Chapter 69: A Real Man's Duel!

Third Floor, Grand Stage.

As the executives appeared, the ten thousand-plus pirates in the banquet plaza erupted in cheers, raising their tankards and roaring wildly.

"Boss Kaido!"

"Finally, the wait is over!"

"Start the Flying Six challenge already!"

"Hahaha, I'm gonna become one of the Flying Six!"

For pirates, violence and bloodshed were the most thrilling spectacles, and tonight's most anticipated event was undoubtedly the Flying Six challenge.

Gurd stepped forward, picking up a Den Den Mushi.

"Listen up, everyone! The Flying Six challenge is about to begin, but first—a little warm-up activity!"

"To reward the blood and sweat you've shed during our New World expedition, Boss Kaido has prepared a special prize!"

"Cheer to your heart's content!"

As his words faded, several large spotlights illuminated the ceiling, revealing an enormous colorful balloon hanging overhead.

Every eye turned upward.

What was that?

Gurd produced a pistol and handed it to Kaido.

"Boss Kaido, if you would do the honors!"

"Gurd."

Kaido accepted the pistol and took aim at the balloon.

He couldn't help but wonder.

He hadn't prepared any rewards—this balloon was clearly Gurd's doing. What could possibly be inside?

Please don't embarrass me now.

"Bang!"

The gunshot rang out, and the balloon burst.

A staggering one billion Berries rained down from the sky, transforming the banquet plaza into a swirling storm of banknotes.

The money had come from Orochi's secret coffers.

For several seconds, the pirates simply stared at the fluttering cash, dumbstruck—before exploding into frenzied screams, scrambling madly to grab the bills.

"Woooooh!"

"It's all Berries !"

"Hahaha, grab it all!!!"

The pirates shrieked insanely, snatching at every drifting note, even coming to blows over single bills.

The atmosphere instantly reached fever pitch!

Nothing in this world motivated people more than free money.

"Kaido!"

As the money shower ended, some anonymous pirate roared the name—and in the next moment, the entire crowd took up the chant.

"Kaido! Kaido! Kaido!"

The name echoed across all of Oni Island.

"Uwooooh—!"

"Joining the Beasts was the best decision ever!"

"Boss Kaido (ω), we'll follow you forever!!!"

Tears of gratitude streamed down the pirates' faces.

For a leader this generous, they'd gladly die!

Kaido stood utterly dumbfounded, staring at Gurd as if he were some kind of monster. What kind of mind could conceive such a stunt?

"Gurd, you've outdone yourself!"

"Your satisfaction is all the reward I need."

Gurd smiled faintly, letting his achievements speak for themselves.

To collect rent smoothly, overwhelming force was essential—and the title of "Strongest Creature" was the ultimate golden ticket.

Hah, what Four Emperors?

This was just his brand ambassador for overseas market expansion and real estate empire building.

The executives collectively gaped at Gurd, sucking in sharp breaths. This kid had Boss Kaido eating out of his palm.

"Urorororo!!!"

Kaido laughed heartily, basking in the adulation. His men had always revered him, but never with such fervor.

He was elated!

At his level, few things could bring him joy—yet Gurd kept delivering one pleasant surprise after another.

What reward could possibly match this?

The kid had spent a whopping 6 billion in one go for him. Ordinary gifts would be too embarrassing to even present—they wouldn't even be worth the shame.

This was a bit troublesome!

Kaido stared at Gurd, then glanced at his daughter Yamato standing nearby. Suddenly, he recalled what King had told him about the rumors between Gurd and his daughter.

At first, he had been a little angry.

But now...

Maybe he should just marry Yamato off to him?

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

One after another, spotlights descended, their beams converging on the six arenas at the center of the banquet square, instantly capturing Kaido's attention.

The Pirates all turned their eyes toward the arenas as well.

Each arena was only five meters long and wide—smaller than a single room—clearly unworthy as a stage to challenge the Flying Six.

Moreover, there was a square pillar on each arena, shaped somewhat like a table, though its purpose was unclear.

Gurd picked up the Den Den Mushi microphone.

"The Flying Six challenge is about to begin!"

"Due to the overwhelming number of challengers, and because today is a day for everyone to enjoy together, Lord Kaido wishes for all to participate and have fun!"

"To save time, today's qualification for the challenge must be earned—and it won't be a simple battle. Instead, we'll determine the challengers through a different kind of clash of strength!"

"Now, let me explain the rules!"

Snap!

Gurd flicked his fingers, and an image immediately appeared on the performance screen—two burly men standing on the arena, slapping each other!

"This qualification round is called the Slap-Off Tournament! The rules are simple: one-on-one duels where both sides slap each other without using any abilities, until one side falls!"

"This is a battle of honor, showcasing strength and courage!"

"Win three matches in a row, and you'll earn 100,000 Berries !"

"Win ten matches in a row, and you'll earn 1 million Berries !"

"Win thirty matches in a row, and you'll earn 10 million Berries —plus the right to challenge the Flying Six by name!"

"Additionally, the challenge against the Flying Six will also follow the Slap-Off Tournament rules! Show us your courage and strength!"

The banquet hall fell silent.

The Pirates' eyes gleamed.

They had originally thought only the strongest Headliners could participate, but now everyone could join—and with huge cash prizes!

Most didn't expect to challenge the Flying Six, but winning just ten matches would net them 1 million Berries . Even three wins would be worth it!

And there was one more crucial point.

"Lord Gurd, are the Flying Six also forbidden from using their abilities?"

"Well..."

Gurd grinned slyly.

"Of course!"

"OOOOHHHH!!!"

The Pirates roared in excitement—especially the Headliners!

The biggest gap between them and the Flying Six was their Devil Fruit abilities. Without them, their chances of winning skyrocketed!

Gurd smirked as he glanced at his colleagues.

"No objections?"

"Hmph."

They scoffed.

The rules were disadvantageous for them, but they weren't weaklings who relied solely on their abilities. They had enough confidence in their own strength.

"Worororo, this is interesting!"

Kaido burst into laughter.

"Then let's get started!"

"Understood!"

Gurd waved his hand in signal.

BONG!!!

The match gong rang out, and the scorching-hot ring girls took the stage first, instantly igniting the Pirates' passion.

"Watch me!"

"Let me go first!"

"Bastards, don't cut in line!"

In less than ten seconds, all six challenge arenas were occupied. After minimal protective measures were taken, the order of slapping was decided by draw.

SLAP!!!

When the first slap landed with a resounding crack, sending the defeated man crashing to the ground with a mouthful of blood, the surrounding Pirates couldn't contain their excited cheers.

This was the feeling!

This up-close visual spectacle was even more thrilling than traditional combat, setting everyone's blood boiling with exhilaration.

This was a real man's duel!

The Pirates pounded on the edges of the ring, roaring their encouragement.

"Harder! Harder! HARDER!!!"

"CRACK!!!"

(End of Chapter)