"Video Through Anime: Inventory of the Top Ten Combat Ceilings"

The scorching heat instantly evaporated the dark clouds surrounding the dragon's head, leaving no trace behind. Like a volcanic eruption, the sea of flames, carrying magma-like temperatures, surged toward Hawkeye's position.

Kaido's words sent shockwaves through everyone present. Was this true?

Could Dracule Mihawk, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, truly wound the Four Emperors' Kaido?

"That's impossible!!"

Akainu was visibly shaken. In his mind, Kaido's strength far surpassed his own. Even that dragon's breath had a temperature surpassing his magma.

Not to mention Kaido's terrifying physical endurance—even Shanks had never managed to inflict a real injury upon him. And yet, Hawkeye had done it?

Unacceptable.

A man he had always looked down on had managed to wound Kaido? How could he accept such a reality?

Meanwhile, Sengoku burst into hearty laughter. The oppressive atmosphere in the Marine Headquarters conference hall eased significantly.

Indeed, his faith in Hawkeye had not been misplaced. The world's greatest swordsman was no empty title.

Originally, Sengoku had only intended for Mihawk to support Shanks in holding back Kaido. He hadn't expected such a delightful surprise.

Shanks had failed to wound Kaido, yet Mihawk had succeeded.

Did this mean Hawkeye's strength had reached the level of an Emperor?

If that were the case, it might be worth strengthening their efforts to recruit him into the Marines.

If Mihawk could be persuaded, the Marines' overall combat strength would rise significantly—an invaluable asset for future battles.

"He actually hurt Kaido! I knew my idol wouldn't let me down! He's even stronger than Shanks!"

Zoro stared at the broadcast, utterly shocked. Kaido's words filled him with renewed determination.

In his heart, Mihawk's status as the pinnacle of swordsmanship had reached an even greater height.

The peak of swordsmanship was far beyond his previous imagination!

"See that?! That's the strength of Emperor Shanks!"

Standing on the prow of a battered ship, the self-proclaimed "Great" Buggy waved a small fruit knife and addressed his newly recruited lackeys.

"Back when we sailed under the Pirate King Roger, Shanks and I were crewmates! Believe it or not, he even washed my feet once! That's the kind of background your captain has! Hahahaha!"

Buggy's voice carried across the deck as he continued his exaggerated boasts.

"Follow me, the Great Buggy, and one day I, too, shall claim the title of Emperor of the Sea! Row faster, you fools!"

His crew, thoroughly taken in by his words, erupted into cheers.

"Wow! No wonder Shanks respects our captain! Even Kaido and Whitebeard must acknowledge him!"

"We will follow the Great Buggy to the top! Boundless treasure awaits us!"

"Buggy is the man closest to the Pirate King's throne! All hail the Great Buggy!"

With renewed fervor, the crew redoubled their efforts, rowing toward Marineford at full speed.

"Controlling a thousand blades at once… you probably don't have the focus to deal with this sea of fire now, do you?"

Shanks was stunned but concealed his emotions well.

After all, they were still in the heat of battle—any mistake could turn the tide.

But now he knew—those vanished slashes had truly wounded Kaido. If that were the case, then Mihawk could focus on dealing with the dragon's claw.

Shanks would handle the rest!

Wasting no time, Shanks leaped high into the air, his sword flashing as he positioned himself in the center of the raging flames.

If he could stop Kaido here, he would have to sit down with Mihawk over drinks later—until they were both completely drunk.

And, of course, discuss how Mihawk's swordsmanship had advanced to such an astonishing level.

Even a well-traveled veteran like Shanks had never heard of someone integrating sword aura directly into their body.

It was unheard of!

Kaido's massive dragon breath was split in two.

This time, Shanks was more careful, adjusting the angle to divert the flames toward the sea at the island's edge.

Sizzle… sizzle…

The moment the fire met the ocean, towering white steam erupted. Countless sea creatures were instantly cooked, floating lifelessly on the surface.

The sight was astonishing.

At the same time, Shanks' actions saved many Wano citizens who had been on the brink of death.

Grateful eyes turned toward him.

"What a good man… If not for him, nowhere would be safe. That fire could have wiped out an entire village in an instant. How terrifying…"

Some even dropped to their knees, bowing toward the red-haired swordsman.

If Kaido was a demon, then at this moment, Shanks was a divine savior.

He had come to rescue them.

"I never thought I'd owe my life to a pirate… Maybe they're not all as cruel as Kaido."

An elderly man, his body emaciated from years of starvation, wiped away tears and turned to look at Mihawk.

"He stopped the dragon's claw from descending… He is our true savior."

For generations, the people of Wano had lived on this land. Their attachment to it ran deeper than life itself.

Ever since Kaido's invasion, many had the chance to flee—but most chose to stay.

No matter how much suffering they endured, someone had to remain behind.

Even when the dragon's claw loomed overhead, threatening to drag their homeland into the sea, they resolved to perish alongside it.

But Mihawk had given them hope.

The once deeply resentful people of Wano now saw pirates in a new light.

"If only Kaido, that demon, could be driven from Wano for good!"

"Look up! The dragon's claw is moving again! Kaido won't stop!"

"In the end, it's still us who will suffer… Is our homeland truly doomed to sink beneath the waves?"

The massive dragon's claw, which had momentarily halted, now accelerated as it fell—plummeting toward the land below.

It seemed that Mihawk's attack had not deterred Kaido but had only enraged him further.

To Kaido, one nuisance after another had stepped forward to challenge him, even daring to invade his territory.

This was an unforgivable insult.

As an Emperor, his pride could not be trampled upon.

More than that—he craved battle.

And Mihawk, it seemed, was a worthy opponent.

"Kaido! If you don't stop now, I won't hesitate to cut off your claw!"