On the training field at the Marine Academy, two figures were locked in intense combat. Nearby, Foxy, Gasparde, Shuzo, Drake, and Hina watched while sipping their drinks. Today marked the last day of their three-day break, during which they had spent the first two days playing non-stop.
Foxy, Gasparde, and Shuzo, exhausted from the previous days’ activities, decided to train instead. Hina and Drake, given the chance, would have continued playing.
On the field, Shuuen and Berry Good were locked in combat. Both had mastered Soru and were evenly matched from the beginning.
The six had drawn lots to decide the matchups: Shuuen versus Berry Good, Drake versus Gasparde, and Shuzo versus Foxy, with Hina acting as the referee.
“Bang!”
Shuuen flew backward, rolling on the ground a few times with a footprint on his chest and blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
“Berry Good wins,” Hina announced seriously, ensuring fairness.
“You okay?” Berry Good appeared in front of Shuuen, offering a hand.
“That strength of yours isn’t enough to kill me,” Shuuen said, grabbing Berry Good’s hand and standing up, dusting off his clothes.
“But you still lost by one move. Remember, you owe us all a meal,” Drake teased, rubbing salt in Shuuen’s wound.
Shuuen’s face darkened. “You’re no match for Gasparde. I’ll be waiting for you to buy us dinner too.”
“Still not satisfied?” Drake ignored Shuuen’s fierce gaze, tilting his chin up.
“Get off the field and let the next match begin. Shuzo versus Foxy,” Hina commanded sternly, glaring at Drake.
Pouting, Drake snorted softly.
Foxy stood up and walked onto the field, stretching his muscles. Shuzo, bouncing on his toes to loosen up, wore a severe expression.
This match wasn’t just about who would pay for dinner; it was also a test of Foxy’s training over the past few months.
“Foxy, go all out. No holding back,” Shuzo said, his face stern.
“Exactly what I had in mind,” Foxy responded, getting into his fighting stance with a grin.
“You can use your Devil Fruit ability too,” Shuzo offered, exuding confidence.
Foxy didn’t answer, but his intense gaze said it all.
Their eyes locked, and with a sudden burst, both vanished from their spots.
“Bang!”
The next moment, they reappeared in the center, their fists colliding and creating a gust of wind.
Foxy felt like he had hit solid steel, pain shooting through his bones. He staggered back, leaving four footprints in the dirt, his right hand trembling slightly.
Shuzo remained in place, his right fist covered in a thin layer of Armament Haki.
Foxy had been overpowered in the clash, showcasing the significant difference between having Armament Haki and not. Even though Shuzo had just awakened it, his attack power had significantly increased.
With a slight explosion on the ground, Shuzo launched another attack without holding back.
Foxy crouched to avoid Shuzo’s punch and swept his leg, attempting to unbalance Shuzo. However, Shuzo, aiming to become a martial arts master like Zephyr, anticipated this move and used Soru to appear behind Foxy, aiming a punch at his back.
Using his semi-developed Observation Haki, Foxy sensed the attack and dodged to the left at the last moment, grabbing Shuzo and flipping him over his shoulder.
The impact shook the ground, leaving Shuzo momentarily dazed.
Foxy didn’t hesitate, bringing his foot down hard. Shuzo rolled away just in time, using his hands to spring up and kick at Foxy.
Remaining calm, Foxy dodged Shuzo’s attack and punched him in the stomach.
“Ugh…”
Shuzo spat out bile, his face contorted in pain as he slid across the ground.
Drake and the others watched in shock. It seemed as if Shuzo’s every move was anticipated by Foxy, who dodged and countered in the blink of an eye.
Climbing to his feet, Shuzo glared at the smirking Foxy, feeling exposed.
“What? You scared?”
Foxy taunted, beckoning Shuzo.
“This time, I won’t hold back,” Shuzo declared, tightening his fists before disappearing again.
Their fists collided once more, forcing Foxy back two steps. In terms of raw strength, he was outmatched.
Shuzo launched a series of rapid punches. Foxy narrowly avoided them, countering with a punch to Shuzo’s chest.
“Bang…”
Shuzo took the hit head-on and immediately retaliated, his massive fist crashing into Foxy.
Foxy crossed his arms to block, wincing in pain as he was driven back, his feet digging into the ground.
Shuzo didn’t relent, his foot swinging like a lightning bolt. Gently gritting his teeth, Foxy chose to meet the attack head-on, lifting his knee to block Shuzo’s kick. The impact felt like being hit by a speeding car, sending Foxy flying.
Shuzo appeared above Foxy, ready to strike down. Foxy regained control mid-air, countering with a punch. The force split the ground beneath them, and both vanished, reappearing five meters apart.
Their knees clashed, both combatants’ eyes blazing with determination.
Shuzo’s elbow strike met Foxy’s counterattack, pushing Shuzo back. Seizing the opportunity, Foxy lunged, only for Shuzo to launch a counterkick. Foxy sidestepped, aiming a kick at Shuzo’s leg, but Shuzo jumped and spun, his left leg sweeping out.
Foxy ducked, his feet rocketing upwards toward Shuzo’s chin. Feeling the threat, Shuzo bent backward, dodging Foxy’s attack while kicking at his chest.
With no choice, Foxy blocked with his arms, the force sending him flying. He landed in a crouch, ready for more.
Regarding martial arts and reflexes, Foxy was on par with Shuzo. The only difference was their strength.
Become a Patron read up to 40 chapter ahead public release ^_^
Please join Discord Server so we can talk ^_^
