The tournament was in full swing, and the arena was electric.
"Oh! What a hit! I can almost feel the pain from here!" the host screamed into his microphone. "We've just seen Rao G completely crush his opponent with a single punch! As expected from a top fighter of the Donquixote Family!" The host's passionate commentary boomed through the stadium. "What are you waiting for, folks?! Let's give it up for this powerhouse! I want to hear you scream!"
In response, tens of thousands of spectators leaped to their feet, their roars echoing like a tidal wave.
Meanwhile, in a luxurious private lounge high above the arena, Doflamingo watched the match with his signature wicked smile. Leaning back on a soft sofa with his legs crossed, he was extremely pleased to see one of his family's executives displaying such overwhelming strength.
He turned to the black-haired young man sitting beside him, who was watching the match with a bored expression. "Fufufu... what do you think, Lord Takero?" Doflamingo boasted. "Our Donquixote Family members are pretty strong, aren't they?"
Over the past few years, Doflamingo had accepted his reality. He couldn't compete with the monster beside him, so maintaining a friendly but distant partnership was his wisest option.
Before Takero could answer, the "sons" standing behind him started firing off insults.
"Tch, you call that worth bragging about?" the blue-haired Niji said with a look of pure disdain.
"His movements are as slow as a turtle, and his punches are weak," the red-haired Ichiji added bluntly. "I could beat ten old men like that by myself."
After years of training in the Turtle Hermit Style, combined with their unique bloodline, the Vinsmoke brothers had become incredibly strong. Their arrogant personalities hadn't changed, but now, they no longer bullied the weak. In their minds, everyone besides their god-like "father," Takero, was complete trash. The Donquixote Family? They were nothing but nobodies.
Hearing their contemptuous remarks, a flash of cold anger appeared in Doflamingo's eyes behind his sunglasses. He was ruthless, but he cared deeply for the members of his "family." How dare these brats insult them to his face? He turned his gaze back to Takero, his tone laced with irritation. "Takero... your 'sons' are certainly... 'lively,' aren't they?"
Doflamingo was one of Takero's most important business partners, so he had to be shown some respect. Takero finally spoke up. He glanced at the three chattering brothers and said impatiently, "All of you, shut up. Doffy is our guest. Be polite."
The Vinsmoke brothers reluctantly quieted down.
Why can't they be a little more obedient, like their brother Sanji? Takero sighed to himself.
He watched the one-sided match for another minute, feeling bored. He stood up, planning to go find Robin and the others and come back later when the matches got more interesting.
Just then, the green-haired Yonji also stood up, his face full of excitement. "Father! My match is next! I need to go get ready!" Before he left, he made an arrogant boast. "This time, I'm going to defeat everyone, including my two idiot brothers, and win the championship!"
He didn't care about the honor or the billion-Berry prize. He just wanted the chance to stand in front of thousands of people and challenge the strongest man he knew.
Elsewhere, the atmosphere in the massive contestant waiting hall was tense. Powerful fighters from all over the world were scattered around, mentally preparing for their matches.
Fisher Tiger was among them, warily scanning the competition. He wasn't here because he loved to fight, but he was willing to do whatever it took to achieve his goal: a face-to-face meeting with the legendary "Emperor."
His eyes suddenly landed on a figure in the corner, and his guard went up instantly. It was a slender young man with a white pigeon perched on his shoulder. He was sitting quietly, but he radiated a cold, deadly aura, like a sharpened blade. With his years of experience in the underworld, Fisher Tiger knew exactly who he was—a secret agent of the World Government. He immediately felt a deep sense of hostility toward the man.
Rob Lucci seemed to feel the intense stare. He slowly looked up, his emotionless eyes meeting Fisher Tiger's. A Fishman? a flicker of doubt crossed his mind.
Just then, a tall, lazy figure walked up behind him. "Ara la la... What's wrong, Lucci? You look a little serious."
The arrival of this man caused the entire waiting hall to erupt. Every contestant turned to stare, and gasps of shock and awe filled the room.
"No way... Am I seeing things?! That's... Marine Vice Admiral 'Aokiji' Kuzan!"
"You've got to be kidding me! The Marines sent him to a competition like this?!"
Many of the contestants were wanted pirates. At the sight of the Vice Admiral, their faces turned pale, and their legs began to tremble.
"Ara la la, it seems I've been recognized," Aokiji said, scratching his messy black hair. His expression remained lazy and indifferent, as if nothing in the world could bother him. The panicked reactions of the pirates didn't interest him. His mission was simply to "cooperate" with CP9 and make sure their plan went smoothly. Catching pirates was a job for after hours. Ever since the Ohara incident, he had made slacking off a habit.
Still, being stared at by so many people made him a little uncomfortable. He said a quick word to Lucci and decided to go for a walk to get away from all the attention.
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