Chapter 976: I'm Taking That Fruit "Winner!"
Scarlet's clear, composed voice rang throughout the Colosseum:
"Monkey D. Luffy."
Her words fell silent.
Luffy grinned broadly and, using every last bit of strength he had, waved hard at the spectators around him.
Then he turned, walked over to Marco, who was still down on one knee, and held out both hands.
"Marco!"
He grinned, tears still clinging to the corners of his eyes:
"Thank you!"
Marco raised his head and looked at that radiant smile. He smiled too, placing his hand in Luffy's outstretched hand once more.
"Pull!"
Luffy heaved, hauling the blood-soaked man up from the ground.
They stood shoulder to shoulder, one drenched in blood, the other weak and panting.
Yet at that moment, both of them were smiling.
Another wave of enthusiastic cheers erupted from the stands.
Marco patted Luffy's shoulder and said quietly:
"Don't die."
Then he transformed into a streak of azure light and slowly flew down from the arena platform.
That reminder was also his warning to Luffy.
He had made peace with what had happened back then.
But Teach and the others were his brothers too.
Letting go of his hatred did not mean he now considered Luffy one of his own.
Giving him that warning was already more than anyone could ask of him.
"The second match!"
Scarlet's voice rang out again:
"Marshall D. Teach versus Red-Haired Shanks."
"Please enter the arena."
Two figures stepped onto the platform.
One was wrapped in bandages from head to toe, fresh wounds layered over old ones.
The other had seven broken ribs, a completely disabled left arm, and a wound in his side that was still seeping blood.
They were the two most battered men there.
Yet the instant they stood side by side on the