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.
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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.