"Phoenix—Phoenix Flame Charge!!!"
"Gum-Gum—Nika! Ragnarok!!!"
BOOOOOM!!!!!
Fist and flame collided violently in the very center of the arena.
In that instant, the entire Colosseum was swallowed by intertwined golden-red and azure light.
A terrifying storm of energy swept wildly outward from the two fighters.
The protective barrier shook violently under the impact, letting out a mournful hum.
In the stands, countless spectators were knocked off balance by the blast.
And when the blinding light gradually faded...
There, in the very center of the arena...
Marco knelt on one knee, his azure flames completely extinguished.
His chest had caved in, and blood dripped steadily from the corner of his mouth.
In front of him...
Luffy's body slowly shrank, reverting from Nika Sixth Form to his ordinary appearance.
Compared with Marco, he was almost completely unscathed, only slightly weakened.
"Cough... cough, cough..."
Marco coughed up a mouthful of blood and looked up at Luffy.
"The Phoenix's flames never go out."
Breathing heavily, he slowly continued:
"As long as I have any strength left, I can get back up. But how many more times can you use that form? You can't beat me in this match."
"Then I'll knock you down again and again, until you can't get back up!"
Luffy raised his head and declared his resolve.
"Hahahaha! Now that's the spirit!"
Marco suddenly laughed.
He raised a hand, wiped the blood from his mouth, and deliberately lifted his right hand toward the referee.
"I surrender."
"Wh-what?!"
The entire crowd erupted in disbelief!
"Marco surrendered?"
"He can clearly still fight!"
"Can't his Phoenix power keep healing him?"
"Why surrender?"
Luffy froze.
"Marco? You!"
"Luffy."
Marco slowly stood up.
He no longer looked at the referee, the audience, or the highest viewing seats.
He looked only at the boy before him.
"I've hated