Chapter 19: Chapter 17 Rapid Strength Improvement
Aizen chuckled softly, his hand resting on the hilt of his Zanpakutō. Slowly and deliberately, he unsheathed the blade, its edge gleaming ominously under the dim light. He walked towards Kaido with measured steps, an aura of absolute confidence radiating from him.
Kaido stood rooted, his massive frame tense. Despite his reputation as a fearsome warrior, a chill coursed through him. The very presence of Aizen made the air heavy, suffocating.
But Kaido, the so-called "Beast," was not one to back down. His pride and position as a rising power in the New World demanded he stand firm.
"Who the hell are you?!" Kaido growled, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and wariness. "What do you want from the Beasts Pirates?"
Aizen stopped, tilting his head slightly. His calm smile never faltered. "What I want? Simple." He raised his blade slightly, its edge catching the light. "To take what I desire... and crush anything in my way."
Kaido's eyes narrowed. "Do you think you can just walk in here and make demands?"
Aizen let out a soft laugh. "Your bravado is admirable, but misplaced. You're not the Kaido the world will fear one day. Right now, you're just a reckless brute trying to claw your way up."
Aizen's Speed
Before Kaido could respond, Aizen vanished.
"Where?!" Kaido's Observation Haki flared, desperately trying to locate him, but it was futile.
"Behind you," came Aizen's calm voice.
Kaido barely had time to turn before Aizen's blade slashed across his chest in a single, fluid motion.
Blood sprayed through the air as Kaido staggered back, clutching his chest. The wound was deep, searing pain coursing through his body. His eyes widened in disbelief.
Aizen stood where he had been a moment before, Zanpakutō glinting with fresh blood. His expression was serene, as if the strike had required no effort at all.
"You—!" Kaido's words faltered as his knees wavered.
The Beast's Resolve
Kaido growled, shaking off the shock. He glared at Aizen with renewed fury, his massive hand gripping his mace.
"You think one cut is enough to bring me down?! I'm Kaido of the Beasts!" he roared, swinging his mace with ferocious speed and power.
Aizen sidestepped the attack with a movement so effortless it seemed almost lazy. "Such barbaric tactics. Are you truly the one destined to become a Yonko? How disappointing."
Kaido roared again, charging at Aizen with unrelenting aggression. His mace smashed into the ground where Aizen had stood, creating a massive crater.
But Aizen had already moved.
"You're far too predictable," he said, his voice laced with mild amusement.
Overwhelming Power
Kaido's next attack was interrupted by a surge of Reiatsu. Aizen raised his hand, palm facing Kaido.
"Hadō #1: Shō."
A shockwave erupted from Aizen's palm, slamming into Kaido with tremendous force. The Beasts Pirates' leader was sent flying, crashing through trees and boulders before coming to a stop.
Kaido groaned, his body battered and bleeding. Despite his pain, he forced himself to stand. His eyes burned with defiance, but his breaths came in ragged gasps.
"You..." Kaido muttered, clutching his chest.
"You're still standing? Impressive," Aizen remarked, his tone indifferent. "But you're mistaken if you think you can challenge me as you are now."
Kaido gritted his teeth, his pride refusing to let him retreat. "What are you after?!"
"Strength," Aizen replied simply, his blade gleaming ominously. "I needed to see what you were capable of. Unfortunately, it seems I overestimated you."
The System's Rewards
As Kaido struggled to recover, a faint notification echoed in Aizen's mind.
> **[Defeated Kaido of the Beasts (Future Yonko): Template Unlock Progress Increased to 6.62%]**
Aizen felt a surge of power flow through him. His Reiatsu expanded, washing over the battlefield like a tidal wave. He clenched his fist, feeling the newfound strength coursing through him.
"So, this is the reward for besting one of the future Yonko," Aizen mused, a small smile playing on his lips.
Kaido, still panting heavily, glared at Aizen. "This isn't over!"
"It never is," Aizen replied, sheathing his Zanpakutō. "But you're not worth killing—not yet. Grow stronger, Kaido. Perhaps one day you'll be a challenge."
With that, Aizen turned and began to walk away, leaving Kaido to seethe in silence.
A Warning
As he disappeared into the distance, Aizen's voice echoed back:
"When you're ready to face me again, Kaido, remember this: Strength without control is nothing more than recklessness. Until then, survive... if you can."
Kaido slammed his fist into the ground, roaring in frustration as Aizen's figure faded from view.