022 VS Kizaru

As the morning glow broke through dawn, time seemed to flow gently by. Over the past three days, the grand tournament had already eliminated more than half its participants. Aside from the top four, the rest of the top ten had been all but determined.

Without a doubt, this stage of the competition was to decide the final rankings, with only one position for the champion—fought over by four contenders, each with personal scores to settle. As a result, the audience gathered in unprecedented numbers.

Outside the arena, gambling rings had sprung up, with bets being placed on Xuanye, Borsalino, Sakazuki, and Kuzan. The odds varied for each, but the overseers turned a blind eye, and some of the old-timers even brazenly wagered millions of Berries.

Even before the contest began, the atmosphere was thick with tension—the final four were simply too formidable. Yet for many, this very fact made the event all the more exhilarating.

On the high platform, as usual, Kong and his peers were seated, for today, the new champion of the Navy would be decided. Whoever claimed first place would be rewarded with fame, fortune, and power in abundance.

"Will the four finalists please step forward and draw lots to determine their opponents," the referee announced, holding a sealed box containing four tags.

With only four participants, two would draw—whoever was named on the tag would be their opponent. Given the circumstances, it hardly mattered who drew first.

"May I choose my opponent directly?" Xuanye's cold gaze fixed upon Sakazuki, undisguised murderous intent radiating from him.

Standing to the side, Borsalino and Kuzan twitched nervously; positioned between Xuanye and Sakazuki, they bore the brunt of the tension.

The referee wiped cold sweat from his brow, glancing up at Fleet Admiral Kong atop the platform.

"Xuanye, this is a competition—fairness cannot be compromised," Kong replied sternly, glaring at Xuanye. He thought to himself, at least make an effort to hide your intentions; it was obvious to anyone with sense that Xuanye wanted to kill Sakazuki then and there.

"Very well," Xuanye shrugged, then cast a provocative look at Sakazuki. "You damned mutt, I'm about to send you straight to hell."

Sakazuki’s face darkened further at the insult, his expression having been tense from the start.

"Hmph, anyone can talk big. I hear you have a younger sister. Don't worry—once you're dead, I'll make sure she joins you soon enough," Sakazuki replied, voice dripping with venom, his eyes locked onto Xuanye.

A wave of heat erupted—Xuanye’s feet sank into the earth, steam billowing off his body. His cropped hair shot upward, and his eyes, bloodshot with fury, gleamed with violent intent. His striking features twisted into a mask of wrath, and with an icy chill, he spat out, "You damned mutt, your death would be a mercy."

Witnessing Xuanye’s berserk state, everyone present felt a deep sense of dread, especially Borsalino, Kuzan, and the referee, sandwiched between the two. For a fleeting instant, it was as if they were prey under the gaze of a primordial beast, their hair standing on end.

On the platform, Kong and his peers wore somber expressions.

"Sakazuki has made a grave misstep," Tsuru sighed, shaking her head. "Xuanye’s one weakness is his sister; it’s because of her that he’s driven himself relentlessly. Sakazuki’s words haven’t demoralized Xuanye—instead, they've unleashed his unbridled fury. Sakazuki’s chances of survival have only grown slimmer."

"You think so highly of Xuanye?" Garp picked his nose, his usual joviality replaced with thoughtful concern.

"You simply don’t know him. Left alone, he’s fine, but provoke him and it’s a fight to the death. Especially when his sister is threatened," Tsuru replied, her tone doubtful of Sakazuki’s prospects.

"Is it really that serious?" Garp asked, now more cautious.

"No, Tsuru’s right. Xuanye is likely to do whatever it takes to kill Sakazuki this time. When he gets ruthless, nothing holds him back," Sengoku said gravely. And this was Xuanye before he had truly matured—Sengoku could hardly imagine the future. Sometimes he wondered if having such a madman in the Navy was really a blessing.

"Sakazuki depends too much on his Devil Fruit, and his training is nothing like Xuanye’s. Not to mention, Xuanye’s combat experience is on another level—he spent over a month and a half on Beast Island. No one knows how strong he’s become; it’s all an unknown," Tsuru went on.

Clearly, most didn’t favor Sakazuki. The facts were plain: he had lost to Xuanye twice before, and if not for timely intervention, Sakazuki’s grave would be overgrown by now.

Whispers filled the stands, while inside, violence simmered.

Casting one last glance at Sakazuki, Xuanye’s face was expressionless as he reached into the box and pulled out a tag. Seeing the name, he frowned and looked intently at Borsalino.

Feeling Xuanye’s gaze, Borsalino shivered, his normally sly face turning grim.

"Next," the referee said, eyeing Borsalino with some amusement.

Kuzan stepped up and selected a tag. After a glance at the name, he looked calmly at Sakazuki.

"Any objections?" the referee asked Sakazuki and Borsalino. If they objected, they would draw lots next. But all four were proud men—voicing an objection was tantamount to admitting inferiority.

Thus, the thought of objecting never even arose; each was confident in his own strength. For men like these, wariness was not fear—if anything, it made them more eager. There was no doubt: all four possessed this spirit.

"Since there are no objections, the first round begins: Xuanye versus Borsalino."

A moment later, Xuanye and Borsalino stood facing one another in the arena.

"What rotten luck," Borsalino muttered, stretching his limbs, his usually unserious face now set in grim determination, never taking his eyes off Xuanye. "This is going to be tough, but for first place, I have no choice but to give it my all."

"Borsalino, I'll give you a chance. Admit defeat now, and I’ll let go of the grudge from before. My target is Sakazuki—I don’t want to waste time on you," Xuanye said calmly. He was not joking; Borsalino’s abilities were tricky, and even Xuanye was not certain of victory. He hoped Borsalino would have the sense to withdraw, though he didn’t expect much.

As expected, Borsalino replied, "I know you’re not provoking me, but I can’t help feeling annoyed." His face was dark, voice low. "I was in the wrong last time, but I have my pride. I may be wary of you, but that doesn’t mean I fear you. This is a good chance for me to see just how insane you really are."

"In that case, I’ll have to go all out. Are you ready for my vengeance?" Xuanye grinned wickedly as flames erupted from his body, growing fiercer until the entire arena seemed awash in magma-like heat. The crowd sweltered, sweat pouring down their faces.

"Xuanye, have you ever been kicked by light?" Borsalino asked softly, stomping his foot as golden light began to shimmer around him.

"Perfect timing. I’d like to try it," Xuanye replied, tilting his head slightly. His eyes blazed gold, flickering like living flames.

In a flash of brilliance, Borsalino’s figure vanished, leaving only a fragment of golden light behind. In the next instant, he was above Xuanye, his right foot glowing with immense power.

Xuanye twisted rapidly, losing a lock of hair, and the ground behind him erupted in a violent explosion.

He raised his hand, darkness spreading as Armament Haki surged forth, attempting to seize Borsalino. But Borsalino had already dissolved into light, reappearing at a distance.

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