One Piece: I will become stronger by checking in

Is it because you trust Smoker?

Well, partly. Kai didn't trust that Smoker would show any mercy. But the real reason Kai didn't dodge until the last moment was his sharp observation. He could always gauge Smoker's internal condition.

Otherwise, relying on another's character would be unrealistic.

After slipping the beli into his system space, Kai continued his journey through Loguetown.

Ten minutes later~

When Kai sensed a particular aura, his lips curled into a slight smile.

"Found it at last!"

He followed the aura to an old tavern. The place was quiet, with no sounds from patrons.

But that was about to change!

Kai pushed open the door and stepped in.

The two inside turned their attention towards the door. One was a man in a green cloak lounging outside the bar, and the other was an elderly man behind the counter, who looked like the owner.

"Hey there!"

"Boss, a glass of rum, please!"

Kai walked straight to the bar and addressed the old man.

The old man, surprised by the sudden visitor, went to fetch the drink.

Taking advantage of the moment, Kai turned to the man in the green cloak.

"Hello, Dragon. Here to see Luffy?"

As soon as Kai spoke, a powerful wave of Conqueror's Haki emanated from Dragon, pressing down on him. Dragon's sharp gaze locked onto Kai as he asked, one word at a time:

"Who are you? How do you know me? And... you seem to know something!"

Kai felt the oppressive force but maintained his calm exterior, though he was inwardly impressed.

So this is what it means to be the leader of the Revolutionary Army. His Conqueror's Haki is impressive!

Kai replied smoothly:

"Relax. I'm the vice-captain of the ship. If you've seen Luffy's bounty poster, you should have seen mine as well."

"Huh?" Dragon seemed to recall something, then looked at Kai Vane with a hint of recognition.

"Demon King Kai Vane?"

"Bingo!" Kai snapped his fingers, a touch of pride evident on his face.

Not just because of the title, but because it felt... so good.

Dragon noted, "You're a bit different from your bounty poster," as his Conqueror's Haki faded away.

Learning that Kai was a member of Luffy's crew made Dragon less guarded. He trusted Luffy's judgment and believed any companion of his would be trustworthy. But he was still curious.

"How did you know about the connection between Luffy and me?"

"Garp mentioned it!" Kai said with a straight face, lying through his teeth.

As long as the person involved wasn't present, Kai would use any excuse to avoid trouble. It wasn't the first time he'd done so.

Dragon mused that few knew Luffy was his son, and Garp was the most likely source of such information. It made sense.

Since Garp had shared this with Kai , Dragon deemed him trustworthy.

Dragon's demeanor became much friendlier, and Kai relaxed.

When your identity has been vouched for by both father and son, you can trust it!

"So, why are you here?" Dragon asked with interest.

He was unaware that Kai had come specifically to find him; he thought it was a coincidence.

"Nothing special. Just wanted to meet the leader of the Revolutionary Army, Luffy's father."

"Admire the courage of someone who openly opposes the World Government!"

"And now that you've met him, what do you think?" Dragon asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Hmm... not bad~" Kai Vane pondered before responding seriously.

...

"Hahahaha..." Dragon suddenly laughed, looking at Kai with a knowing glint in his eyes.

"I thought my strength and courage were pretty good, but I didn't expect you to rate them just 'okay'!"

"Boy, your standards are quite high!"

"Of course. I measure by my own standards, so naturally, it's a bit higher!"

"Oh?" Dragon's interest was piqued. "So your self-assessment is average?"

"No, no, no!" Kai Vane shook his head, then said with a grin:

"I rate myself as the best in the world!"

Dragon was stunned. "You find me average, but you see yourself as the best?"

Dragon, having seen much in his time, was not angered. Instead, he responded calmly:

"You're confident, which is a good trait. But... young people need to temper their confidence."

"Too much confidence can be detrimental."

"So... how about you try to shake my confidence?"

Kai finally stated his purpose.

Indeed, he came to challenge Dragon.

Or rather, to test his own strength!

He was eager to see what level he could reach in his demonic state, as it would define his arrogance!

To activate his demonic state and go all out, he needed someone very strong and willing to engage him.

Otherwise, if he stormed Marine HQ, he'd have many challengers, but he'd likely end up in Impel Down for recuperation.

Dragon, clearly, met all the criteria.

Not to mention, Kai mused, Dragon being his uncle might mean he'd be more lenient.

Kai shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. Why did he have this urge to recognize his uncle?

No, No!

Kai shook his head vigorously. He was seeking an uncle, not an adoptive father!

Dragon looked at Kai with a steady gaze and said after a long pause:

"Since that's your intention, I'll entertain you."

"Let's find a secluded spot on the island..."

With that, Kai vanished in an instant.

Dragon shook his head slightly.

"Young man, too impatient. You don't even wait for an elder!" With that, he too disappeared, following Kai .

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Power Stones would be appreciated if you like the story