I think Rocks will bring up Joy Boy in front of Imu, referencing the Davy clan’s inherited knowledge about Joy Boy’s prophecy from their ancestors who fought alongside him. That Nika would reappear in the land of Wano 40 years in the future. This revelation will inspire Kaido to seize control of Wano and become the strongest there, believing that by doing so, he’d pave the way for Nika’s return. After witnessing Imu’s evil, Kaido will realize that only Nika/Joy Boy could ever hope to defeat this darkness. That’s also why Oden laughed, he learned the prophecy on Laugh Tale, and found peace in knowing that if he couldn't beat Kaido, it means Nika will be the one to do so.
That’s what I expected Kaido’s flashback to reveal, the setup for his destined clash with Nika during the Onigashima climax. In truth, Kaido wasn’t really just a raging alcoholic villain, he was a fierce pirate who encountered the true nature of “The World” and its corruption at a young age on God Valley. From then on, he sought to create Nika's awakening as per the prophecy himself.
Would getting details like the above change your mind about how Kaido went out? It won't for me completely, but it would definitely make me less disappointed
@Hanzo hattori @MonsterKaido @DarkestKnightofSpoilers @Tyki_Mikk
Rocks is definitely how Kaido learned about Joy Boy, IMO.
I also agree that Kaido was trying to pave the way for Nika/Joy Boy, and that Kaido wanted to make Joy Boy. Kaido obviously could have killed Luffy at multiple points while fighting him, but, Kaido was more or less training him.
If we look at all the weapons, ships, and troops Kaido amassed, from this perspective, suddenly it becomes clear Kaido was trying to build Wano to be a war fortress for Joy Boy, in preparation of the Final War Whitebeard talked about at Marineford. Kaido wanted to build up as much force for Joy Boy as possible.
I also think Kaido visited Shyarly, to get prophecies, though. Scien dropped Franky off at Water 7 and joined Kaido 26 years ago: this was the same year Shylarly did her first prophecy, regarding Poseidon. Queen would have needed to sail through Fish-Man Island, so, I think that's when they met Jack, who is 28, and would have been 2 at the time.
Kaido asks Shyarly about who Joy Boy is, and I think she tells him something along these lines:
Joy Boy will defeat Kaido in Wano 26 years in the future
This crushed Kaido, who wanted to be Joy Boy, and, ever since, he's been trying to make himself and his crew as strong as possible, so he could train Joy Boy through fighting, and then give him a powerful force to use in the Final War.
I am slightly terrified we will see Kaido do the Nika dance in this manga