Usopp, Nami, and Chopper were completely stunned, their mouths agape, their eyes nearly popping out.
"Th-this… this…"
Usopp pointed at the massive mountain that Lin Ning had split open with a halberd, stammering, "Th-this mountain… was… was split open by him… with one halberd?!?!?"
Robin smiled, her eyes filled with admiration, "What incredible power…"
Luffy was momentarily stunned by the sight before him, then he clenched his fists and shouted excitedly, "Hahahaha! Lin Ning, you're so cool!"
Lin Ning put away his halberd and smiled faintly, stepping into the path he had carved.
The air in the jungle was hot and humid, with dense vines and towering trees intertwined.
Clouds and mist lingered among the treetops, making the entire environment appear even more mysterious.
It was eerily quiet all around, with only the occasional bird chirping and the rustling of leaves in the wind.
But within this silence, there was a palpable sense of hidden danger.
"Bang—!"
A violent explosion echoed from the center of the jungle, making the leaves tremble wildly.
Birds scattered, and then a cloud of rolling dust rose into the air.
"Ah ah ah!!"
A familiar figure was blasted backward, falling flat into the mud.
His mouth was full of dirt, his legs pointed skyward, and he had a bewildered expression.
"Luffy!!" Nami and Usopp cried out, rushing towards him.
Chopper's eyes widened in fear, and he quickly opened his medical kit, preparing for first aid.
Lin Ning merely glanced over, his tone calm: "Don't worry, it's just a small explosion."
Zoro crossed his arms, his mouth twitching as he said, "…What an unforgettable guy."
Sanji sighed, pulled out a lighter, lit a cigarette, and lazily exhaled a puff of smoke:
"Seriously, when will this guy ever get rid of his clumsy habits?"
Usopp slapped his forehead in exasperation: "He'll probably never change…"
Luffy lay on the ground, spitting out the mud from his mouth with an annoyed expression: "Who did that?! I'm going to beat him up!"
He grumbled through gritted teeth as he sprang to his feet, hands on his hips, glaring angrily around him.
"These white spheres are actually traps?!" Nami frowned, looking at the countless white spheres scattered throughout the jungle, her face wary.
"These balls aren't all explosive balls, are they…?" Usopp's face instantly turned pale, his body trembling.
Robin bent down, carefully examining the debris on the ground, and slowly said,
"No, these balls are not just explosive devices, but some kind of special mechanism…"
Luffy frowned, his Observation Haki quietly spreading, sweeping across the entire jungle.
Then his gaze sharpened, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly: "…Hmm? There's only one person in this area?"
Hearing this, Zoro's eyes turned cold, and his hand rested on the hilt of the sword at his waist, his Battle Intent growing stronger:
"The explosion was so loud just now, why didn't the other three come to support him? This guy… is quite arrogant."
Robin looked around, observing the dense primary forest, and said in a deep voice,
"It seems that each Shinkan is responsible for a different area.
This area clearly corresponds to the previous 'Trial of the Ball'."
Lin Ning snorted softly, his gaze sharply sweeping around, his eyes narrowing slightly, a cold glint flashing in them:
"It seems our oppressive force is still too weak… You actually think you can stop us by yourself?"
As he spoke, Lin Ning slowly raised his halberd, its sharp blade cutting a cold arc through the air.
The surrounding air seemed to solidify, and a sense of oppression instantly permeated the entire jungle.
The next second, his gaze suddenly locked onto a giant tree deep within the jungle.
"Haa… Haa…"
Shadley, the Shinkan hidden behind the tree, felt his heart pounding like a drum, sweat constantly dripping from his forehead.
He had never imagined that he would be discovered so quickly!
This Blue Sea person was not only terrifyingly strong but also proficient in Observation Haki!?
"Damn it! How is this possible!"
He had intended to remain hidden, but it was meaningless now.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, then gritted his teeth and slowly stepped out from behind the tree.
Bang—!
Accompanied by a heavy thud, a round figure appeared before everyone.
Shadley's body was unusually large, round like a giant ball of flesh.
White feathers covered his shoulders like a cape, and the wings on his back trembled slightly with his movements.
He wore a pointed hat on his head, and his face was covered in sweat.
But his expression tried to appear calm, with a hint of superiority.
He puffed out his round belly and said in a deep voice,
"Hmph, what arrogant Blue Sea people! You actually dare to trespass into God's territory!"
But looking at him, everyone couldn't help but raise an eyebrow slightly.
Zoro crossed his arms, a sneer playing on his lips:
"This is a Shinkan? He looks like a glutton who just finished eating."
Sanji lit a cigarette, gently exhaled a puff of smoke, and teased,
"Hey, hey, I thought all Shinkan were agile masters, but this guy is as round as a ball."
Nami also covered her mouth, giggling: "Is it because he's too fat that he uses balls for the trial?"
Hearing their mockery, Shadley's face instantly turned red, and he roared in anger,
"Shut up! You ignorant Blue Sea people, you don't understand the terror of the trial at all!
I am Shadley, the Shinkan of the great 'Trial of the Ball'!
What you have now stepped into is the place of God's test!
Here, there is only failure and death!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly raised his hand, and the giant white spheres around them began to vibrate violently, as if activated by some force.
"The trial… officially begins!"
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Countless white spheres instantly exploded, unleashing powerful shockwaves.
The surrounding trees swayed violently, and flying dust and raging air currents swept through the entire jungle!
But facing this sudden attack, Lin Ning and the others remained unmoving.
They didn't even show any surprise.
Luffy blinked, his lips curling in disdain: "So, it's just fireworks…"
Zoro drew wado ichimonji and said calmly, "What a boring Move…"
Sanji flicked his hair and slowly stretched his wrists: "So, who's first?"
Nami, Usopp, and Chopper were already trembling with fear.
They frantically hid backward, shouting: "Don't ask! Of course, you guys go!!"
Seeing that everyone was fearless, Shadley immediately gritted his teeth.
He vigorously waved both hands, and streams of white spheres flew wildly towards the group.
Lin Ning slowly raised his halberd and lightly swept it.
"Boom—!"
A slash cut through the air, instantly crushing all the white balls!
Shadley's pupils suddenly constricted, and he took a step back in horror.
His legs couldn't help but tremble: "H-how is this possible…!"