Ch. 981The final showdown began
Luffy faced Black Maria in the Gladiator Tournament final, unleashing increasingly powerful forms to try to win the Mera Mera no Mi. As Black Maria overwhelmed him, Luffy burned his life to force more power from Gear Sixth, leaving Shanks fearing that his future had been sacrificed while Teach saw an opening.
- Luffy entered the arena to face Black Maria, and the match began with him attacking in Nika Gear Fifth.
- Black Maria effortlessly stopped Luffy's blows and sent him crashing into the arena barrier.
- Luffy transformed into Nika Sixth Form, but Black Maria revealed her Jorōgumo form and overwhelmed him with speed and swarms of spiders.
- Luffy pushed Gear Sixth beyond its limit, burning his life to strike Black Maria and knock her off balance for the first time.
- Shanks recognized that Luffy was sacrificing his remaining years and potential, while Teach watched, hoping Luffy would be weakened enough to exploit.