"10 Billion Bounty, World's Greatest Martial Arts Tournament!"
"The strongest in the world will be decided in the World's Greatest Martial Arts Tournament three months from now!"
"After Whitebeard Edward, the strongest man in the world will appear in this competition!"
"Shocking! The strongest man in the world will actually appear here!"
Once Uchiha Tamahiko decided to do it, he immediately made arrangements to spread the news, using the 10 billion Berry from Kuzan's ransom as the prize money for the competition.
Besides Devil Fruits, only money attracted everyone the most.
10 billion Berry was definitely a huge sum for pirates sailing the seas. Apart from forces like the Four Emperors, among the Shichibukai, only Doflamingo and Crocodile, who ran a casino in Alabasta back then, possessed such wealth.
Hancock, as the Queen of Amazon Lily, might not even have that much cash.
Besides money, what remained was the title of the world's strongest. After Whitebeard Edward's death, no one had been able to inherit such a title.
Kaido of the Beasts only held the title of the strongest creature on land, sea, and air; he wasn't yet strong enough for everyone to acknowledge him as the strongest man.
Therefore, the title of'strongest' was still vacant, and this title alone was enough to attract many people to participate!
"What exactly is this guy trying to do?!"
Sakazuki's face was furious after reading the newspaper, his anger unable to be vented.
Such a spectacle would definitely attract many participants and cause a huge commotion, which was naturally very troublesome for the Marine.
Criminals gathered, should they fight?
Most importantly, could they win?
"This man is truly dangerous!"
Kizaru was clipping his nails nearby, completely sounding like he was making sarcastic remarks.
"I'll handle this matter, to prevent these guys from causing trouble for civilians."
Fujitora slightly raised his head, revealing his Byakugan, and said to Sakazuki.
He had just been approved and was already a Marine Vice Admiral. He only needed the Gorosei's approval to become an Admiral.
He came to the Marine to uphold his justice. Since he discovered danger, Fujitora Issho would not back down.
"This time, I wonder how many people will compete for this title of'strongest'!"
"Be careful, especially with Uchiha Tamahiko. Don't confront him unless absolutely necessary. Information about him will be provided to you shortly."
Sakazuki took a deep drag from his cigar, then exhaled and said to Fujitora.
Looking at Kizaru, who wasn't responding at all, he was somewhat annoyed.
As an Admiral, he was now unable to continue pursuing pirates at sea. He had to give up the pursuit of the Whitebeard Pirates, whom he had been chasing all along.
He only hoped that this so-called World's Greatest Martial Arts Tournament would kill a few more pirates, ideally reducing the Marine's pressure.
"Yes, sir!"
Fujitora responded.
"Strongest!"
"This title definitely belongs to our Whitebeard Pirates! Marco, I'm going to this Martial Arts Tournament!"
Ace's face no longer held its usual confident smile; instead, it carried a hint of fatigue, and there was a burn mark on his face, left by Sakazuki.
He held up the newspaper in his hand and spoke seriously to Marco.
The honor of the Whitebeard Pirates would be protected by him. The title of Whitebeard's strongest would not be lost, and he would reclaim it along with the lost position of a Four Emperor.
"The Marine is down one Admiral, and they've given up pursuing us for now. However, if you appear in Dressrosa, they might set up an ambush."
Marco explained the situation seriously.
He had watched Ace grow, from fighting Jinbe to a standstill to now being able to contend with a Marine Admiral without falling behind. He had witnessed his growth step by step.
However, he believed Ace's potential had not yet been fully developed and he could still get stronger. There was no need to get involved in such dangerous matters; Ace was still very young.
"My strength can't improve any further now. To make my Haki stronger, there's only battle."
"I won't die, Marco!"
Ace's eyes were firm.
Luffy's training would soon end. Before that, he must have the power to protect his younger brother.
"If you insist, then very well."
Marco felt a bit emotional. Was starting to have his own ideas a sign that Ace was beginning to take the step towards becoming a King?
"Strongest?"
"This title is definitely mine!"
"An interesting tournament. Let's go, King!"
Kaido finished speaking, took several gulps of sake, and said excitedly.
As a Four Emperor, he was usually very bored. He wasn't as diligent as Charlotte Linlin; King did most of the work. He just wanted to get the Great Treasure and become the Pirate King!
Now that he encountered something interesting, he naturally wanted to participate.
Because he no longer had to worry about the Marine; he could do whatever he wanted.
In the isolated Wano Country, the Marine also had little interest in dealing with him; they mostly just monitored him to prevent him from causing trouble.
"Yes, Captain!"
King responded calmly.
He planned to investigate later to see if this so-called World's Greatest Martial Arts Tournament was truly worth his King's participation.
"Strongest?"
"Such a title is useless!"
"Has Katakuri not returned yet? What is he doing?!"
Charlotte Linlin disdained the title of'strongest'; she only wanted the Great Treasure.
At the same time, she was very displeased that her second son had not returned. The Beasts Pirates had already provided evidence that her son was still alive.
"Big mom, perhaps Katakuri has some dealings with this Uchiha. Otherwise, how could he, a defeated man, lose his freedom?!"
Perospero stated his guess.
"Very likely!"
"That Uchiha Tamahiko killed Smoothie, and now Katakuri is also because of him!"
"Since that's the case, then let's go to this World's Greatest Martial Arts Tournament and, while we're at it, deal with this arrogant young man!"
Hearing her eldest son say this, Charlotte Linlin finally decided, preparing to take revenge on Uchiha and make him regret provoking Big Mom in hell.
"This Uchiha is never at peace!"
"This time, the sea is probably going to see a big commotion. Benn, let's go."
Red Hair Shanks threw the newspaper into the bonfire in front of him, his expression calm as he spoke.
Shanks was more concerned with maintaining the world's order, waiting for the person his Captain was waiting for to appear.
He was very helpless about the current World's Greatest Martial Arts Tournament. Gathering so many strong individuals was bound to cause problems. He wanted to go and ensure that the situation would not escalate in a worse direction.
"Then let's go!"
Benn Beckman nodded. Although he wasn't interested in the title, he was very curious to see who would get it, which would be very interesting.
"Interesting. I'll also go see those guys I haven't seen in a long time!"
Crocodile cackled.
Hawkeye Mihawk, Gekko Moriah, and other former Shichibukai were also preparing to participate in this strongest battle.
"The strongest title must belong to me!"
Douglas Bullet crushed the newspaper in his hand into powder, his eyes filled with excitement and fighting spirit.
People across the Grand Line who saw this news and were interested in the title of'strongest' immediately set sail towards Dressrosa, ready to participate in this grand event.
...
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