Seeing Lin Xuan's side, which now numbered two to three hundred people shouting, each possessing extraordinary strength, the faces of the Five Elder Stars darkened.
In reality, the World Government forces—including Navy Admirals, Vice Admirals, Rear Admirals, and a host of previously hidden experts—were also considerable in number. However, there was one major headache: even if their strength was comparable, the members of Lin Xuan's Ninja Association had that infuriating characteristic of being unkillable. This made them nearly impossible to deal with.
Previously, if not for their absolute numerical advantage, the World Government forces wouldn't have even been able to hold Lin Xuan's people back.
Initially, they had hoped that Long-Beard's arrival, with his powerful healing abilities, would mitigate this problem. The plan was to first eliminate the normal fighters like Whitebeard and his allies, then concentrate their forces on dealing with the Ninja Association.
But who could have predicted that Lin Xuan's side also had a Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, whose group healing abilities were in no way inferior to Long-Beard's!
After a moment of contemplation, Long-Beard spoke: "Then let's proceed on a voluntary basis! Those who wish to participate in the decisive battle can choose their own opponents!"
Lin Xuan readily agreed, "No problem!"
With both sides reaching an agreement, the next steps became clear.
Uchiha Obito was the first to jump out, arrogantly challenging the Five Elder Stars: "I, Uchiha Obito, dare to face me?"
The scene fell into complete silence.
Although Uchiha Obito currently appeared to be just a young boy, even wearing a comical-looking goggle on his forehead, everyone had witnessed the strength he displayed earlier. Within the World Government ranks, aside from the Five Elder Stars themselves, probably no one had the courage to face him in a duel.
What was rather amusing, however, was that while Uchiha Obito pretended to be aloof and冷酷, the corner of his eye kept sneaking glances towards Nohara Rin, hoping to see if she was impressed by his current cool and handsome demeanor.
Witnessing this, Uchiha Madara couldn't help but feel exasperated, snorting coldly: "Immature!"
Lin Xuan's mouth twitched, and he sighed inwardly: This guy Madara is definitely saying that because he's annoyed Obito beat him to the punch!
But seeing Uchiha Obito's behavior, Lin Xuan sighed again in his heart: Made by Rin, undone by Rin! This guy Obito is hopeless!
Fortunately, Lin Xuan was currently leveraging this very weakness to make Obito work willingly for him. At times, he was even more useful than Uchiha Madara or Hashirama Senju.
Faced with Uchiha Obito's provocation, the World Government side remained quiet.
This drew a contemptuous sneer from Uchiha Obito: "Is this the so-called World Government? Not a single person dares to accept the challenge? How utterly disappointing!"
Within the crowd, Akainu, infuriated by these words, stirred, ready to rush out and defend the World Government's honor.
However, Sengoku held him back.
Sengoku said to him in a low voice, "Sakazuki, calm down! The decisive battle below is of utmost importance. Don't act recklessly!"
The implied meaning was clear: Akainu was simply no match for Obito and shouldn't go up there to humiliate himself.
Although Akainu clenched his fists in resentment, he could only suppress his anger and remain silent.
At this point, the Curly-Haired Elder Star spoke again: "The five of us have always advanced and retreated together. How about your side also selects five individuals for a decisive battle against us?"
Clearly, by saying this, he implied that their strength when fighting together as five was far greater than when fighting individually.
Lin Xuan, however, simply smiled faintly and said, "5v5? That sounds like a good idea."
His gaze then swept over the powerful figures on his side.
Uchiha Madara, Hashirama Senju, and Uchiha Obito—these three Six Paths-level fighters—were definitely going to participate. He needed to carefully consider the remaining two spots.
Indeed, many within his ranks looked eager and ready to face the Five Elder Stars.
For example, Tobirama Senju, Izuna Uchiha, Might Duy, Nagato, and the Kage from the Five Great Ninja Villages. They all looked at Lin Xuan with anticipation, hoping to be chosen.
Seeing this, Lin Xuan actually felt a bit of a headache and sighed lightly: "Ah, having too many powerful subordinates is also a troublesome thing. I don't even know who to choose!"
The Five Elder Stars: "..."
The conversation was going fine, why did this guy suddenly start showing off again!
Just then—
"Let me do it!"
Gol D. Roger stepped forward with a bright smile and said to Lin Xuan, "This whole operation is originally to save my son. It doesn't make sense for you helpers to be at the forefront while I stand back."
Whitebeard also immediately stepped forward, laughing heartily: "Gurararara! Ace is my son! I should be the one to save him!"
In truth, one of them was already dead, and the other was advanced in years. Even though their injuries and illnesses were now healed, their mindset had aged somewhat.
The only thing that could still ignite their fighting spirit now was the rare opportunity to challenge the highest authority of the World Government—something they had never personally done before in all their years!
It wasn't that they couldn't challenge them before, but they had their reservations. Now that the opportunity had arrived, they were naturally unwilling to let it pass.
Hearing their words, a look of interest appeared on Lin Xuan's face: "The two strongest pirates of their eras, teaming up with three Six Paths-level ninja to crush the Five Elder Stars? Now that sounds interesting!"
The faces of the Five Elder Stars instantly turned as black as thunder.
Crush the Five Elder Stars? The fight hasn't even started yet, how can you be so sure who's crushing whom?
The Curly-Haired Elder and the others decided then and there that they would definitely make Lin Xuan's side understand what a real crushing defeat felt like!
However, this situation wasn't entirely satisfactory for them, because their real target was actually Lin Xuan himself!
Thus, the Curly-Haired Elder Star asked Lin Xuan solemnly, "Have you decided? You yourself won't be participating?"
Lin Xuan knew exactly what they meant but only responded with a mocking smile.
He then said, "You few aren't worth me taking action personally. If that character named Imu backing you shows up, then I might be interested in fighting myself!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the faces of the Five Elder Stars underwent a drastic change.
They stared at Lin Xuan in shock and disbelief: How does this guy know about Lord Imu?!
The surrounding Marines, pirates, and members of the Ninja Association, seeing their reaction, looked at each other in confusion.
They were intensely curious: Who was this 'Imu' Lin Xuan mentioned? Why did mentioning that name cause such a strong reaction from the Five Elder Stars?
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T/N:
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