Chapter 70: 70. The Six Strongest Illusions: Iron Body!
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One Piece Fanfiction - Rewritten Part 6
As the match entered its climax, the pirates grew more frenzied, craning their necks and shouting encouragement, veins bulging.
"Go, Babanuki!"
"Finish him!"
"Awooooh!!!"
Babanuki roared and slapped his opponent across the face, the powerful force sending him flying out of the ring.
"Babanuki, Win!"
"Thirty consecutive wins!"
"Hahahahaha!"
Babanuki laughed heartily, raising his arms to show his strength to the audience, feeling more refreshed than ever before.
With the excited cheers, Babanuki stepped down from the ring.
Thirty consecutive wins meant he had qualified for the challenge. He just needed to wait for the final challenge round!
As time passed, more and more Headliners earned this honor, each becoming the focus of the pirates' attention.
The Headliners savored this moment, feeling it was worth it even if they lost to the Tobi Roppo in the next challenge.
Under normal circumstances, they would likely become stepping stones for the Tobi Roppo, objects of ridicule.
But at this moment, they fully displayed their strength on a highly anticipated stage, gaining not only wealth but also more importantly, honor!
Wealth, status, fame!
The three pursuits of a pirate.
This was all Daichi's grace!
Third floor, stage.
The Tobi Roppo watched the duels below, their expressions growing more serious. This challenge was even more severe than they had imagined.
They would likely face more than one challenger, and without using their abilities, they might not be able to withstand it.
Daichi glanced at Page One.
"What, scared?"
"How could I be!"
Page One lifted his chin proudly.
After half a year of expedition, he had made a name for himself outside, with a bounty exceeding one hundred million Berries.
Such a small scene, he... he wouldn't be afraid at all!
Page One subconsciously touched his face.
Among the Tobi Roppo, he was the youngest, just turning 16 after the Fire Festival, and also the smallest in stature.
Judging solely by his physique, he was indeed the easiest to bully. If all the Headliners came to challenge him, it would indeed be... a bit troublesome!
Hmm, just a minor trouble!
"That's good then."
Daichi chuckled softly.
He wasn't trying to trick Pay-Pay. He was simply trying to save time. Otherwise, if the Headliners challenged them one by one, it would last until tomorrow morning.
An annual grand party turning into a dueling show would be too much of a buzzkill. He also wanted to relax and enjoy himself properly.
The slapping contest was very suitable. Not only was the process fast and highly entertaining, but it also allowed all members of the Beast Pirates to participate, boosting their enthusiasm.
"That should be enough."
Daichi looked down below.
With the Headliners joining in, the matches were gradually nearing their end. Fewer and fewer pirates were taking the stage, so it could be declared over.
Exactly 10 o'clock.
"Dong!!!"
As the gong sounded, the qualifying rounds temporarily concluded, with over thirty Headliners earning challenge qualifications.
"It's our turn to go on stage!"
Daichi leaped down from the stage onto one of the rings. Who's-Who and the others, seeing this, also chose their respective stages.
Ulti stood on the ring closest to Daichi, looking scared: "Daichi ♡, this little girl is so scared! What if my face gets injured?"
"Ulti, I am this kind of person, you see."
Daichi sighed, a wicked grin spreading across his lips.
"I love watching women fight the most!"
"You damn jerk!"
Ulti was furious upon hearing this, directly leaping in front of Daichi, grabbing his neck and shaking him violently: "At a time like this, you should tenderly say you'll take care of me!"
"Take care of you?"
Daichi looked down at Ulti with disgust, pulling out a thick wad of Berries from his pocket.
Ulti's expression instantly changed. She snatched the Berries with lightning speed and stuffed them into her small skirt, then carefully straightened Daichi's collar.
"Oh dear~~ Daichi ♡, I knew you doted on this little girl the most!"
"Go back quickly."
Daichi impatiently snapped.
Heh, look how spoiled you are.
You, at most, are my little concubine.
"Daichi ♡, this little girl takes her leave."
Ulti beamed, skipping back to her own ring.
Made some money, happy!
Although she was very strong, she actually didn't have much money in her pocket. For instance, during this expedition, she only received a few million Berries because the crew was too large, and everyone, from top to bottom, needed money.
Moreover, she was a fashionista, and her expenses couldn't be cut. Branded clothes, bags, cosmetics—everything cost money.
Daichi was her true love!
All of the Tobi Roppo were in position, but a strange scene unfolded: there wasn't a single challenger on Daichi's ring.
Ulti and Black Maria had divided up the female Headliners, Sasaki didn't have many challengers either, and even Page One, who seemed the easiest to bully, only had four challengers.
As for Who's-Who's ring.
The challenging Headliners circled the ring, all rubbing their fists and preparing to strike, glaring fiercely at Who's-Who.
"Sorry, Who's-Who!"
"You guys!"
Who's-Who's face darkened, angry veins bulging.
Damn it, they're all targeting him, aren't they!
The Headliners grinned wickedly.
You pick the soft persimmon to squeeze.
Who's-Who was covered in bandages, his facial features swollen and distorted, clearly injured. Who else would they pick if not him?
The Headliners secretly glanced at Daichi, and the fierce glint in their eyes immediately softened considerably, replaced by respect.
Many of them had originally planned to challenge Daichi, because among the Tobi Roppo, Daichi's strength was the most mysterious, and he had no bounty.
But Daichi had given them a perfect stage to showcase themselves. This kindness had to be repaid, and Daichi had money!
"Let me take the lead!"
Babanuki was the first to step onto the stage!
He knew very well that being the first on stage wasn't a wise choice, but it had its advantages—being first was definitely the most eye-catching.
He didn't expect to be promoted to the Tobi Roppo.
Gaining attention was his goal!
As long as his performance wasn't too bad, his objective would be achieved. He had to make a good impression on those above him!
Especially in front of that man!
Third floor.
Queen, seeing Babanuki step onto the stage, immediately perked up, grabbed a megaphone, and yelled towards the ring.
"Babanuki, take down Who's-Who!"
"Yes, Queen!"
Babanuki responded loudly.
At this moment, the surrounding pirates also began to jeer and cheer, especially the jailers from Prisoner Mine.
"Go, Babanuki!"
"Show the Tobi Roppo what you've got!"
"Don't let them underestimate Prisoner Mine!"
As the lower ranks of the Beast Pirates, they wanted to see the Tobi Roppo pulled down, which would give them the illusion of "I can do it too."
"Draw lots!"
Babanuki looked at the first-move lot, a look of joy on his honest face, and said in a deep voice, "My apologies, Who's-Who."
"Hurry up and start!"
Who's-Who snorted coldly, standing still with his hands in his pockets. In this duel, if he moved an inch, he would lose!
Babanuki extended his palm, brought it close to Who's-Who's right cheek, then moved it away, then brought it close to Who's-Who's right cheek again.
He gestured back and forth three times.
"Oh oh oh!!!"
Babanuki roared and exerted force, his muscles bulging all over his body, his already thick arms nearly doubling in size.
Haki condensed in his palm!
Who's-Who's expression gradually changed, cold sweat trickling down his forehead.
Not good!
"Warden's Judgment: Great Slap!"
"Iron Body!"
"Slap!!!"
A palm larger than a face slammed into Who's-Who's left cheek. As his skin violently shook, a molar flew out of his mouth.
Iron Body... is about to collapse!