Author's Note: Welcome back to another chapter of Leader of the Family of D. Now I am back from the small break I took on this story, and as such, I'm also very glad you all liked the last chapter as this story continues to grow. As I also hope that you are all ready for more chapters in the form of this one. Though keep in mind that I am also working on a few other stories, so please check them out! So now, we'll begin this chapter that you've all been craving for without any hints. So without anything else to say, let's get into this chapter.

I don't own One Piece or any crossover elements from other anime's which all belong to the respective owners.

"..." Character P.O.V.

'...' Character thoughts

"..." Attacks

'...' Narrator

Chapter 21: The Night It Started To Rained Fire and Lightning

It was clear how dire the situation was. As Luffy and his fellow pillars were now in the presence of one of the Yonko of the New World. Known as Kaido...

Former apprentice in the legendary Rocks Pirates. Now The King of Beasts and Strongest Creature In The World due to being a merciless, aggressive, and confident warrior who never misses an opportunity to gain an advantage in war. Alongside now being the Governor-General of the extremely infamous and powerful pirate crew known as The Beast Pirates that currently occupy Wano Country in the New World.

Which meant in terms of strength on both land and sea, coupled with air superiority, Kaido was a living catastrophe. Alongside this, being a beast who only craves excitement and chaos. Prepared to start the largest war in the world because he feels that it's too mundane.

Something which all of the pillar generals had realized by now. Considering they fought the Beast Pirates countless times. As the nine's first encounter involved fighting the Yonko crew, and witnessing the battle between their leader and Kaido years before during the battle that was later named Ice Dragon Festival. Due to the untold amount of destruction laid upon the island.

Though as of now that wasn't the only thing on their minds. As each of the generals were overtaken by thoughts of concern on why he was here alongside one of his three All-Stars. While at the same time, trying to suppress the overwhelming feeling that took over in their bodies.

'Why...why won't my hand stop shaking?!' thought Giyu in a panic, as the hand for which he held his sword had continued to shake.

'My flames...they continue to dim, no matter how much I try to keep them ignited in a fiery…but...why…?' thought Agni in a very concerned state of mind, as he gritted his teeth at this occurrence laid upon his own powers.

'My senses...along with every bone in my body is telling me that this is a superior beast… One that I can't even challenge...so why...why can't I move my legs?!' thought Inosuke with wide eyes, as his body was frozen on the spot with the wind around his body still continuing to flow in a stable current.

'As long as he's in that form...no. No matter if he's in that dragon form or not, my Fox Form still wouldn't have an effect on him.' thought Alizeh with slightly raised eyes, continuing to sweat profusely.

'My heart…it won't stop pounding! I need to move…I need to do something!' thought Akeno standing firm, as she brought a hand up to grip hard at her black haori due to the odds before her and everyone else looking very dire and unfortunate.

Something that of which, Luffy took notice of right away. As he saw that his siblings in all but blood were frozen on the spot at their place in the sky. Which led Luffy to look back at the hulking dragon form of Kaido, who was gazing upon him with what looked to a glare.

Leaving Luffy in a state where he was gritting his own teeth, while still maintaining the dragon form of his own. Having a few thoughts of his own on the situation before him, which would inevitably lead to a battle.

'Not good. Not good at all…' thought Luffy in a calm but rushed manner, as he continued to dwell further into his thoughts. 'I may be at New World strength in some areas, but not all around. As I still haven't had enough time to fully grasp things in the way that I wanted to.' thought Luffy, clicking his tongue now, as he looked towards Kaido. 'Even in a head-on battle, in the sky, on land, and at sea. It'll only end with the same result as last time. In utter defeat. Due to head-on physical attacks having little to no effect.' thought Luffy, as he went on further. 'So the question is what do I do?' thought Luffy, now finding himself at a loss at what to do moving forward.

Which was why before he could continue delving into his thoughts, Kaido decided to speak in the thunderous, and also very booming voice of his dragon form.

"Well brat, it looks like we met yet again. How's the wound that I gave you?" asks Kaido in a cocky tone, knowing the light scar the left side of Luffy's jaw was from his work.

"It healed nicely, got a scar from it too." says Luffy with a serious expression, hiding his true emotions, as he spoke again. "How's your suicidal tendencies? Still throwing yourself off of Sky Islands, and drinking yourself into unsuccessful oblivion?" asks Luffy with a draconic smirk on his face, returning the cocky attitude back to his foe, who in turn grunted, before he spoke again.

"Heh, Impudent as ever. Just like the last time, you brat." says Kaido, still keeping the glare present on his face, as Luffy spoke again.

"Right…" begins Luffy while looking to the side, before his expression turns serious with a glare as he looks back to Kaido. "Now, what is it that you're exactly doing here in Paradise? Considering there is literally nothing out here that interests you, or satisfies your desire for excitement and chaos." says Luffy, speaking in a calm tone, deciding to point this out while maintaining his less than thrilled exterior.

"Oh I believe there is." begins Kaido, before continuing to speak. "Considering you already know why I'm here. As I intend to finish what we started, brat." says Kaido, sounding very determined while final on his words.

Forcing Luffy to look on for a few moments in contemplation. As he looked to the area far ahead, noticing very large rock formations that were standing tall in the ocean. While also being near, a small uninhabited island.

Perfect for him to battle this beast. Which was why, Luffy looked back towards Kaido in order to speak four words that would determine where the battle would start...

"And if I refuse?" asks Luffy with a serious expression on his face, replacing his glare as he spoke with curiosity in his voice, which was an indication that this battle was going to take place.

"YOU DON'T HAVE A CHOICE IN THE MATTER, BOY!" says Kaido, shouting in a great fury now.

As he began to move forward in order to attack Luffy, who had turned and flew off quickly. Leaving the draconic beast of a Yonko to follow after him, as the other pillar generals decided to look on and watch from their position in the sky.

Finding it better for their leader, and captain to handle this one. As it was better that way instead of potentially getting in the way. While also making sure that no one interfered in this battle. Which was exactly why they had all turned to another, who had accompanied Kaido all the way here.

As the appearance of this individual had represented that of the full transformation his Devil Fruit had given him. A full pteranodon...

This was King. Current wielder of the Ryu Ryu no Mi, Model: Pteranodon, and one of the three All-Stars within the Beasts Pirates. Which were Kaido's three closest confidants known as the Disasters, due to their respective epithets corresponding to the types of calamity they bring.

As King was particularly known publicly as King the Conflagration, due to being capable of generating fire. Along with this out of the three Disasters, King seemed to be the most serious and most competent of them. Though there was also something else about King in general that was unique.

Something that all the pillar generals had immediately recognized from so many previous encounters during their service to the World Government and the Marines...

That both Agni and King were a part of the same race. As many of those within the Kagutsuchi D. Family had majorly taken on the trait of having large, feathery black wings as well as having flames at their back at all times. Leaving them to be something akin to mixed-bloods, or pure-bloods from certain people's perspectives.

Alongside this it was publicly known that King, and respectively Agni's tribe through direct and ancestral connection were thought to be otherwise extinct at this point. Though the same couldn't be said for the side of Agni's family that translated to his D. lineage. Which was also practically scattered across the world like the rest of the other families within the Clan of D.

So when both fighters met on the battlefield, it was crystal clear that neither of them were very thrilled to meet each other. As they had many reasons of their own behind why, alongside being enemies adding to that list.

Which was why currently, both Agni and King were staring each other down with glares. Waiting to see who would make the first move, as King flapped his wings a bit harder. Leaving Agni to put a hand on his katana, as his long hair began to overshadow his eyes.

Leaving only the sound of wind to take over the skies, as they have been doing since the beginning. Before King made an attempt to swiftly fly past them in order to watch the battle from a closer point of view. As he was immediately stopped by the pillar generals, who had immediately used Soru in order to block his path.

Causing them to stare down the Pteranodon, as all five of them had a hand on their blades. Ready to move at a moment's notice, if King were to try anything once more.

"Hmph! You brats really do annoy me. Especially the orange-haired disgrace in your crew." says King, speaking with venom in his voice as he referred to Agni, whose flames started to rise a bit at such a comment. "Do you all really think you have enough power to keep me here? Let alone take me on?" asks King in a serious tone of voice, making his question sound as if he were looking down on the five before him.

Which is exactly what the five pillar generals before him took it as. But didn't take it personally at all. Considering they had heard those words countless times due to their shared past serving under orders from the World Government, and Marines.

Leaving this to be exactly why, Giyu decided to speak now in order to respond to such arrogant words from King.

"Don't get cocky. We can, and will keep you here." says Giyu, speaking in a serious tone that matched his hardened glare, as had put emphasis on a single word

"Honestly, it's not a matter of fighting you. It's a matter of ensuring that you stay out of this battle between our captain, and your Governor-General Kaido." says Alizeh, calmly speaking with a shrug in her shoulders, all the while looking too relaxed but at the same time also very much in a position where she could strike out at a moment's notice.

"So, your assuming that I would try to interfere in this battle?" asks King, whilst narrowing his eyes now at such a subtle accusation.

"It's the most logical choice of action for us." begins Inosuke, being very clear with his answer as he let out a sigh, before continuing to speak. "After all, you're the only All-Star from the Beasts Pirates who seems to have enough balls to act on your own." says Inosuke, now making his point very clear to King now while deciding to throw in a small jab.

Which causes King to let out a small chuckle that confused the five in front of him. Finding Inosuke's words to be somewhat amusing to him, due to his current situation placed within front of him. As these same words were what made the Pteranodon himself decide to speak again.

"That's a bit comical coming from you." begins King, speaking with serious amusement in his voice, as he continued further. "Especially when you consider this. The fact that you all act like lap dogs for that captain of yours that's fighting the Governor-General." says King, deciding to respond to Inosuke's jab by throwing his own insult back at the five before him.

"Yes, it is a bit comical. Quite amusing, I would dare say." begins Akeno, sounding as if she were agreeing with the man, as her siblings looked to her quietly. "Though the one flaw within your words is that you said we act like his lap dogs. When on the contrary, we are nothing close to being such a thing." says Akeno, still keeping her calm voice, as she now decided to vigorously glare down upon King while speaking again. "Luffy put his trust in us to keep you here, and we were gonna do just that. Whether you like it, or not." says Akeno with finality in her tone.

Leaving lightning to start dancing upon both her skin and along her hair. Giving her a much more very menacing appearance, behind such calm words. As it was all accompanied by the spine chilling glare that she dishing out at King.

BZZT BOOM

Though even that was quickly interrupted by the sound of lightning sparks came to life. Before a very large pillar of lightning appeared in the distance, coming down to strike whatever it was attacking. As it was accompanied by the sound of an ear-shattering boom of thunder.

Leaving King and the Pillar Generals to look on with slightly widened eyes. As the battle had seemed to have finally begun. Which was why, Agni looked on for a few moments as he used Observation Haki to sense out that both Luffy and Kaido were flying higher into the sky.

And for this, Agni had already surmised that Luffy was putting a bit of distance between them and the battle. In order for no one to come out hurt in all of this. As the only ones that should come out hurt in this battle at all were both himself and Kaido, if Luffy should so happen to find some sort of weak point in the beast that he was currently engaging.

Which is exactly why, Agni let out a sigh before he turned his attention back to King. In order to speak for a final time, before letting his Observation Haki do the work of letting him watch the battle unfold.

"Well, it's like Akeno just said Luffy put his trust in us to keep you here, King. So it should go without saying that when it comes to an enemy pirate crew like yours…" says Agni as he trailed off with words.

WHISH CLANG

Due to more lightning coming to life, before it came crashing down even harder on whatever the designated target was. While also being accompanied by another thunderous boom of thunder, as Agni continued speaking.

"...we take everything you throw at us very seriously, and act on it accordingly." says Agni being logical, as he finished his sentence while revealing the motive behind their actions in blocking King's path. "As it would not only be a major offense, but rather it would be very foolish of us to not take a Yonko's crew seriously. Especially when we're enemies at the end of the day. Which is exactly why..." says Agni trailing off on his words again, while putting more rationality into his statement, as he made a point on their current actions.

Before moving to now bring his blade out of its sheath with the other pillar generals beside him doing the same. As all of them stood ready to do battle as well against King, should he go for the chance at getting past them. Considering the man was so very confident just a few moments beforehand.

Leaving them all to stand at the ready with glares etched upon their faces, all aimed at King. Who was looking back at all five of them. As his expression told that he was not so very thrilled either, especially sat such a display before him.

Only for this same distaste to grow substantially. When Agni spoke five words that would finish his sentence, but would also determine the magnitude of the situation placed before King...

"...we shall be your opponents." says Agni with determination in his tone, now awaiting a battle alongside his friends.

As Luffy was attending to his own...

- With Luffy And Kaido -

To say that Luffy was having a small problem would be an understatement. As not only did a major threat from the New World appear before him, but it had to be Kaido of all things. The beast, who had fought his grandfather alongside a few major figures from his former crew, who now presented a major threat to the current function of the world.

The very same beast, who was responsible for giving him one of the scars that was etched onto his skin. And the very same Yonko, who Luffy had fought both tooth and nail with all of his strength in order to defeat him, but never even come close to doing so while somehow managing to entertain him…

Had come to finish the fight they had started...

Though this wasn't what was majorly on Luffy's mind currently. No, what was on Luffy's mind currently was the difficulty placed before him in flight. Which was presented to him in the form of heavy, dark clouds that had caused him to slow down a bit from flying at high speed. Giving him only one option, which was to fly a bit slower and work his way through the clouds.

As lightning and thunder came to life everywhere with Luffy keeping his eyes out for Kaido in all of it. As the reason behind why he took off so quickly for Kaido to follow him away from his crew, and so that he could fight at all-out strength in order. Due to some of the attacks he had in his arsenal being a bit too devastating. Alongside some being capable of changing the landscape of a battle, precisely his Elemental Haki alongside the Logia's in his possession as well.

So with this being said, as Luffy was working his way through the storm of clouds, lightning, and thunder, he had come to the decision to fly high up into the air. Now going for the chance to obtain capacity speed in order to get where he was going. As he felt the air getting thinner the higher he climbed.

Though not before reaching his destination, which was above the sea of darkened clouds. In order to see everything clearly, as the moon was ever high, and ever so vigilant in the sky. As it appeared to be in the Waxing Gibbous stage of it's cycle, providing Luffy with a clear answer that he wouldn't be able to use a certain form.

Making Luffy click his teeth as he looked down at the clouds beneath him for a few moments. Waiting in serious anticipation for what was to come…

FLARE WOOSH

As the sound of fire came to life, making Luffy move out of the way. Due to Kaido's dragon form bursting out of the clouds while still exhaling fire in a large torrent of flames. Causing Luffy to now fly off at a quick speed, as Kaido was breathing the flames in his direction right behind him. Leaving Luffy to feel a bit of the immense heat of the flames, even though they had not touched him. As his scales and the fire placed upon his dragon form were doing the work of combating this problem.

Before Luffy quickly decided to make a brisk, and swift turn upwards once again. Deciding it best to go up further into the air in order to maintain capacity speed. As Luffy's actions of evading proved to further annoy Kaido as he finally stopped the flames, and went to dive back down into the clouds beneath.

Giving Luffy his chance to slow down, and fly back just above the sea of darkened clouds. Contemplating whether it was best to even pursue his target, or let them come to him. Though with this one thought coming to mind, another behind it came just as quick as the first. Which caused Luffy's whole damned to now be one of panic, as he had one final thought.

'Shit! He's heading for the others in order to draw me out!' thought Luffy in his panic state.

Now deciding to dive down into the storm of clouds while using Observation Haki in order to track his target, and expand his range.

- With Kaido -

'If the brat won't come to me willingly, then I just simply have to draw him out!' thought Kaido, yelling within his thoughts, as he made his way down through the clouds.

And upon reaching the threshold, Kaido in his dragon form came bursting out of the darkened clouds. Now within full view of the sea under him, and the sky not taken up. As the Yonko himself decided to look around the ocean with calculating eyes. Before now spotting a small ship that looked to be anchored in the ocean with a familiar Jolly Roger that he had seen in the newspaper just days before. Which left him with a perfect target for drawing Luffy out.

Before he had turned to his second option, which was the other pillar generals that were currently engaging King. And all of five of them seemed to be holding back the All-Star right where he was. While giving Kaido the perfect opportunity to attack them from behind.

Due to the beast having gone unnoticed by the five pillar generals, as he had on thought…

'Perfect.' thought Kaido with a dark, draconic smirk as he went to open his mouth.

Only to now suck in the air, as a glow of fire was created at the epicenter of his mouth past the tongue. Looking as if it were being charged up in order to gain more attacking power. As the glow became even brighter the longer it stayed in Kaido's mouth.

Which forced the pillar generals, and King to notice this. Only to turn and see that Kaido was about to launch something at them that made their eyes widen in utter shock. Leaving King himself to immediately bolt to the left, and out of the range of the attack.

As Kaido was finally ready to release his attack...

"Blast Breath" says Kaido shouting out, as he went to now release a massive heat blast from his mouth towards the five pillar generals in his firing range.

Leaving this extremely powerful attack to travel towards them very quickly. As Giyu, Agni, Inosuke, Alizeh, and Akeno all made an attempt to move out of the range of this devastating blast of fiery heat from Kaido's mouth. Only to find themselves a bit too late, as they could feel the heat etching even closer to them.

As they didn't even have a chance to coat their bodies entirely in Armament Haki. Leaving the odds to be greatly against them in terms of being able to defend themselves.

Along with their fate seeming to be already sealed by this one attack…

"Breath of the Moon: Eighteenth Form: Second Calamitous - Whirlwind Of The Getsuga Tenshō" says the shouting voice of Luffy, as he came down from the clouds in human form with Elemental Sun Breather present in his hand under the Flesh Sword transformation.

As Luffy had decided to quickly charge a large amount of Haki, and demonic energy around the blade. Before bringing the blade upward in order to release the attack in a tremendously, enormous blast that was sent upward. Before a large whirlwind of so many numerous chaotic crescent-shaped blades started to originate from the blast.

Due to the first stage of the attack being a prerequisite. Leaving the second stage to be the final part of the attack, as Kaido's Blast Breath was stopped on contact. As both attacks now started to fight for dominance. Causing Kaido to perk up at such an attack, as King and the pillar generals looked on with surprised expressions.

Giving Luffy the perfect chance to use his Asura's Phoenix Mode in order to create wings made of fire, and fly over to where his friends were.

'The eighteenth form will only hold for so long, before Kaido's attack wins the fight for dominance and disperses it!' thought Luffy in haste, as he flapped the wings in a quick manner, now looking over to see his attack was weakening. 'Shit! I need to get them out of the way quickly!' thought Luffy as he looked back to where the others were.

Now deciding to use Geppo in order to descend quickly. As Kaido's Blast Breath attack was already halfway through the eighteenth form. Not giving Luffy much time to do a lot in this situation, as he decided it best to act on logical impulse.

Which was exactly why Luffy's next actions were swift and justifiable…

"Haki Form Manifestation: Susanoo" says Luffy, now making familiar blue energy come forth in order to create a large skeletal arm.

Before deciding to move it towards his friends with a purpose. As that same purpose was to quickly swat them out of the way, and hard at that in order to get them out of the firing range. Considering Luffy was putting the safety of their lives above a few injuries and bruises. Just in time for Luffy's Observation Haki to blare out at him.

Allowing him to see a bit of the future, which caused his eyes to widen in pure shock. As he turned to where the Blast Breath was now eating away the last bits of the eighteenth form from the Breath of the Moon. Now noticing that Kaido's attack still had a lot of steam behind it, and left Luffy no room to escape.

Which was why Luffy decided to defend himself by blocking the attack out as best as he could.

"Armament Haki: Hardened Body" says Luffy, causing his body to be encased entirely in the blackening-effect of his Armament Haki that has a pinkish-red shine.

As Luffy went to take his defense a bit further, by now making the Susanoo manifest to an even more developed form. Now developing a full skeleton first, before quickly making musculature. Before finally making skin form until the Susanoo finally made a complete humanoid is shaped.

Leaving him with an able enough defense as the Blast Breath had finally eaten away all of the eighteenth form. Before barreling center in Luffy's direction now in order to strike him down.

BOOM

"Blargkt!" says Luffy, upon being hit full force with the attack.

As the immense blast of heat had gone to finally consumed his Susanoo with the technique holding out for the most part. Due to Luffy noticing that the heat, barring down on his Susanoo from the blast, was finally starting to eat away the blue energy that made up it's skin.

Before fully penetrating the skin entirely, as the heat continued to eat away the bones. Right down to the rib cage that had surrounded Luffy. As the Haki Form Manifestation of Susanoo had finally become no more under the immense power of one attack from the Yonko Kaido.

Leaving Luffy to ultimately let his Haki do the work, as he was sent down to the ocean beneath him. As the attack was still strong in nature. Continuing to burn away the nearby waters, which in turn caused steam to be brought up in heavy amounts.

Which only made the other pillar generals concern grow even more. Alongside King, who looked on with narrowed eyes, as he felt something was off. As Kaido had decided to descend in his dragon form a bit close to the water in order to get a better look at his work.

While feeling the need to speak out upon noticing something at this point in the battle now.

"Ahh, so that's a Haki Form Manifestation. I've heard from tales that it's an ability that embodies the heart, and is triggered in a rare few. If under the right circumstances." begins Kaido in a serious but intrigued tone, as he looks on at the massive cloud of steam from his attack. "Manifesting the physical representation of a person's deepest desires held deep within their own heart. And judging by yours boy, it seems yours represents armor. A form of protection." says Kaido, sounding as if he were reciting .

While still continuing to observe the steam in his dragon form. Noticing that it was too quiet, as Luffy had yet to come out from within. Along with this, Kaido noticed something else but chose to ignore it for the time being. Due to him continuing to speak again with mocking amusement in his tone.

"Which means you most likely wished to protect something, but failed to do so. Worororo, how amusing." begins Kaido with an enlivened tone in his voice, as he continued to speak. "All because you were simply because you were too weak, and lacked the power necessary to do so." says Kaido with another draconic smirk plastered upon his face, as he spoke two final words. "Even now." says Kaido, as his tone became serious now once again.

SPLASH WHISH ROOAAARRR

Due to Luffy coming up out of the water in dragon form. Flapping his wings wildly, as he let out a roar of pure anger with the flames on his dragon form coming back to life. As he went to lunge out at Kaido, and found his attempt at doing so successful.

Causing both dragons to now ascend upward in the air a bit, as they fought up close and personal. Both lunging their bodies out in order to attack each other viciously. As Luffy landed on the belly side of Kaido's dragon form in order to use his claws to attack at the Yonko's face. While at the same time lunging his neck out in order to bite at the Yonko's jugular.

Alongside using his legs too in order to claw, and scrap out at the scales of the Yonko's dragon form. All with a purpose of penetrating the skin in order to cause damage. As Kaido lunged out to bite at Luffy's wing, and was successful in doing so as blood spew forth. Though not without consequence, due to Luffy waiting for the perfect moment to lunge out at Kaido's neck.

Now deciding to bite down hard at the skin, which caused blood to spew forth. Causing Kaido to roar out, as he went for Luffy's neck in response. Only to miss entirely due to Luffy swift moving back, as he lunged his body forward in order to bite down on the left side of Kaido's head.

Which left him in a superior position as both dragons were letting out roars. Despite Luffy clamping his mouth down on the left side of the Yonko's head in dragon form. Leaving Kaido to maneuver his body in order to break free of Luffy's hold, as he moved in an attempt to force them both out of the sky.

As Kaido's body maneuver caused Luffy to follow with him, as they both started to descend quickly. With Luffy barely being able to notice where they were going to crash, as Kaido tried to fire off more fire, only this time at point blank range. Which left Luffy to turn his full attention back to Kaido, as he went to use his left arm to grab Kaido's mouth.

Now clamping it shut with an iron hard grip, as smoke began to escape from the small opening in Kaido's lips. Though not for long, as both combatants had crashed hard down onto the cold hard ground of the abandoned island in which Luffy had originally chosen as the battleground for this fight. Causing a large cloud of dust, and dirt to be kicked up from the strong impact.

With both combatants now getting themselves together from the fall, mainly so for Kaido. As he wasn't injured in the slightest, but just a bit dazed from his own method of getting Luffy off of him. Which is exactly why Kaido turned his attention back to Luffy, who was just getting back up and ready to continue fighting.

Now deciding to speak as he slowly walked over to his opponent while coming out of dragon form.

"This is starting to become a huge mess. No, a colossal mistake." says Luffy, speaking under his breath, but loud enough for Kaido to hear him as he gritted his teeth. "You just had to show up now? Here of all places in Paradise?" asks Luffy in a raised tone, speaking to himself while altogether glaring at the dragon form of Kaido.

As this only left the Yonko himself to shift his dragon form towards Luffy in order to continue listening to what he had to say.

"Over the last few years I've heard the rumors, but I didn't think it would be this bad." begins Luffy, as he stopped walking, and stood somewhat of a distance away from Kaido. "Then again, a beast like you who only craves excitement and chaos is none of my business." says Luffy in an indifferent tone of voice, as he continued speaking. "I have no intention of finishing business from the New World in Paradise. With that being said Kaido, you're standing in the way of my current objective." says Luffy, pointing this out while deciding to speak a bit further. "So if it isn't too much trouble, I would like for you to head back to Wano." says Luffy in a serious tone of voice.

Now making it very clear that he did not wish to continue this fight at the moment for many reasons. As Luffy's current reasons for doing so was to settle some of the issues that would later arise not only immediately, but further down the line.

Leaving this to not sit well at all with Kaido. Who was currently releasing, and radiating heavy amounts of Haki in every direction. Only for all of it to be centered in the direction of Luffy now after a couple of seconds. Leaving said straw hat captain to look on with a calm expression present on his face, as the King of Beasts decided to speak upon hearing these words from his opponent.

"Head back….?" asks Kaido in a cold tone, which was accompanied by a glare as the words continued to ring in his head. "You think I'd actually head back that easily boy?" asks Kaido with sarcasm present in voice, as he was inwardly and openly scoffed at such a proposal.

"No, but it was worth a shot." says Luffy with a shrug in his shoulders, speaking honestly with not a hint of amusement or cockiness in his voice, as he continued speaking. "So will you not head back to Wano?" asks Luffy keeping the same tone of voice, while wanting to get a better answer from the Yonko.

"Of course I won't. Like I said before, you don't have a choice in the matter." says Kaido, now outright glaring with his Haki beginning to explode out even more.

Which in turn only left Luffy to release a bit of Haki in order to counter the pressure from Kaido's own. As he stood there thinking for a few moments, before deciding to speak once again.

"I see." says Luffy, acknowledging such words from Kaido as he spoke again with one final effort in mind. "But wouldn't it be a bit more beneficial for us to continue this later? And settle this battle of ours where we can go all out without fail?" asks Luffy, trying to make it sound a bit more favorable.

As Kaido's attitude had not shifted in the slightest. Which in turn only left the beast to immediately respond to such questions from Luffy.

"No." says Kaido, speaking a bit more calmly, as his tone had finality held within it. "As it stands boy, I came here to finish what we started. Regardless of the World Government and it's Marines, and I intend to do just that. As you and I both know that there's no method of sweet talking your way out of this." says Kaido, making his point clear, as his dragon form started to rise up just a bit. "So stop acting like a coward and face me right here. Right now, boy." says Kaido, sneering out the last words.

While deciding that there had been enough talking. As the King of Beasts wanted to get back on track with the battle laid before himself and Luffy. All the while causing these words to calmly ring out through Luffy's head now.

Leaving his whole demeanor to shift within a few seconds, as his eyes went wide with a bit of shock. Only to calm down after a few moments, due to knowing that the Yonko was trying to goad him on into attacking by simply calling him a coward. Which in actuality did seem to work in angering him for just a moment. As it left the air in the region surrounding them both to start freezing up just a bit.

With Luffy finally starting to speak again in a more cold, and emotionless tone as his expression could not be seen.

"A coward, huh…?" asks Luffy with his voice trailing off at the end, whilst his straw hat started to shadow his eyes now, before he decided to speak again in a much more deadlier tone of voice. "Well, it seems like we won't get anywhere by just talking." says Luffy with a sigh, finally reaching the conclusion.

"..." leaving Kaido silent for his part, as he seemed to notice the situation shift in his favor.

As Luffy's body began to start cloaking itself in a massive amount of steam. Before dying down to show that Luffy had now retaken his dragon form. All the while glaring as he continues speaking in a thunderous, draconic tone of voice.

"Seeing how you were acting so overconfident just a few moments earlier has started to annoy me. Though at the same time, I expected nothing less from a Yonko such as yourself." says Luffy, as the red energy of his wrath had started to build around his body, alongside sparks of electricity bursting to life. "As you must have lived your life only winning, and looking down on others…" says Luffy, trailing off as he finished speaking.

As these words only made Kaido huff out a breath of annoyance, before deciding to speak in response to these words.

"And judging by your serious and non overconfident behavior, you must have never had an easy win before. Then again, that's something that's never changed since our last encounter." says Kaido, now taking this time to analyze his opponent.

SWOOSH

Before Luffy had disappeared from sight in a red blur, accompanied by lightning with the sound of wind being cracked upon doing so. Which only seemed to cause Kaido to be drawn into further confusion for a moment.

BANG

As Luffy decided to reappear right in front of Kaido's eyes. Only to grab the Yonko's face, as he took this opportunity to flap his wings a bit for added effect in helping his speed. Before slamming him dead center into the large rock formation positioned behind him. Causing rocks to either fall down, or shift in their position all together.

Leaving spiderweb cracks to appear where Luffy had positioned Kaido's body at for the moment. As Luffy himself decided to now take this moment to speak in response to Kaido's words.

"But of course. There's no way I would ever let my innate strength, and Haki Potential go to waste. Especially under weak opponents where the Haki has no room to grow." says Luffy in a serious tone, as he used his strength to hold Kaido in place. "That being said, I may not be able to beat you but I will find a chink in this nigh-indestructible of yours! Either it be in soon, or later!" says Luffy, shouting out in obvious rage.

As the battle had finally reached the end of it's warm up stage. With both combatants now finally beginning to move into the more dire stage of this battle.

Which would ultimately determine much ahead…

To Be Concluded In Chapter 22: The Wrathful Chimera Vs. The Strongest Beast

Done!, good, bad, don't like it that's on you. So yeah, here is a chapter of more that's to come in the next chapter. As I've had to hash this out for a bit while working on other stories. With that being said, it was mainly the dialogue I was working so much on in order to give you quality over quantity. So I hope you like this, as I will be working on the conclusion chapter of this battle.

Now with that out of the way, the reason why chapters are becoming slow to publish is because I'm actually working due to summer and my college classes being done and over with until the next semester which is coming up. Along with that, I'm also going back to polish a lot of chapters from the past in this story by changing a few attack names and what not. And lastly my other stories, as I am focusing on certain ones at a time in order to put out chapters for each of them.

And with that being said, I do hope this was a good chapter for you all because honestly I was trying to do this one right for you guys as a minor update for what's to come in the future. Now, without anything left to say please review, and I'll see you guys in the next chapter.