Chapter 122: Sneak Attack on Kaido?

"Heh, my true energy isn't quite there yet, so I can't fully unleash the power of this artificial Devil Fruit, the Shock-Shock Fruit," Sabo admitted with a smirk.

"But once my true energy increases and I can bring out the full power of this Devil Fruit that Chiba created, you'll be no match for me, Ace. When that day comes, I'll beat you so badly you'll call me your master," Sabo added confidently.

"Tch, let's see if you can actually reach that level first," Ace replied, then turned to Chiba with a grin. "Hey, Chiba, if you get the chance, make me one of those artificial Devil Fruits too."

Chiba chuckled. "Weren't you the one who scoffed at my Devil Fruit creations?"

"Well, they're not real Devil Fruits, after all," Ace replied, half-defensive.

"Then how come you only managed to tie with Sabo?" Chiba teased.

Ace huffed. "That's just because Sabo's strong! Besides, your Devil Fruit isn't that impressive. But still, if I had one, I could definitely reach the level of the Four Emperors."

Chiba noted Ace's ambition and understood that proving the strength of his artificial fruits required powerful users. Only then would the fruits' potential truly shine. "Alright, I haven't decided what type of artificial fruit to make for you yet. Got any ideas?"

Ace grinned mischievously. "Actually, I do. But it's a tall order."

"Let's hear it," Chiba said, intrigued.

Ace's eyes sparkled. "How about a Mythical Zoan like Kaido's Devil Fruit? If you could make a copy of the Azure Dragon form from the Fish-Fish Fruit, Mythical Model: Azure Dragon, that would be perfect!"

Chiba rolled his eyes. "You're dreaming. Do you think Kaido would let me study his body? Or that he'd let me extract his bloodline factor? Your idea is unrealistic."

"Come on, Chiba! You don't give yourself enough credit," Ace pressed. "I know your strength better than anyone. You're strong enough to face Kaido head-on. I'm sure you could beat him!"

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I'm not delusional," Chiba replied, sighing.

"Oh, come on, Chiba!" Ace said, sounding exasperated. "That doesn't sound like you at all. Where's your ambition? As a man, how can you just say no?"

"Trying to provoke me, huh? Doesn't work on me," Chiba chuckled. "I enjoy research, not suicide missions. I've shared my qi training technique with all of you, and that means Kaido could get his hands on it too."

"Plus, those with strong physiques benefit most from qi training. If it gives you guys a tenfold increase in strength, it could boost Kaido's power by twentyfold."

"By my calculations, Kaido's strength has likely reached the late stages of the Four Emperors level, maybe even the peak. I wouldn't be surprised if his Devil Fruit has awakened by now."

"If that's the case, then Kaido's power would rival Whitebeard's during the Summit War. I'm not arrogant enough to think I can take him down alone."

Hearing Whitebeard's name brought a somber look to Ace's face, but he quickly snapped out of it. "Chiba, don't sell yourself short. You've got us by your side. What's there to fear?"

"Exactly," Sabo added, nodding. "I'm close to reaching the Four Emperors level, and Ace isn't far behind. With the three of us together, we can take on Kaido. We don't even need to defeat him outright. All we need is a bit of his flesh or blood for your research."

Ace looked at Chiba expectantly. Chiba sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Fine, fine. But first, the two of you need to train hard. When you can work together and survive a single move from me, then we'll talk about going after Kaido."

Both Ace and Sabo's faces twisted in disbelief, especially Ace, whose mouth dropped. "Are you kidding, Chiba? You really think that little of us? We're both at the peak of Admiral-level strength, and you think we can't handle one move from you?"

Chiba grinned, amused. "Oh? Don't believe me? How about a little test, then?"

"Fine! Let's go right now!" Ace leapt to his feet, full of fighting spirit.

Sabo put a hand on Ace's shoulder, smirking. "Ace, your stamina's not great. Rest a bit first. Let me take Chiba on first."

Chiba tossed each of them a Foundation Establishment Pill. "Take these pills. Once you're both at full strength, you can attack together."

"What? You're letting both of us recover completely and team up to fight you?" Ace said, eyes wide with indignation. "You're underestimating us way too much, Chiba!"

Chiba chuckled. "I'm not underestimating you. I'm just stating the facts. Stop complaining and take the pills."

Grumbling, Ace and Sabo swallowed the pills, then Chiba said, "Take some time to plan your strategy. I'll go to the other side of the island. You two can come at me whenever you're ready. If you manage to make me throw a second punch, you win."

Ace clenched his fists. "Arrogant. So damn arrogant! Letting us recover, giving us a chance to plan, and telling us we win if we can make you use a second punch? I'm going to show you just how wrong you are!"

Sabo was equally incensed. "I've seen people look down on others, but I've never seen anyone look down on people like this. Forget teaming up with Ace—I'll take you on alone, Chiba!"

"Yeah, same here," Ace agreed. "I'm not teaming up either. I'll fight you one-on-one, Chiba. I want to see why you're so confident."

Chiba rubbed his forehead, amused. "Alright then. Who's first?"

"I am!" Sabo and Ace said simultaneously, before flipping a coin to decide. Sabo won and stepped forward, excitement flashing in his eyes as he took to the air.

Chiba rose into the air as well, closing his eyes, as if dismissing Sabo entirely.

Sabo seethed. "This guy is really looking down on me. I'll teach him a lesson today."

Without holding back, Sabo unleashed his Observation Haki, locking onto Chiba, and released all the Haki and true energy within him.

Channeling the power of his Dragon Claw and the Shock-Shock Fruit, he readied himself to go all out.

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.

Next chapter