Chapter 95: 95. The Tournament Starts, Phantom Beast Rewards!

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- The value of a Logia-class Devil Fruit is undeniable, even for ordinary people. In the first half of the Grand Line, its allure can be outright rampant. For organizations like the Marines or even pirate crews, such a fruit could transform a lower-ranking member into a powerful cadre, possibly even elevate them to the rank of Rear Admiral or beyond. The Snow-Snow Fruit, though not among the strongest Logia Fruits, is by no means weak. Its very presence underscores the lengths to which Doflamingo went to curry favor with Shogun Alex. In fact, the Snow-Snow Fruit has been one of Doflamingo's prized "hidden treasures" since his early days in North Blue. Originally, he intended to use it to cultivate a promising new member for his family. Yet, for this grand Fire Festival, he decided it was better deployed as a gift, one that could solidify his standing and leave a lasting impression. For Doflamingo, the value of the fruit wasn't just its inherent power—it was the leverage it could provide. Always a man of foresight, he had previously auctioned the exceedingly rare Gold-Gold Fruit as a showpiece to attract powerful patrons, enhancing his reputation rather than keeping the fruit for his own forces. Even the Flame-Flame Fruit had been used as bait to further his ambitions. Now, to secure a firm foothold in the New World, he was determined to align himself with Alex's rising prominence. Alex, who had initially planned to exploit Doflamingo's resources for his own ends, hadn't anticipated receiving such an extravagant gift. But as he inspected the fruit, a smile spread across his face. "I like this gift very much," Alex said, his tone calm but firm. "After the ceremony, I'll set it aside. There's something I'd like to discuss with you." "Fuffuffuffu... My pleasure, Shogun Alex," Doflamingo replied with a triumphant grin. He gestured for a maid to take the suitcase containing the fruit, already anticipating what this discussion might entail. If this act of generosity could secure an alliance with one of the New World's preeminent powers, the fruit would have been more than worth the cost. As the gift-giving continued, it was clear that Doflamingo's offering had set an impossibly high bar. The subsequent gifts, though well-prepared, seemed lackluster by comparison. Still, Alex accepted each one graciously, his demeanor unchanged. Yet, it didn't escape anyone's notice that he only mentioned speaking with Doflamingo after the ceremony. It was as if the Donquixote Family had claimed an unofficial "first place" among the gift-givers. The guests couldn't help but cast envious and resentful glances toward Doflamingo and his entourage. Some were jealous of his bold gamble; others were bitter about how their own offerings had paled in comparison. There was also an undercurrent of unease—Doflamingo's potential rise from the "North Blue Emperor of the Underworld" to a closer associate of Alex could send shockwaves through the dark underground forces. With the unspoken gift competition concluded, the celebration shifted back to its lively festivities. This time, the atmosphere was markedly more relaxed. Guests mingled freely, indulging in the lavish food and drink that adorned the banquet tables. Yet, this grand Fire Festival was far more than just a birthday party. Alex raised a hand, drawing everyone's attention. The performers on stage—a mix of dancers and singers—immediately ceased their routines, awaiting his command. "If this is a celebration, then it wouldn't be complete without a good show, wouldn't you agree?" Alex said with a sly smile. Most guests nodded in agreement, even if they weren't sure what he meant. Their curiosity turned to awe as, with a mere gesture, a series of floating Sky Islands behind Alex began to rise high into the air. Moments later, a massive projection of the islands' interiors appeared on a stage-like screen for all to see. The images revealed a colossal martial arts arena, intricately constructed atop one of the Sky Islands. "What is this?" Morgans blurted out, frantically scribbling notes while snapping photos with his Den Den Mushi. Alex smirked and answered, his voice carrying over the crowd. "Every year during the Fire Festival, Wanokuni hosts a grand competition to match the festival's vibrant spirit. Anyone who believes in their strength can enter. The top two competitors will receive prizes personally prepared by me." The projection shifted to reveal the prize area, showcasing the grand rewards waiting for the victors. "This is—!" The guests couldn't help but exclaim as their eyes widened at the sight on the projection. Two Devil Fruits were displayed, their unmistakable patterns drawing gasps of amazement from the crowd. Moments later, the screen highlighted their classifications, causing expressions of shock to ripple through the audience. Paramecia: Sour-Sour Fruit. Mythical Zoan: Human-Human Fruit Model Onyudo. The very presence of a Mythical Zoan—a category even rarer than Logia—left the crowd reeling. The intrinsic value of a Devil Fruit was already extraordinary, but a Mythical Zoan was a treasure beyond comprehension. Doflamingo's ever-confident grin faltered slightly. Beside him, Stussy raised an elegant brow and asked with surprise, "Are these the prizes you prepared?" "Of course," Alex said, his tone filled with the weight of authority. "In Wanokuni, strength determines one's worth. Those capable of earning victory in this competition will have the right to claim these rewards." He laughed lightly before adding, "And that's not all. In future tournaments, a Logia-class fruit may even be among the prizes. Beyond Devil Fruits, the rewards include other treasures—a condition or favor I deem acceptable, or even a sword crafted by Wanokuni artisans that surpasses the level of a renowned blade." The room buzzed with a mixture of excitement and unease. Whispers of awe and greed spread like wildfire. The mere suggestion of such prizes was enough to ignite desires across the gathering. "What a tantalizing reward, General," Stussy said with a sly smile. "It's enough to make one tempted to join your country." Others murmured in agreement, though they understood the underlying implication. This competition wasn't just an event; it was a strategic method for Alex to cultivate his own forces. No outsider would be allowed to take advantage without proving their worth. At that moment, a dazzling bolt of lightning illuminated the screen, drawing every gaze to the fighting stage. The scene was dramatic, a vivid display of electricity crackling and roaring as if heralding the climax of the event. In the heart of the storm, a figure began to emerge. As the brilliant lightning particles coalesced, the form of a young girl, no older than thirteen, stepped forth. She wielded a massive mace effortlessly, her confident stance exuding an overwhelming presence. The guests froze. Their eyes darted between the screen and one another, incredulous. "Those exaggerated lightning pillars... her elemental form... No way!" Morgans cried out, his voice booming with the drama of a seasoned commentator. "It can't be! The Rumble-Rumble Fruit—said to be the strongest Logia in legend—hasn't been seen in nearly a hundred years!" The crowd erupted into murmurs and gasps. It was as if the Fire Festival had become a spectacle of unending surprises. For the guests, this was the third shock in less than an hour, each more stunning than the last. The Rumble-Rumble Fruit—one of the most fearsome Logia-class Devil Fruits, a fruit that even the Marines sought desperately to weaponize—was in Alex's arsenal. The presence of a user under his command signified an unfathomable advantage. As the screen refocused, Morgans' voice narrated the scene with his trademark enthusiasm. "Introducing Yamato, a direct subordinate of the Shogun's Royal Court Guard! Wielder of the legendary Rumble-Rumble Fruit and a rising star of Wanokuni!" The announcement sent a thunderous cheer through the banquet. Beneath the screen, Yamato waved her mace playfully, beaming at the adoring crowd. Her joy was infectious, a stark contrast to the fierce aura she carried moments before. "And now, her opponent," Morgans continued, "is none other than Derek, who passed the General's rigorous assessment a year ago to become a warrior under his command!" As the camera shifted, another figure ascended to the floating Sky Island arena. His movements were deliberate, brimming with confidence. The crowd recognized him immediately. Derek, a swordsman who had first made waves two years ago after arriving on the Grand Line from West Blue. His swordsmanship had earned him the title of supernova among the pirate rookies of his generation. When he broke through to the New World and joined Alex's ranks, Morgans had reported it as a headline-worthy event. Now, a year later, Derek stood taller, his presence more formidable than ever. It was clear to the guests that his time under Alex's guidance had only sharpened his skills. The anticipation in the air was palpable. Eyes remained glued to the screen as the two combatants faced each other in the grand arena. Yamato, a prodigy wielding the legendary Rumble-Rumble Fruit, and Derek, a master swordsman tempered by the New World—both stood ready to showcase the power of Wanokuni's warriors. For the crowd, this competition had already exceeded their expectations. Greed and admiration filled their hearts as they watched, eager to see what else the night might hold.