"Hundred Beasts Kaidou... What exactly is this guy trying to do?!"
On the execution platform, a few drops of cold sweat rolled down Sengoku's forehead. Kaidou's appearance was both expected and unexpected; from Sengoku's perspective, Kaidou had no reason to aid Whitebeard, as there was no relationship between them.
With that time, it would be more profitable for him to go and take over Whitebeard's territory.
Besides Yamato who had already intruded inside, after the hot breath, Kaidou didn't perform further attacks and seemed to be observing something, and ultimately transformed into his human-beast form and headed towards the Moby Dick.
"Damn it, have they really formed a pirate alliance? That Red Hair..."
According to the Five Elders' assumption, Red Hair secretly orchestrated a powerful pirate alliance. If all this is true, then the still unseen Red Hair would be the biggest issue.
"Garp, do you understand what I mean?"
Sengoku couldn't understand why the Five Elders insisted on Garp being present on this battlefield. Although Garp's identity as the Navy Hero had an impact on morale if absent, Garp's presence here also brought considerable trouble.
This led Sengoku to keep an eye on Garp, as the one to be executed was Garp's adoptive grandson; if Garp were to do something irrational, it would be troublesome.
The Navy Admiral being held back by the Navy Hero while also having to maintain camaraderie – no one would believe it if said aloud.
If not for Kaidou, Garp slacking off wouldn't affect much, but Kaidou's appearance had already disrupted some balance, not to mention he didn't come alone.
"Kaidou, along with his daughter and subordinates, their combined bounties exceed ten billion..."
"I know. If it truly comes to that, I won't just sit and watch."
Garp still had no intention of standing up. If these people were also here to rescue Ace, he might mentally be laughing out loud. Unless the situation escalates, he wouldn't be able to fully engage in this war.
Due to the distance, Sengoku couldn't clearly see what was happening in Yamato's battlefield. The commotion over there was big, and he couldn't determine if they were just putting on a show or not at the moment.
However, Kaidou's subsequent actions left everyone scratching their heads again. He transformed into his human-beast form in the sky, surrounded by thunder on the Hassaikai, with Supreme King Haki cracking like lightning in the sky.
"It's been a while, Newgate, let me see if you've become rusty! Daiitoku Thundering Hakken!"
Kaidou swung his hands, wielding a bat toward Whitebeard below, without probing or holding back, striking with all his might, simply relying on his current physique, not utilizing any enhancing skills.
"Move aside, Squard."
Looking up at Kaidou, Whitebeard kicked the Squard behind him away, not out of spite, but because Squard couldn't withstand the aftermath of this battle.
If left unchecked, Squard might even be shocked to death by the aftermath of Whitebeard and Kaidou's clash. Even without having engaged, the potency of Supreme King Haki in Kaidou's grip was already apparent.
The vibrating force enveloped the blade of Murakumogiri, with the power of Haki extending from within Whitebeard onto the blade. Before the weapons collided, the confrontation of Haki had already begun.
"Don't get in the way, Kaidou!!"
Boom!!
The hull of the Moby Dick shook vigorously, and the sea surface previously sealed by Kuzan cracked under the immense impact, Whitebeard stabilized himself but was still pushed back several steps.
"Newgate, you've gotten weaker. Years ago, you could take this hit."
"I have no interest in fighting you now, Kaidou brat. Despite the lack of relationship, both you and I are pirates, the Navy should be the enemy, right?"
Whitebeard was completely uninterested in fighting Kaidou now. If he truly fought Kaidou, he wouldn't be able to focus on rescuing Ace; without his help, his crew alone certainly couldn't save Ace.
"We once shared the same ship, why not team up to deal with the Navy first?"
Whitebeard wouldn't miss an opportunity to gather allies; that previous hot breath had caused significant casualties for both sides. However, if Kaidou genuinely wanted to ally with him, the success rate of combat would greatly increase.
"Not interested, I'm just here to take part in the battle, whether you or the Navy, I'm just looking for a strong enemy – there aren't many left on this vast sea that I find worthy."
Several wind blades flew from Kaidou's hands and he charged toward Whitebeard. The Fish-Fish Fruit·Azure Dragon Form allowed him to fly, but Whitebeard couldn't; unable to use the ship's leverage, he landed on the ground.
The battle was inevitable, but Whitebeard had no intention of a direct confrontation; instead, he charged toward the area with more Navy, using Kaidou's power to inflict significant trouble on the Navy.
The Navy had no high-ranking officers to stop all this; the impact of their aftermath was ultimately limited. If Kaidou and Whitebeard truly exhausted each other here, it would be the best outcome, and when they're both worn down, it would be the Navy's opportunity to capture them.
"Edward Newgate! What are you doing? Is this your attitude toward fighting?"
"Kaidou, I've grown old. I've never had any interest in the title of strongest; if you want it, take it."
"But I don't have the time to waste with you now; I'm going to rescue my son!"
"Grogrogro, Newgate, you're still so naive, always gathering such weak sons."
"What are you talking about?!"
"Isn't it the truth? Your sons are too weak; that's why they ended up in the Navy's hands.
Look at my daughter; even if thrown among the Navy, she's still lively; if your son was as strong, you wouldn't have to worry about so many things."
Kaidou's words carried a tone of boasting, leaving Whitebeard with no ground to refute.
"But this is just who you are, Newgate – the world's strongest man defeated by time.
Such a you doesn't enthuse me; since you're so concerned about your son, how about I give you a chance?"
"What are you up to?"
"Fight me with all your strength, a battle where only one survives! This is Navy Headquarters, regardless of how intense the fight, it won't affect our territories."
"I don't have the time or the mood."
"Indeed, what you lack is time, but I can give you the power of youth. Here is your final stage – don't you want to show the world what a younger Whitebeard was like?"
Kaidou pulled out a wooden box from his coat and tossed it toward Whitebeard.
"Eat it, you'll experience youthful power, then do what you need to do, and fight me with all your might, Newgate. You still have that courage, right? If you don't dare even this, then I've misjudged you!"