In the end, however, Shanks was disappointed.
In the second match, the World Government did not target him at all.
Just like that, he successfully advanced to the final sixteen.
The Gladiator Tournament continued.
One match after another.
Over the course of a single day, eight elimination matches unfolded in succession.
Every match was a deadly clash between top-tier fighters.
Blades flashed, energy exploded, and blood sprayed.
Those powerful fighters from across the world gave everything they had in the Colosseum.
Time ticked steadily by.
The setting sun slowly sank in the west.
By the time the final elimination match ended.
The sky had already grown dark.
In the spectator stands, Scarlet slowly rose to her feet.
Lights came on throughout the arena, illuminating the entire Colosseum as brightly as day.
"Everyone."
Scarlet's clear voice once again carried across the arena:
"After a full day of fierce competition."
"All eight elimination matches have concluded."
"Of the 128 contestants, 112 have been eliminated, leaving us with our final sixteen."
She paused, swept her gaze over the crowd, then read out the names of those who had advanced:
"Monkey D. Luffy!"
"Marshall D. Teach!"
"Shanks!"
"Donquixote Doflamingo!"
"Yamato!"
"Moria!"
"Marco!"
"Katakuri!"
"Black Maria!"
"..."
One resounding name after another rang out from Scarlet's lips.
Every name she announced drew a burst of enthusiastic cheers from the arena.
Without exception, those sixteen names belonged to truly elite fighters on these seas.
There were remnants of the old era, powerful fighters from the World Government, pillars of the Four Emperors' crews, and even young fighters Ross had personally trained.
Every faction had gathered here with its own agenda.
"These are the sixteen mighty fighters who have advanced to the final sixteen!"
Scarlet raised her hand high:
"Tomorrow!"
"They will face off in pairs!"
"One-on-one