One Piece: Starting By Playing Gilgamesh Template. Chapter 18 18: The Price of Insulting an Emperor!

In the territory of one of the Four Emperors of the New World—

Within Kaido of the Beasts' domain, inside a canyon teeming with venomous insects and ferocious beasts—

A massive, rugged figure lay reclined within a violently boiling pool of toxic miasma, bubbles rising endlessly from its surface.

This poisonous sludge—

Even the slightest contact would be enough to kill instantly!

And yet—

This figure soaked in it as though enjoying a hot spring…

"Boom… boom… boom…"

The ground trembled as heavy footsteps approached, each step sending faint quakes through the canyon.

A towering figure gradually ca into view.

With a ponytail and two braided strands, a muscular build, a tallic jaw guard over his mouth, and ivory-like ornants on his head and shoulders—

Wearing a feathered coat studded with spikes, his imposing physique alone struck fear into anyone who beheld him.

He advanced to the edge of the toxic pool, then dropped to one knee before the monstrous figure within, speaking respectfully:

"Captain Kaido…"

"Sothing interesting has happened on the seas."

Within the toxic miasma—

Kaido, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened his massive pupils. Stretching lazily, he spoke in a low voice:

"Oh? Jack…"

"What kind of matter would make you report it personally?"

The figure soaking in the poison like a demon—

Was none other than one of the rulers of the seas—

Kaido of the Beasts!

A being standing at the absolute pinnacle of power!

And the one kneeling before him—

Was equally renowned—

One of the Three Calamities of the Beasts Pirates—

Jack the Drought!

Jack's sudden appearance surprised Kaido slightly.

Especially after hearing his words—

There were few things in this world capable of catching Kaido's interest.

But judging from Jack's tone—

This might be one of them.

"Captain Kaido…"

Jack said nothing further. Instead, he stepped forward and silently handed over a newspaper.

"Hm?"

Kaido grabbed the paper in one motion, his massive pupils scanning through it.

"BOOM—!"

The toxic pool exploded violently, sending waves of venomous liquid soaring dozens of ters into the air and scattering throughout the canyon.

"SSSS—!"

Wherever the poison landed, everything was instantly corroded into nothingness.

Naturally—

Much of the toxic rain splashed onto Jack himself.

Yet—

Even drenched in such lethal poison, his expression did not change in the slightest.

Nor did his body show any sign of corrosion.

There was no doubt—

The poison was deadly.

But as a Zoan-type Devil Fruit user—

Especially one of the Three Calamities—

Jack's physical constitution was among the very best in the world.

Such toxins could not harm him.

"Rumble—!"

A pitch-black aura began to rise from Kaido's body.

A savage, beast-like pressure spread throughout the entire canyon.

Under that overwhelming force—

Even Jack's breathing grew heavier.

Thin streaks of lightning crackled across Kaido's body, coiling and twisting in a terrifying display.

"The King of Heroes… Gilgash?"

"A being who surpasses the Four Emperors?"

"Hmph!"

Kaido's voice roared like thunder, sending shockwaves through the air and causing the toxic miasma to churn violently.

The mountains within the canyon cracked and shattered, leaving destruction in their wake.

His beast-like eyes locked onto the distant horizon, battle intent blazing within them!

"So nobody crawling out of nowhere dares to claim he's stronger than ?"

"The first half of the Grand Line, huh…"

"Jack!"

"Make preparations!"

"I'll go see for myself just what kind of 'King of Heroes' dares to claim he's stronger than !"

Stepping out of the toxic pool, Kaido glanced at Jack and issued his command coldly.

Since rising to the position of a Yonko—

Very few opponents had managed to pique his interest.

Most of the powerful figures in the world—

He had already fought.

But this so-called King of Heroes, Gilgash—

If he was truly worthy of the title of surpassing the Four Emperors—

Then he couldn't be weak.

In that case—

He would make for a perfect whetstone…

Sothing to entertain Kaido, who had long grown bored!

If—

The King of Heroes proved strong enough to earn Kaido's respect—

Then perhaps Kaido might spare him…

Or even recruit him into his crew.

But if—

The King of Heroes turned out to be weak—

Unable to satisfy him—

Then Kaido would show the entire world…

The price of insulting an Emperor!