Puzzled, Hancock examined the items in her hands.
She found herself in the resting area of the Pirate World within the arena, where participants would reconvene after each challenge. Upon the completion of thirteen battles, they would all be sent back to the Pirate World together.
Others gathered around, curious about Yasao's gifts.
One was a shimmering red dress.
Upon touching it, Hancock received a message: "True Metal Jewels!"
Crafted from True Metal and rubies bred by Garaga, this garment only required a drop of blood to wear. It boasted formidable defense, enhanced rebound abilities, and could augment her attack power.
Without hesitation, Hancock dripped a drop of blood onto the True Metal Jewels.
Instantly, the dress transformed into a radiant light that enveloped Hancock, shifting colors according to her whims, accentuating her allure.
Turning her attention to the second item, Hancock discovered it to be a vial of blood.
This drop of immortal blood, belonging to Yasao, contained his essence. For someone as formidable as him, it promised swift recovery without adverse effects. Yet, its value was immeasurable to the weak.
Though this drop of immortal blood differed from Golden List's blood essence, it held Yasao's mark. Once fully integrated, it would allow him to perceive an opponent's position if they shared the same world.
However, such capabilities were irrelevant to Hancock, as Yasao resided in another world.
At this moment,
Without much hesitation, Hancock swallowed the drop of immortal blood in one gulp.
Instantly,
Boom!
A formidable energy erupted, swiftly tempering Hancock's body and enhancing her abilities.
Simultaneously, a potent aura radiated from Hancock, not the Conqueror's Haki, but the absolute coercion of a mighty individual.
"The Empress has become stronger!"
"That drop of blood actually boosted her power so much, and the attire she wears is clearly a treasure. This... seems like she lost, but why did she become stronger? It's not fair!"
"Why do I feel like what the Empress gained is better than that of the Arena rewards? Despite losing the Conqueror's Haki, her strength has increased!"
Instantly, envy spread among others.
In the Golden List live room,
[Kakashi: Yasao possesses such formidable strength; he shattered the arena shield with one strike!"
[Fourth Raikage: Unbelievable! I've tested it; the shield is supposed to be indestructible. How did it break?)
[Garaga: My master's strength is naturally unparalleled. What's breaking a shield to him?)
[Tsunade: Empress Hancock is truly fortunate. Despite losing, she obtained Yasao's treasure and made quite a profit!)
[Terumi Mei: Yasao seems quite benevolent. It's evident he's not a villain!"
[Uchiha Madara: Heh, from this, we can see that Yasao is not a villain, just a misunderstood man (sarcasm)!"
[Garaga: Madara, you're asking for trouble. Of course, my master isn't a villain. Do you think he's a villain? Once you're resurrected, I'll deal with you myself!"
At that moment,
Yasao returned to his residence, immediately greeted by the gazes of several women.
"Master, what did you give Hancock?" Kumoko asked curiously.
"A True Metal Jewels attire and a drop of my blood," Yasao replied.
"Master is so generous to her!" Kumoko remarked with a hint of jealousy.
"Have I ever been unkind to you?" Yasao retorted, rolling his eyes.
"Of course, you're kind to us too!" Kumoko quickly added, "But the master's kindness towards unfamiliar girls naturally makes us a little jealous!"
"You're just being jealous," Yasao chuckled.
However, Yasao refrained from explaining further. He couldn't reveal that he was a transmigrator trying to fulfill a lingering desire from his past life.
Furthermore, this is merely a minor interlude, nothing of great consequence.
Soon enough, the eighth match commenced.
After a brief pause, the Pirate World announced their eighth contender.
Marine Admiral Aokiji Kuzan.
[ Kuzan, also known as Aokiji, one of the Marine Admirals, possesses the ability of the Ice-Ice Fruit)
A succinct introduction flashed across the live broadcast room, catching the attention of countless viewers.
[Hoshigaki Kisame: Yet another Marine Admiral. It appears his strength rivals that of Akainu, and with the Ice-Ice Fruit, he can even freeze seawater. He's impervious to the ocean, a formidable opponent indeed!]
[Hyuga Hiashi: Without the prowess of a Six Paths class, confronting him seems daunting!]
[Third Tsuchikage: Hyuga Hiashi, if you're hesitant, you could opt for a representative and concede. After all, you've secured several victories already, and there are rewards awaiting you.]
[Hyuga Hiashi: Ahem, no need to rush. Let's see, does anyone wish to step forward?]
[Uchiha Madara: I'd dare to join, but alas, I'm deceased and unable to participate!]
"Ice Fruit, Sister Yaya, isn't this the same ability as yours?" Kumoko inquired.
"Yes," Yaya confirmed. "I acquired a Ice-Ice Fruit from the gold list previously, so it should possess the same abilities as my own Ice Fruit!"
"Sister Yaya, do you want confront him? His strength appears comparable to Akainu's, but he shouldn't pose a threat to you!" Kumoko suggested.
"It's worth a shot!" Yaya grinned.
"Master, may I participate as well?" Yaya sought confirmation.
"It's permissible, Aokiji isn't a match for you!" Yasao assured.
"If the master says so, then I shall!" Yaya declared.
Without delay, she made her intentions known in the live broadcast room.
[Fox Demon Yaya: Hyuga Hiashi, extend an invitation to me. This time, I shall partake!)
[Hyuga Hiashi: Miss Yaya's willingness to participate is most welcome indeed!]
Hyuga Hiashi brimmed with anticipation. The fox demon Yaya's strength surpassed Garaga's, likely placing her among the ranks of formidable beings at the Six Paths level.
With her participation, victory seemed assured.
He promptly extended an invitation to the fox demon Yaya, which she promptly accepted.
At the arena, both Aokiji and Yaya stepped forth, ready to face each other.
At this moment, Aokiji's demeanor grew grave. Witnessing Yasao's formidable strength previously, he acknowledged the sheer terror of Yasao's might, aware that numerous powerhouses likely resided within that Otherworld. He wouldn't underestimate Yaya solely due to her gender.
As the arena transformed into a vast lake, both combatants stood poised upon its surface.
In an instant, Aokiji solidified the surroundings with his chilling presence.
With a swift motion, he condensed frigid air around his arm, launching a punch that birthed an icy avian projectile hurtling toward Yaya with alarming velocity.
Simultaneously, Yaya crafted an ice spear, intercepting Aokiji's icy avian assault.
Crack!
The avian form shattered, yet the ice spear pressed on towards Aokiji.
However, Aokiji narrowly evaded the strike.
"Ice manipulation... Is your power akin to that of the Ice Fruit?" Aokiji queried, his brow furrowed.
"I do possess the Ice Fruit's power, but it's just one of my abilities!" Yaya retorted.
With a swift motion, she continued, "It seems your freezing prowess is rather ordinary. Allow me to unveil my true icy might!"
Yaya promptly unleashed her ultimate technique - the Void Ice Body!
Upon activation, the Void Ice Body amplified Yaya's cryokinetic capabilities tenfold.
She then unleashed another spell of her own creation.
"Senjutsu Art - Frostbound Dominion!"
With a reverent gesture, Yaya merged her palms, unleashing a torrent of chilling energy that engulfed the entire arena.
In an instant, even the very air seemed encased in frost.
Kuzan, sensing imminent danger, ascended into the skies, yet found himself ensnared in the icy grip.
"Ice converge!" Yaya commanded.
A burst of golden light erupted from her, shattering Kuzan's legs in an instant.
Though she refrained from dealing lethal blows, the damage inflicted upon their limbs was sufficient to cripple, ensuring both parties suffered heavily from the encounter.
In the face of the opponent's Ice-Ice Fruit ability, losing one's legs hardly matters. With the power of Ice-Ice Fruit, it's possible to manifest legs made of ice without hindering mobility.
Crack!!!
Chunks of ice debris plummeted from above, revealing a severely injured Aokiji, incapacitated and unable to continue the fight.
"Thank you for sparing my life! I concede defeat," Aokiji conceded, his tone laden with resignation.
He was acutely aware that if the fox demon Yaya had intended to kill him, she could have easily obliterated his entire body instead of merely crippling his legs.
The vast chasm in their strength made his defeat inevitable, leaving him with no grievances.
**********
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