Chapter 969: The Sun Rose as Usual Today. The next day.
The sun rose as usual, and sunlight once again bathed all of Dressrosa.
The streets surrounding the Colosseum were already packed with people, leaving no room to move.
After yesterday's eight elimination matches, the entire city's enthusiasm had been set ablaze.
Countless spectators had flocked here since dawn, just to witness today's ultimate showdowns with their own eyes.
Every seat in the stands was occupied.
Vendors' cries, conversations, and cheers rose and fell, blending into a sea of noise.
"It's the round of sixteen today! Anyone who made it this far is a real monster!"
"Did you hear? Straw Hat Luffy and Blackbeard knocked out all fourteen of their opponents yesterday!"
"So what? I heard Red-Haired Shanks barely even drew his sword!"
"And there's Admiral Yamato! She's the daughter of Kaido, one of the Four Emperors!"
"Katakuri! Big Mom's strongest Sweet Commander!"
"This tournament really is a clash of titans!"
Ceremonial cannons sounded.
Amid thunderous cheers, the sixteen qualifiers entered the Colosseum one after another.
Luffy was the first to enter.
With a broad grin and his trademark straw hat on his head, he bounded into the arena, waving enthusiastically to the spectators all around him.
"Hahaha! Here I am!"
After a night of gorging himself and sleeping soundly, he had mostly recovered from yesterday's injuries.
He was full of energy now, his eyes shining, his whole body brimming with seemingly endless vigor.
His gaze passed over everyone and settled on the fruit beneath a crystal cover at the very center of the Colosseum.
The Mera Mera no Mi.
The fruit that had once belonged to Jace.
"That's mine!"
Luffy clenched his fists, fiery determination blazing in his eyes.
Blackbeard followed close behind.
Thick bandages covered his body, and