"Are you ready?" the referee asked Atticus and Chaton.
Scorching flames erupted, the air shimmering under blistering heat, and Atticus instantly shifted into his half-beast form. A savage aura surged outward, sending Chaton's heart plummeting into an icy pit of dread even before the match began.
From that stance it was clear Atticus would not let Chaton surrender so easily. Sengoku's eyebrows twitched at the display. "Sengoku, prepare to step in," someone murmured. Sengoku nodded with cool calm.
At that moment the referee signaled the start of the match.
With a thunderous explosion the ground shattered under Atticus's power, and he vanished from sight in an instant. A bone-chilling chill filled the air. Chaton felt a sudden void — Atticus had disappeared from both his eyes and from the reach of his Observation Haki.
"I give..." Chaton's voice choked off as a huge hand clamped tightly over his face, cutting off even his surrender.
"You don't have the chance to surrender," Atticus said, his features twisted in cruelty as he glared coldly at the terrified Chaton.
Flames erupted, birthing a magnificent spear in Atticus's right hand, its tip seared black. Chaton writhed violently, trying to escape, but the massive hand stayed clamped over his face. The arena filled with the scent of searing flesh — a fierce reminder that Atticus intended to kill.
Everything happened too fast. By the time others reacted, Atticus was already preparing to strike. Chaton had no hope. The power gap between them was a yawning chasm, and despair clung to Chaton's soul.
"Die!" With unflinching resolve, Atticus thrust the flaming spear straight toward Chaton's heart.
A collective gasp rose from the crowd. It seemed Chaton would die right there in plain sight.
Then, without warning, a figure blazed into existence beside Chaton, drenched in golden light. A massive golden palm charged under an aura of compassion and power, striking out with sheer force.
A thunderous explosion rattled the arena. Debris rained everywhere as the golden figure, carrying the half-conscious Chaton, soared back a few steps then glared fiercely at Atticus — who spat blood in the distance.
The impact stunned everyone, Sengoku more than most. Atticus had parried only half the golden blow, directing the rest in full toward Chaton. If Sengoku had not intervened in time, Chaton might have died instead of ending up half-dead.
Atticus rose slowly, the flames dissipating. He wiped blood from his mouth and fixed a steady gaze on the ashen-faced Sengoku. Calmly, he said, "Admiral Sengoku, I heard no rule that permits outside interference during a match."
Sengoku's eyes narrowed. "You pushed far beyond what is acceptable. The rules forbid intentional killing, and Chaton was about to surrender anyway." Shame and anger flickered across his face at having drawn attention so plainly.
Atticus's eyes remained cold. "It was only a spar. I used just two moves from start to finish. I heard no surrender. Did you?"
Sengoku fell silent. His face drained of blood.
"Very well. Atticus wins this match. Remove Chaton for treatment at once." Fleet Admiral Kong interrupted with a wave of his hand.
Atticus turned his gaze to Kong and frowned, speaking steadily. "Fleet Admiral Kong, was there foul play in this match? If so, I can choose to surrender."
Kong's expression darkened. "What are you suggesting?"
"If interference determined the outcome, then this contest is meaningless. If I lacked strength, Sengoku's shockwave might have seriously harmed me. If Chaton retaliated then, the result would be unpredictable." Atticus's tone dripped with scorn and righteous indignation.
Many who knew the full context sensed his implication. If Atticus could have been seriously harmed simply by a shockwave, Chaton would not now be only half-dead.
"What do you want?" Kong asked, unwilling to argue. As Fleet Admiral, every word carried weight — especially under the watchful eyes of the Five Elders.
Atticus held up one finger and said clearly, "I request that no one interfere in the upcoming matches."
Kong's gaze sharpened. "And what of deaths occurring during matches?"
Atticus met that stare calmly.
Kong's expression flickered. He silently withdrew a golden Den Den Mushi and spoke into it. Moments later his face softened. "If both parties agree, you may decide your own terms."
"Thank you, Fleet Admiral." Atticus's eyes gleamed.
The assembled trainees exchanged uneasy glances. With that decision, everything changed.
Turning to Akainu, Atticus spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. "Akainu, are you ready?" His challenge was open and unhidden.
All eyes snapped toward Akainu — including those of Garp, Kong, and the hidden Elders. The air crackled with nervous excitement.
Clenching his fists, Akainu's face contorted with rage. He could not tolerate Atticus's insult. He had to respond.
"You frightened? Where is that arrogance you showed before? Where is your bold spirit now?" Akainu roared.
Atticus offered a cruel smile and a slow, calm answer. "Then let us see. Dead dog — I want to know who will save you this time." With that he walked away from the arena step by calculated step.
From the start, Chaton was never Atticus's true target. He had foreseen Fleet Admiral Kong's interference from the beginning. His brutality was a ploy to silence his critics by leaving Kong speechless in front of everyone. His real goal had always been Akainu.
Compared to Akainu's challenge, Chaton was insignificant.
All at the competition sensed a subtle shift in the atmosphere. Most were now eager to see the showdown between Atticus and Akainu.
But this Grand Marine Competition would span several days. The battles lasted for hours each, so determining the final rankings could not be done hastily.
Above them, on the great Red Line at Mary Geoise — the seat of the World Government, home to nobles, Celestial Dragons, and the highest decision-makers — five elderly men sat in a grand hall, watching today's events unfold.
"Interesting," one scarred Elder said, watching the footage of Atticus with interest. "The Marines now include three Logia users and an Ancient Zoan nearly as powerful as a Logia."
Another, holding a sword at his side, asked coolly, "He has power, but can we control him?"
Compared to Akainu, I think this young man, Atticus, offers more hope, the scarred Elder replied.
"How so?"
"It is said that a pirate kidnapped his sister," another Elder sneered, "So he likely harbors no love for pirates. With the right manipulation, we can further inflame his hatred.
"If he has attachments, he will always remain under our grasp. Furthermore, the government can offer power and information. We just need to manage his emotions carefully."
As for the obedient dog Akainu — we can always protect him in the end. With power and interests, grievances can be resolved.
"That settles it. Let's observe how this unfolds."
"Agreed."
"No objections."
None outside those five knew what plans had been hatched that day.
In short, Atticus's goal was accomplished. He had finally drawn the attention of the Five Elders.
_____
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