The figure was extremely tall, likely between seven to eight meters, a height impossible for normal humans to reach, nearly comparable to the stature of the giants. His upper body was bare, muscles bulging with easily discernible explosive power and formidable resilience. A massive scar adorned his right abdomen, and his left arm bore scale-like tattoos. Bracelets adorned both wrists, and a sash was tied around his waist, with a purple feathered cloak draped over his back.
His black hair flowed freely, and two large horns extended outward, with long whiskers resembling straps cascading down. His rugged face was marked with a ferocious will to fight, and his eyes brimmed with tyranny.
The newcomer was Kaido, known as Kaido of the Beasts, proclaimed the strongest creature in the world, an immortal monster, and one of the Four Emperors dominating the New World. He was the very last creature Vlad wanted to face.
"Ah!" Kaido exhaled slowly; even his gentle breath caused a breeze in the courtyard.
"So this is the place, huh? Bastard!" He looked around dismissively.
"One of the Four Emperors, Kaido of the Beasts." Facing such a formidable opponent, Vlad showed no signs of fear. "Why come to a place like this?"
"Ah?" Kaido tilted his head slightly, fixing his gaze on Vlad. The mere act of being stared at felt chilling, as if a mortal was being watched by a terrifying beast, invoking a primal fear.
"So, I need to explain why I go places now!?"
"Boom!!!!" A tumultuous noise erupted as if a meteor had struck, ravaging the courtyard instantly. The ground turned over, the world seemed to shake, and Kuri's Daimyo mansion from that point extended outwards, collapsing relentlessly.
"Hey, hey, got a temper, huh?" Vlad floated above with his wings spread, "Not giving a chance for a chat?"
"This is one of the Four Emperors, Kaido of the Beasts." Kozuki Oden, as light as a dragonfly, perched on a slanted cherry blossom tree, lamented, "A genuine monster!"
In a fit of anger, Kaido slammed his fist into the ground. The impact matched his gigantic size, creating a vast hole with cracks rapidly spreading outwards. The battle hadn't started, and the surroundings were already in ruins.
"Oh, Mr. Kozuki," Vlad chuckled, addressing Oden, "Your home is completely wrecked! Any thoughts on this?"
"Thoughts?" Oden pondered, "I'd like him to compensate, but when I think about it, it's better to focus on staying alive first!"
"Ha ha ha ha!" Vlad laughed heartily.
"Look closely," Kaido spoke again, lifting his head to look at Vlad floating in the sky. Although he was looking up, Vlad felt as if he was being looked down upon, like a beast eyeing a lesser creature.
"Isn't that the Fire Dragon brat? What was his name again? Never mind!"
"Oh? You know me?" Vlad was genuinely surprised, "Wait, seriously? Does Kaido of the Four Emperors know me? Should I feel honored?"
"Hey, I've been looking for you for a long time!" Kaido said earnestly, his gaze intense, "And we finally meet today!"
"Oh? Is that so? Lord Kaido has been looking for me?" Vlad responded with feigned cheerfulness, "That's terrifying!"
"Brat, come over to my side!" Kaido commanded as if it was the most natural thing, his tone devoid of any doubt, "I need you!"
"Eh? Are you trying to recruit me?" Vlad appeared astonished.
"Mr. Vlad, he's here to recruit you!" Oden was equally surprised and then suggested with a smile, "Why don't you just agree and avoid a fight?"
"You must be joking, Mr. Kozuki," Vlad smiled, "That won't do. I'm past the age where I'd accept someone else as my boss. I'm tired of playing such games."
"Fire Dragon, you mean you're refusing me?" Kaido's brow furrowed deeply as a terrifying aura emanated from him.
"Don't misunderstand, Lord Kaido," Vlad grinned, amused, "To say I'm refusing is a bit harsh!"
"What?" Kaido couldn't help but question, unable to comprehend Vlad's thinking.
"I never considered such a pointless question in the first place," Vlad held up a finger and smiled, "So, of course, there's no concept of refusal. Isn't that obvious?"
"I'll say this once, Kaido of the Beasts—"
"No one can force me! Not even a god! My will is governed only by myself!!"
"So, what you're saying is—"
"I am indeed refusing!!!" Kaido's expression changed dramatically, like a beast awakening, "You've got guts!!!"
"Fire Dragon!!!!" With a furious roar, a whirlwind erupted, his mere shout stirring up the wind on the ground—a testament to his fearsome power.
"Boom!" With a tremendous stomp, Kaido's massive frame soared, the wind howling around him. In just a moment, he was face to face with Vlad.
"So fast!!" Vlad's eyes flickered warily; even for him, catching Kaido's movements with the naked eye was difficult. While not as fast as Charlotte Linlin of the Four Emperors, it was still horrifyingly quick.
But fortunately, Vlad rarely relied solely on his eyes to fight true masters. Eyes could be deceived, but his Haki of Observation could not.
Vlad locked onto Kaido, ready for whatever came next. Then, Kaido threw a punch, his right arm muscles bulging as his fist surged forward.
It felt like the air itself was being sucked away by the punch, making it hard for Vlad to breathe. Was this just a punch?
"WIIIAAAAAA!!!" Vlad shouted inexplicably as he countered with his flaming fist.