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Elizabello II unleashed a punch, creating an explosion more than ten times stronger than a cannonball. The terrifying energy blasted a massive crater in the arena ground, engulfing Bartolomeo and his barrier fruit. The force shattered the stands and penetrated the venue, injuring many spectators but, fortunately, causing no fatalities.
Surprisingly, those directly in the path of Elizabello II's punch were unharmed. They stood frozen, faces etched with horror, wondering why they were still alive.
As the smoke cleared, Bartolomeo emerged. His barrier fruit was dented, and a large crater lay before him, courtesy of Elizabello II's punch. Yet, Bartolomeo had blocked the King's Punch.
"How is this possible?" Elizabello II's eyes widened in disbelief. His King's Punch was ten times stronger than before.
Bartolomeo panted heavily, showing the effort it took to withstand the punch. But now, it was Bartolomeo's turn to act.
He raised his eyebrows, flashing a dangerous grin at Elizabello II. At that moment, Elizabello II raised his hand, declaring, "I admit defeat."
Bartolomeo blinked, then shook his head in disappointment, "Boring."
The audience began chanting Bartolomeo's name, but he seemed unimpressed. He pulled down his pants and relieved himself on the audience, turning their admiration to disgust.
The crowd, once supportive, now cursed Bartolomeo, but he only laughed more excitedly.
"This Bartolomeo's barrier fruit is impressive," Ace noted, and Chiba nodded, "Elizabello II's King's Punch is powerful. I didn't expect Bartolomeo to withstand it."
"Hehe, maybe I'll recruit him for our fleet," Ace mused. "What do you think, Captain?"
"You're the vice-captain; you can handle these minor decisions," Chiba replied, thinking, "Luffy, Luffy, it's not your brother Ace stealing your crew."
However, Chiba was more intrigued by Elizabello II's King's Punch than Bartolomeo.
Due to the arena's destruction, repairs were necessary, and the match would resume the next day. Chiba instructed Koby to bring Elizabello II to him.
Koby found Elizabello II, saying, "Your Majesty Elizabello, Lord Chiba wants to see you."
"Are you Koby, the Marine's most wanted man who consumed the Shock Fruit?" Elizabello II asked. "So, your lord must be the legendary Marine, Monkey D. Chiba?"
Koby nodded, "That's right. My lord has a proposal to discuss with you."
Elizabello II perked up, "Alright, take me there immediately."
Chiba's name was renowned across the sea. The World Government sought to eliminate him, while pirates aimed to ally with him. Elizabello II, aware of Chiba's power, hoped to gain a powerful Devil Fruit, advanced training methods, and valuable elixirs by maintaining a good relationship.
Soon, Elizabello II arrived at Chiba's residence. He hurried forward, removed his crown, and respectfully said, "I've heard of Chiba for so long. Seeing you today is a great fortune."
Chiba, pleased with Elizabello II's attitude, smiled, "You're welcome. Please, have a seat."
Elizabello II sat, gazing intently at Chiba. Uncomfortable under his fiery stare, Chiba cut to the chase, "Your Majesty, I'm interested in your King's Punch. I'd like to study your body and techniques."
"Of course, I won't study for free. Name your request, and as long as it's reasonable, I'll fulfill it."
Elizabello II stood, saying, "It's an honor to be chosen by Lord Chiba. I dare not ask for much, but I hope to join your fleet."
Chiba was momentarily taken aback, expecting Elizabello II to request training methods, Haki exercises, or foundation-building pills. He was prepared to be generous.
Elizabello II's request posed a challenge. While capable, he hadn't impressed Chiba enough to join his personal crew.
Suddenly, Chiba had an idea, "Join Ace's fleet. He's my vice-captain. Joining his crew is like joining mine. I'll also give you three Foundation Establishment Pills."
Originally, Elizabello II hoped to be a direct subordinate like Koby, maximizing benefits. Disappointed by Chiba's refusal, he was initially unenthused about joining Ace's fleet.
However, the offer of three Foundation Establishment Pills dispelled his reluctance. These pills, unavailable even on the black market, promised further strength enhancement.
"Alright, as you wish, Lord Chiba. I'll join Ace's fleet."
"My body is yours to study."
"Come with me," Chiba said, leading Elizabello II to his ship, where sophisticated instruments awaited.
A day later, Chiba had completed his research.
[You conducted a detailed study of Elizabello II's body, blood, and King's Punch. Combining your previous life's experience, you created the power-saving technique, Revolving Heaven.]
[Revolving Heaven: For every three seconds spent, the arm rotates once, doubling the accumulated power with each rotation, up to thirty-six times, releasing it instantly.]
A flood of information filled Chiba's mind. The qi flow adjusted, forming a unique trajectory.
Chiba rotated his arms, qi rapidly channeling to his right arm. Previously, he could only accumulate power to a certain extent before releasing it. Now, the mysterious trajectory restrained his qi and Haki.
Chiba completed a second rotation, continuing to accumulate power. After two rounds, his right arm swelled with pain—not due to weakness, but the immense power of his qi and Haki.
Using Armament Haki, he protected his right arm and attempted a third rotation. With three rotations, his arm held triple the strength, causing further swelling and pain.
Chiba shifted Armament Haki to Emission and attempted a fourth rotation. Four rotations quadrupled his power—enough to obliterate Izan with a punch.
Gradually, Chiba dissipated the power, still unsatisfied, continuing to study Elizabello II's body.
After half a day, Chiba made another breakthrough.
[You conducted a deep study of Elizabello II's body, examining physical changes before and after the King's Punch. You created an extremely elastic body training method.]
[Extremely Elastic Body Training: This method enhances body elasticity, allowing for significant power storage and instant release.]
The exercise's description intrigued Chiba, reminding him of Luffy's rubber physique, which extracted and stored energy for explosive use.
Chiba wondered if studying Luffy could yield better elasticity for greater strength accumulation. Next time they met, he'd investigate further.
By noon, Chiba left the research room, heading to the arena's VIP section to practice his new skills and watch the upcoming battle.
In this round, only Vista and Cavendish interested Chiba.
He knew Cavendish had a peculiar side, transforming into a different person with powerful swordsmanship capable of instantly defeating opponents.
Chiba was curious how long Cavendish could last against Vista in this state.
Chiba watched with interest, but Ace seemed disinterested. "Vista's strange. I offered him a Devil Fruit, but he refused, saying it was embarrassing. Competing against these juniors—if he wins, he loses face. If he loses, it's worse."
Chiba smiled, "The strong value pride, understandable. But you're right, if he loses to these juniors, he'll lose more face. And I think he might indeed lose face this time."
Ace raised an eyebrow. He'd merely speculated Vista wouldn't take first place, being modest.
Now Vista's strength had grown significantly, reaching Admiral level. Most competitors were emerging talents, lacking old-generation strength.
In such circumstances, who could defeat Vista?
Ace observed the stage. Many recognized Vista, famous for battling Hawkeye during the Summit War and captaining the Whitebeard Pirates.
These participants knew that if they didn't eliminate Vista first, they stood no chance.
A group charged Vista simultaneously. He stroked his beard, smiling, "Interesting."
Red petals floated across the stage as Vista sheathed his sword. His opponents froze, then fell.
Silence engulfed the arena as everyone stared at Vista.
Blackbeard's eyes widened, "Hehehe, Vista's still formidable."
Turning to Shiryu of the Rain, Blackbeard asked, "Confident against Vista?"
"Find me the Clear-Clear Fruit, and I'll be confident," Shiryu replied.
Blackbeard's gaze sharpened.
In the VIP section, Ace shook his head, "Beating weaklings isn't impressive."
"I disagree," Chiba grinned. "There's another player—Cavendish. He's not bad, might be worth watching."
Ace dismissed the idea, "He's too young. I doubt he can withstand Vista's attack."
"I think he can," Chiba smiled.
Ace looked surprised, "Why do you think Cavendish can survive Vista's attack?"
Chiba abruptly changed the subject, "I found you a crew member—Elizabello II. Let him join your crew."
"I don't want him. You keep him," Ace replied, considering Elizabello II too old and weak compared to Bartolomeo.
"If Cavendish survives ten moves against Vista, take Elizabello II. If not, I'll take him and create three powerful Devil Fruits."
Ace perked up, "Then I want you to create an artificial balm fruit using Koby's Shock Fruit."
"No problem."
Ace, intrigued by Chiba's confidence in Cavendish, watched the stage.
On the stage, Vista smiled at Cavendish, "Young man, will you step down, or shall I send you?"
Bartolomeo cheered from the stands, "Cavendish, go for it!"
"Shut up, cockscomb," Cavendish retorted, glaring at Vista. "A swordsman's only defeat is death."
Vista admired the sentiment but questioned Cavendish's strength. He attacked swiftly.
Cavendish saw red flowers flash before him, then felt pain at the back of his head before losing consciousness and collapsing.
Ace laughed, "Chiba, you misjudged. When will you make the Shock Fruit for me?"
"No rush, it's not over," Chiba smiled, watching as Cavendish's eyes suddenly opened, his face turning ferocious and strange. A chilling aura enveloped the arena as his body eerily levitated.
[•———•——•———•]
𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧
✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.