In Dressrosa, the Deadly Duel Arena was holding a tournament.
It was a major event, with the Flame-Flame Fruit offered as a prize.
As a top-tier Logia Devil Fruit, the Flame-Flame Fruit was naturally reserved for the champion.
But even those who failed to become champion had a chance at a decent reward. Second through fifth place would each receive a Paramecia Devil Fruit, though its power was unknown.
There were no prizes beyond fifth place. There was no need for them.
Under the Deadly Duel Arena's rules, the chances of even five people surviving were slim.
And the rules of the Deadly Duel Arena were simple: there were no rules. The victor took everything.
Contestants could use any weapon, so long as it was not an explosive powerful enough to destroy the arena.
Poison gas, firearms, even cannons—anything might be used here.
Methods did not matter. Only the victor could stand on the platform, hear the crowd cheer, and claim a reward.
The Deadly Duel Arena had been built by expanding the old Corrida Colosseum. It was now at least three times its former size.
The old raised fighting platform had been removed, and the seawater in front of the stands was gone.
The Deadly Duel Arena was simpler now: tiers of seating encircled the central battleground.
That battleground was a vast, flat expanse covered in fine sand. Here and there, a stone spire rose from the arena floor.
Outside Dressrosa, the name "Deadly Duel Arena" was not widely known. Most people called it the "Blood Sand Arena."
Only true warriors dared compete there. They spilled blood upon the yellow sand and fought for honor; prizes came second.
To date, the Blood Sand Arena had produced twelve champions. Seven had died of their wounds after their matches.
Of the