Fierce Battle Begins!

The towering, undulating Iceburg, one after another, resemble two dazzling silver crystal crowns, stretching east and west along the edge of the island, with the central ice castle as the center.

Until they encountered the wide river in the central area, and on the other side of the river was a scorched lava field with streaks of fire, and further on, they could clearly see volcanoes spewing forth rolling lava.

The icy wind and the scorching heat were like two armies locked in a never-ending clash, creating a raging Tornado on the river.

Looking down at the island from above, the only passageways that can be clearly seen are the docks behind the castles at both ends.

To enter or exit from other directions, one must face the extreme cold of Iceburg or the lava of volcanoes. Even if one goes along the river to either side, one will encounter the onslaught of Tornado winds and waves.

The strange thing is that the area around the three large stone bridges connecting the two areas is unexpectedly calm.

Six towering metal gun emplacements, like silent Titans, stand in a row at the forefront of the three main roads—upper, middle, and lower—across the bridge, silently facing each other.

Between the snow-covered and withered trees on both sides, each tree, whether upright or twisted, stands like a soldier ready for battle.

They are always ready.

Prepare to provide assistance to your own soldiers or to shield them from dangerous attacks.

Every corner and every detail within this venue shows no signs of being newly built; instead, it is filled with an ancient and enduring epic atmosphere.

Ice-Fire Island.

It is destined to become a major iconic feature of the Sea Star World, and with each edition of the 'Combat Power Tournament,' it will surely become a stage that powerful beings from all realms yearn for.

"Hiss—it's so cold! It's colder here than I expected. Luckily, I warmed up beforehand."

Amidst the howling wind, Tengen Uzui hugged his chest as he followed Muzan Kibutsuji and the others through the gates of the Ice Castle, sighing with a sense of relief.

Biba Amatori Tentori nodded, watching the snowflakes continuously falling from the dark clouds; he too felt a considerable chill.

"Indeed, but judging from the previous matches, they've already prepared five winter outfits. We just need to be careful; if they get damaged in battle, there'll be nowhere to repair them."

Interestingly, these two had a falling out during the preliminary rounds over putting out Horobi, but now they're chatting as if nothing happened.

Ultimately, they didn't actually have any deep-seated hatred for each other.

At the time Biba Amatori just didn't want the Horobi to extinguish her flame and hinder her advancement, while Tengen Uzui was just looking for trouble and didn't really want a beautiful woman to die in front of him.

As for holding grudges, it can only be said that neither of them is the narrow-minded type or easily blinded by emotions, and now they have become partners who need to cooperate.

Only a fool would be so petty at this point, failing to grasp the priorities.

"Levi, aren't you cold?"

Tengen Uzui turned to look at Levi Ackerman, who was walking at the very back, as if they were old friends. Over the past few days, the five of them had become quite familiar with each other and had a certain understanding of each other's identities, origins, and fighting styles.

"It's not cold."

Levi surveyed the castle's interior with a blank expression, then gave a perfunctory reply.

"Hehehe, don't lie to me. You don't have any special abilities or constitution, how could you not be cold?"

Tengen Uzui teased, exhaling wisps of white mist from his mouth. He then looked with envy at Muzan Kibutsuji and Morgan William, who were leading the way and had already climbed the Ice Staircase.

Their destination was the fifth floor, where resource boxes and Den Den Mushi) were located.

"William, can't you release a little steam to warm us up?"

"Yes, but the losses would outweigh the gains."

William explained gently as he walked upstairs.

"Firstly, I need to conserve my energy as much as possible. Secondly, even if I warm you up for a while, you'll still have to face this frigid temperature after we separate, so it's better to get used to it in advance."

"All right."

After listening to him, Tengen Uzui realized that what he said made sense, so he stopped insisting. At this moment Muzan Kibutsuji the front, reminded him in his androgynous voice that was hard to tell if he was male or female.

"We need to speed things up; they've already started dividing up the contents of the boxes."

Biba Amatori, Tengen Uzui three exchanged glances. Although they didn't say anything, they all silently quickened their pace as they climbed the stairs.

Muzan Kibutsuji is their provisional captain.

Not only because he is the strongest, but also because of his Glint-Glint Fruit ability.

With its far-sightedness and X-ray vision extending to a radius of four thousand kilometers, combined with the communication capabilities of the Den Den Mushi), it can be considered a highly reliable central hub, fully capable of controlling the entire field and commanding the entire team.

This made them even more amazed by the abilities of Devil Fruit, and it also strengthened Biba Amatori's resolve to apply for Logia Devil Fruit after becoming one of the 'Top 100'.

Soon.

The five quickly arrived at the top floor. Without much communication, they went over and took their Den Den Mushi.

Then they opened all the metal crates and took out some food, fresh water, medicine, and a map of Ice-Fire Island.

Among them, Tengen Uzui, Biba Amatori, and Levi each wore a winter outfit that wouldn't hinder their movements but provided excellent warmth.

Muzan Kibutsuji and Morgan William, on the other hand, have absolutely no need for that.

The latter is a 'steam human' by nature, while the former controls his body temperature to prevent himself from feeling cold; his body is now like a sweltering furnace.

Seeing that they were ready, Muzan Kibutsuji said, "Alright, let's proceed according to our previous plan. Tengen Uzui, be ready to answer the phone."

"Good!"

Tengen Uzui suppressed his slight awkwardness and answered the other party with a calm demeanor.

Nothing untoward has happened to them on the cruise ship these past few days.

One night, Muzan Kibutsuji specifically sought out his room and recounted to him everything he had previously said to Kyojuro Rengoku and Sanemi Shinazugawa.

At the time, the audacity of Muzan Kibutsuji's ideas was utterly astonishing.

He actually wanted everyone, including Lord Ubuyashiki, as well as the ' Demon Slayer People 'Ubuyashiki who came to the Sea Star later, to serve him as their master, forming a so-called 'Demon Slayer Group'.

Muzan can help each Demon Slayer People increase the total number of cells in their body.

They can also be taught how to Life Return in advance, and these are just the initial benefits.

In the future, it will be all about the high-level resources he obtains by leveraging his high status within the World Government.

He can share whatever he feels is appropriate, to enhance their strength as much as possible.

Its purpose is to enable all the "Demon Slayer People" to gain a foothold in the World Government and the Sea Star through this power.

At the same time, we should prepare for competition with other world powers.

To be honest, Tengen Uzui's rationality told him...

This plan is entirely beneficial to both himself and all of the 'Demon Slayer People'.

Aside from the psychological difficulty in accepting it.

Regardless of the circumstances, Muzan Kibutsuji was someone they had sworn to kill.

Which member of the Demon Slayer Corps doesn't have a deep-seated grudge against a demon?

The problem is that Muzan is no longer a 'demon'.

Moreover, given his current position within the World Government, it is not permissible for them to continue taking action against him.

Torn between his options, he took out Den Den Mushi and called Lord Ubuyashiki, who was far away on Wano Island.

But little did they know that the latter had already heard about this from Kyojuro Rengoku.

Ubuyashiki no Kami's reply was to tell him to focus on the 'Combat Power Tournament' first.

After it's over, he will invite Muzan Kibutsuji and the former Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps to a gathering at his manor.

Since that was the case, Tengen Uzui habitually left the decision to Kagaya Ubuyashiki.

[Swish, swish, swish]

The next moment.

Apart from Tengen Uzui.

Without a word, the other four transformed into streaks of afterimages and leaped out of the Ice Castle window at incredible speed.

Then they scattered towards the top lane, middle lane, bottom lane, and the snow forest to the east.

The Den Den Mushi) is monitored by being placed in various corners and by aerial shots taken from a spaceship.

All the countless viewers across the four realms watching the live stream could clearly see their lane assignments.

Among them, Muzan Kibutsuji is the main road in the middle.

Morgan William is the main laner on the top lane, Biba Amatori is the main laner on the bottom lane.

The final Levi Ackerman had already begun using the enhanced Omni-Directional Mobility Gear around his waist.

Speeding through the forest where the branches and leaves are covered with white snow.

Only Tengen Uzui simply jumped down from the window on the fifth floor of the castle and slowly walked towards the center.

Just as he stood beneath the second turret, the Den Den Mushi in his pocket started ringing.

I picked it up casually and answered the call, and it Imitation Magic Muzan Kibutsuji's appearance Wano Language.

Meanwhile, William, Mima, and Levi were all silently listening with their Den Den Mushi in hand.

"The enemy team hasn't made any special positional changes; it's a standard 'five-man frontline' formation. The top lane is occupied by 'Bounty Hunter' Gene Ango; watch out for his 'sniping'."

"Although the manual doesn't say he can Haki, that doesn't mean he definitely can't. Don't forget that he comes from the latter half of the Grand Line, where Haki is most commonly used."

Hearing Muzan Kibutsuji words of advice, William smiled and said, "Thanks for the reminder."

However, he wasn't as relaxed as he appeared. After all, the terrifying nature of a potentially Haki 'sniper' had already been vividly demonstrated by Yasopp of Squad 5.

Certainly.

If the opponent doesn't possess Haki, then one's elemental transformation is invincible and extremely easy.

"Yes, the enemy's bottom laner is that octopus-type Fish-Man Race Hatchan Ba. I believe you've already seen the relevant information, so I won't go into details. In short, fight if you can win, and prioritize your own survival if you can't."

Leave it to me.

Biba Amatori has arrived near the second turret on the bottom lane.

He smiled slightly at the Den Den Mushi in his hand.

His handsome face, exuding a noble air, attracted many young female viewers.

"Then there's Levi, and your opponent is that Leo -Mink Tribe named Sicilian."

"So it really was him?"

Levi arrived near the Central River and stopped behind a tree with dense foliage, carefully observing the movements ahead.

Although the manual didn't contain much information about the Mink Tribe.

It's just that this Sicilian demonstrated exceptional Swordsmanship, extremely agile movements, and a remarkable ability to adapt to the jungle environment during the previous preliminary rounds.

But just in these last few days...

Biba Amatori, who had previously spent some time at Army Headquarters, had already shared all of the Mink Tribe's special abilities.

Because Levi was also an expert in jungle warfare, he had long anticipated that he would run into his opponent.

After all, both of them are 'jungler' type players no matter how you look at it.

"To put it bluntly, it's a humanoid Leo that can enhance its physical abilities with electricity and also wield a sword."

Levi Ackerman silently cursed in his heart.

During his time in the 'Giant World', he was known as the 'Dwarf Giant', 'Humanity's Strongest Soldier', and 'His Fighting Power is Equivalent to a Brigade of Four Hundred'.

Now, he will face experts from another race in another world, which makes a hint of anticipation appear in his narrowed, sharp eyes.

"Tianyuan, that ability user named Dorothy has already moved from underground towards the second turret on the top lane. Intercept him!"

When it was Tengen Uzui's turn, Muzan Kibutsuji spoke in an almost commanding tone, and the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily.

It's obvious this guy already sees himself as a subordinate.

But given the current situation, it wasn't appropriate to dwell on this matter. He could only sigh inwardly and reply with a simple, "I understand."

Without saying a word, he suddenly smashed through the snowflakes in the air.

Accompanied by the howling cold wind, it transformed into a black afterimage at an astonishing speed, rushing towards the road.

"So your opponent in the middle lane is that swordsman named 'Goethe.' According to the manual, he not only masters dual-color Haki, but is also a true swordsman. He should be the strongest among the five opponents. You need to be careful."

Morgan William chuckled as he looked at the first turret on the top lane, which was right in front of him.

The reason he used the term 'true swordsman' to describe him is...

Because he already knew about the 'Pillars' of the Demon Slayer Corps, who could unleash Berserk like Sea Star swordsman.

However Bleach, their Swordsmanship had not reached the level of 'slicing steel,' and the range of their Berserk was actually not very large.

"It's okay, I won't die anyway."

Muzan Kibutsuji stared at the sword-wielding figure across the stone bridge.

The tone of his reply sounded quite nonchalant.

Since learning that killing was not allowed in this 'semi-final' and that there was a timely ability to protect the participants, he became less cautious.

Moreover, on his way here, he had already hidden a fist-sized piece of flesh inside the ice castle that was off-limits to attack.

I'm afraid that if something unexpected happens later, I'll be killed and left with nothing but bones.

It can also transfer consciousness there, allowing for a physical rebirth.

So, he's really not that scary!

Muzan even suspected that the World Government had temporarily added a rule prohibiting killing in order to protect himself from danger.

After all, I am so important right now!

At the same time.

Uzui Tengen, the current Jonin of the Sea Village, already wields the black and gold Nichirin Twin Blades.

After traversing the snow-covered forest along the road, we arrived near the second turret.

Immediately afterwards, he tried his best to conceal his presence and hid behind a tree trunk, scanning his surroundings.

At the same time, he turned his right ear to listen carefully to something.

"There it is!"

Tengen Uzui fixed his gaze on a spot in the snow about twenty meters away and charged out.

Without hesitation, he swung his two special Nichirin Blade, which were connected by an iron chain, downwards.

"Sound Breathing, First Form, Boom!"

The moment the golden blade pierced the snow.

A loud bang was followed by a violent explosion.

Immediately, large amounts of mud mixed with ice and snow splashed out.

At the same time, the powerful sound waves spread through the strata within a radius of tens of meters.

Every inch of snow it affected shook violently and cracked.

This is Tengen Uzui's true strength now!

He has enhanced the total number of cells in his body to the average level of Sea Star Person.

After months of rigorous training, my strength has far surpassed that of my 'Sound Hashira' era.

In addition, there's the commanding presence of two Haki colors.

Even if he were placed in the Army Headquarters now, he would be qualified to serve as a colonel or Commodore.

"Hey hey hey hey, how did you find me? You pig from Otherworld! You pig from Otherworld!"

First, a short, stout figure leaped out, breaking through the trembling snow.

The woman, enraged, began to shout and curse.

Tengen Uzui frowned upon hearing such discriminatory remarks.

Anger welled up inside him, and he became quite rude with his words.

"I thought all Sea Star Person were tall or exceptionally tall, at the very least around 1.78 meters tall. I never expected there to be someone like you, a 'shorty'!"

It turned out that the woman opposite them had emerged from the ground with her ten fingers becoming long and black.

She was a middle-aged woman who was less than 1.6 meters tall, overweight, and had a head of fluffy, reddish-brown hair.

"What did you say!"

Her name is Dorothy.

She comes from a kingdom in the first half of the Grand Line and is a user of the Zoan Weasel-Weasel Fruit.

Originally, she planned to utilize the weasel's powerful burrowing ability.

Avoid all enemy troops underground, then 'pull out' the turrets behind them.

But now, they were discovered as soon as they got close to the first target and were forced to come out.

This made her feel extremely bad at that moment.

Now, this despicable person from Otherworld dares to mock me.

This further ignited her already volatile temper, and she instantly became furious.

In Setsuna.

Dorothy's mouth kept firing, spewing out all sorts of vulgarities.

The word she used most often was "pig," as if she had Heavenly One for pigs.

"Shut up, you fat, mushy woman!"

Tengen Uzui had always thought he was quite magnanimous, but today he had truly seen something new.

It's unbelievable that someone could swear so rudely, so quickly, and with such clear pronunciation.

He gathered strength in his legs, exploded forward, and rushed in front of his opponent in the blink of an eye.

The golden-black Nichirin Blade in his hand gleamed with a deadly sharpness, and his attack was extremely swift.

The air, swirling with snow and wind, was being torn apart with a sharp, piercing sound.

Although killing is forbidden by the rules, this 'Sound Hashira' clearly had murderous intent.

Moreover, he was also curious whether the whirlwind who was able to protect the contestant in time was capable of saving the opponent from his own super-fast blade.

"Ah!"

Dorothy saw that this damned Otherworld being was so aggressive, and the speed he displayed was clearly much stronger than her own.

Without a word, she retreated underground with the speed of a turtle withdrawing its head.

He swung his black Momonga claws, which were nearly 20 centimeters long, with all his might.

The permafrost, which should have been incredibly hard, was easily dug open like minced meat in front of them.

"Behold my 'Earth Dragon Escape Technique: Earth Dragon'!"

Dorothy's act of escaping underground without even fighting was a tactic they had discussed and devised.

That means she doesn't need to get entangled in battles with others; she only needs to find ways to 'steal towers'.

Her ability to operate underground actually serves as a kind of restraint against typical Observation Haki.

Because Observation Haki is used to perceive the location, number, and movement of targets outside one's line of sight by intensely sensing 'sound and breath'.

However, the geological strata can block the transmission of sound to some extent.

Therefore, ordinary Observation Haki is basically ineffective unless the opponent reveals themselves.

It is very difficult to locate such a target that exists deep underground.

It is worth mentioning.

Even ordinary Observation Haki cannot detect someone who is invisible.

The basis for this is that in the original work, Moria was rescued in front of Doflamingo.

Queen, one of the All-Stars of the Beasts Pirates, was unable to detect Sanji's invisibility and was thus rescued Momonosuke him.

But

"You can't escape! I'm your nemesis, you ugly fat woman!"

Tengen Uzui chased after him with a cold expression.

His location was incredibly precise; he was moving at high speed almost directly towards Dorothy's location.

This is because his Observation Haki is special.

He was exceptionally gifted in hearing.

Even when it was a 'Sound Hashira', it could already distinguish various sounds more subtly.

And this 'extraordinary hearing' merges with the Awakening of Observation Haki.

It has become able to hear all sounds within the range of Observation Haki, and has also become more sensitive to vibrations.

Therefore, his claim that he is the other party's nemesis is indeed a cold, hard fact.

At the same time.

Just as Tengen Uzui began his all-out pursuit.

Morgan William, Muzan Kibutsuji, Biba Amatori Ackerman, and Mima Levi have also begun their own fierce battles with their opponents.