One Piece: I'm not Roger

Ace continued unleashing waves of fire techniques around Kaido, the blazing inferno relentlessly scorching the massive Azure Dragon's body. Flames coiled and burst across the sky, yet neither her focused strikes nor wide-range attacks managed to deal any real damage to his draconic form.

"Roger's daughter, is this all you can do? This is disappointing."

"Damn it..."

Kaido remained completely still, enduring every attack without even attempting to dodge. Seeing this, Ace realized she had no effective way to harm him. Gritting her teeth, she stopped holding back. Even though she knew the cost would be immense, she prepared her strongest move.

"Great Flame Commandment, Flame Emperor."

Spirals of fire erupted outward from her body, expanding in all directions before drawing back together. The flames compressed and condensed into a massive sphere, resembling a blazing sun suspended in the sky.

The fireball stretched over a hundred meters in width, radiating intense heat that scattered the clouds above. Sunlight finally broke through, illuminating Ace and giving her an almost divine presence.

The spectacle reignited hope among the pirates below. Many who had begun to despair now fixed their eyes on the blazing sphere with renewed anticipation.

Jozu crushed a rock in his hand. He had briefly considered using stones to attack Kaido, but seeing this, he understood how meaningless that would be. If even this level of power failed, his own strength would not make a difference. His Moonwalk was still incomplete, leaving him unable to join the battle unless Kaido descended.

"Ace's strongest move... Even Kaido shouldn't ignore this."

Kaido stared silently at the massive fireball. The technique reminded him of King's Fire Dragon ability. His opinion of Ace rose slightly. At the very least, she was not completely useless.

"Kid, show me everything you've got."

"Don't look down on me, Kaido!"

"Flame Emperor!"

With a shout, Ace hurled the blazing sphere forward. The massive fireball surged through the air like a miniature sun and slammed directly into Kaido's body. The impact forced the Azure Dragon to shift for the first time.

A deafening explosion followed.

The fireball detonated, releasing a blinding surge of flame that engulfed an area spanning hundreds of meters. At its core, the temperature soared past three thousand degrees, hot enough to melt steel instantly.

Even those far below could feel the overwhelming force. A wave of heated air and pressure swept across the battlefield, making it difficult to stand.

Twenty seconds later, the flames finally faded.

Kaido's enormous body fell from the sky. His once impenetrable blue scales were scorched, with several areas burned raw.

Seeing this, excitement spread through the crowd.

It worked.

Kaido was not invincible.

If Ace could damage him, then there was still hope.

But before anyone could celebrate, the falling dragon suddenly opened its eyes. With a powerful swing of his tail, Kaido steadied himself mid-air and stopped his descent. Slowly, he rose again.

In mere moments, the burns on his body began to heal. The damaged scales recovered at a visible speed until nothing remained.

The sight crushed the rising hope instantly.

Ace hovered in the air, struggling to maintain her flight. The Flame Emperor had drained most of her strength, leaving her nearly unable to continue fighting. Watching Kaido return to his original state, her expression dimmed, as if a shadow had fallen over her mind.

"How is that possible... That was my strongest attack."

"Roger's daughter, I'll take back what I said earlier. You're not weak. Being able to leave even superficial wounds on me is worth acknowledging. Don't worry, I won't kill you. I still intend to use you to draw Roger out. But the weaklings below, they won't be so fortunate."

"Evil Wind."

Kaido opened his massive jaws and released countless wind blades. The sharp currents cut through the air, slicing toward everyone below like invisible scythes.

The ground cracked under the barrage. Several weaker pirates were torn apart instantly, their armor offering no protection.

Fortunately, the Ten Captains present were strong enough to react. Working together, they managed to block most of the attack and shield the majority of their allies.

Ace watched in fury. She tried to move, but before she could act, Kaido's tail struck her. The blow slammed her into the ground, forming a deep crater.

Hovering above, the massive Azure Dragon looked down on everyone.

"Surrender now, and I might spare your lives."

Just as despair began to spread, the sky shifted.

Dark clouds churned violently, and shadows spread within them. A massive mountain peak broke through the clouds and descended rapidly toward Kaido.

A thunderous rumble filled the air.

Before Kaido could react or unleash a counterattack, the enormous mass crashed into him, forcing his body downward toward the sea. The speed of the descent created a deafening sonic boom.

The scene resembled a divine force crushing an evil dragon.

Moments later, the mountain struck the ocean, sending towering waves in all directions.

Jozu and Whitey Bay exchanged glances. Neither spoke, but both understood one thing clearly.

Whoever had intervened was not on Kaido's side.

A heavy impact followed as another figure descended from the sky, landing near Ace and the others and creating a crater.

Kaido had already returned to his human form and stepped out of the pit.

Standing at seven meters tall, he looked monstrous. His long black hair reached his shoulders, and two massive horns curved from his head. With his kanabo resting on his shoulder, he resembled a living demon.

Ace and the others tensed immediately, but Kaido ignored them. His gaze shifted upward, and he let out a low roar.

"Well, well. Shiki. It's been a long time. I didn't expect you to show up and stand against me."

A figure appeared in the sky.

Golden hair flowed like a lion's mane, extending nearly two meters. A ship's rudder was embedded in his head, and two swords replaced his legs.

Golden Lion Shiki.

One of the legendary pirates.

Jozu's expression stiffened.

"The Golden Lion... He disappeared twenty years ago. Ace, do you know why he's here?"

Ace shook her head, her expression uncertain.

"I don't know. But he doesn't seem like an enemy."

Floating in the air, Shiki studied Kaido carefully, while Kaido did the same.

It had been twenty years since their last meeting.

"Jiehahahahaha. Don't misunderstand, I'm not here to help them. I just felt like paying you a visit, Kaido. Back then, you were nothing more than a subordinate hiding behind Linlin. Now you're one of the Four Emperors. How amusing."

Kaido's expression darkened.

Those words struck a nerve.

Because back then, they were true.