Sailing: A Retired Veteran Awakens with Genryusai Template

The Other Side

Wanokuni, Beasts Pirates' Base, Onigashima

"Is Master Kaido awake?"

A massive pteranodon figure descended from the shadowy sky, its wings slicing through the air.

The individual was tall and imposing, dressed entirely in pitch-black attire, including a mask, goggles, and helmet that left no skin exposed. A long sword hung at his waist, and flames danced ominously behind his head.

"Master Jhin!"

The guard stationed outside immediately straightened, alarm flashing across his face.

The only one who could fly freely above Onigashima was none other than Jhin, the "Wildfire" and the most trusted of Kaido's three All-Stars.

"Is Captain Kaido still drinking inside?" Jhin asked in a low, authoritative tone.

The guard hesitated, then carefully glanced toward the cave behind him. "Yes, Master Jhin. Captain Kaido is still drinking, but I believe he's almost completely drunk by now."

Jhin nodded in acknowledgment. "Understood. Stay on guard."

With that, Jhin strode into the dimly lit cave.

Inside the Cave

The space was filled with the pungent scent of alcohol. Empty barrels and shattered wine jars littered the floor, remnants of Kaido's drinking spree. The towering figure of Kaido sat at the center, a massive jug in hand, his eyes half-lidded from intoxication.

Jhin stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Captain Kaido, we're nearly ready."

Kaido raised his head, his bloodshot eyes locking onto Jhin. "Oh, it's you, Jhin. So, it's almost time, huh?"

"Yes, Captain," Jhin confirmed. "The Fei Liubao, Numberers, Givers, and nearly 2,000 troops have all gathered outside Onigashima. We're fully prepared. All that's left is for the Whitebeard Pirates to make their move, and we can begin our assault on their territories."

Kaido grinned, his sharp teeth gleaming in the dim light. "Good. That old fool Whitebeard is willing to risk everything for a single brat. What a joke. This is our chance to take what's his before he rots away. Ooohooohooo!"

The cave echoed with his deep laughter, filled with arrogance and bloodlust.

An Unexpected Report

Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the cave. A pirate burst in, panting and visibly shaken. "C-Captain Kaido! I have urgent news!"

Kaido frowned, his laughter ceasing. "What is it? Speak."

The pirate gulped, his voice trembling. "The Marine fleet sent to deal with that madman who killed the Celestial Dragons… has been completely wiped out!"

The atmosphere in the cave shifted instantly.

Jhin's expression turned to one of surprise. "Wiped out? Even with their new weapons?"

The pirate nodded frantically. "Yes! According to reports, the fleet was equipped with powerful experimental weapons, but it didn't matter. That man destroyed them all with a single blow!"

Kaido's drunken grin widened, his eyes gleaming with newfound interest. "Oh? A single blow, you say?"

"Yes, Captain!"

Kaido leaned back, grabbing another massive jug of wine and downing it in one gulp. He slammed the empty jug down with a thunderous crash and stood, his towering frame exuding raw power.

"Jhin!"

"Yes, Captain Kaido?"

"Watch over the preparations here. I'll be back shortly."

Jhin blinked in confusion. "Captain, what do you mean? We're on the verge of executing our plan!"

Kaido waved him off dismissively. "Don't worry about it. This is just a little detour. Something interesting is happening out there, and I want to see it for myself."

Before Jhin could protest further, Kaido's body began to transform. His massive frame grew even larger, his muscles bulging as blue scales covered his skin.

The ground trembled as Kaido fully shifted into his dragon form, a colossal serpentine creature wreathed in flame clouds.

The pirates outside Onigashima gasped and scattered as the dragon emerged from the cave, its roar echoing across the island.

Kaido glanced down at Jhin and the gathered troops. "Don't worry. I'll be back soon. Hopefully, this world has someone who can actually entertain me this time! Ooohooohooo!"

With a powerful thrust of his flaming tail, Kaido soared into the sky, leaving the island behind.

Aftermath

Jhin watched as Kaido's massive form disappeared into the horizon, his hand instinctively going to his forehead.

"Of all the times…" Jhin muttered under his breath.

The original plan to seize Whitebeard's territories had been meticulously prepared. Now, with Kaido's sudden departure, it would be nearly impossible to keep their movements a secret.

Still, Jhin wasn't too worried about Kaido himself.

After all, Kaido was the strongest creature in the world, undefeated by Marine executions and countless other attempts on his life. No matter who this "madman" was, Jhin was confident Kaido would return unscathed.

But deep down, he couldn't help but feel uneasy.

"Let's just hope this 'opponent' doesn't turn out to be something unexpected…"