Chapter 28: Ashura Doji's Wariness

The massive elephant trunk gleamed with Armament Haki, exuding a menacing aura. There was no time to draw his longsword. Acting on instinct, Ashura Doji channeled all his Haki into his arms, crossing them in front of his head to block the attack.

BAM!

The clash sent Ashura Doji flying uncontrollably as Jack's trunk struck him head-on. Though his Haki shield absorbed most of the impact, leaving him unharmed, the sight was enough to shock the onlookers. Everyone except Yamato and Black Maria gaped in disbelief, their mouths hanging open.

Devil Fruits of the Zoan type weren't as bizarre as Paramecia or as destructive and versatile as Logia. Their advantage lay in enhancing the user's physical attributes. Depending on the fruit, these enhancements varied, but the true strength of Zoans went beyond that.

Kaido had once explained:

"Jack, if an average human's strength is twenty, most people can only utilize twelve or thirteen of it. Even with training, they might reach fifteen or sixteen. Only true prodigies can fully unlock their potential after years of effort. But a Zoan user, in hybrid form, can control all of their latent power, while full-beast form dramatically boosts their physical limits. Compared to Paramecia or Logia, only Zoans truly enhance the user's raw combat capability."

Jack had little experience with Logia users and only vague memories of Paramecia. One of his clearest recollections was witnessing a battle shortly after joining the Beasts Pirates. Back then, a certain Gecko Moria had dueled Kaido in Ringo. Despite eventually losing due to the overwhelming strength of Kaido's commanders, Moria left a deep impression on the young Jack. The way he turned into a bat and summoned shadow clones to absorb damage revealed the mysterious potential of Paramecia fruits.

"Damn it..."

Ashura Doji's furious shout pulled Jack from his thoughts. The samurai charged again, his determination burning despite the earlier setback. Jack swung his massive trunk downward to meet him.

CRASH!

Once more, Ashura Doji was swatted aside, though this time, his anger began to subside. Lying on the ground, he forced himself to calm down. Jack, now in hybrid form, was a force to be reckoned with. His sheer size—nearly eight meters tall—combined with his enhanced weight and strength, made him an unstoppable juggernaut. If Jack weren't limited to an SR rating by his current power ceiling, his stats might already have surpassed a hundred, touching UR levels.

The earth trembled as Jack charged forward like a rampaging mammoth, leaving cracks in his wake. Yamato and the others scattered to avoid the destruction.

"Ivory Rush!"

Ashura Doji, regaining his composure, leapt high into the air just as Jack's gleaming tusks came charging in. His longsword, now enveloped in black Armament Haki, radiated lethal intent as it slashed downward.

Slash!

"Ugh!"

Blood sprayed like a fountain. The wound on Jack was significantly deeper this time, prompting Yamato and Black Maria to rush forward in concern.

"Get back!" Jack roared, his immense mammoth form shrinking as he transformed back. Without looking at them, he addressed Ashura Doji, his voice cold and low.

"That's a sharp sword. And strong Haki, too. But don't think you'll take me down that easily!"

Jack reached for his spiked club at his waist, turning to face Ashura Doji. The samurai, now fully on guard, studied Jack's every move. Despite Jack's bold declaration, a grimace of pain briefly flashed across his face.

"Jack, are you okay? Is the injury bad?" Maria asked anxiously.

Jack waved her off, the grimace giving way to an embarrassed look.

"It's nothing. The club got stuck when I transformed... in a very inconvenient spot."

"Idiot!" Maria and Yamato shouted in unison, their voices layered with exasperation and disbelief.

Ashura Doji, meanwhile, was seething. Pointing his sword at Jack, he bellowed, "Are you mocking me? How dare you spout such nonsense in the middle of a fight! State your name, Beasts Pirate scum!"

"Mocking you? Hah! I just got caught in a bad spot—what's it to you?" Jack sneered, his gaze drifting to Ashura Doji's exposed chest. "And you're this sensitive over some banter? Your ego's as fragile as your grandmother's porcelain teacups!"

"Name's Jack, by the way. Remember it, 'cause I'm the one who's gonna bury you!"

"Damn you!"

Enraged, Ashura Doji charged again. Even Kaido had treated him with respect, sending gifts to win him over. For this brute to insult him so brazenly was unforgivable. Ashura Doji's blade clashed with Jack's club in a ferocious exchange of blows.

Clang!

Despite Jack's brute strength and the agility of his trunk, Ashura Doji's superior swordsmanship and Haki allowed him to gain the upper hand. After dozens of exchanges, his sword struck Jack again, this time drawing a line of blood across his chest.

But the injury was superficial.

Ashura Doji's eyes widened in disbelief. Without using Haki, his strikes should've been devastating—enough to cleave most opponents in two. Yet Jack's skin had barely been scratched.

"This monstrous physique... Could he be another freak like Kaido?" Ashura Doji's mind raced. "Even his techniques resemble Kaido's... He must be Kaido's disciple. No... I can't let him live to grow stronger. He has to die here!"

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