The break ended, and the town erupted with excitement past noon. The Treasure Battle resumed. The first semifinal match loomed, deciding who'd advance to the final. The crowd was riveted.
On Everfall Island, a slightly larger town hosted the clash.
"Let's kick off the semifinals! Luffy & Vivi vs. Mr. 2 Bon Clay!"
Hattari, perched on a bird, announced. Despite previously pairing with Mr. 2, he'd permitted Mr. 2's solo entry, recognizing his extraordinary skill. A one-man army deserved that respect.
A two-on-one match sparked intense interest.
Vivi's face tightened with tension. She knew another fight with Mr. 2 awaited—an inevitable clash neither would dodge. This was a prelude. No retreat, no defeat allowed.
Luffy, grinning, slammed his fist into his palm, unfazed. Mr. 2 spun, flashing a smile. Their ease contrasted Vivi's clenched jaw.
"Luffy and Vivi, a dynamic duo, face the lone powerhouse, Mr. 2 Bon Clay! Who'll win?" "Bon-chan, I'm not losing!" "Ngahaha! Bring it! I won't lose either!"
Before the fight, a distinct aura hung in the air. Vivi, sweating slightly, braced as the signal came.
"Here we go! Semifinal Round One, Ready—GO!"
Luffy and Mr. 2 charged the treasure chest, ready to brawl. Vivi stayed put, biting her pinky, whistling sharply. "Come, Kaloo!" "Oooh!" "Here we go!"
Luffy and Mr. 2 traded blows, fists landing simultaneously—Luffy's on Mr. 2's cheek, Mr. 2's on Luffy's side. The difference lay in their abilities. Luffy's rubber body absorbed the hit; Mr. 2, a normal human without his powers active, took the full brunt.
Both were knocked back, but Luffy, unscathed, sprang up first, rushing not the chest but Mr. 2, who rose seconds later.
Mr. 2, grinning, braced for Luffy. Then Vivi struck. "Peacock Qujaki String Slasher!" "Huh?!"
Unexpectedly, Vivi ignored the chest, attacking Mr. 2 in sync with Luffy, timing her move to avoid hindering him and striking from a safe distance. Her attack, though not lethal, was clear support.
Mr. 2, grasping her intent, leapt to dodge her feather-blade chain, which gouged the wall behind. But his evasion landed him in Luffy's path. "Gatling!" "Ngehh?!"
Luffy's fists pummeled Mr. 2 mid-air, relentless. Mr. 2 blocked with his arms but couldn't withstand the barrage, crashing into a stone building. Yet, he landed on his feet, unfazed. "Ouch! Nice one, Straw-chan!" "Obviously. I'm gonna be Pirate King." "Ngahaha! Big talk! I'm not holding back either!"
Mr. 2's stance shifted, his grin sharper. "Okama Kenpo, here it comes!" "Shishishi! Bring it!"
They locked eyes, tension crackling. Mr. 2 struck first, his long arm aiming a punch at Luffy's face. Luffy ducked, unfazed by their height difference, diving into Mr. 2's guard to land a gut punch.
Mr. 2's eyes bulged, but he didn't collapse, retaliating with an elbow drop. Luffy blocked with his fist, his rubber body negating pain, pushing back and hurting Mr. 2.
Mr. 2 realized Luffy surpassed Aaron. A roundhouse kick sent him flying again, sliding across the ground, collapsing briefly.
The crowd roared, barely catching the speed but thrilled by the intensity.
"Incredible! Luffy's relentless assault overwhelms Mr. 2, who can't counter! Vivi hasn't even needed to act!" "Guh… nice one," Mr. 2 gasped. "You too," Luffy grinned. "Wait! Vivi's duck is hauling the chest! It's in the Blue Team's zone! Retrieval ship's off!"
Luffy clenched his fist, smiling. Mr. 2, caught up, missed the announcement. He knew his strength, felt his hit land, yet Luffy was unfazed. It didn't hurt him.
But Mr. 2 found it thrilling, not discouraging, resuming the fight. Winning wasn't the point—this festival was about joy, not pride or obsession. He faced Luffy for the thrill.
"Here we go! Feel my grit!" "Mr. 2's vibe's changed! He's charging!"
Mr. 2 dashed forward, Luffy leaping skyward. Mr. 2, stunned, looked up as Vivi attacked. "Ngaaah?! Close call!" "Oooh! Stamp Gatling!" "Hogeh?!"
Vivi's weapon grazed him, and Luffy's rapid kicks rained down. Each hit was heavy, multiple strikes overwhelming. Mr. 2 blocked but was sent skidding, rising in seconds.
He realized his mistake: expecting a one-on-one, he'd ignored Vivi's teamwork. Looking into Luffy's eyes, he understood. Luffy wasn't a thinker, but his actions had purpose. Mr. 2 smiled warmly.
(Straw-chan… you're a good guy.)
His expression turned fierce, lunging at Luffy. A sharp kick hit Luffy's stomach, forcing him back. Luffy held firm, the blow heavier than before.
Some fighters grow stronger with emotion—Mr. 2 and Luffy were such men. Mr. 2 sensed Luffy's resolve, fueling his own. The kick was proof. Luffy, unhurt but frowning, felt something deeper.
"More to come!" "Mr. 2's charging again! Ignoring the treasure?!"
Mr. 2 focused solely on Luffy, dodging Vivi's attacks while targeting him with fists and kicks. Splitting focus weakened him; Luffy's hits landed, pushing him back.
"Gomu Gomu no Bullet!" "Guheh?!"
A brutal gut punch stole Mr. 2's breath. Gritting his teeth, blood trickling, he stood firm. Vivi shivered at his intensity. Why such ferocity for a game? His motive eluded her.
Was his "killing time" claim a lie? No, it was true, but the fight changed him. His fixation on Luffy was undeniable.
Vivi hesitated to assist. Their battle accelerated—speed, strength, skill, using only their bodies. Each move was precise, a split-second duel in a timeless frenzy. Luffy fought on instinct, Mr. 2 on experience. Vivi couldn't intervene.
(Incredible… these guys are unreal!)
The crowd shared her awe. Without flashy powers, their raw strength shone. Blinding speed, precise attacks, and deft defense sparked deafening cheers.
The Straw Hats watched in silence. Luffy was their strongest; could Mr. 2 match him? They held their breath.
Luffy had the edge but couldn't finish. "Pistol!" "Ngh?!"
Mr. 2 blocked a full-force hit, sliding back, gaining distance. Readying a big move, he charged— "Match over! Retrieval ship's here!" "Huh?" "Winners: Luffy & Vivi!"
The crowd erupted. Mr. 2 blinked, stunned, then realized his blunder. "Wha?! Damn, I forgot the treasure!" "Mr. 2 was too caught up to notice!" "Hey, Hattari! Warn me!" "I explained the rules!" "I forget when I'm focused! Remind me!" "Uh, well…"
Luffy and Vivi stared, unsmiling. Mr. 2 exhaled, calming himself, then spoke coolly. "Phew, oh well. A loss is a loss. I'm heading back." "Back…?" Vivi murmured. "To Alabasta," Mr. 2 confirmed.
He paused, turning to point at Luffy. "Straw-chan." "Yeah?" "You're strong. I might've lost even at full strength."
He grinned, unbowed. "But next time, no rules. You're coming, right?" "Yeah." "Ngahaha! I figured, with Paper-chan around. Fighting you proved it—you'll get stronger. Don't die."
He lowered his arm, ignoring the announcer, pausing. Luffy stayed silent. "Since you beat me, I'll tell ya: Paper-chan's happier with you than before."
Mr. 2 turned, walking away. "We're pals, you and Paper-chan. But in a fight, I won't hold back or let you slip. No time limits next time."
Vivi looked down, pained. Luffy watched his back. Mr. 2's smile shifted subtly. "Hope Paper-chan stays that way," he muttered, boarding a small boat to town.
Spotting Kiri on the competitors' ship railing, Mr. 2 grinned. "Lost, Paper-chan. Console me?" "You fought well, Bon-chan. Got a bit too heated, though." "Ngahaha! True! Been a while since your advice. Not much time's passed, huh?"
Mr. 2 seemed cheerier despite defeat. Kiri smiled, speaking without malice, as if just hanging out. "Heading to Alabasta?" "Yup. Big strategy's afoot. All forces on standby." "Hmm." "No more questions?" "You don't know everything, Bon-chan. No point asking." "Ngahaha! Cold but true! I know nothing!" "I'll figure it out." "But I know you're our opponents."
Mr. 2's grin held resolve. "Your captain's something. Probably." "Yup, I think so too." "I'll be waiting. No mercy next time." "Harsh! Tell everyone to go easy." "Ngahaha…"
Mr. 2 headed to his boat, then paused, turning back. "Paper-chan." "What?" "Live it up!"
Pointing dramatically, he dashed to the losers' boat. Kiri, chuckling, folded a paper airplane without touching it, launching it toward the island. It arced beautifully. "I know, Bon-chan. But first, I've got scores to settle."
Ace approached, his face stern yet smiling, standing beside Kiri, gazing at the island. "It's time." "Your fight, though," Kiri said. "Yeah. Sorry to drag you in, but I need you for this one." "Of course. I dragged us into this."
Luffy and Vivi won the first semifinal. Next, Ace's battle loomed, a direct confrontation with his target.
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