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Chapter 4 - CH 4: MORE SPARRING

Lucci's eyes narrowed, and he launched into a flurry of attacks, each one faster and more precise than the last. But I matched him, blow for blow, my flames and speed giving me the edge I needed.

We fought for what felt like hours, neither of us willing to back down. The forest around us bore the scars of our battle, trees charred and ground scorched. Finally, we both stepped back, panting and exhausted.

"You're... something else," Lucci admitted, his voice filled with grudging respect.

I smiled, feeling the same respect for him. "You're not too bad yourself."

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(3rd POV)

The clash between Yuji and Rob Lucci echoed through the forest, a evidence to the intensity of their battle.

Both combatants stood panting, each recognizing the strength their strength. But neither was willing to back down.

Lucci's eyes narrowed as he assessed Yuji. "You're stronger than I expected, but this isn't over yet."

Yuji smirked, his flames flickering in anticipation. "Bring it on, Lucci."

With a swift motion, Lucci activated his Devil Fruit power. His body morphed and expanded, muscles bulging as fur sprouted all over his skin. He transformed into a towering hybrid of a man and a leopard, his eyes glowing with predatory intensity.

"This is my true power," Lucci growled, his voice deeper and more menacing. "The power of the Neko Neko no Mi, Model: Leopard."

Yuji's eyes widened slightly and thought 'As expected he already has his own signature devil fruit ability, the Neko Neko no mi Model: Leopard'

But he quickly composed himself. "Nice trick, but it's going to take more than that to beat me."

Lucci disappeared from sight, using "Shave" to move at blinding speed. Yuji extinguished the flames on his back, his Lunarian agility kicking in.

He narrowly dodged Lucci's initial strike, the force of the blow creating a crater where he had stood.

"You can't run forever," Lucci snarled, launching a barrage of "Finger Pistols" at Yuji.

"Who said that I will run forever? idiot"

Yuji weaved through the attacks with incredible speed, his movements a blur. He countered with a burst of flames, forcing Lucci to leap back. The two fighters circled each other, eyes locked in a fierce stare-down.

"Impressive," Lucci admitted. "But let's see how you handle this."

He leaped into the air, using "Sky Walk" to gain altitude. From above, he descended rapidly, aiming a powerful kick at Yuji.

Yuji ignited the flames on his back, propelling himself upward to meet Lucci mid-air. Their collision created a fiery explosion, the shockwave shaking the surrounding trees.

As they landed, Lucci lunged forward, his claws slashing through the air. Yuji blocked with his arm, his flames forming a shield that absorbed the impact. He retaliated with a fiery punch to Lucci's gut, sending him skidding back.

"You're good," Yuji said, his voice steady. "But I'm not done yet."

Lucci growled, his eyes blazing with fury. He charged again, faster and more ferocious than before.

Yuji extinguished his flames, relying on his Lunarian agility to dodge the onslaught. But Lucci was relentless, his attacks becoming a blur of claws, kicks, and "Finger Pistols."

Yuji managed to block and counter some of the strikes, but the sheer speed and power of Lucci's hybrid form were overwhelming.

He ignited his flames again, using them to create distance and launch fireballs at Lucci. The leopard-man dodged most of them, but a few hit their mark, scorching his fur.

"Enough games," Lucci roared, his voice a deep rumble. He used "Shave" to close the distance, his claws aiming for Yuji's throat.

Yuji ducked under the attack, his flames flaring as he swept Lucci's legs out from under him.

Lucci twisted in mid-air, landing on his feet and immediately countering with a "Finger Pistol" to Yuji's shoulder.

The impact was intense, but Yuji's flames absorbed most of it.

"Not bad," Yuji grunted, pain lancing through his shoulder. "But you'll have to do better than that."

He extinguished his flames, his agility surging as he darted around Lucci, landing quick, precise strikes.

Lucci's hybrid form was powerful, but it was also large, making it difficult for him to keep up with Yuji's speed.

But Lucci adapted quickly. He used "Iron Body" to withstand Yuji's blows, then countered with a devastating kick that sent Yuji flying.

Yuji landed hard, the wind knocked out of him. He struggled to his feet, his flames reigniting as he prepared for Lucci's next attack.

"You're tough," Lucci admitted, his breathing heavy. "But I'm tougher."

He charged again, his claws slashing through the air. Yuji met him head-on, his flames creating a barrier that deflected the worst of Lucci's attacks.

They traded blows, each strike sending shockwaves through the forest.As the battle raged on, it became clear that both fighters were reaching their limits.

Yuji's flames flickered weakly, his movements slowing as fatigue set in. Lucci's attacks became less precise, his stamina waning.

In a final, desperate clash, Yuji ignited his flames to their maximum intensity, creating a blazing inferno around him.

Lucci used "Shave" to close the distance, his claws aiming for Yuji's heart. But Yuji was ready.

He extinguished his flames, his Lunarian agility giving him the speed to dodge the attack and deliver a powerful punch to Lucci's gut.

Lucci staggered back, his hybrid form flickering as he struggled to maintain it. Yuji stood panting, his flames slowly dying out. They faced each other, both on the brink of collapse.

"You're... something else," Lucci admitted, his voice strained.

Yuji managed a weak smile. "You're not too bad yourself."

With a final, exhausted effort, Lucci reverted to his human form, his body trembling with fatigue. Yuji's flames extinguished completely, his body barely able to stand.

"Looks like it's a draw," Yuji said, his voice hoarse.

Lucci nodded, his respect for Yuji clear in his eyes. "Yeah, a draw."

They both collapsed to the ground, too exhausted to continue. The forest around them was silent.