MTLNOVEL Chapter 173: 173: Kaido's reduced to a mere mount.
Zenkichi looked up at the sky as the shadow of a massive dragon loomed within the clouds.
That dragon was none other than Kaido, one of the Four Emperors. Laughing maniacally, Kaido dived toward Zenkichi.
"So, you're Zenkichi? Impressive strength!"
"Come on! Let's see if you can kill me!"
Kaido of the Hundred Beasts charged at Zenkichi with wild eyes and crazed laughter.
Kaido was a paradoxical figure. While most pirates pursued strength, fame, or power, Kaido seemed to be searching for something far stranger: death.
He had challenged the Navy and other Yonko countless times, and been captured just as often. But never killed. Somehow, he always survived—even after falling from tens of thousands of meters in the sky. His vitality was monstrous, earning him the title of "the world's strongest creature."
And yet, this madman controlled the fearsome Beast Pirates. He also held ties with the shogun of Wano Country, and perhaps even secret dealings with the World Government. His erratic behavior was in stark contrast with his calculated influence, making it unclear whether he was truly insane or simply playing the part.
One thing, however, was certain: his desire for death was real.
He had sensed Zenkichi's overwhelming power from afar, having witnessed his domination of the Navy's top brass through Observation Haki. Yet instead of fleeing, Kaido sought him out—desperate to challenge him, perhaps even hoping he could be killed.
As Kaido's massive dragon form descended, Zenkichi leapt directly onto his head. With firm hands, he grabbed Kaido's horns as if taming a wild stallion.
"You think you're going somewhere? From today on, you're my mount," Zenkichi said with a grin.
Kaido roared furiously, flying erratically to shake him off. But no matter what he did, Zenkichi wouldn't budge.
"Zenkichi, get off me, you bastard!" Kaido thundered in frustration.
Below them, Sengoku watched the surreal scene unfold, stunned.
"…Is this really happening?" he muttered. He had been prepared to die—utterly defeated—but Zenkichi had let them go in such an unexpected, theatrical fashion.
Just then, Zenkichi's voice echoed from the sky:
"Don't get too comfortable. I'll return, and next time, I'll overturn the entire World Government."
The words sent a chill down Sengoku's spine. Though many in the Navy had little love for the World Government, it still represented the order of the seas—something they had sworn to protect.
"This is serious," Sengoku said gravely, turning to the three battered Admirals. "We need to regroup immediately."
In their current condition, if even one Emperor's second-in-command crossed their path, they'd be doomed.
---
Zenkichi continued riding the airborne Kaido through the skies toward the New World. Along the way, he tried to tame the beast, but Kaido remained stubborn and defiant. Despite being overpowered, he refused to submit.
"I guess there's no other choice," Zenkichi sighed.
Their eyes met. In Zenkichi's gaze, the Mangekyō Sharingan flared to life, casting a powerful genjutsu.
Kaido, even with both Conqueror's Haki and Observation Haki, couldn't resist the illusion. Zenkichi's mental strength far surpassed his.
(Damn, this is a first... Using Kaido as a mount lmao)
Zenkichi didn't want a broken mount. Beating Kaido into submission would damage his pride and form. No—he preferred Kaido unspoiled, retaining all his strength and majesty.
"Kaido, take me to your stronghold."
Kaido, now under Zenkichi's control, turned and flew toward the headquarters of the Beast Pirates.
Though not the brightest crew, the Beast Pirates still had their uses.
---
"Kaido sama is back!" Drought Jack exclaimed as he spotted the familiar dragon silhouette in the distance.
"There's someone on him. Who is that?" Queen muttered, narrowing his eyes.
King frowned. "That's not like Kaido. He doesn't let anyone ride him."
The three All-Stars watched in confusion as the dragon descended. With a flash of light, Kaido returned to his human form.
Atop his head sat Zenkichi, cross-legged, smiling calmly at the trio.
"…Who are you?"
"Wait, I've seen him before—his face looks familiar."
"You idiot! That's Zenkichi! The guy all over the news lately!"
Their confusion turned to shock as they faced the man now calmly riding atop their captain.
"Boss Kaido, what's going on?"
"Kaido-sama, are you alright?"
"Why aren't you saying anything?!"
Their voices were panicked.
"Enough with the noise," Zenkichi said flatly. "He's under my control now."
"The so-called strongest creature in the world? A Pirate Emperor? He's nothing."
He rose to his feet, casting a sharp gaze at the All-Stars.
"Listen carefully, all of you."
"From now on, I'm in charge of the Beast Pirates."
"Who here agrees? Who dares to object?"
The pressure from Zenkichi's presence swept across the clearing like a tidal wave. The three All-Stars shuddered involuntarily, silenced by his sheer power.
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