At the Marine Elite Training Camp, on the combat field.
Just from the combat field alone, it was clear how different it was from the recruit camp.
The wider space and solid ground allowed both sides to fight at full strength.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Leon stepped onto the field. His opponent today was Red King, a former Elite Training Camp trainee whose appearance bore a striking resemblance to the monster Red King.
"Go, Leon!"
Rosinante shouted himself hoarse from the sidelines, cheering Leon on. Leon raised a fist in response.
"Tch. Childish."
Smoker folded his arms and grumbled at Rosinante, who had practically turned into a cheerleader. Then he focused intently on the match that was about to begin.
Unlike Leon, who seemed to be strolling casually, his opponent Red King looked as though he were facing a formidable enemy.
It was no wonder he was so tense. Leon's previous training opponents had already paid a heavy price for underestimating him.
"That kid's body is terrifyingly strong. I'll have to wait for him to make the first move..."
Red King's gaze was resolute.
"I'll try to last a few moves. Even if I lose, I'll lose with dignity..."
Seeing that both of them were ready, Zephyr, serving as referee, announced the start of the match.
"Leon! Leon! Leon!!!"
Rosinante alone was enough to rally support for Leon. The former trainees on the other side weren't about to be outdone.
"Red King! Red King! Red King!!!"
There were more former trainees, and they seemed united against a common foe. Their cheers quickly drowned out Rosinante's.
Smoker and Hina, on Rosinante's side, were both stubbornly tsundere. The moment Rosinante looked as if he might turn to them, they both turned away.
T Bone was willing to help, but the way he roared was downright terrifying...
Fortunately, Rosinante had been through a scene like this before and came prepared. He pulled out his secret weapon—the Amplifying Den Den Mushi!
A surround-sound roar rang out, and Rosinante's voice poured straight into everyone's heads...
"Sigh..."
Zephyr, who had been trying hard to maintain his dignified image, finally couldn't help but cover his forehead and sigh.
"How did my training field end up like this..."
Leon was incredibly grateful that he was wrapped in bandages. At least that kept him from being directly exposed to everyone's gaze...
Red King wasn't distracted in the slightest by the commotion. He firmly stuck to his strategy: if the enemy didn't move, he wouldn't move either.
Seeing the stalemate drag on, Leon had no choice but to speak first.
"Since Senior Red King is giving me the first move, I'll attack."
This kid's pretty polite...
At the instant Red King's taut nerves relaxed ever so slightly, Leon vanished from where he stood.
Six Powers: Shave.
What incredible speed!
Even though he'd learned plenty from his fellow trainees, it was only when Red King faced Leon's attack that he truly understood the immense pressure Leon put on his opponents.
At that speed, Red King had no chance to dodge!
But Red King, who had the makings of a Vice Admiral, had his own pride.
If I can't dodge, then let's see if your strength is really as great as they say!!!
"Steam Knuckle!"
A huge glove emblazoned with the word "RED," worn on Red King's right arm, unleashed a tremendous burst of steam!
Propelled by high-pressure steam, his attack struck first, colliding head-on with Leon's right fist.
"Fist Bone Gun."
Leon followed local custom and called out the name of his move.
Combining the technique of the Six Powers' Finger Pistol with Garp's punches, he gathered all his strength into his right fist and unleashed tremendous power in the blink of an eye.
This was the result of Leon's recent training.
And the effect...
Red King felt as though his outstretched right fist had slammed into tempered steel. The force sent his whole body flying.
Zephyr reacted in the nick of time, leaping up and catching Red King in midair. He expertly spun around with him a few times to bleed off the force.
Red King's tire-like neck was twisted crooked, but thanks to Zephyr's swift intervention, he'd escaped more serious injury.
Oh no... I treated him like the real Red King and hit him too hard...
Leon realized his mistake the moment their attacks made contact, but once the arrow was on the string, he couldn't hold back. He only breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Red King was all right.
He cupped his hands in a sincere salute. "You let me win."
Because of his long neck, Red King's spins in the air had left him feeling dizzy even now.
He managed a response. "Sorry. I wasn't strong enough, so I couldn't make you use your full strength, Leon..."
The former trainees exchanged glances. Whether Red King was truly dazed or had done it on purpose was anyone's guess.
He was replying to Leon, but he was facing them...
According to Teacher Zephyr's arrangements, each of them would take turns fighting Leon.
Damn it! We've all had the same training, so how could this kid be so strong...
"Woohoo! That was so cool, Leon!"
Rosinante cheered for Leon from the bottom of his heart. Zephyr, standing beside him, finally couldn't take it anymore and shouted at Rosinante.
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