May 9.
3:25 p.m.
The area around Duel Arena No. 17 at Army Headquarters was packed solid with spectators.
Teach was tall and powerfully built, draped in a black Coat of Justice.
His face bore a smile that mixed a hint of simplicity with greed.
He stood steadily at one end of the arena.
A dark, eerie metal claw was fitted over his right hand, as though it could devour all light.
It was the Teigu known as Shadow Claw.
An ominous aura seeped from it in wisps of Black Mist.
His opponent was Wakanda, who had been promoted to major general at the young age of twenty-four.
This black-panther Mink Tribe elite possessed a nimble body and sleek lines.
His pitch-black fur gleamed with healthy luster beneath the sunlight.
Major General Wakanda wore a solemn expression, his eyes sharp as blades.
His body was slightly lowered, already in peak combat condition.
His right arm was covered by an elegant silver-white armguard that glinted with a metallic chill.
It was also the Teigu Sting of the Queen Bee, and the amber crystal on its handguard gave off a faint hum.
"The battle begins!"
When the floating orb device acting as referee issued the command,
Major General Wakanda vanished instantly, leaving only a blurred afterimage behind.
"Soru!"
He knew full well how troublesome Logia users were.
Especially since the intelligence reports described Teach's Swamp-Swamp Fruit as exceptionally bizarre.
He absolutely could not be dragged into a prolonged battle.
He had to launch a swift assault with the Mink Tribe's unique speed and explosive power!
However.
Just as he charged to within ten meters of Teach at a speed the naked eye could barely follow,
Teach did not even spare him a glance.
He merely casually raised his unarmed left hand and