"Ulti, Win!"
"Sasaki, Win!"
"Black Maria, Win!"
"Iron Body! Smack!"
As time passed, the Flying Six successively defeated all challengers, leaving only Who's Who barely holding on with Iron Body, and the ultimate showdown between Gurd and Queen!
Very few Pirates remained watching Who's Who's match, as even the challenging Headliners had shifted their attention to Gurd's arena.
Third floor, spectator stands.
"Wororororo."
Kaido took a swig of liquor, shaking his head with amusement.
"Tch, why's that idiot Queen picking a fight with Gurd? An All-Star bullying a Flying Six member—how embarrassing if word got out!"
"Queen was always a fool."
King's tone was icy, showing no mercy in his criticism of Queen.
This was truly disgraceful.
Kaido grew intrigued.
"King, Jack, who do you think will win?"
"Queen."
King and Jack answered without hesitation.
There existed an insurmountable gap between All-Stars and the Flying Six—of this, both men were absolutely confident.
"Wororororo, then I'll bet on Gurd!"
Kaido roared with laughter, eyeing the two.
"King, Jack, don't underestimate that boy Gurd. He'll likely challenge you two next—don't get careless."
"No matter."
Their expressions remained unchanged.
With no outsiders present, King's demeanor was less aloof. Not wanting to dampen Big Brother Kaido's mood given his high regard for Gurd:
"Big Brother Kaido."
King pointed at the arena below.
"Any wagers on this match?"
"A wager... Let's make it 100 million Berries ."
Kaido decided with a laugh.
100 million Berries was a considerable sum even for All-Stars.
To King and Jack, Big Brother Kaido might as well be handing them money—after all, how could Queen possibly lose to a Flying Six member?
They acknowledged Gurd's strength.
But that was all.
Kaido propped his chin on one hand.
"King, Jack, if that boy truly becomes an All-Star, I'll have Yamato marry him. What do you think?"
"..."
Their pupils contracted.
So that was it!
No wonder Big Brother Kaido valued that kid so highly!
King's gaze turned grave: "Big Brother Kaido, I admit Gurd is exceptional, but marrying Princess Yamato to him... wouldn't that be inappropriate?"
"Wororororo, you don't understand."
Kaido grinned widely.
He saw something in Gurd that Pirates typically lacked—precisely what they were missing.
That kid was a master at politics!
In pure combat terms, Gurd's contribution to the Beasts would be limited. But his true value lay in possessing both strategic acumen and formidable strength.
In Gurd, Kaido saw the future where the Beasts could advance further and surpass other Four Emperor crews—they absolutely had to secure him!
"Any leads on Fire Fist Ace's whereabouts?"
"We've got traces."
King responded solemnly: "After leaving Wano Country, Fire Fist Ace entered Whitebeard's territory. He was spotted on Hachinosu several days ago."
"Wororororo, troublesome indeed."
Kaido rested his chin on his palm.
Fire Fist Ace had repeatedly provoked the Beasts—retribution was necessary. But Hachinosu was Whitebeard's stronghold; capturing him there could easily spark war.
When Four Emperors clash, both sides lose!
After prolonged contemplation:
"Have Gurd handle this!"
"Also assign the Numbers trade to Gurd. After he returns from Hachinosu, send him to Pleasure District."
Numbers, the ancient giant experimental subjects created by the World Government.
Though not highly intelligent, they possess unparalleled size and destructive power, making them rare and valuable combat assets.
The Beasts Pirates already have six Numbers, with four remaining. According to the agreement, the World Government must deliver two Numbers to the Beasts every five years.
This deal is extremely important to the Beasts.
"Worororo, let's enjoy the show."
Gurd's fighting ring.
"Queen! Queen! Queen!"
The pirates roared in frenzied excitement.
Queen clutched his swollen cheek, looking down at his cheering subordinates and the red-eyed Gurd, his face turning green with fear.
Damn it, stop shouting!
Don't expect too much from him!
No, no, no, no!
If he takes two more slaps, he'll definitely die!
Gurd grinned from ear to ear, his right arm already in full combat mode, ready to strike with maximum force at any moment.
He was just short of an opponent—who would've thought Queen would deliver himself right to his doorstep?
What a self-sacrificing, kind-hearted brother!
"Lord Queen, are you ready?"
"Y-yes!"
Queen swallowed hard, moving into position as slowly as a snail. At this point, he had no choice but to brace himself.
Huff… huff…
Relax.
That "20% power" nonsense—this brat was definitely bluffing!
Queen decided to throw caution to the wind, bellowing at the top of his lungs.
"Come on, hit me already!"
"Alright!"
Without hesitation, Gurd shifted his stance slightly, his right foot stomping backward with such force that the solid rock beneath him shattered.
Conqueror Haki erupted!
"Ooooh!!!"
Gurd twisted his right arm, swinging it forward from behind him. His splayed fingers tore through the air, stirring up a violent gale!
Full power!
Full throttle!
"Gold Crushing Gale Palm!"
"SMACK!!!"
Time seemed to slow as the explosive shockwave erupted. Gurd's palm slammed squarely into Queen's left cheek.
Under the overwhelming force, a layer of dead skin and dust blasted off Queen's face. His head snapped to the right, his neck stretching as his round body began to spin uncontrollably.
Secret Technique: Giant Top!
"Blurgh-blurgh-blurgh—"
Like a spinning top, Queen whirled at high speed toward the edge of the ring, his blood-spewing mouth emitting a string of incoherent sounds.
By the time the spinning stopped, Queen stood at the very edge of the ring, eyes rolled back, one foot dangling over the abyss—just a hair's breadth from falling.
In the depths of his consciousness, a river appeared.
"Queen, come here."
"It's Mom and Dad."
"We've come to take you home."
On the other side of the river, someone beckoned to him.
Just as he was about to step into the water, shouts rang out from behind.
"Lord Queen, hang in there!"
"Don't fall!"
"You're an All-Star!"
Under the blinding spotlight, Queen's eyes gradually refocused. His round body was tilting backward—on the verge of toppling over.
No!
Realizing he was about to fall off the ring, Queen instinctively flapped his arms up and down like a baby chick trying to fly.
Fly!
Fly!
Miraculously, his teetering body steadied itself at the last moment.
The crowd erupted!
"QUEEN!!!"
Leaning on his knees, Queen exhaled heavily.
That… that was way too close.
He'd almost died just now!
"Lord Queen, one more slap to go!"
A terrifying voice whispered in his ear.
Queen numbly lifted his head, staring at Gurd, whose entire body radiated scorching heat, his aura even more overwhelming than before.
Queen's blood ran cold.
"Slap! Slap! Slap! Slap!"
Queen gave himself a hard slap, then angrily followed up with several more in frustration, his eyes brimming with scalding hot tears.
Wuwu, why did he have to stand up!
Wouldn't it have been better to just fall off the ring?!
Big Brother Kaido, that bastard King, little brother Jack.
Someone come save him already!
"Go for it, Lord Queen!"
The pirates cheered excitedly, waving their fists!
Lord Queen hasn't fallen yet!
He's still fighting!
Ooooh, it's just too dazzling!
"Round Three!"
As the beautiful ring card girl circled the ring, Queen and Gurd took their positions again, and the third round began.
Everyone held their breath in excitement.
"Wait a minute!"
Under the gaze of the crowd, Queen clutched his stomach with a pained expression.
"My stomach hurts, I need to go to the bathroom!"
Before anyone could react, Queen summoned the fastest speed of his life and vanished from the banquet square in the blink of an eye, leaving only a trail of dust behind.
He ran. He just ran.
The pirates were dumbfounded.
"Lord Queen!!!"
"Running away is so sneaky!"
"Come back, Lord Queen!"
But Lord Queen was nowhere to be found.
Even Gurd was left speechless by Queen's shameless move. With so many subordinates watching, how could he just run away like that?
He really has no shame left!
"Dong!"
The gong sounded!
In the ring, Gurd raised both hands to the sky!
Win!!!
(End of Chapter)