March, Sea Era 1498.
Paros Island was thriving.
The Sky Arena remained as lively as ever. Countless people followed the battles inside it every day, especially the clashes between star fighters.
"Zehahaha! Took care of that opponent without breaking a sweat. Another payout in the bag."
"Lubbock, you didn't forget to bet on me, did you?"
Wounded, Teach waved his arms amid the cheers of the surrounding spectators as he left the arena, then took the fighters' passage back to a luxurious suite.
He looked at Lubbock, who was leaning back on the sofa, and spoke excitedly.
At that moment, Lubbock was gazing through the window at the scenery of Paros Island.
"Of course not. I have plenty of faith in your strength, Teach."
Lubbock, whose long hair was a vibrant green, turned toward Teach and answered confidently.
Although he had never received a systematic education at the Royal Military Academy, he was no stranger to strength.
After all, which of his many older brothers wasn't a monster, especially those at the very top?
By comparison, wasn't Teach one too?
He had been born with a powerful physique and astonishing strength, but his vitality was particularly remarkable.
It had not been especially apparent at first, but as he continued training and growing, Teach's talent gradually began to show.
That alone was enough for the young Teach to earn a place in the Sky Arena.
"Aren't you going to get treated? Your opponent this time wasn't exactly a pushover, was he?"
Lubbock had followed Teach's fight too, though he had watched it through the Den Den Mushi inside the luxurious suite.
"No need. These little scratches are nothing. A good sleep will pretty much take care of them."
Teach waved a hand dismissively. "Medical treatment at the Sky Arena isn't cheap."