The night was deep, yet the sea around G-5 shone as bright as day.
On the massive deck of the "Lullaby," lights glittered like a fallen galaxy.
Uta's song had just ended, but its joyful, fiery afterglow still lingered in the air.
Tonight was the final carnival before tomorrow's martial arts tournament, the last calm before the storm.
On a VIP terrace with a perfect view, a group of young Marines in pristine white officer uniforms gathered together, clinking wine glasses.
"To our 'Silver Light' Rear Admiral! To the future strongest of G-5!"
A colonel, flushed with excitement, raised his glass, his tone filled with admiration and flattery.
At the center stood a man who looked exceptionally young, almost dazzlingly handsome.
He had carefully styled silver hair, each strand seemingly glowing.
His sharp, sculpted features carried a constant confident, almost narcissistic, smile.
Unlike the others, he didn't drink heavily. Instead, he gently swirled his wine, gazing into it as if admiring his own reflection.
Rear Admiral Shelby, known as "Silver Light."
He was G-5's fastest-rising star in recent years. At just 24 years old, his masterful swordsmanship and proficiency in both types of Haki had already secured him the rank of Rear Admiral.
In a place filled with monsters like G-5, he was called: "the genius closest to becoming a monster."
"Oh my, you flatter me too much."
Shelby took a sip, his voice smooth and elegant. He adjusted his perfectly neat collar with slender fingers.
"Strongest? Saying that in front of Lord Renzo, Dracule Mihawk, or Chief Rehn would only invite ridicule."
Though modest in words, the pride in his expression was impossible to hide.
"Of course! Those three are gods!"
A lieutenant commander quickly agreed.
"But among the younger generation, or among the contestants, who could possibly rival you, Rear Admiral Shelby?"
"And the champion reward this time is that legendary Dark-Dark Fruit…"
A major whispered greedily.
"If you obtain it…"
"You'd soar to the sky!"
Shelby set down his glass and walked to the railing, letting the sea breeze flutter his white cloak.
"The Dark-Dark Fruit…"
A gleam of ambition flashed in his eyes.
He had always been a genius.
Born in the North Blue, gifted in swordsmanship, and after joining the Marines, everything had gone smoothly.
He never believed himself inferior to anyone.
Even Rehn, admired by all in G-5, was, in his view, just lucky to have eaten the Rumble-Rumble Fruit.
"If I obtain that fruit…"
"With my swordsmanship and Haki…"
"I might become Lord Renzo's true ace… not just a 'handsome Rear Admiral' people remember."
He turned, flashed a charming smile, and struck a dramatic pose, one hand on his hip, the other brushing his bangs.
"Only one champion exists, and competition will be fierce…"
"But-"
"On this stage, I don't believe anyone can outshine my 'silver light.'"
Cheers erupted around him.
Then, a sinister voice cut through the moment.
"Heh… shine too brightly, and you attract bugs, pretty boy."
"Who's there?"
Shelby frowned, clearly irritated.
From the shadows emerged a group of strange figures.
Though wearing G-5 uniforms, their blood-soaked aura betrayed their past as ruthless New World fighters.
At their front stood a short man with arms hanging below his knees, clown-like makeup on his face, playing with poisoned daggers.
"That's 'Poison Magician' Gario! Former pirate with a bounty of 180 million!"
"Only the weak hide behind poison."
Shelby scoffed, barely glancing at him.
"This is G-5. Strength and efficiency matter here. A sewer rat like you dares speak to me?"
Gario's eyes flashed with killing intent, but suddenly, BOOM!
A massive hand slammed onto his shoulder, stopping him cold.
"Don't be impulsive."
A towering giant, nearly four meters tall, stepped forward.
Muscles bulged like iron, skin gleaming like bronze.
No weapons, his fists were enough.
"'Iron Fist' Balger!"
Gasps spread through the crowd.
"The one who tore apart a warship barehanded?!"
Balg looked down at Shelby, eyes filled not with malice, but pure desire for battle.
"Pretty boy. Your Haki is decent. Let's see if your sword can cut my skin."
"Brute."
Shelby replied calmly, though his hand instinctively rested on his sword.
Then came another voice,
A woman in red leather, holding a whip, followed by two tamed beasts.
"'Beast Tamer' Mary… bounty 210 million!"
The tension escalated instantly.
Her eyes roamed greedily over Shelby and Balg.
"Whether handsome boy or big brute… lose, and you'll become my pets."
The terrace split into two factions, marine elites vs. foreign powerhouses.
Haki and killing intent clashed silently in the air.
Then, Clap. Clap. Clap.
A familiar voice broke the tension.
"Wonderful! Truly wonderful!"
Rehn appeared, holding a glass of vintage wine, smiling.
Behind him stood a fully armed "Hellhound" special forces unit.
"Chief Rehn!"
Shelby immediately bowed respectfully.
Even the outsiders restrained themselves,
They all knew this man once shattered Gild Tesoro's golden giant with a single punch.
Rehn stepped between them.
"Everyone's here for Lord Renzo's rewards, future colleagues, right?"
"No need to ruin things early."
He smiled slyly.
"And this is the VIP area… the floor is expensive. The railings too."
"If you break anything, G-5 rules say, tenfold compensation."
Everyone flinched.
G-5 compensation… was terrifying.
"Hmph."
Balg withdrew.
"See you in the arena."
Mary also retreated with a laugh.
Shelby adjusted his cloak.
"Apologies. I was just teaching them some manners."
"Good spirit."
Rehn patted his shoulder, awkwardly due to the height difference.
"Shelby, I like you."
"With your looks and presence, you're perfect as G-5's 'idol.' I'll have the cameras focus on you tomorrow."
Shelby beamed.
"But…"
Rehn leaned closer and whispered, "Don't underestimate this tournament. The real monsters haven't shown themselves yet."
Shelby froze.
Rehn chuckled.
"Lord Renzo's charm, or rather, that fruit, draws everyone."
He tapped his abacus.
"Tomorrow will be interesting."
"Stop posing and go sharpen your sword. Don't get eliminated in round one, it'd embarrass G-5."
With that, Rehn left, humming.
Left behind, Shelby glanced into the distance, at the blind man…
At the mysterious young fighter…
For the first time, a trace of seriousness appeared on his confident face.
"…Looks like…"
He tightened his grip on his sword.
"This Dark-Dark Fruit… won't be easy to claim."
....
30 Chapter, [email protected]/DaoistJinzu