(A/N: Hello! A friend of mine has started a one-piece fanfic, and I would appreciate it if everyone went over and gave it some love! XxTransArmourxX wrote it, so please check it out!
Also, sorry for not posting in a while D: )
"Huh.. that's strange... Where's (Y/N)?" Luffy said, looking around the arena from an empty window, "The match is starting. Did she get lost?"
~~~
I ran to the entrance of the competitors, following the last one through, and being checked off by the man standing guard.
As I walked in, all of the competitors were standing in complete silence, waiting for the workers to find a few missing contestants, as the sun beat down upon us.
Sadly, as I was late to join the party, somehow I was standing near the middle of the circle, enemies on all sides.
As we were waiting for the last contestants, I did a once-over, trying to think of a plan.
'These guys are ruthless, and I have to be just as cold-blooded...'
I started bringing back memories from my days at Baroque Works, remembering how some of my colleagues ended others' lives, heartlessly.
It made me sad to think about it, but it's either them or me.
'So, I have only a sword on me, as well as a helmet and cape....a-and...'
Looking down at my equipment, my heart sank, as I remembered what exactly I was wearing.
'I'M IN MY DRESS!'
I cried internally, panicking as my thoughts became frazzled.
'I-I could take it off... Kin'emon said our normal clothes should appear. But what if they don't?! What if he was just being a pervert?! Plus, It would draw too much attention, and I might be considered cheating!'
More thoughts came through as I glanced at the contestants, desperately trying to hide my nervousness.
'Maybe I can do it when the fighting happens, so no one notices... If I find a way to do that at the beginning, I should be in my old Baroque Works uniform, and I haven't worn that since- well, Baroque Works. No one should recognize me-'
'O-Oh, right...'
I gently pushed the eye guard down over my eyes. It calmed me down slightly, knowing that only my mouth was visible, so my enemies couldn't tell what I was thinking. Since it was only a guard, there were slits in the mask, so the wearer could still see.
'Now no one will recognize me, whether I take the dress off or not-'
'Recognize-! WAIT! I can't use my devil fruit! This stadium is packed full, there's bound to be someone who recognizes it-'
I calmed down a little, taking a deep breath.
'Not to mention, there was a rumor of the Don Quixote Family being present. They'll recognize it for sure. Especially if Doflamingo has a plan already in action-'
"They've found one of the missing competitors!" The announcer said, and I turned to see him, now trying to think of another plan with as low a risk as possible, "This one is going to make a big splash in Block B!"
I watched the missing man as he leisurely strolled down the bridge, which would soon disappear, his hands in his pockets, confidence oozing from his aura. As if he's already won, or just done something good.
He emerged from the shadows completely as the announcer informed everyone of who he was.
"In only a year he and his crew made it to the waters of the New World! He's on the fast track to infamy!" [Announcer]
I gradually heard the crowd go from cheering to... booing.
"Absolutely brutal! Absolutely crazy! He roasted pirates on a skewer and filmed it for the whole world to see!" [Announcer]
The man walking down the bridge has a maroon coat with fluffy maroon trims, slightly revealing his bare chest. As well, he had yellow and maroon checkered pants, only going down to half his calves, having black boots covering the rest of the leg. He had the hilt of a knife in the front of his pants and a tattoo on his chest.
Though, the more striking features were on his face. He had sharp teeth, very sharp teeth, and vibrant green hair standing sort of like a mohawk, but coming down on the sides. Kind of like a rooster. He had a nose ring and some lines of a tattoo from his eyes to the side of his head, with brown eyes, holding the same confidence as his walk.
"He opened fire on innocent civilians for no good reason! Recently naked number one in the "most annoying pirates who should just go away" competition, the irrepressible, the irredeemable, Bartolomeo!" [Announcer]
After the grand introduction, Bartolomeo smiled wider at the loud boo's coming from the stands. He pointed all over the stands, confusing most, before yelling, his arms as wide as his smile.
"All of you... can go straight to hell!" He laughed at his own words, his voice very gravely, with a heavy accent, sounding like he was from a large city.
The crowd started throwing things, and it was easy for me to dodge, but not so much for the other gladiators, well, except for Bartolomeo.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please don't throw trash into the arena!" [Announcer]
Once that was said, the audience went quieter, much to Bartolomeo's amusement.
The booing suddenly surged forward again, and Bartolomeo got quiet, reaching a hand into his pocket.
Since no one, even the gladiators didn't like him, everyone was separated from him, as if he was a contagious disease. He was standing on his own, trash littered around him., His back was to the gladiators, and I was still behind a few larger men, so I wouldn't be seen.
Bartolomeo wound up his arm, and-
"Hey, wait! What are you about to do?!" [Announcer]
He suddenly spun and threw the ball through the gladiators, me and the ones in front of me dodging, before it skyrocketed above the crowd behind us.
As it sat in the air for a minute, I heard a crowd member yell, "It's a bomb!" and everyone scattered.
I took the confusion of the bomb and squatted down, covering my body entirely with the cloak and ripping a small part of the dress off. The cape covered the smoke, and once the silence died down again, I stood as if nothing happened.
I was in a white T-shirt with a casual red blazer coat over it, and jean shorts, as well as little black high-top sneakers.
The object landed, and bounced down the now empty seats, coming to a stop at the front of the stands. Though, there was no loud noise, no explosion, and I realized that he wouldn't throw a bomb. That would obviously get him disqualified, then what's the point?
Some braver crowd members went around the object, the audience went dead silent.
"A ball?" One man asked, fear still in his tone.
"Pathetic."
Bartolomeo's voice went lower, scaring me slightly. It was low, but the audience was so tense, we could hear him clear as day.
The audience member who spoke first seemed mad, and Bartolomeo spoke once more, "Pathetic!" I could tell he wasn't smiling anymore.
The crowd who tried to flee looked back at him, their faces tinted with embarrassment. I could tell Bartolomeo was looking around, though not physically.
"Pathetic!" he yelled louder.
All of the enthusiasm was gone from the gladiators, as Bartolomeo only had a small circle around him, not of people. The gladiators spread out more.
When they spread out, I had a few yards between me and the people around me, so it was easier to see the star of the show.
"Not too popular with the crowd, are 'ya?" A large man walked up to Bartolomeo.
The crowd was riled up again, so it was getting harder to hear what they were saying.
"Who cares? They're jackasses anyway." [Bartolomeo]
"Damn it all! Ugh! He's making fools out of us!" The announcer barked, which I believe wasn't supposed to be into the mic, "Let's move on! Anyway, forget that bastard! Block B just has one final competitor left!"
I small fear arose that it might be me and that someone had found me out, but that was pushed away when the announcer continued.
"This fighter is loyal to our king, Doflamingo!" [Announcer]
'...'
"So loyal, in fact, that he brought the king a giant gold pillar from a distant land! He's more than worthy of winning this tournament!" [Announcer]
'...wait a minute...'
"Doflamingo is a real hero of mine."
"For starters, I saw the sky island, just like you."
I looked frantically at all of the entrances to the main stage, before seeing the silhouette I begged not to.
'D-Dammit, that will make this difficult... I've got to seriously try to stay out of sight, at least until the last few contenders...'
"And that's not all! Since then he's been ransacking towns in various countries whose people slandered our nation's great name! He's come to be known as the Bullet of Dressrosa! And, at long last, he's been granted this opportunity by King Doflamingo himself!" [Announcer]
'Wait... WAIT..!'
Something clicked for me at that moment, and I had more important things to think about than Bellamy.
'He still called him king! Multiple times, in fact! It makes sense! Part of Doflamingo's plan must involve his people. They must know he has a plan. It was in the paper, so if we saw it, the people of Dressrosa saw it. He must have calmed their nerves and told them it was a mistake, so everyone wouldn't suspect a thing if something shady happened with our crew and law!'
'Sadly, it's pretty smart! But the question is what exactly he has in mind-'
The announcer mentioned something about the stakes being even higher for Bellamy, and I tuned out of my thoughts, "If he's able to achieve victory, then this dedicated combatant will be promoted to an executive position in the DonQuixote Family!"
'So that's what he meant by "still having plenty to gain".''
"This pirate is a strong contender. He could take it all! Give it up for... Bellamy the Hyena!" [Announcer]
The crowd cheered as Bellamy stood on the stage and raised his arms in the air.
"It looks like all 138 competitors have gathered in the ring!" [Announcer]
I swallowed hard.
'It's all or nothing... I have to do this for Luffy and Ace.'
The floor shook as the bridges retreated from the stage, and I watched as some gladiators started getting cold feet.
'Here's what I'll do. I'll silently take out the small names, and once that's done, I'll take on the other fighters one by one. I'm not being targeted to my knowledge, so this could work in my favor. I just have to worry about later...'
"The only rules are to survive and to stay inside the arena! The last one standing is the winner! I hope you're all ready. And.... GO!" [Announcer]
A large bell chimed, and everyone stepped.
I tightened my grip on the sword as I watched someone lunge at me, being the closest person to them.
I dodged them, and kicked their back, being close enough to the edge to kick him into the water.
1
Though, he shouldn't feel bad, since he wasn't the only splash or cry of pain. Since everyone found someone to attack, almost half the competitors were already down.
As soon as my foot reached the ground from the kick, I used Observation Haki, dodging to my left from a large battle axe. I kicked the man in the face who owned the axe, but before I could move him to the water, a large spike on a chain hit him in the side, knocking him away from me, the owner of that weapon following the body.
Another man lunged at me with a sword and I blocked it, our weapons making a plus shape. I used my devil fruit discreetly, and made vines from my hands to his, wrapping around his wrists. I rolled onto my back, putting my feet on my chest, and disconnected the vines, using my legs to shoot him into the water.
2
Watching with my Haki, my legs kept moving, using my arms to push me off the ground and land once more, detecting a large sledgehammer aimed at my form.
The man with the hammer squared up to me, and looking around him I put a hand on the floor, wrapping a small vine of wood around his ankles.
I took the rope, connecting it to my arm and pulling him off his feet. I used Armament Haki on my arms and started spinning him in a circle, similar to what Luffy did to Spartan before the match. He was flung over the edge into the water.
3
I used that maneuver once again, but instead, I was just grabbing people with small vines and yanking them into the water.
5
The moment felt fast, but I could tell that we'd been here for about 5 minutes already, and the numbers were fleeting. The competition started thinning and looking tougher.
Looking around, I noticed who was doing what. Bellamy had probably taken out a few more than I, but he seemed distracted by someone else taking his target.
I looked around, seeing more people staring back to where Bellamy was, and when the dust cleared, I saw a man surrounded by 20-25 people, practicing boxing moved with a crown and a blue cape.
'Isn't this cheating? Plus, only one can win, what's the point?!'
Looking back, I was prepared to block a hit with my sword. I used Armament Haki on my hands as the man's club landed on the sword, shattering it. Once it hit my Armament-covered hands, it pushed through my defenses, shoving me backward a few yards, and leaving a few bruises on my body.
I moved behind Bartolomeo, without him noticing me, as I continued to dodge blows from the man. I dodged one more blow before I'd had enough.
He threw the club for the last time as I reinforced my arms with Armament Haki, catching the weapon and spinning him around, seeing as that tactic was working, building up a dust cloud. I did this, and aimed it just right, before slamming him on the ground, the whole floor shaking around me.
6
I heard a few gasps from the stands near me, but most of the crowd was worried about the group of people protecting the boxing man in blue.
The largest man, the one who I heard earlier trying to make alliances, started to outwardly bast about his king, saying what he's done, and how he could knock down the fortress' with one punch.
"But, there is one drawback to his power, it takes a full hour of concentration to build up the energy for just one of those punches. Rumor has it that punch could even take down the four emperors if it hit them, but he can only use it once per fight."
'What is this, a video game?'
The man turned to the king, asking if it was time, and the man, Elizabello the 2nd, grunted, "I'm not ready yet! You'll have to keep guardin' me."
I knocked someone off of the edge as I ran past them.
7
"The punch that took down an entire fort? This should be interesting!" Bellamy smiled.
'I guess I shouldn't worry about Elizabello then...'
I fought a few men, then approached one man who actually posed a threat. I had knocked out a few guys dressed the same, and one man, larger than the others confronted me.
10
I looked behind me once the heat of the sun fled from my back, turning and looking up to see a large man. Not quite a giant, but about Spartan's height. He threw a punch into the ground and I dodged, jumping where no one was and turning to face him.
"Thy fought well against my brothers, but I shall have my vengeance against thee!" he barked, pointing at me.
I sighed.
'No need to make a scene, let's just get this over with.'
He threw more punches at me, as I dodged. He hit me once, crossing my wood-covered arms across my chest to block it. The hit hurt, and it was sure to leave a mark, but luckily, the impact built a dust cloud around us.
Once I couldn't see the crowd, I jumped on the Giant's neck and wrapped my legs around it, cutting the circulation. I used wood to secure my legs and connected my arms to the ground in front of him, one from each, and pulled the trunks closer and slammed his head face-first into the ground during the process.
11
Sadly, once he was down, I glanced up to see the announcer, clear as day. The dust was clearing, and I knew he saw what I did.
"Unbelievable! We may have a new dark horse in this tournament!" he held the mic, his hand extended to point at me. Once I turned again, I saw Bellamy being challenged by a new man.
The good thing was that Bellamy showed off a little more. Clearly, the gladiators thought he was just a phony. I'm not sure if I can beat him, but maybe if I outsmart him somehow...
I dodged an attack by squatting below the gladiator's axe and using the position to sweep the person's legs, making them fall into the water.
12
"There are only about 70 competitors still left in the ring! Half of Block B has been taken out! Now, the moment of truth!" [Announcer]
It was easier to see through the crowd now, so I could survey where everyone was. I was on the south-east side of the ring, a large giant was on the west side, another on the east, the group protecting King Elizabo and the king himself were in the middle of the ring, Bellamy was at the north, and Bartolomeo was at the south-west, and there was also a Fishman in the east side. There were a few fighters here and there, but these were the ones who mattered.
The Fishman used Fish-Man Karate, which I remember Jimbei mentioning, and took out the giant on the east side, the announcer saying that it was his 17th knock-out.
Although, while the east-side giant fell, I saw the west giant walk over, his spiked club dragging behind him.
"Go back to the water where you belong, freak." He said, malice and cockiness drenching his tone.
The Fishman, I believed to be named Hack, as his nametag said, turned to see the large man, who stopped right in front of him. Seconds after a small conversation, the large man yelled and lifted his club with one hand.
The club landed, and Hack didn't even flinch.
I was taken from the fight when someone swept my legs. I looked over to see a large man in all red. He aimed his large sword on the ground at me. I rolled away from it, and before he could heave it up again, I used my arms and propelled my legs to his face, wrapping them around his neck and dragging him to the floor, unconscious.
13
"That's the Secret (N/N)'s 13th kill! Will anyone stop this dark horse?!" He called, and I mentally groaned.
'Come on! Save it for someone who wants the attention!'
When I looked back at Hack, the giant harassing him was nowhere to be seen. Hack must be stronger than he lets on, but, I'll have to fight him some time, "With that awesome display, Hack beats his 18th opponent!" The announcer called.
I started to walk over to him, but someone ran at me with a sword, pointed straight out. I dodged the sword, grabbing the wrists of the man holding it and putting my other hand on his chest, before using his momentum to flip over me and into the ground, leaving him winded as I pushed him into the water.
14
I ended up choosing not to speak with Hack, deciding to delay our fight a little longer, and simply shoved a man near me into the water.
15
As I looked around, a gladiator, who was runner up for points, just before me, I believe, was a man named Ricky, "That's it! He's cut down his 16th man!"
I watched his movements, Knocking down another man, and another, until he was just above my score, to my knowledge. He ended his attack on two men, his body facing me, which spooked me. He was very muscular, with a blue cape and a skull on it, and a knight's helmet on.
There was also a man using his legs with no weapon or shield-
"There are barely 30 left standing in the ring!" The announcer bellowed, clearly getting excited himself. He announced who was left. The ten or so people left around Elizzabello, including himself, the two opposites, Bellamy, Bartolomeo, Ricky, the leg guy, myself-
...scratch that, the two opposites were just swiftly taken out by Bellamy-
He...
'H-HE SNAPPED THEIR JAWS?!'
Bellamy lunged at them from the sky and put his fingers to the roofs of their mouths, holding a grip on their top row of teeth, before flipping and landing in a squat, facing behind them, their pupils gone and their mouths bloody.
And the worst part, he looked excited at just the sight of blood, which spooked me. I haven't killed someone yet, for good reason!
Apparently, the man with the Legs is Blue Gilly, and he was fighting Ricky.
A man came up to me from the side, sword and shield prepared, "So, you're the dark horse?" He asked as I made sure to secure my helmet's mask before turning to him.
"Why? Wanna test your luck?" I asked.
"There's no way a little girl has beaten all of these men, so I'm here to defeat the cheater." He said, pointing his weapon, and getting in a fighting stance, "This is disgraceful to the good name of this Colloseum!"
"You can try, but don't be sad when you lose," I pouted, crossing my arms.
He lunged at me and I dodged, him flying over me and stumbling. He threw his sword down as a counter, clearly startled by the stumble, and I blocked it with one arm covered in Armament Haki. I covered my foot in the same Haki and kicked him, sending him flying across a corner of the arena and into the wall behind it, limply falling into the water.
16
There were technically only 25 competitors left, even though the announcer said 24. He forgot about Bartolomeo, who was wasting his time lying on the side of the ring.
Actually, he wasn't laying down now...
...He was peeing off the ledge of the ring...
I turned away, headed in the other direction as people yelled at him.
The crowd booed as the announcer spoke, "In plain view of this arena, without any discretion, he's pulled out his unspeakable bits and is relieving himself in the moat! The most indecent act ever performed in the history of the Colosseum!" The announcer was clearly angry.
Hack walked up from behind him, "I'm not too proud to strike you from behind if you won't take this seriously." Bartolomeo seemed startled, "You'd better finish with that quickly, you degenerate!" Hack said, angry.
Bartolomeo looked anxious, "Hey, come on, man! I'm defenseless here with my wiener out!" he whined.
Hack prepared his Fish-Man karate as Bartolomeo looked frantically from his... business to Hack. Hack attacked, and it looked like he hit him, thanks to the crowd cheering, but all of a sudden, Bartolomeo continued his business, chuckling.
"Gotcha~," He drawled, as Hack keeled over, holding his misshapen and bruised hand, contrasting his yellow body. He was hurt so bad, his hand bloodied, that he just sat there on the ground, himself now being the defenseless one. Bartolomeo came over and gave him one last kick to the face, knocking him out.
No one had seen what Bartolomeo did to him, and neither did I, which can be very troubling. Best to keep away from him for now. I was very happy with the amount of energy I had been storing for the final battle. Depending on who's remaining, if I fight anyone here, it will take energy, so I might as well stay hidden as long as possible.
I glanced over to Ricky and Blue Gilly were fighting, and right now, Ricky was on the ground, half of his helmet shattered. I believe he is unconscious.
Two men fighting near me were getting dangerously close, so I released two vines of wood, wrapping around each ankle while staying close to the ground, and launched them into the air, inevitably landing in the water.
18
All of a sudden, the group protecting Elizabello had planned to break apart. I was close enough to hear, but far enough to not get hurt. They'd protect the king until he could use his punch, and then they'd fight amongst themselves.
Before this plan could go into action, Blue Gilly came in hot and kicked a few of them.
I watched as he moved and took out a ton of members. He moved incredibly fast, almost as fast as Brook, as well as packed a serious kick. He was sending people into the ground, breaking the concrete below them.
The lead man called for everyone to attack him together, while they were still on the same team, but I was interrupted. My observation haki told me to dodge, so I did, but as soon as I turned to see who had attacked me, I raised my arms in a crossed position as a man's two swords landed there, my arms protected with Haki.
It was a man with short red hair, and blue symbols painted all over his body, only a serious look lay on his face. I struggled to keep up with his strength, and he eventually got the better of me, sending me backward, my arms now holding stinging cuts.
Now that more had just been added, I could feel the amount of dirt and grime on my body, as well as how much my feet hurt, and the painful cuts that were cut off by adrenaline. I had stopped a few feet before the edge, and he was still glaring from across the arena. He started over towards me, his walk turning into a run.
Using Observation haki, I concealed my presence, and once I ran behind him, I knew he didn't see me.
I kicked the back of his head with my foot covered in Armament Haki and used that kick to wrap my arms around his neck, cutting off his circulation. I was there for a short moment before he threw me over his shoulder, hitting the concrete hard, and causing me to cough up a little blood. Opening my eyes from the impact, his two swords were hurdling towards my face.
I quickly moved away, but only after a small scratch was left on my cheek, slowly oozing blood, I realized I'd better not take these last few men for granted.
He lunged and made swift movements with his sword. I avoided most of them, if not all, and kicked him one more with Armament Haki to gain some distance.
As soon as I kicked him away, I stretched my arm out, a trunk of wood growing and trapping his torso. I spun him around on my heels, gaining momentum before sending him directly into the air. Once he reached his max height, I reached a piece of wood all of the way up, wrapping it around him, and pulling him full force back into the ground, the concrete banging below him, surely causing some ruckus.
19
"Unbelievable! It looks like some people haven't shown all of their tricks! She truly is this round's mystery competitor!" The announcer yelled. Now that everyone's, if not most people had seen my devil fruit, it will make this fight easier. Not easy, but easier.
Glancing around I noticed that the large man with Elizabello, Dagama, and Blue Gilly were working together and attacking the men who helped them. But when I watched a moment further, Dagama attacked Blue Gilly, but Blue Gilly stopped him, clearly surprising Dagama and Elizabello. Dagama was launched into the water, yelling about betrayal.
Elizabello kept charging his punch, but Blue Gily was prepared to go on the offensive, now that the king's men were all gone.
I heard the Announcer mention the crowd favorite, Bellamy and watched as he launched himself at Bartolomeo, who was standing there, almost nervous, though not about Bellamy. He had one hand in his pocket, the other rubbing the nape of his neck, but he looked almost anxious, but again, he didn't even notice Bellamy.
Bellamy threw his punch directly at Bartolomeo's face, but he was repelled back at insane speeds, landing on his back!
Bellamy sat motionless for a moment, as the dust cleared around Bartolomeo. Bartolomeo was looking back to Bellamy as if he had just swatted away a bug. He was disgusted. He turned and watched Bellamy's form in the dust cloud, as the announcer yelled, "Bellamy's down! But he's the one who went in for the attack!"
As I ran to the other side of the Arena, I looked back to see Bartolomeo looking at the ground smirking. Was... Bellamy, really down?
Bellamy shook as he pushed his body upward, practically snarling at Bartolomeo, "Tell me what you did. Tell me, dammit!" Bellamy stood, "I'm Bellamy the Hyena! And I won't be defeated that easily!" he attacked once more, but Bartolomeo's smirk only grew as Bellamy was knocked back once more, this time blood escaping his lips.
He slowly lifted his body so his head was standing, "What was that? What the hell kind of Devil Fruit did you eat?!" Bellamy growled. Bartolomeo cackled, still refusing to answer him.
I heard a quiet voice from behind me, "You can do it! Keep hangin' in there!" which was clearly directed to Bellamy. it kinda sounded like Luffy.
There were a lot of people crowding Eliabello, this time to attack him, and all of them had their backs to me, so I started taking them out, one by one, pulling one by the leg each time, so fast that they didn't even scream from shock, and just dipped them into the water.
20
21
22
23
24
Elizabello kept charging his attack, as he had about 10 men not including Blue Gilly around him, prepared to attack. After a little bit more teasing from Blue Gilly, the King's charging finally stopped. He closed his eyes, seemingly trying to concentrate. Blue Gilly said one last thing, causing Elizabello to Chuckle. He held up one hand, his skin almost red and smoking as if he were using Luffy's Gear 2.
"Dagama served his purpose well," The king spoke, "My punch is warmed up. All that's left is to throw it."
Blue Gilly seemed taken aback, as Elizabello continued, "Nothing is more dangerous than an unchecked weapon. That formation wasn't protecting me from you. It was protecting you from me. Don't think so? Wait and see."
The floor felt as if it had started shaking, and I stuck my arms out slightly for balance. Everyone near them prepared themselves, raising their shields.
"Mark my words, I will win the Flame Flame Fruit for the Kingdom of Prodence!"
He wound his arm back, and along with the rumbling, everyone's clothes and cape, including mine had started to softly blow. People in the stands started fleeing, afraid they were in the range of this horrendous punch.
The stands were almost empty, and I could hear almost everything clearly now.
"Oh, wow, not given' up, huh? Get your stupid spring off me!" I heard the voice of Bartolomeo and watched as his collar was held by Bellamy, whose arm was extended, looking like an opened spring.
Bellamy cackled, sounding insane, "You're about to find out you messed with the wrong guy!" They both looked shocked as they turned towards the king, as did I, and the rumbling increased along with the wind. They were a decent distance away, and I was somewhere in the middle between Elizabello, and Bellamy, who was still holding Bartolomeo.
As the king wound up, and almost threw his arm forward, Blue Gilly attempted to kill him. Once I realized I was in the range of the punch, I turned to the wall across the moat. I used a trunk of wood and connected it to the wall, pulling myself over, dodging one of the biting fish in the water, and connecting my feet to the wall, high enough to avoid the punch.
"King..."
"...PUNCH!!"
The punch was glowing so bright, that everything looked gold, including when Blue Gilly was knocked off of his feet, and when the punch headed directly toward Bartolomeo and Bellamy. The glowing light and the impact lasted for a very long time, surprising me.
Once the light faded, and the waters in the moat calmed down, I jumped into the dust cloud before anyone would notice I left the ring. The whole ground of the arena had a large trench on it, shaped like a cone. At least, this is what I saw as the smoke started to clear. The smallest part stemmed from where Elizabello was standing and grew outward until it reached something that made it abruptly stop.
The announcer claimed that Elizabello knocked out all of his competition with a single punch. Elizabello turned to the stands and lifted a fist as if he'd won. I don't think he saw me...
"Out of all 139 competitors in Block B, I hereby proclaim the winner to be King Elizabe-" [Announcer]
"Hey, look! There are people still down there!" A spectator yelled, "That means the fight's not over!"
The announcer gasped, as I turned to see Bartolomeo, with some sort of blue-tinted, almost transparent glass in front of him, his fingers crossed in one hand over his chest. As well, Bellamy was accidentally saved by Bartolomeo's barrier...
'...shit.'
Bartolomeo was cocky and sent the barrier into the King, sending him backward and knocking him out, blood oozing from the king's forehead. I nervously waited for who was going to make the nest move.
Sadly, the move was made against me, when I looked to my left to see a blur of blue hurdling towards me. It was too fast and sudden, that I was able to cross my arms, but not activate my Haki. I felt Bellamy's grip on my shoulders as I was sent backward, being held onto the ground when I opened my eyes, his figure over me.
He looked psychotic, as if winning this competition was the only thing he knew how to do. His smirk grew as I coughed a little blood, and even though I kept my mouth shut, a little blood spilled from the side. His hand came down, and he pressed his thumb on the side of my top lip, where my scar was. The scar that he gave me. I winced, causing his smile to widen, making me snarl.
I used wood and connected to his shoulders, my arms screaming out in pain, as I extended the wood, keeping him away from me by a few yards.
I felt the wood snap, meaning he broke free, and watched him attack me again, this time calling out a special move. I covered my arms with Haki and crossed them in front of my face. Once they were crossed, I felt a small breeze, before a horrendous hit to the back, surely breaking a bone. I was sent forward, skidding across the ground, stopping just at the edge of the stage.
"Absolutely brutal! Looks like this gladiator means No Mercy!" The announcer called as I slowly opened my eyes.
'He used his spring legs last minute and went behind me. Dirty move...'
I stood up panting and saw Bellamy walking toward me, "I'd love to give you another scar," he said, coming closer as I prepared my Observation Haki, "But instead, I'd rather see you beg for your life."
He stopped walking towards me as I chuckled, breathlessly, "Come at me," I wiped the blood, my lips quivering as I smirked.
His smirk grew to a large smile, as he started laughing. He wound up his legs and lunged once more, but this time, I could see where he was planning to go. he was going to maneuver behind me this time, but on the right side rather than the left.
The vision went black and white, as I watched the blue blur of Bellamy follow the blue shadow in my vision. Once he jerked to be behind me, I dodged left and grabbed the hand he used to try and hit me. I immediately wrapped it in wood and covered the wood and my hand in Armament Haki.
I slammed him into the ground in front of me, hard enough to make an indent in the ground. I slammed him in three more directions, before throwing him straight into the air. I extended a piece of wood, and once he reached his altitude, I pulled him back down by his torso into the ground, stomach first.
The arena went dead silent.
I walked over to him and squatted in front of his form, as he lifted his head to look at me. His expression showed how angry he was, but after receiving hits from me and the impacts from Bartolomeo, his body must not be listening to him.
As he glared into my eyes, I gave him a quick smile.
25
Once the announcer yelled, stunned, that Bellamy was down, the crowd roared as loud as they did when Bellamy was first introduced to them.
I stood u[ straight and turned on my heels to see Bartolomeo, looking... surprised?
He was across the arena, but we were close enough to see his expression.
"I-is... th-th-that you...?" he mumbled, though barely loud enough for me to hear.
Suddenly, he ran forward at me, and I yelped, being taken aback. He ran forward as if he was in a movie, or if this was the happiest moment of his life, his arms outstretched. Once he reached me, he held his hands around my face, cupping my cheeks.
"it really is you!-ACK-"
I took his hands and held them together as I turned him over, knelt down, and slammed him into the ground, close to Bellamy.
He landed on his back, his eyes closed, but he still smiled happily, his nose now bleeding.
I stumbled upright, the adrenaline failing me as my body ached. The stadium erupted with cheers louder than it had been. I watched all of the happy faces, practically breathless as the announcer called, "I hereby declare the winner of this battle to be... The Dark Horse, (N/N)!"