Despite their reluctance, both Sanji and Blaziken acknowledge that, in terms of sheer power, they are outmatched by their respective opponents.
Sanji's eyes narrowed, and without any warning, a fierce flame erupted from the leg locked in combat with Zoro. The intense heat spread along the blade to Zoro's arms, instantly engulfing his body in flames.
"Ah!!!"
Zoro's supporters in the audience gasped in shock as they saw him consumed by the fire.
However...
Instead of retreating, Zoro stood firm, his strong frame pressing down with even greater force.
"Oh, flames?"
A faint smile played on Zoro's lips as he chuckled softly. The sharp blades in his hands twisted, and an impenetrable Haki surged around the three swords, coating them in jet-black energy.
"If I can't endure this pain, how can I ever become the world's greatest swordsman?!"
"Three-Sword Style Secret Technique - Red Flame Dragon!!!"
Boom!
A tremendous force suddenly awakened within Zoro, as if a terrifying beast was about to burst forth.
Using Sanji's knee as a pivot, Zoro leaped into the air, his body spinning and aligning with Sanji's head. The flames that had been burning him were now controlled by his indomitable sword intent, quickly concentrating on the three blades.
With a powerful thrust, the gleaming swords and the scorching flames fused into a mighty dragon that hurtled toward Sanji.
Boom!
A thunderous explosion, accompanied by an intense wave of heat, rippled across the arena like a fiery blossom.
"Cough!"
Sanji spat out a mouthful of blood as he took the full brunt of Zoro's attack. His eyes widened in disbelief, stunned by the sheer power Zoro had unleashed.
Though he didn't want to admit it, Sanji couldn't help but respect Zoro's unyielding spirit—he was the first person to fight back while being burned by his flames!
What neither Sanji nor Zoro noticed during their intense battle was that on the high platform, Garp and Ace exchanged glances.
Both saw the flicker of surprise in the other's eyes.
Garp's reaction confirmed to Ace that the brief aura from Zoro earlier was indeed Conqueror's Haki! He hadn't expected this kid to possess such potential!
Ace's eyes lit up as he watched Zoro dismiss the flames after landing. A strong premonition filled his heart... Zoro's future might exceed everyone's expectations!
As he gazed at the younger Zoro, Ace couldn't help but think of his own little brother back in the Goa Kingdom.
"After this tournament, I should check on Luffy! It's been over a year since we last met—I wonder if he's missed me..."
Thinking of his goofy brother, Ace chuckled to himself.
——
In the arena, Sanji quickly wiped the blood from his mouth and locked eyes with Zoro. The flames on Zoro's body had dissipated, but the burn marks contrasted sharply with the grin on his face.
"Burns, huh?"
A sly smile spread across Sanji's face.
"I've underestimated you, moss-head..."
He spoke in a low voice, "It seems I'll have to go all out to kill you in this fight!"
"Come!"
Zoro responded with a grin, bracing himself.
Suddenly, another fierce wave of heat erupted beside them.
Blaziken, refusing to back down, used its Blaze Kick once more, clashing with Scyther. The audience began to realize the unusual nature of today's battle.
In previous matches, the Pokémon were usually the main combatants. Even when trainers and Pokémon fought together, they complemented each other. Only Garp, the world-renowned powerhouse, consistently delivered overpowering strikes, with his Machoke testing the waters before he finished the fight himself.
But today's battle was different. It felt as though there were two separate battlefields in the arena—one for Zoro and Sanji, and one for Scyther and Blaziken.
For the first time, the spectators witnessed a fight where trainers and Pokémon were completely independent, each battling their own opponent!
Roar!
Like a volcanic eruption, flames once again surged from Sanji, enveloping half the arena in a sea of fire.
"Watch out, moss-head!"
"I don't know if I can control the power that comes next!"
"Hump! Bring it on!"
Zoro appeared nonchalant, but in reality, he was fully prepared to counter Sanji's next move.
Whoosh~
As they finished speaking, the flames in the air converged onto Sanji's legs, forming a blazing armor.
"Ah!!!"
Sanji roared in pain as intense flames burst from his eyes.
"Balrog Knight..."
Whoosh!
Propelled by the flames, Sanji soared into the air, balancing on one leg like a golden rooster, aiming his foot at Zoro.
"Devil's Leg—SHOOT!!!"
Boom!
Sanji unleashed a powerful kick!
Instantly, the sky above Zoro was dyed red with flames. The fiery impact, shaped like a giant foot, descended with overwhelming force and blistering heat.
"You're strong too..."
Zoro murmured in acknowledgment. He could feel that Sanji was even stronger now than when he fought Suicune!
Such rapid growth was astonishing—even Zoro, known for his resilience, found it extraordinary!
The next moment, Zoro sheathed his three swords, placing his hand on the hilt of Wado Ichimonji, preparing for an Iai-slash.
"One-Sword Style Secret Technique..."
A heavy breath escaped Zoro's lips as every cell in his body channeled its strength.
"...Three Hundred Sixty Pound Phoenix!!!"
Whoosh!
The sword was drawn!
In an instant, a violent hurricane of slashes surged upward, clashing with the flames above.
Boom!
The flames and storm collided, generating a powerful shockwave that spread in all directions.
The clouds above the arena seemed to react to the force, swirling and expanding as if pushed by this overwhelming energy.
From the sea below, one could see a massive hole opening in the distant sky.
——
"This... what kind of power is this?!"
Koby, watching from the audience, felt his pupils contract as he stared at the wind and flames beyond the protective shield. He was certain that without this barrier, he would have had no chance of surviving such a force!
Suddenly, a strange thought crossed Koby's mind, "I wish I were the one fighting Master in the ring."
For the first time, Koby felt an intense longing and desire for power... but it definitely wouldn't be the last time!