One Piece: The Deadly

The skies above the island were dark, heavy clouds swirling ominously. The Straw Hats had docked near a desolate battlefield, having received intel that one of the Yonko, Blackbeard, was in the area. Despite Luffy's warning to avoid unnecessary confrontation, Kikidori couldn't resist the chance to prove himself.

Standing at the edge of the island's cliffs, Kikidori faced Blackbeard with unwavering determination. His sword rested on his shoulder, his other hand gripping the hilt tightly. The wind howled around them, and the oppressive pressure of Blackbeard's presence was enough to make the earth tremble.

"*Zehahaha!* You again, brat?" Blackbeard sneered, his massive frame towering over Kikidori. "Didn't I already teach you your place last time? What makes you think this will end any differently?"

Kikidori grinned, his sharp teeth glinting. "I've gotten stronger, old man. I'm not the same Kikidori you beat before."

Blackbeard's laughter boomed across the island. "Oh, I'd hope so. It'd be boring if you hadn't! Let's see if you've got what it takes to stand against me, Yonko or not."

The ground beneath them cracked as both combatants prepared to clash. Kikidori's devil fruit powers surged, his Viper Viper no Mi awakening to its full potential. His slitted eyes glowed an eerie green as his body began to shift, scales forming along his arms and face. His fangs elongated, and his aura radiated a primal ferocity.

Blackbeard, in contrast, activated the power of the Yami Yami no Mi, dark energy swirling around him like a vortex. The air grew colder, and the shadows seemed to stretch unnaturally toward him.

Without warning, Kikidori lunged forward, his sword gleaming with haki. "*King Cobra Strike!*" he roared, unleashing a snake-shaped shockwave that hissed through the air, aiming straight for Blackbeard's chest.

Blackbeard countered with a wave of darkness, his hand absorbing the shockwave into the abyss of the Yami Yami no Mi. "Is that all you've got?" he taunted, raising his other hand to summon a massive quake with the power of the Gura Gura no Mi.

The quake's impact sent Kikidori flying backward, skidding across the rocky terrain. He winced but quickly got back on his feet, his grip on his sword tightening. "Not even close," he muttered, charging forward again.

This time, Kikidori shifted into his full snake form, his body coiling and weaving as he dodged Blackbeard's attacks with agility that rivaled even the most skilled fighters. He closed the distance in an instant, his fangs bared as he aimed for Blackbeard's shoulder.

Blackbeard barely had time to react, blocking Kikidori's strike with an arm coated in haki. "You've got some bite now, kid," he admitted, grinning despite the pain. "But it's still not enough!"

With a roar, Blackbeard unleashed another devastating quake, the force of which sent shockwaves rippling through the island. Kikidori braced himself, but the impact was too strong, sending him crashing into a nearby cliffside.

"Kikidori!" Luffy's voice echoed in the distance as the rest of the Straw Hats arrived, watching the battle from afar.

"He's doing better than last time," Zoro muttered, arms crossed as he observed. "But he's still reckless."

"He's fighting a Yonko, after all," Robin added calmly. "It's a miracle he's lasted this long."

Kikidori, battered and bruised, forced himself to stand. Blood trickled from a cut on his forehead, but his determination remained unshaken. "I'm not done yet!" he shouted, his haki flaring brightly.

He charged at Blackbeard again, this time combining his haki-infused sword skills with his devil fruit powers. The ground trembled beneath his feet as he unleashed a barrage of strikes, each one faster and more precise than the last.

For a moment, it seemed like Kikidori had the upper hand. He managed to land several blows on Blackbeard, forcing the Yonko to step back and defend. But Blackbeard's experience and raw power ultimately overwhelmed him.

With a final quake-infused punch, Blackbeard sent Kikidori flying once more. The young Yonko crashed into the ground, unable to get up this time.

"*Zehahaha!* Nice try, kid," Blackbeard said, turning to leave. "Come back when you're strong enough to actually challenge me. Maybe then, I'll take you seriously."

As Blackbeard disappeared into the distance, the Straw Hats rushed to Kikidori's side. Luffy knelt beside him, a serious expression on his face. "You okay, Kikidori?"

Kikidori coughed, a weak grin spreading across his face. "Yeah... just... give me a minute. That guy hits like a ton of bricks."

"More like a mountain," Zoro muttered, shaking his head. "You're an idiot for taking him on alone."

"But you're not the same Kikidori who fought him before," Robin said, her voice calm and reassuring. "You've improved. He noticed it, even if he didn't say it outright."

Kikidori smiled faintly, his confidence slowly returning. "I'll get him next time. I just need to train harder... and maybe not fight him alone."

The crew laughed, relieved that their comrade was still alive and as determined as ever. Despite the loss, Kikidori's spirit remained unbroken, and he knew this was just another step on his journey to becoming stronger.

End of Chapter 63