There was a small area on the stage where the Uchiha clan was gathered to watch the battle.
"Kai plans to fight the opponent himself. This is a smart move. It can minimize the casualties that would come from a direct conflict and also showcase our strength."
After yesterday's skirmish, they all recognized that while this country was filled with women, their fighting capabilities were not to be underestimated. Given their numbers, if the Uchiha clan were to engage in a full-scale conflict, they would undoubtedly suffer heavy losses.
If they could resolve this through a bet, it would certainly be more cost-effective. Even if the other side had second thoughts, they would still fear the power of the Uchiha clan and think twice before acting recklessly.
"Lord Snake Princess, do you plan to send that beast into the arena for the first match?"
At that moment, Kai stood on the fighting platform, facing a massive black panther that stood four to five meters tall and stretched six to seven meters long.
"Grrr…"
The black panther eyed Kai as if he were a delicious meal, drool pooling at the corners of its mouth as it wiped it away with the back of its paw.
Boa Hancock sat atop the highest point of the fighting platform, legs crossed, looking down at Kai with an air of arrogance. "Of course not. This black panther is named Bakora. It's a carnivorous beast that has been raised by the emperors of our country for generations as an executioner. After execution, there won't even be bones left."
"While I agree to your bet, not just anyone can fight me. If you want to wager, you need to show your true strength."
"You mentioned that this is Amazon Lily, a country of warriors. Only the strong are beautiful. If you can't even pass this test, then you might as well fight to the death here. We'll send you off in style."
Kai smiled helplessly. "You really are a clever one."
"You dare to call Lord Snake Princess a clever little ghost?!"
"Kill him! Bakora!!"
"A cowardly yet self-righteous man!!"
…
The Amazon Lily women watching the match roared in unison. The Snake Princess was the ruler of Amazon Lily and an idol to everyone there. For her fervent fans, no one was allowed to speak ill of their beloved leader.
"Bakora!!"
With a command from Boa Hancock, the massive black panther let out a thunderous roar.
"Grrrrrrrrrrrr!!!"
The beast charged at Kai, mouth wide open as if it intended to tear him apart.
Kai simply raised his palm. "Stop!"
Suddenly, just as Bakora was about to sink its teeth into Kai, its massive body came to an abrupt halt inches from him.
"Shut up!"
Click!
Bakora immediately fell silent.
"Sit down!"
The black panther obediently sat down on the ring.
"Now, give me your paw!"
Bakora quickly placed its right paw in Kai's palm.
"Twirl around!"
Black Panther Bakora began to circle wildly in place.
"…"
The entire audience, except for the Uchiha clan, was dumbfounded.
"Bakora!! What are you doing?!!"
"Why are you obeying that man's orders like a pet dog?!"
"How did he do that?!"
The female warriors of Nine Snake Island in the audience were all very puzzled.
"Haha! This is so much fun! Brother Kai is amazing!"
Five-year-old Uchiha Sasuke found the scene incredibly entertaining and couldn't help but clap his hands in delight.
At this time, Sasuke was still a child growing up in a happy family. He was kind-hearted, lively, and cheerful—far from the cold temperament he would later develop.
He also loved to hang out with Kai, who was the strongest member of the Uchiha clan and someone he admired greatly.
The other members of the Uchiha clan couldn't help but smile at the spectacle.
Uchiha Fugaku remarked, "Kai's illusion techniques are still as impressive as ever."
As the leader of the Uchiha clan, he could also control the black panther, but he couldn't do it as easily and comfortably as Kai.
"Kai is the top master of the Uchiha clan! As an elder, are you still feeling jealous?" Fugaku's wife, Uchiha Mikoto, teased him.
"Jealous? I'm not that narrow-minded. The stronger Kai is, the better. With him around, our Uchiha clan might be able to rise to the top again in the future."
Fugaku had always wanted to revive the Uchiha clan, a desire shared by almost all its members. Under his leadership, the clan had made some progress in recent years, but it was still far from its former glory.
The Uchiha clan had faced many challenges due to the suppression by Konoha's top brass. However, Fugaku saw hope for revival in Kai, Uchiha Shisui, and his son, Uchiha Itachi.
At that moment, bang——!!
The black panther's massive body fell to the ground with a thud, its eyes turning blank.
Kai raised his head, looked at Boa Hancock, and smiled. "Well, let's get started."
Boa Hancock's expression darkened, and she angrily bit her finger. She had just claimed that such a ferocious beast could not be tamed, only for it to turn into a pet dog in front of everyone. It was a slap in her face.
"What have you done?"
"What did I do? It's simple! I used an illusion to control it."
"Illusion? Are you using a Devil Fruit power?"
"No, this is a special ability inherited from the bloodline of my Uchiha clan."
"It's those eyes of yours!!"
Boa Hancock quickly guessed the answer.
Kai smiled and nodded, admitting, "Yes, my eyes can hypnotize and create illusions. As long as you look into my eyes, there's a chance you could be controlled by me."
Everyone's expressions shifted at this revelation, and they instinctively averted their gazes from Kai.