Elbaf's Sacred Arena was one of the countless branches of the Adam Tree. A single branch stretched out beneath a dense canopy, serving as a dueling ground for the giants.
The ground was covered with countless scars left by blades and weapons, crisscrossing one another and overgrown with moss.
Though it was called an arena, it wasn't really a structure at all. It was just an open clearing, with no stands or even a platform.
At the very end of the branch, a nearly twenty-meter-tall greatsword was planted in the ground. It had weathered countless years without falling, symbolizing that Elbaf's great god would forever bear impartial witness to every duel.
At the center of the arena, the Red-Haired Pirates and Kid's crew stood facing each other. Buggy and his men, along with many giants, surrounded them. Farther out, Lina and her group were just arriving with the Giant Soldier Pirates.
The moment they spotted them, one of Buggy's men immediately shouted to him:
"Ah! They're here, boss! It's Black Snake Lina!"
"What?!"
"Is Straw Hat Kid here?"
Buggy and his men jumped in surprise and turned around. Lina led the Straw Hat Crew forward in a line, while behind them came the giant warriors led by Dorry and Brogy.
In his crisp blue shirt, Lina walked straight toward them, hands in his pockets and expression blank. He had an aura that made people slow down and instinctively step aside.
The pirates stared tensely at Lina. As he passed, those blocking his way unconsciously retreated, splitting to either side.
"That aura is terrifying."
"This is the strongest man alive."
"He isn't even releasing Haki. How can he be so spine-chillingly oppressive?"
Gulp.
The pirates at the edge of the crowd swallowed nervously. Before they knew it, cold sweat had beaded