could do.

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(End of Chapter)