Naruto: From Konoha to One Piece

"The physique of this kid... Something about it just doesn't add up!" Kaido frowned as he observed Shin. It wasn't that Kaido had never encountered bodies as resilient as Shin's; after years of clashes across the seas, he'd met his fair share of formidable opponents. Even though Shin's physique was highly unusual, having undergone several transformations, Kaido rated him only among the top five opponents he'd ever faced.

However, Shin's rapid growth was baffling. It had been less than a year since Kaido last encountered him with the Whitebeard Pirates. Back then, Shin's physical strength was remarkable but still comparable to that of the high-ranking members of Kaido's own crew. Now, in just under a year, Shin's physique felt as unbreakable as that of a top-tier Emperor of the Sea. Such progress in such a short time was nearly inconceivable.

"Is it a devil fruit awakening? Maybe this guy didn't eat the Munch-Munch fruit as he claimed but something much more powerful," Kaido speculated before shaking the thought away. With his massive mace raised high, he charged at Shin, bringing it down with deadly intent.

"Thunderous Bagua!"

Shin's body immediately glinted with a metallic sheen as he activated his devil fruit ability. Clenching his fists, he met Kaido's strike head-on. The clash was explosive, sending shockwaves through the air and emitting brief flashes of lightning as Shin staggered back, wincing slightly.

'I'm still at a disadvantage without Conqueror's Haki,' he thought.

Kaido didn't relent, swinging his mace relentlessly, forcing Shin to stay on the defensive.

Their repeated blows generated powerful gusts that tore through the air around them. Even though Shin lacked a weapon, his body—strengthened by compressed metals absorbed through his devil fruit—proved resilient. While he was being pushed back, his sturdy physique and reinforced body allowed him to hold his ground without taking severe damage.

Moreover, Kaido noticed something unsettling: the longer they fought, the stronger Shin seemed to grow, as though each clash only spurred his latent potential to new heights.

"Shin, I'm here to help!" A fiery figure swooped down from above as Ace joined the fray, launching a blazing punch toward Kaido.

...only to be immediately swatted away by Kaido's swift strike, sending Ace sprawling with several painful coughs.

'How is Shin even standing after taking so many hits?' Ace wondered as he struggled to his feet.

Meanwhile, fully aware of her father's overwhelming power, Yamato prepared more cautiously than Ace before charging in. Despite her best efforts, however, she was overpowered, struggling to withstand Kaido's brutal attacks.

With the aid of his allies, Shin finally managed to break free from Kaido's relentless assault. Seizing the opportunity, he closed the distance, launching a powerful upward punch directly into Kaido's chest.

Compared to Kaido's towering frame, Shin's nearly two-meter height was modest. Even when augmented through his Devil Fruit, he reached only about three meters—small in comparison. This proximity, however, afforded Shin a strategic advantage, as Kaido's large mace was difficult to wield effectively at close range. After several well-placed strikes, Shin finally sent Kaido staggering back with a powerful Rising Dragon Fist.

[A/N: Rising Dragon Fist is an attack move in Streetfighter used by Ryu and Ken; it's basically a jumping uppercut.]

"Well done, kid! You've impressed me!" Kaido's eyes gleamed with a manic excitement. Grabbing a giant gourd of sake from his side, he took a long swig, finishing it in one gulp.

"Now... things are going to get serious."

Watching Kaido's transformation, Shin felt a twinge of unease. Kaido possessed a unique talent—the more he drank, the more powerful he became, his strength fueled by drunken rage.

[A/N: As per One Piece Wiki, By consuming alcohol, Kaidou can enter a state called Shuron Hakke, literally meaning Sake Dragon Eight Trigrams]

'Is he a panda in disguise, or has he mastered Drunken Fist?' Shin wondered wryly as Kaido's energy surged.

"Roaring Thunder Bagua!"

The force of Kaido's attack was staggering, a whirlwind of destructive energy. Shin barely reacted in time, taking a direct hit to his chest.

"Three Consecutive Strikes – Concussive Slam!"

Before Shin could steady himself, Kaido's relentless barrage struck again, slamming him into the ground with unyielding force.

Just as Kaido was about to deliver another strike, a shimmering barrier materialized in front of him.

"Barrier!"

Kaido looked up, his vision hazy with drink, to see a young green-haired girl standing firm.

"Kozuki? No... Who are you to Kozuki Oden?" he asked, eyes narrowing.

"Kozuki Oden was my father. I am his daughter, Kozuki Hiyori!" Despite the oppressive aura radiating from Kaido, Hiyori gritted her teeth, standing defiant.

The barrier-barrier fruit had been a gift from Shin, given to Hiyori for protection due to her limited combat ability. Though her strength was modest, Shin had entrusted her with this powerful defense to keep her safe.

"Ohhh, Kozuki Oden's daughter, grown and facing me herself? You've got guts!" Kaido sneered, raising his mace. With a swift motion, he swung it down, aiming directly for Hiyori.

"Your Highness, look out!" cried Kawamatsu the Kappa, leaping forward with a drawn blade. He intercepted Kaido's blow, barely managing to hold his ground under the massive force.

"Arrgh!" Kaido suddenly let out a roar of pain. He glanced down to see a sword embedded in his foot, blood seeping from the wound.

Slowly, Shin rose to his feet, dusting himself off. "You may be a pirate, Kaido, but attacking a young girl shows a lack of honor."

Seizing Kaido's brief distraction, Shin had sneaked up and delivered a precise stab, wedging his sword into the massive pirate's foot.

Kaido grunted, brushing off Shin's words with a sneer. "Honor? I'm a pirate, brat. An Emperor of the Sea has no room for mercy. Once you choose a side, there's no holding back."

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