Although they already had a rough idea of the truth behind this seemingly prosperous city, rotten to its core beneath the surface, could Rebecca really take on Doflamingo with just a Flame-Flame Fruit?
Ace had no idea how strong Rebecca was. But when he had observed the contestants in the preparation area earlier, some had looked down on her and even bullied her. It was clear that this young girl had endured years of humiliation, but she probably wasn't strong enough to protect herself or the people she wanted to protect.
"The Flame-Flame Fruit isn't as easy to control as you think," Ace said. "And even if you really get it, taking on Doflamingo alone means taking on all of Dressrosa as it is now. What are your chances of winning?"
Rebecca gritted her teeth. "Whatever happens, I have to try!"
"All right, I get it," Luffy suddenly said.
Rebecca looked at Luffy with a complicated expression. "What do you mean?"
Luffy just smiled at her.
Then an announcement came over the loudspeakers outside, calling the Block D contestants to prepare for their match.
Rebecca stood up, determination in her eyes. "Whatever happens, I'll give it everything I've got."
With that, she strode away.
Luffy watched the match from a windowsill with a good view.
"Whoa, there sure are a lot of people. Huh? Isn't that Cabbage? Did he fall over?" Luffy immediately spotted Cavendish, the only contestant making a spectacle of himself by riding a horse.
Cabbage was the nickname Luffy had given Cavendish.
But compared with his earlier glamorous appearance, Cavendish looked rather disheveled now.
"Yeah, probably," Ace said casually. "Luffy, who do you think has the best chance of winning this match?"
Luffy looked over the people below, then said uncertainly, "I hope Rebecca wins."
"Then, once