After the final twelve were announced, there was an hour-long break.
The Arena was repaired and rearranged during that time.
Spectators and contestants alike took the opportunity to use the restroom or get something to eat.
They gave themselves a chance to relax.
In any case, the matches would begin on schedule in one hour.
Next came the round that would narrow the twelve down to six.
Every one of these contestants was an elite fighter, and their battles were sure to be thrilling and intense.
The preliminary matches could not compare.
An hour passed quickly.
The contestants took their places, and the spectators returned to their seats.
A melodious announcement rang out across the entire World Martial Arts Tournament venue.
"The round of twelve is about to begin. Please welcome the contestants for the first match."
"Toppo versus Jiren!"
As the announcement ended, a clamor erupted from the stands and the Waiting Zone.
Many spectators remembered Toppo's and Jiren's performances in the preliminaries.
Now that two powerful fighters were facing each other, excitement naturally ran high.
In the gods' Spectator Area.
Surprise crossed Belmod's face as he remarked, "Toppo drew Jiren? What rotten luck. Former teammates have become opponents."
Marcarita smiled brightly. "Hehehe, everything has worked out for the best."
Jiren and Toppo emerged from the rest area side by side and headed toward the Arena.
As they walked, Toppo looked at Jiren and said, "Jiren, please take this fight seriously. Don't hold back against me."
Jiren nodded. "Right. Let's enjoy the fight."
With that, both leaped onto the enormous Arena.
The air grew tense over the vast Arena, where only Toppo and Jiren stood facing each other.
Under everyone's expectant gaze, the host's computer-generated projection shouted from above:
"The match begins now!!!"
At the signal, Toppo immediately narrowed