In the blink of an eye, several golden sword slashes pierced through Doflamingo's "God Thread" defenses, leaving deep, bone-revealing wounds across his chest.
"Gah!"
Doflamingo coughed up blood as he plummeted from mid-air, crashing heavily into the ruins of the arena.
His sunglasses cracked, revealing a frantic, bloodshot eye for a split second before he collapsed.
Shiki didn't pause.
His figure moved like a ghost as his twin swords, carrying the chill of death, assaulted the other Donquixote Family executives.
"Sticky-Sticky Chain!"
Trebol hastily formed a wall of high-viscosity mucus to block the attack.
SLASH!
The mucus wall was shattered by a single sword strike wrapped in Haki.
The blade continued its trajectory, slicing Trebol across his chest.
"Gyaaa!"
Diamante tried to ripple his steel cape for defense, but his proud swordsmanship proved utterly useless against a legend's power.
He was swatted aside like a fly.
Although he had ultimately defeated all his enemies, this battle had exacted a heavy toll on Shiki.
His breathing grew ragged, and the hand gripping his sword began to tremble faintly.
The arena was now utterly devastated.
Only a handful of audacious pirates remained scattered across the once-crowded spectator stands.
Their eyes gleamed with greed, fixed intently on the exhausted Golden Lion.
When the last executive of the Donquixote Family fell, these desperadoes could no longer restrain themselves.
They surged forward in a frenzied rush.
"Charge! Shiki is finished!"
"The Glint-Glint Fruit is mine!"
"Bullshit! An Admiral-level Devil Fruit belongs to me!"
"Anyone who dares compete with me will die!"
A mob of pirates, disregarding life and death with eyes only for the Devil Fruit, charged collectively at the weakened legend.
"I KILL YOU ALL!" Shiki roared furiously, mustering his last reserves of strength.
FLASH!
In a blinding burst of sword light, all the ambushers fell into pools of blood before they could even touch him.
As the final enemy collapsed, Shiki leaned on his sword, kneeling on one knee.
Sweat mingled with blood dripped from his chin.
Yet he still laughed heartily. "Jihahaha! See that? This is the power of a Legend!"
At this moment of victory, steady footsteps echoed from the shadows.
Who's Who emerged slowly, his red mask and sunglasses reflecting a cold gleam, his long neko-te dagger already drawn.
"An impressive performance, Shiki," Who's Who's voice was terrifyingly calm. "But now... it's my turn."
"Now!"
Who's Who's figure flickered like a ghost, using Soru to appear behind Shiki.
His Armament Haki-coated blade aimed straight for the latter's heart.
CLANG!
Shiki's weary right arm swiftly turned to block.
The collision of their blades erupted in blinding sparks.
"Brat... you're seeking death!"
Shiki glared furiously, but Who's Who keenly noticed the slight tremor in the old lion's sword hand.
"Your era ended long ago, old-timer."
Who's Who suddenly changed his stance, his sabertooth style dagger tearing toward Shiki's throat from an unexpected angle.
"I'll be taking this Glint-Glint Fruit!"
Shiki hastily retreated but still suffered a bleeding gash on his shoulder.
The stands erupted in uproar—no one had anticipated a sneak attack at such a moment.
Who's Who's assaults grew increasingly fierce, each strike aimed at vital points.
His eyes burned with mad ambition—with the Glint-Glint Fruit, he could shed his mediocre Zoan abilities and finally surpass the Calamities!
"Geppo!"
Who's Who suddenly launched into the air, his legs kicking the atmosphere to trace bizarre trajectories—a martial arts technique honed during his CP9 days.
The instant Shiki looked up to pursue, a triumphant smirk curled Who's Who's lips.
"Rokushiki Secret Technique: Finger Pistol - Spots!"
BAM!
A blow concentrated with his full power slammed into Shiki's chest.
The legendary pirate finally buckled, coughing blood as he was sent flying backward, crashing heavily against the arena wall.
Who's Who pointed his blade at Shiki, its sharp edge glinting coldly in the sunlight.
Shiki rose to his feet, gasping for air—after countless battles, he appeared utterly exhausted.
The entire arena fell into deathly silence.
The spectators lying scattered on the ground, barely clinging to life, all held their breath. The air was thick with the nauseating stench of sweat mixed with dust.
Just as Who's Who was about to charge forward to deliver the finishing blow, something unexpected happened.
Shiki suddenly grinned.
The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothed out as he revealed a meaningful smile.
"Forget it. Consider it a bargain for you, junior."
His voice was hoarse, echoing through the empty arena.
"Since you're the last one standing, I won't fight you for this fruit. Ten billion Belly, discounted for you."
"Eh?"
Who's Who's sunglasses nearly slipped off the bridge of his nose.
His grip on the sword loosened unconsciously, the tip slightly veering away from vital points.
Seeing this, Shiki's eyes twinkled with hidden amusement.
He secretly rejoiced: 'If not for this kid's timely appearance, I would have had to fake a loss against a weakling to keep Ron's plan going.'
According to their agreement with Ron, they had to ensure at least one challenger successfully took a Devil Fruit; otherwise, this tournament would look like a scam, and future customers would be discouraged.
"Shiki, I..." Who's Who's Adam's apple bobbed, his tone unconsciously growing more respectful.
His free hand inexplicably reached for his pocket, then he showed an awkward expression.
"I only... only have five billion Belly on me..."
SWIPE!
Shiki swiftly snatched the money pouch, moving with an agility that belied his "exhausted" appearance.
He weighed the pouch and waved a hand with feigned magnanimity.
"Five billion it is, then! Remember, this is a favor from the Golden Lion!"
As he spoke, he pulled out an exquisite box from his robe and casually tossed it to Who's Who.
CLICK.
The lid popped open mid-air, revealing a golden Devil Fruit shaped like a sun with spiral patterns resting inside—the very Glint-Glint Fruit countless people dreamed of!
Moonlight reflected off the fruit's surface, creating a dazzling radiance.
Who's Who mechanically caught the box, standing frozen as if struck by lightning.
His mind went blank, eyes wide behind his mask.
This... he got it just like that? Without a brutal fight to the death?
The treasure he'd longed for day and night, obtained for merely five billion Belly?
Shiki looked at the stunned pirate and couldn't help but laugh heartily.
He patted the young man's shoulder, leaning close to whisper in his ear.
"Kid, remember—sometimes luck matters more than strength."
With that, he turned and walked away gracefully, floating over the rubble, leaving Who's Who alone in the center of the ruins, holding the Glint-Glint Fruit in a daze.
Then Shiki's final words carried over his shoulder:
"Remember to eat it before leaving this place. Otherwise, the Eternal Divine Kingdom will reclaim the reward. Transferring it to others isn't allowed—that's a violation of the rules."
Who's Who nodded numbly.
In the distance, spectators gradually regained consciousness.
Seeing this scene, they erupted in disbelieving gasps.
But Who's Who remained immersed in overwhelming shock, not even noticing when Shiki left.
His trembling fingers gently brushed the fruit's surface, only one thought echoing in his mind.
"It's... it's really mine? I can finally become light?"
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