Seven days later, Dawn's private training ground.
The setting sun was like a massive ember about to burn out, setting the clouds at the horizon ablaze in magnificent crimson and golden orange. Its lingering glow generously spilled across the ground, coating everything in warmth.
"Soon enough, you'll regret giving me this fruit."
A cold, arrogant voice shattered the tranquility of dusk. Lucci slowly stepped out from the shadows not far away.
His young face was filled with a sternness beyond his years and absolute confidence.
After spending some time familiarizing himself with the Copy-Copy Fruit and feeling that he could now use it in combat to a basic degree, he had eagerly come to challenge the owner of this training ground.
Dawn, standing in the center of the field, slowly turned his head, his gaze utterly calm.
"Save the big talk until after you've won."
Lucci said nothing more. His figure instantly vanished from where he stood, the high-speed movement of Soru stirring a faint whistle of wind.
The next second, he appeared before Dawn. The index fingers of both hands turned into countless afterimages, moving so fast that it seemed as though dozens of arms had sprouted from his body at once. The sharp sound of air being pierced assaulted the ears.
"Finger Pistol: Yellow Lotus!"
Faced with this fierce assault, Dawn's body seemed to lose all weight, becoming as soft and light as paper.
He skillfully used Kami-e, one of the Rokushiki. Amid the dense afterimages of Finger Pistols, he swayed like grass in the wind, avoiding every attack by the narrowest margin. Then, he slipped along Lucci's centerline and threw a simple straight punch packed with terrifying power.
Lucci's eyes sharpened. He immediately halted his assault and nimbly stepped back. At the same time, a thought crossed