Despite many years telling people,
Ace novel was always canon, more canon than even databooks since it hasn't been proven wrong (maybe once but not a lot like DBs)

people that think WB with HIS CoA bisento will low/mid diff Kaido
While he couldn't Oneshot weakened Ace with it .
So much for Roger/WB beating Prime Oden Oden diff or even Kaido below high diff.
Shanks has always been weakest emperor among original Yonko.
Why do you think Hawkins had no problem going after shanks? But didn't do jack vs Kaido.
Why do you think his individual strength isn't highlighted much as Kaido/BM/WB?
Because he is weaker than Rocks trio.
His Main rival was freaking Posthawk, th Rocks trio rivals were Monsters.
Also this can prove that either Mihawk or Kuma became Warlord between 6-4 years ago, I lean toward Posthawk.
I was getting the vibe he became warlord same time as Shanks became yonko.
He was recruited as a propaganda to have Someone who rivaled Shanks, so that he puts fears on pirates to not enter NW.
Having WSS on your side puts fear into people.
Ace willpower, CoA CoC getting highlighted.
I like how Shanks & WB use CoC to KO people,
(*Oden should have learnt to use CoC this way instead of wasting energies on fodders)
People tend to deny it, Kaido is the ultimate imdividual fighter in OP ever, WB is sure powerful, top 2 all time but his legacy/piracy is the reason why people fear and deem him WSM, close to PK, that's wht he's put above BM/Kaido when it comes to wars, but 1v1? Nah.

Deuce just spitting facts on OP history
Golden Trio ruled , only WB remained
With BM being an exception lol the woman is beyond logical means.
Then Came Yonko
Since teach gave Shanks the scar before he went to East blue,
Im starting to think Teach scarred Shanks between 15-12 years..
Ace died as Marco equal
There's no way, WB will think of Ace as successor if he was weaker than Marco in willpower and strength.
Also Thatch cooking skills , sanji will surpass him.