King never talked about or explain awakening, but Kaido do. Understand the difference, I know it can be hard for some.
I'm supposed to believe someone who relies on there DF as much as Kaido, who is called the embodiment of might and explained to us what awakening is doesn't have. Come on Oda, you are better than that.
What handouts? Enma nerfed Zoro for most the war and made things more difficult. The mink medicine healed his body in exchange for a risky side effect. It didn't replenish his energy or power like the god Nika DF does.
Nothing will top Oda changing Luffy's DF from one type to another.