On the eighteenth floor of the Sky Arena, Ignis stood among the crowd near the front, having come to watch the two fight in person.
Both had the potential to shake the world in the future. They were also the people NESTS would rely on to truly grow.
Rugal had a powerful gift for learning. He had mastered Body Techniques from various schools, absorbed their strengths, and forged a comprehensive fighting style of his own.
A fierce fighter, he threw every punch with deadly intent.
Goenitz's Body Techniques balanced strength and subtlety, and he could switch freely between offense and defense.
Ignis did not know which of them would win, though Goenitz had clearly started from a higher point.
And while Rugal grew stronger, Goenitz would not stand still.
Deep down, Ignis still favored Goenitz.
Rugal had not fully developed his potential over the years.
Like Sakazuki and Borsalino, future Marine Admirals now studying at the Elite Training Camp, Rugal would reach his peak later than Goenitz.
Plenty of people were watching this fight: powerful Great Pirates of the New World and all sorts of factions.
Even the Marines were watching.
They kept an early eye on young monsters who were making names for themselves at sea.
The Marine Elite Training Camp.
That day, the students of the Elite Training Camp gathered together, a rare occurrence.
They sat cross-legged on the training ground, their eyes fixed on a large screen set up in advance.
It showed the eighteenth floor of the Sky Arena.
Out on the seas, watching a Sky Arena fight cost money.
Large screens capable of carrying broadcasts had been installed on islands around the world. The World Government could use them to broadcast worldwide.
The Marines could also use them to make announcements, such as broadcasting a