The fifth-turn phantom

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As Roja's words fell, he released his grip on Kalifa's ankle.

However, the moment he let go, Kalifa used Soru (Shave) to maneuver behind him. Without hesitation, she extended her finger and aimed a piercing blow at Roja.

"That'll teach you not to touch me! Shigan!" (Finger Pistol)

Roja sighed lightly, finally understanding the fiery temper of the blonde woman before him.

With a subtle tilt of his head, Roja effortlessly dodged Kalifa's attack. Simultaneously, a phantom replica of Roja materialized behind Kalifa, restraining her in place.

Kalifa's eyes widened in shock. "You're a Devil Fruit user?!"

"You didn't even bother to gather information on your opponent before attacking. How reckless," Roja said casually.

His words only fueled the fire of Kalifa's frustration. "Golden Bubbles!" she yelled, her hands producing a flurry of golden-hued bubbles.

The bubbles hit the phantom holding her, instantly dissolving the restraint. The smooth, slippery coating allowed Kalifa to escape with ease.

Once free, she didn't hesitate. With a precise kick, she shattered the phantom before launching herself high into the air using Geppo (Moonwalk). She landed behind Roja and aimed another Shigan at the back of his head.

"You're too careless! Shigan!" she shouted, her finger speeding toward her target with lethal intent.

This time, Kalifa didn't hold back. Her attack was stronger and faster, and she thought she had landed a decisive blow.

Her index finger struck the back of Roja's head.

Thud!

Roja collapsed to the ground like a lifeless doll, his body limp and unresponsive.

Kalifa froze, her pupils shrinking in horror. "W-What just happened?"

She stared at Roja's unmoving form in disbelief. "Did I… actually kill him?"

Panicking, she dropped to her knees beside Roja, gently shaking his shoulders. "Hey! Hey! Wake up! Don't scare me like this! I didn't mean it! Wake up!"

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she pleaded, oblivious to the gathering crowd around her.

"What happened over there?"

"Looks like Kalifa killed someone!"

"On the training ground? That's a huge mistake!"

"...But it's strange—why isn't there any blood?"

The murmurs from the crowd slowly reached Kalifa's ears. "No… blood?"

Confused, Kalifa hesitated. She turned her gaze to the back of Roja's head—and then, Roja's body on the ground crumbled into nothingness, vanishing into thin air like the phantom before.

Before anyone could process what had happened, three more Rojas appeared, surrounding Kalifa from all sides.

The spectators gasped in unison.

"Is that… some kind of Devil Fruit power?"

"It has to be! But what kind of ability is this?"

From above the training field, Roja's real body stood on top of a wooden training dummy, looking down at the scene.

"Five-Form Phantom!" he announced calmly.

Kalifa, still on the ground, glared up at Roja, her pride bruised and her emotions conflicted. "When… When did you create these phantoms?"

"From the very beginning," Roja replied with a sly grin.

"You mean I've been fighting illusions this entire time?!" she snapped, furious and humiliated.

Roja said nothing, his playful smile doing all the talking. He dispelled the phantoms with a wave of his hand, then addressed Kalifa calmly.

"Don't be so impulsive next time. I'm here to participate in the promotion conference, and Fleet Admiral Sengoku can vouch for me."

Kalifa adjusted her glasses and narrowed her eyes at him. "If that's true, then why do you know how to use Soru? You just arrived at Marineford, didn't you?"

Roja shrugged nonchalantly. "I saw you using it, so I copied it."

His words left everyone speechless.

"Saw it once and learned it?"

"This guy's talent is insane!"

"Unbelievable! That's the Rokushiki! Some soldiers spend years just to master the basics!"

The murmurs grew louder, and Kalifa's expression turned unreadable. She adjusted her glasses again and declared, "I'll remember this, Roja. I hope you don't lose too quickly in tomorrow's battles."

With those parting words, Kalifa stormed off, her face red with a mix of frustration and embarrassment.

Roja chuckled softly as he watched her leave. Without lingering, he hopped down from the dummy and began heading back to rest. He didn't concern himself with whether Kalifa would temper her fiery personality in the future—that was none of his business.

But before he could leave the training grounds, a tall figure blocked his path.

The man wore a dark red suit, a white Marine cape with "Justice" written on the back, and a military cap. His stern, chiseled face was unmistakable.

It was none other than Vice Admiral Sakazuki—better known as Akainu.

"Why aren't you in uniform? This is Marineford, the heart of Navy operations," Akainu said, his tone strict and authoritative.

"I'm here for the promotion conference. It's my first day, and Fleet Admiral Sengoku is aware of my presence," Roja explained casually.

"So you're the one the Fleet Admiral spoke of," Akainu said, narrowing his eyes. "I watched your little skirmish just now. If you think that flashy Devil Fruit and basic mastery of the Rokushiki are enough to win this promotion conference, you're sorely mistaken."

Without waiting for a reply, Akainu stepped past Roja, adding coldly, "Pray you don't face me in the first round. Otherwise, I'll show you what true 'justice' is."

Roja watched Akainu leave, a faint smile playing on his lips.

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