After finishing the live stream, Shinji uploaded the recording of the previous battle and quickly became absorbed in the flood of praise pouring in from viewers.
Just then, his tablet began chiming nonstop. When he picked it up, he realized everyone had learned how to use @ mentions and private messages.
Kaido of the Beasts:"When will the next battle start, Group Leader? My wolf-fang club is already thirsty for blood!"
Shinji yawned. Although he hadn't been as exhausted lately, he still felt it was best to rest for a while.
He typed into the group chat,"You can all silently choose your fighters in your minds. I'll be watching."
Garp replied,"So it's still a duel between the Pirate World and the Naruto World?"
The crowd across the Multiverse Battlefield felt a little disappointed. Once again, it wasn't their world's turn to participate. Could it be that only after all the strong fighters from these two worlds had battled would others get a chance?
Then again, maybe it wasn't that simple.
Fifteen Yuan for a Haircut:"This live stream even accepts donations. I wonder when my barbershop will get this popular."
Bai Qiuen:"So a single live stream can really make that much money?"
As Bai Yuechu's father, Bai Qiuen was extremely excited when the tablet suddenly appeared in his hands. He had even thought about selling it, but Bai Yuechu quickly stopped him.
Bai Yuechu:"Dad, stop showing that greedy look in the group chat. Everyone can see you."
Meanwhile, people from both worlds were quietly thinking about who should represent them in the next battle.
Pirate World
After losing two matches in a row, public morale was extremely low. Many civilians no longer trusted the Marines as much as before.
However, Garp was different. As a legendary Marine hero, his strength was undeniable, and people were still willing to place their hopes on him.
Soon, the chosen fighter from the Pirate World was announced.
When Kaido saw Garp's portrait on the giant screen, his brows furrowed in anger.
"Hmph! If those pirates weren't relying on numbers, would it really be their turn? I, Kaido, should be the one representing our world!"
Doflamingo strolled down the street, clicking his tongue."When did the Marines become so useless? At least pirates fight to the end. Akainu didn't even touch his opponent before getting knocked out."
Kuma, walking behind him, glanced over and asked in a deep voice,"You're not thinking of going in yourself, are you?"
On the Straw Hat Pirates' ship, Luffy stared at the screen in shock.
"My violent grandpa is fighting?! This time, we can definitely turn things around!"
Although the others didn't know Garp well, Luffy's excitement told them everything. Anyone called a Marine hero clearly wasn't ordinary.
Usopp hurried over and asked,"Luffy, is your grandpa really that strong?"
Having witnessed Whitebeard and Akainu's devastating power, Usopp admired strength more than ever.
"Of course!" Luffy said proudly. "Don't let his Vice Admiral rank fool you. His strength is top-tier!"
Naruto World
Nagato, hidden behind the scenes, burned with envy after seeing Akainu revive his mother.
Years ago, his team had encountered Hanzō. Yahiko died protecting Konan, and Nagato lost both his legs to hidden explosive tags. Though he later scared Hanzō away using the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, he had become crippled ever since.
In his current state, he couldn't fight directly. Instead, he would send Pain—both to battle and to conceal his true identity.
Through the Deva Path, he spoke calmly,"It's time for me to fight. Tell the people of the Land of Rain to vote for me."
Konan immediately understood his meaning.
Although the other villages wanted to vote for their own champions, Nagato acted quickly. His votes surged to first place, shocking the Five Kage.
They had never heard of someone named Pain, yet he gathered overwhelming support in a short time.
Orders were immediately given to investigate him. Anyone who could rise so fast while remaining hidden was extremely dangerous.
Jiraiya, who was out gathering intelligence, froze when he saw the figure on the big screen.
His body trembled."Ya… Yahiko?"
His disciple had died years ago. So why was he standing there now?
If Yahiko were alive, why hadn't he come back? Why had he changed his name to Pain?
Before Jiraiya could think further, golden light enveloped both Garp and Pain, teleporting them to a new arena.
Battlefield
They appeared in a vast Gobi desert, surrounded by endless sand and jagged rocks. Sparse shrubs struggled to survive as strong winds blew dust across the battlefield.
Seeing them arrive, Shinji announced,"Third battle: Marine Hero Garp versus Pain!"
Unlike previous matches, Naruto World now had six fighters entering together, causing shock across the multiverse.
Other Worlds' Reactions
One-Punch Man World
Silver Fang gasped,"Since when did this become one-versus-many?"
Child Emperor explained that Pain controlled six bodies, but even so, it still felt unfair.
Saitama looked at Garp's uniform and nodded."He looks like a hero who protects people, just like me."
Back in Naruto World
The crowd was stunned when Garp appeared.
Lee's eyes widened."Is… is that a dog-headed ninja like Kiba?"
Kiba snapped,"I fuse with Akamaru! That's completely different!"
Kakashi sighed."Look carefully. That's just an old man wearing a dog-head hat."
"Yeah, yeah," Naruto agreed.
While they argued, a cheerful voice sounded behind them."Yo, everyone."
Sarutobi turned around in shock."Jiraiya?!"
Seeing his disciple return, he was stunned but quickly smiled in excitement.
Naruto whispered,"Kakashi-sensei, who's this white-haired uncle?"
Jiraiya heard him clearly."I'm not some uncle! I'm Jiraiya, the Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku!"
He then explained Pain's true identity.
Although they didn't fully understand everything, they still hoped Pain would help Naruto World win again.