One Piece: Heaven-Defying Talent

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Both eyes were fixed on Jack the Drought.

He was a cunning man, seizing power during the trial. Typically, he wouldn't choose to fight anymore. Instead, he would opt to ally with Chiba, seeking to establish a cooperative relationship.

But the stubborn Jack chose a different path. He decided to attack Rebecca instead, striding purposefully towards her.

Just as tensions reached their peak, a voice interrupted the impending clash.

"Alright, the battle ends here," the voice commanded, drawing everyone's attention. It was Chiba, striding forward with authority, flanked by Peacock Hina and others.

In a blink, Chiba and his companions stood between Rebecca and Jack.

Chiba understood well that Rebecca had managed to defeat Doflamingo due to his diminished strength. Her own abilities were still lacking, making her no match for Jack.

Rebecca's victory over Doflamingo had already brought substantial acclaim. A defeat at Jack's hands would tarnish her newfound reputation.

Thus, Chiba aimed to prevent the fight from escalating.

However, Jack wasn't ready to relent. He glared at Chiba, saying, "So, you're Chiba—the one responsible for the artificial Devil Fruits."

"The Mera-Mera Fruit in its Golden Crow form that this girl consumed, that was your creation, wasn't it?"

Chiba nodded. "That's right."

Jack sneered. "Then you're the mastermind behind the attack on Doflamingo's factory, and you set Rebecca against him."

Chiba replied calmly, "Indeed, it's all my doing. What of it?"

Jack's expression turned cold. "A debt must be repaid. Since you've admitted it, I'll avenge Doflamingo by taking your life today."

With that declaration, Jack swung his massive blade towards Chiba. But no one moved to shield Chiba from the attack. Instead, they watched Jack with mocking expressions.

Chiba merely raised his right hand. Armament Haki enveloped his palm as he effortlessly caught Jack's blade, stopping it in its tracks.

"You call this the power of Jack, one of Kaido's Three Calamities? It's a bit underwhelming," Chiba remarked with a smile.

Jack was stunned. Though he hadn't used his full strength, the force he exerted would have made even Marco the Phoenix hesitate. Yet Chiba had blocked it with ease.

Jack's thoughts raced. Chiba's Armament Haki was formidable, and his physical prowess was extraordinary. The force of Jack's attack had been completely absorbed, without causing any collateral damage.

If Chiba had redirected the force into the ground, it could have caused massive destruction. But Chiba chose to absorb it instead, showcasing his absolute confidence.

Realizing his mistake, Jack regretted his reckless decision.

"Do you wish to continue?" Chiba asked, casually tossing Jack's sword aside.

Jack, now disarmed, stubbornly declared, "Fight."

With his first weapon gone, Jack swung another at Chiba's head. But Chiba shook his head, clenching his fist and striking the weapon. It shattered with a loud crash, sending Jack flying over a hundred meters, crashing into the ground.

The impact left a gaping hole in Jack's chest, his ribs broken from Chiba's restrained blow. Had Chiba not held back, Jack might have been obliterated.

Despite the pain, Jack stood defiantly, facing Chiba with unwavering determination.

Chiba looked at him with a grin. "Still not convinced? Want to keep going?"

Jack tilted his head. "Not convinced, never will be."

Without hesitation, Jack charged again, his fists now his weapons. His body was enveloped in Armament Haki, its power undeniable.

But as Jack's massive fist descended, Chiba met it with his own. The collision resulted in a thunderous explosion, shattering Jack's Haki.

Jack was lifted off the ground once more, his entire right arm suffering a comminuted fracture, rendered unusable.

Chiba asked again, "Convinced?"

"Never," Jack insisted, though fear crept into his defiant gaze. Chiba's strength was beyond comprehension, his Haki overpowering Jack's own.

Yet, Jack remained stubborn, refusing to admit defeat.

Chiba, however, had no intention of killing Jack. He sought to avoid a direct confrontation with Kaido, as he still hoped to acquire Kaido's blood factor for the creation of the Mythical Zoan, Model: Yellow Dragon.

Ace's desire for the fruit had been relentless, constantly urging Chiba to engage Kaido.

While Chiba believed he could suppress Kaido in a fight, obtaining the blood factor would be challenging without cooperation.

Ultimately, Chiba hoped for a peaceful agreement with Kaido, avoiding unnecessary bloodshed while achieving his goal.