Chapter 115: A Punch That Can Kill Four Emperors
The arena buzzed with excitement as anticipation for the upcoming battle grew.
"Who do you think will win the top prize this time and get the Mera-Mera Fruit Golden Crow form?" someone asked.
"Who knows what monsters are participating, but this competition will definitely be thrilling. Let's keep our eyes peeled," another replied.
"In my opinion, if nothing unexpected happens, Elizabello II will claim this fruit."
"Elizabello II, who claims his punch can penetrate enemy fortresses?" someone queried.
"Yes, the very same Elizabello II. I think he can at least secure third place."
"I heard Flower Sword Vista from the Whitebeard Pirates is also competing. He's fought the world's greatest swordsman, Hawkeye. I think Vista could take first place," another speculated.
"Heh, Elizabello II's King's Punch is said to kill Yonko. I doubt Vista can withstand it," someone countered.
"No matter how powerful Elizabello II's punch is, it has to land first. Vista's a swift swordsman; I doubt he'll be hit before he can strike Elizabello II," another argued.
"Plus, Elizabello II needs an hour to charge up for the King's Punch. Who's giving him that time? I think he's overrated."
"How dare you insult our king?" someone defended, sparking a heated debate among the spectators.
The atmosphere grew more fervent, and in the VIP room, Chiba watched the arena below with mixed feelings. He hadn't expected to host this event, and the original Mera-Mera Fruit had transformed into the Mera-Mera Fruit Golden Crow form.
"If Luffy were here, would he see me as an enemy?" Chiba mused. But Luffy was training with Rayleigh, and the Straw Hat Crew was also honing their skills, likely unable to attend.
As Chiba pondered, the arena host delivered a rousing speech, raising the crowd's excitement. Participants began entering the arena, introduced as powerful figures from around the world. Most were unfamiliar to Chiba, likely secondary characters.
However, two participants caught Chiba's attention: Elizabello II, who claimed his punch could kill Yonko, and Bartolomeo.
Elizabello II continued swinging his fists, his skin reddening as he stored energy. His confidence surged, bolstered by body-enhancing techniques and energy supplements that had significantly boosted his physical power.
Elizabello II's light version of the King's Punch now matched his former heavyweight version, and the latter's devastating impact had increased tenfold.
His unique physique allowed for such vast improvements, far exceeding typical enhancements from Chiba's research. Elizabello II believed in his superiority, while Bartolomeo observed his opponents, noting Elizabello II's presence.
In the stands, Cavendish shouted, "Elizabello, take down that cockscomb head with one punch!"
"Shut your mouth, you sissy," someone nearby retorted.
Cavendish's eyes turned cold, and with a flash of his sword, the heckler fell, a thin line of blood across his neck.
The crowd gasped, failing to see how the man had died.
Vista frowned, impressed by Cavendish's prowess. "Today's young people are truly formidable," he remarked.
The chaotic fight commenced, with participants seeking opponents. Bartolomeo, hands in pockets, wasn't eager to fight until a towering swordsman attacked.
"Huh? Another unlucky swordsman?" Bartolomeo grinned, forming a barrier that effortlessly blocked the assault.
The swordsman slashed wildly, unable to penetrate Bartolomeo's defense.
"Try my super bulldozer!" Bartolomeo charged, using the barrier to push the man off the platform, where fighting fish promptly devoured him.
"Haha, swordsmen are useless, as useless as that b*****d Cavendish," Bartolomeo taunted, infuriating Cavendish, who seethed with rage.
Cavendish vowed to claim the Mera-Mera Fruit Golden Crow form, determined to break Bartolomeo's barrier and slice him into pieces.
"Buzzing, the super bulldozer is coming," Bartolomeo announced gleefully, enlarging the barrier and bulldozing through the arena, scattering participants.
Some fled, fearing Bartolomeo's advance.
"Fight us properly, you coward!" someone shouted.
"What, you want me to push faster?" Bartolomeo teased, increasing speed and pushing several more off.
"Cockscomb, you b*****d," a voice yelled, but Bartolomeo grew more excited, "What, want me to speed up more?"
Bartolomeo accelerated, pushing many off the stage. Laughing, he found the competition trivial compared to Cavendish, let alone these participants.
In the VIP room, Chiba chuckled, "This cockscomb head is entertaining."
On the arena floor, Elizabello II grew agitated by Bartolomeo's antics and turned to face him.
Bartolomeo's demeanor shifted, sensing Elizabello II's intent.
Elizabello II's skin reddened like charcoal, steam rising as a powerful aura emanated.
"Yes, Elizabello, take down that big mouth cockscomb," Cavendish urged. His speed allowed for rapid sword strikes, but he lacked the power to breach Bartolomeo's barrier.
Elizabello II's punch, while slower, was immensely powerful, capable of piercing fortresses.
"Can Elizabello II truly kill a Yonko?" Vista wondered, curious if his father's power compared.
"How does his punch compare to my drill head?" Chinjao mused, eager to see the punch's supposed Yonko-slaying power.
"Do you think Elizabello II's punch can really kill a Yonko?" Hina asked, recalling Whitebeard's ability to destroy Marineford's fortress with a single blow.
Chiba pondered before shaking his head, "If a Yonko stood still, maybe. But in a real fight, he's no match."
"So, it's just rumors?"
"Not entirely. Elizabello II's King's Punch is still formidable."
Chiba was intrigued by Elizabello II's punch. If he could study it and harness its power, perhaps he could unleash blows ten or a hundred times stronger.
Ace approached, "Chiba, you seem interested in those two."
Chiba nodded, "I want to study Elizabello's King's Punch."
Success could mean punches rivaling Garp's legendary strength.
Ace's eyes gleamed. If Chiba developed a training method, Ace could learn it, adding a powerful technique to his arsenal.
"Chiba, do you think Elizabello II's punch or the cockscomb head's barrier is stronger?" Ace asked.
"It's hard to say. Elizabello II's physique is impressive, bolstered by Marine training methods. Bartolomeo improved too, but not as much. It's a tough call," Chiba replied.
Chiba and Ace watched intently, while Marco speculated on the outcome.
In the crowd, Blackbeard, disguised, observed the arena, eyes gleaming. "If they're strong, let's recruit them," he mused.
Blackbeard coveted Bartolomeo's barrier fruit, envisioning it as a powerful ship defense, protecting them from Marine shelling and enemy attacks.
However, he needed to assess Bartolomeo's barrier strength.
Nearby, a blind Marine watched the arena.
"This sea breeds powerful pirates, but when will we see peace?" he sighed.
Koala, spotting the blind Marine, recognized him as Fujitora, a trusted Marine admiral, and quickly retreated, heart pounding.
"Bad luck, running into Admiral Fujitora. His presence is oppressive," she thought, worried he might target Sabo.
She hurried to warn Sabo of the Marine admiral's presence.
Sabo, meanwhile, observed the arena, assessing opponents for the upcoming battle.
Beside him stood a beautiful woman in a scant outfit, protected only by minimal armor.
Watching the arena, despair filled her heart. "That cockscomb head is strong. My sword can't breach his defense. Can I win the Mera-Mera Fruit Golden Crow form?"
"Haha, a beauty like you participating in this fight? How lucky for us," a giant man taunted, reaching for Rebecca.
Rebecca dodged, drew her sword, and faced him coldly.
"A feisty one, I like it," he sneered, swinging a massive sword at Rebecca.
The attack came too fast, and Rebecca couldn't dodge. Suddenly, a black blade blocked the blow.
"A brute attacking a girl, how shameful," a voice chided. Rebecca saw a young man with sunglasses and a rake-like face.
It was Berru meber, Chiba's apprentice, wielding the black dragon. With a flick, he disarmed the giant, then kicked him away.
"Thank you," Rebecca said. Bellamy sheathed the black dragon, smiling, "Men are born to protect women, no thanks needed."
Berru meber inwardly cheered, "So cool, so manly, praise me!"
Watching Bellamy's strength, Rebecca felt despondent. "These people are monsters. How can I win the fruit?"
In the arena, Bartolomeo concentrated, shrinking his barrier but thickening it for defense.
Elizabello II's power reached its peak, steam billowing as he swung his fist, generating explosive force.
Finally, Elizabello II's punch reached its zenith, and a terrifying power surged from him, capturing everyone's attention.