章節 28: Chapter 28: Shipbuilding island

Kaido set his sights on an island famed for its shipbuilding, abundant in iron and essential materials. This island had long thrived under the protection of the Ceres Kingdom, a powerful nation offering defense in exchange for a share of resources. However, Kaido saw an opportunity to claim it for himself, "Send in spies," Kaido ordered, leaning back on his throne. "I want every detail—defenses, resources, and who runs the shipyards."

His crew moved swiftly, infiltrating the island and gathering intel. What they found confirmed Kaido's suspicions: while the island's shipwrights were skilled, the real obstacle was Commander Harlock, a seasoned soldier loyal to the Ceres Kingdom. The shipwrights, on the other hand, were not underpaid, but open to negotiation.

Kaido's representative approached Garthor, the chief shipwright, a man respected by all for his leadership and skill. "Kaido wants to make a deal. You keep control of the shipyards, but the island will come under Kaido's protection. In return, Kaido will take 35 percent of the tax , with 18 percent going to the island. The rest stays with the shipbuilders."

Garthor raised an eyebrow. "And what about the Ceres Kingdom? They protect us."

"They do," Kaido's envoy replied with a sly grin. "But for a steep price and no benifits . Kaido's protection comes with benefits. He won't interfere with your work; in fact, he'll make it more profitable. There's also the promise of better equipment—better steel, better tools. He's offering progress."

Garthor hesitated but agreed to consider the proposal. However, Commander Harlock, loyal to the Ceres Kingdom, wasn't so easily swayed.

Soon after the offer, Kaido's crew launched a calculated strike on the Ceres Kingdom's garrison. The battle between Harlock's forces and Kaido's Beast Pirates was fierce. Kaido himself confronted Harlock on the battlefield,

The battlefield was ablaze with chaos as the Beast Pirates clashed with the Ceres Kingdom's forces. At the center of it all stood Commander Harlock, a master swordsman renowned for his powerful Armament Haki and keen Observation Haki. His presence alone had held back waves of attackers, but now, he stood face-to-face with Kaido.

The air was thick with tension as Kaido stepped onto the battlefield, his towering figure casting a dark shadow over the wreckage. Across from him stood Harlock, a renowned master swordsman, his blade shimmering with the pitch-black sheen of Armament Haki. His eyes, sharp and focused, betrayed no fear as he faced the captain of the Beast Pirates.

"So, you think you can stand infront of me" Kaido growled, gripping his massive Axe, the weapon almost too large for any ordinary human to wield. "I hope you're not planning to run like the others."

Harlock smirked, his grip tightening on his Sword. "Running? From you? I've cut through giants before, Kaido. And I will cut you to."

Without warning, Harlock disappeared from sight, moving with the speed of someone who had mastered his art. In an instant, he reappeared beside Kaido, his sword already mid-swing, coated in an impenetrable layer of Armament Haki aimed for Kaido's side.

Kaido didn't flinch. With a simple yet swift motion, he raised his Axe, blocking the blow. The clash of steel echoed across the battlefield, sending shockwaves through the ground. Harlock's Armament Haki was strong, but Kaido's was stronger. He pushed Harlock back with a single arm, his monstrous strength almost overwhelming.

"Impressive, but let's see if you can handle this." Kaido's grin widened as he coated his double-bitted Axe in layer of Armament Haki. His aura radiated power, armament haki flow like water cover blade like scabbard, as he infused the weapon with Haki.

Kaido swung his naginata with terrifying force, aiming for Harlock's chest. But this was no ordinary strike. As the blade sliced through the air, Kaido tapped into the iron-cutting realm—a level of swordsmanship where even the strongest metals became as fragile as paper. The air itself seemed to ripple, the force of the swing sending a visible shockwave.

Harlock's Observation Haki flared, warning him just in time. He dodged backward, his eyes wide with surprise. But Kaido was relentless, pressing forward with another swing, this time aiming to destroy both Harlock's defense and his sword.

Harlock barely managed to parry the blow, his Sword vibrating under the immense pressure. Kaido's Axe seemed to tear through space itself, cutting deep into Harlock's Armament Haki. Sweat trickled down Harlock's forehead as he realized the overwhelming force he was up against.

"You're strong, but can you handle this?" Kaido growled, his Axe glowing as he unleashed his destruction Haki. The energy flowed through his weapon and into Harlock's sword, threatening to shatter it from within.

Harlock gritted his teeth, feeling the strain on his blade. He concentrated, reinforcing his Armament Haki, layering it even thicker around his sword. For a moment, he stood firm, holding back Kaido's naginata. But the internal destruction Haki was relentless, eating away at his defense from the inside.

With a thunderous crack, Harlock's sword shattered. The force of the blow sent him skidding across the ground, blood dripping from his hands.

Kaido stood tall, his weapon resting on his shoulder, still crackling with energy. "You've got skill, Harlock. But without power it's just fancy moves."

Harlock struggled to his feet, breathing heavily. His Observation Haki allowed him to sense Kaido's next move, but even with his foresight, he couldn't match the speed of destructive force Kaido was wielding.

Kaido raised his Axe one last time, coating it in both external and internal destruction Haki, black lightning dancing along its edge. Harlock, now weaponless, prepared for the inevitable.

"Time to end this."

With a mighty roar, Kaido brought his naginata down, aiming to deliver a finishing blow. Harlock, with one last burst of Armament Haki, raised his arms in defense, but it was all futile. The force of the strike shattered his defenses, sending him crashing into the earth, unconscious and defeated.