My assumption (really hope) is that the fight lasts 3-4 more chapters but with purpose:
- 1046: Kaido has a decent flashback about Rocks (teasing the bigger flashback for some future moment idk) and why he can't awaken until the last moment.
- 1047: Kaido Awakening showcase. Luffy and him fighting on a more equal footing.
- 1048: Kaido gains the upper hand. Luffy keeps siphoning energy from his lifespan with that heartbeat.
- 1049: Named Vs chapter. Luffy delivers the final blow by the end.
Something like this im fine with. If it lasts a bit longer due to other plotlines not being finished, that's fine too, but hopefully Kaido has something up his sleeve