Kaido awakens and defeat Luffy during battle of Onigashima

In front of Cake Castle on Whole Cake Island, Cracker's fierce close-range attack caught L'Aquila off guard. His wings were not closed, leaving him vulnerable, and he barely had time to cover his torso with Armament Haki.

However, Cracker's Haki was superior, especially when focused on his blade, amplifying its strength and power significantly.

Without any suspense, Cracker's unique technique broke through L'Aquila's armored defense with a single blow, piercing his torso and causing blood to splatter.

In the face of such overwhelming strength, the powerful L'Aquila couldn't help but roll his eyes, coughing up blood. His entire body was flung back, crashing through buildings on the street and passing out among the ruins.

The Charlotte Family members who were watching the battle cheered loudly.

Cracker smiled, retracting his weapon. As he walked towards the castle, he said, "I didn't hold back just now, but with his strength, he won't die. These Zoan users are as tough as beasts. To prevent him from causing trouble in the future, tie him up with a seastone chain!"

The clan members promptly followed his orders.

Cracker, still unaware of the full situation in the capital, first examined Oven's dire condition before frowning and asking, "What's going on? Why are the Beasts Pirates causing trouble on our territory?"

Compote and the others immediately explained the purpose and events leading to King's arrival.

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Mirror World

The battle between Katakuri and King had reached a critical stage. After several days and nights of fierce combat, both fighters were severely exhausted, especially Katakuri. In terms of physical fitness, he was naturally disadvantaged compared to King, who had a monstrous physique. Katakuri's condition seemed particularly dire at this moment.

Understanding his predicament, Katakuri relied heavily on his Observation Haki to use his remaining energy efficiently and avoid King's powerful attacks.

As time passed, King's physical superiority became increasingly apparent. Despite withstanding numerous attacks and expending significant energy, King still moved with ease and breath remained steady.

Hovering in his hybrid form, King noticed Katakuri's labored breathing. He couldn't help but taunt, "You're exhausted, aren't you? Maybe you should step out and rest before continuing."

The disdain in his voice was palpable.

Veins bulged on Katakuri's face, reflecting his frustration with his opponent's immense physical prowess. Despite identifying and exploiting King's weaknesses in their earlier battles, King had adapted and learned from his losses.

King no longer aimed for a swift victory but utilized his defensive strengths to their fullest, maintaining a relentless pressure on Katakuri. The flames surrounding his body never extinguished; instead, they grew more intense.

Katakuri used Observation Haki to maintain a high evasion rate, while King's Armament Haki provided an impregnable defense.

The battle reached a stalemate: one for whom attacks failed to land, and the other who couldn't breach the impregnable defense.

A protracted battle clearly favored King, as his advantage continued to grow.

"We can't waste any more time and energy on him!" Katakuri resolved, his eyes firm as he stared at King hovering above. He slowly bent down and placed his hand on the ground.

"Flowing Mochi!"

Under his will, the ground in the Mirror World began to change. The solid masonry shifted like mochi, transforming into a vast, white ocean.

Seeing the changes below, King frowned and remarked, "So, your ability has awakened? Impressive! But it's a pity—I can fly!"

With a swift motion of his wings, King transformed into a fiery blur, diving towards Katakuri.

On the ground, Katakuri sneered and raised his hands deliberately.

"Huh?" King noticed that not just the ground, but the buildings and walls around him were also transforming under Katakuri's awakening ability, turning into thick strips of mochi.

"Weeping Willow Mochi!"

As Katakuri brought his arms together, a multitude of jet-black mochi tendrils changed direction and shot toward King at high speed.

Without his usual speed advantage, King couldn't dodge effectively. Nearly all of the mochi tendrils struck him, driving him hard into the ground. Dust and debris exploded into the air as gravel flew in all directions.

But in the next moment, a massive ball of flame burst through the dust and smoke, incinerating the mochi tendrils. A blazing figure emerged slowly from the cloud.

"Don't you understand yet? Your Mochi-Mochi Fruit abilities are useless against my flames!" King proclaimed, his figure wreathed in fire.

King spread his wings as he advanced, the flames behind him extinguishing. His speed surged, leaving behind a trail of black fiery afterimages—clearly, he was tired of being on the defensive and sought to fight back.

In response to this change, a red light glinted in Katakuri's eyes. He could not afford to overlook this opportunity. His fists slowly raised, enveloped in a strange, transparent mucous film.

"Peerless Doughnuts!"

Simultaneously, two doughnut-shaped rice cake constructs materialized from the white waves under Katakuri's control, hovering in the air.

Unfazed by the unusual sight, King focused solely on his target.

"Emperor Don Futon!"

Enhancing his attack with an overwhelming application of Haki, King's wings resonated with power as he slashed towards his adversary. Flames billowed, creating a potent whirlwind that rent the ground asunder.

"Strange Rice Cake!"

In response, massive, horn-shaped rice cake arms emerged from the two doughnuts. The colossal, hardened fists converged from two directions simultaneously. Their explosive speed and precision were undeniable.

Both combatants intended to strike each other with full force, forgoing any evasion or defense. Their blows landed almost simultaneously amidst a splatter of blood, triggering explosive shocks that rent the ground asunder.

Coughing up blood, they staggered back, unleashing powerful energy bursts that rent a terrifying chasm into the earth.

Katakuri narrowed his eyes, straightened his posture, and rose once more with a deft backflip, sliding back dozens of meters. Despite his resilience, he could not prevent a significant pool of blood from staining the scarf around his neck red.

King unfurled his wings as the wind aided his recovery from the impact. Though affected by the opponent's assault, blood trickled from his mouth and nose.

Yet, his expression exuded excitement and enthusiasm, relishing the head-on confrontation akin to Kaido's demeanor.

"This back-and-forth is exhilarating! Katakuri, dare to engage once more? I look forward to your next onslaught!"

Katakuri, revitalized by the challenge despite his injuries, was stirred to meet the battle head-on. Eager to abandon the previous tactical skirmishes, his depleted strength left him with no choice but to confront his opponent directly.

"Come at me. I'll meet your next assaults head-on!" Katakuri declared, removing his stained scarf to reveal a blood-soaked mouth.