Chapter 123: I Still Prefer That Defiant Look of Yours

"The victor is our All-Star! Drought! Jack-sama!"

"Jack-sama! Jack-sama!"

The deafening chants filled the air, making Page One and Ulti grimace as they covered their ears in irritation.

"Wait a minute! What is Jack-sama doing?" "Why is he spreading Fozu's legs apart?" "Could it be that he..."

The host's words instantly piqued the pirates' curiosity. Everyone strained to get a better look, with Yamato and the others even pulling out telescopes for a closer view.

"Kaido-san! You don't mind if I continue challenging Jack now, do you?"

"Jack promised me yesterday that he'd accept my challenge!"

Kaido gave Sasaki, who was brimming with confidence, a helpless glance and said, "Sasaki, you've seen Jack's strength yourself. Are you truly confident?"

"Of course! Kaido-san! I'm the wielder of the Ryu Ryu no Mi, Model: Triceratops—a powerful Ancient Zoan! When it comes to strength and defense, I don't think I'm any weaker than Jack!"

Kaido didn't respond immediately but instead stared at Sasaki, his piercing gaze making Sasaki break into a sweat. After a long pause, Kaido patted Sasaki's shoulder and said softly, "Do as you wish. Losing to Jack is no shame. Sasaki, Jack's talent might even surpass mine."

"He's a true monster."

With that, Kaido turned and walked away. Sasaki, unwilling to back down, watched Kaido's retreating figure before turning towards the arena.

Meanwhile, Jack spread Fozu's legs apart and tightened his grip on his kanabō, aiming carefully. Spotting Sasaki climbing onto the stage, Jack spoke in his usual low voice:

"Oh, hold on a second."

"I know you're eager, but don't rush. Your turn is coming soon."

Sasaki looked confused, crossing his arms and asking in puzzlement, "What are you doing? Trying to revive him?"

"A warrior of your caliber knows medical techniques too?"

"Oh, no," Jack said, shaking his head. "I'm just keeping my promise."

Squatting down, Jack flipped Fozu over, positioning him face-up and spreading him into a straight line. He observed the result and nodded.

"Huh. Pretty flexible, isn't he?"

Without hesitation, Jack thrust his kanabō forward. Sasaki's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

"Ahhhh…"

The intense pain jolted Fozu awake instantly. He clutched his rear and looked at Jack in utter disbelief.

"You…"

"Didn't I say I'd clear your system with my kanabō? So here it is!"

"Urgh…"

As Fozu fainted from the agony, Sasaki involuntarily gulped.

"What in the world is Jack-sama doing?!"

"Am I seeing this right?!"

Black Maria, thoroughly entertained, wrapped her arms around Ulti and Page One, their tongues nearly sticking out in disbelief. Yamato, peering through her telescope, gasped.

"So the kanabō can be used like that? I'll have to try it on Jack next time!"

Jack washed his massive kanabō in the bay, grumbling in disdain.

"Damn it! Overdid it. Now it's got crap on it!"

Seeing Sasaki's jaw drop, Jack beckoned him with his free hand.

"Don't rush. You're next."

Sasaki glanced at the slightly discolored tip of Jack's kanabō and felt his legs tremble involuntarily.

Even though Sasaki had been observing the entire fight between Jack and Fozu through his Haki, the overwhelming disparity in strength was undeniable. He realized that even if he took the stage, his performance would likely not surpass Fozu's.

Despite his earlier display of confidence in front of Kaido, Sasaki now questioned himself. His idolization of Kaido had driven him to this point. It wasn't just Kaido's immense power but also his reckless spirit that drew Sasaki in. Kaido's penchant for extreme activities, like bungee jumping and frequent brushes with death, had cemented his legendary status in Sasaki's eyes.

But now, Sasaki saw glimpses of Kaido in Jack—that same indomitable defense, towering physique, and similar weaponry. Though both were Ancient Zoans, the gap between their strengths was insurmountable. Sasaki couldn't help but feel a growing respect for Jack.

"That's Sasaki-sama from the Tobiroppo!"

"Rumor has it he's going to challenge Jack-sama too!"

"Does Sasaki truly believe he can defeat someone as formidable as Jack-sama?"

"Ohohoho! Let's see how this unfolds!"

"Go, Jack-sama!"

"We're rooting for you!"

The pirates' cheers echoed through the arena. Sasaki lifted his head and saw Jack using Fozu's red suit to clean his kanabō. Resolute, Sasaki made up his mind.

A few pirate grunts hurried onto the stage with a stretcher, quickly tossing Fozu onto it before scurrying away. Jack yelled after them:

"Hey! What are you doing?! I'm not done wiping this thing down!"

Jack sighed, giving up. He glanced at Sasaki's uniform and cape and muttered:

"Guess your outfit will do. It'll still get the job done."

"Come on, stop stalling. If you take any longer, the sun'll set."

Sasaki's face turned pale, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Heh…"

Sasaki chuckled bitterly before stepping up to Jack and looking him in the eye. He straightened his back and said:

"I forfeit, Jack."

"Though we're both Ancient Zoans, the gap between us is too great."

"Perhaps someday, I'll be able to catch up to you. But for now, I'll save myself the humiliation."

Sasaki's tone grew increasingly passionate, his expression more animated. Seeing this, Jack stroked his chin.

Huh. Didn't realize I had this much charm. His eyes are practically sparkling.

Kid, I like what you're saying, but someday, even Kaido won't be my match. One day, I'll have all three of my brothers dangling from ropes!

"Hah…"

Once Kaido had left, Jack visibly relaxed, letting out a deep breath. Noticing Sasaki's admiring gaze, Jack nodded and said quietly:

"Alright then, let's wrap this up."

"But you know, I still prefer you with that defiant attitude. Get it back."

Hearing this, Sasaki's smile disappeared. He immediately straightened up, crossing his arms and adopting a stern demeanor.

"Like this?"

"Yeah, that's it! Perfect. Keep it up. You're dismissed."

Hearing Jack's words echo in his mind, Sasaki couldn't suppress a faint excitement in his tone.

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The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg