Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Here Comes
"Special Ability: Immortal Body (Beginner)."
"Immortal Body: A rare ability exclusive to the Oni Clan, granting unparalleled regenerative power, resilience, and enhanced durability of internal organs and bones. As the ability evolves, it grows even more formidable. High-level Immortal Bodyy can render most attacks ineffective, enabling survival in even the harshest environments."
Jack stared blankly at the ability description, completely stunned by his sudden stroke of luck.
"What... is this? Immortal Body? Is this the secret behind Kaido's insane defense?"
What kind of crazy fortune was this? Losing a battle but scoring such an overpowered ability?
"System, you're the real MVP! Not like those rigged mobile games where hundreds of rolls get you nothing but junk."
With such an incredible power in hand, Jack vowed to train it to the max. By then, wouldn't he be invincible?
"Ha! Amazing! Incredible! I'm flying high!"
Lost in his fantasies, Jack didn't notice Kaido's towering figure looming over him. Before he could react, Kaido raised his massive hand and slammed it down with all his might.
BAM!
"Pfft...!"
"JACK! WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!"
Jack was sent flying five or six meters, coughing up blood like it was free. Yamato rushed over, glaring daggers at Kaido, while Black Maria silently joined her in standing protectively in front of Jack.
Black Maria hesitated for a moment before speaking softly to Kaido, "Kaido-sama, if Jack has done something wrong, please forgive him. We—"
"Don't panic. Jack, get up!"
Kaido's booming voice cut her off. To everyone's surprise, Jack slowly stood up, seemingly unharmed by Kaido's brutal attack.
"As I thought..."
Kaido muttered under his breath, pacing around Jack like a curious predator. He grabbed Jack's head, yanking his hair to examine him closely. Jack winced in pain, frantically brainstorming an explanation.
The ability description made it clear that not just anyone in Kaido's race could possess it. If he couldn't come up with a good excuse, who knew how Kaido might react?
"Jack!"
Kaido's voice turned stern as he finally stopped inspecting Jack.
"You're a half-fishman. Your father must have been from the Oni Clan!"
"This explains why your physique is mostly human. And as for my conclusion—it's because you've just awakened one of the Oni Clan's rarest abilities!"
"I call it Immortal Body! It's an extraordinarily precious and powerful trait. Apart from legends, no one else in the Oni Clan has ever possessed it—except me. And now, you're the second."
Jack's mind was reeling. Big Bro, you're just gonna decide my dad's an Oni based on this? What about my mom?
...Actually, that made sense. Given the fishmen's low status in this world, no woman would willingly marry a male fishman. And the Oni Clan's strength meant no Oni woman would be forced into it either. Kaido's explanation was surprisingly plausible.
"Jack! From now on, I'll personally train you to develop this ability. When I'm not around, King will continue your training!"
"Uh, wait, wh—"
Before Jack could finish, Kaido transformed into his massive dragon form, snatching Jack up and soaring into the sky. Black Maria and Yamato could only watch as the pair climbed higher and higher.
"Kaido-sama... I'm not afraid of heights, but why are we flying so high?"
Jack's heart sank as Onigashima became a distant speck below. A sinking feeling crept over him.
"Hmm, this should do. When I first got this ability, I survived a fall from 3,000 meters. Since you've eaten the Mammoth Fruit, your body should be just as durable."
Kaido let go.
Jack plummeted.
WHAT THE—?! YOU'RE TRYING TO KILL ME!
Jack flailed helplessly. If you had a problem with me, you could've just said so! If it's bungee jumping, at least tie a rope! 3,000 meters? I'M ONLY EIGHT YEARS OLD! THIS IS CHILD ABUSE!
The ground rushed closer. Jack panicked and transformed into his mammoth form.
"Look, Maria! It's Dumbo!"
"Run! That's not Dumbo—it's Crazy Jack!"
BOOM!
A massive impact shook the ground as Jack's colossal body crashed, sending snow and dust flying everywhere.
Cough cough!
Yamato and Black Maria waved the dust from their faces before rushing over to find Jack lying on his back in a deep crater, groaning in agony.
"Ahh... my kidneys... my legs... my butt... I'm dying here!"
Kaido landed nearby in his human form, nodding in satisfaction at Jack's pitiful state.
"Good. Not bad, Jack. Rest for now. This level of injury won't keep you down for long."
"Tonight, recover well. Tomorrow, we'll try from 4,000 meters!"
LET ME LIVE! LET ME LIVE!
Jack could only scream internally. Three thousand meters nearly killed me—now you want to add another thousand? Do you even have common sense?!
A week later, Jack lay face-down on a bed, basking in Yamato's gentle care as she fed him.
"Tch, shameless."
Black Maria sat nearby, glaring at Jack.
"Shameless? I earned this! If you want more of my romance stories tonight, maybe stop looking at me like that."
The door creaked open, and King's imposing figure entered. Jack immediately clutched his backside, groaning loudly.
"Oww... Oww... Yamato, stop feeding me. I'm too injured..."
King remained silent, gesturing for Black Maria to take Yamato out of the room.
"Don't play dumb, Jack."
"King, I'm really hurt! This isn't an act!"
King quietly unfastened his sword's scabbard.
"W-Wait! What are you doing?! Don't unwrap my bandages!"
"Let's talk this out! Don't hit me! I'll fight back! I'm dangerous! Ruthless, even!"
SMACK!
"AAARGH!"
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