Chapter 134: The audience is shocked

New World.

The World Military Draft Island.

At this moment, the Admiral selection battle had finally reached the final stage!

Everyone was eagerly looking forward to seeing who would emerge victorious in this decisive battle.

Although the support for Aramaki was evidently higher than that for Shiro, there were still many among the tens of thousands of spectators who supported Shiro!

After all, in the preliminary rounds, Shiro had restored the arena, which had turned into a massive pit, to its original state. With an overwhelming show of strength, he had eliminated four powerful opponents at once, which was nothing short of astonishing.

And in the match that had just ended, although Enel was defeated by Fujitora, it was definitely a hard-fought battle.

As the strongest among the young generation, Shiro's power had undoubtedly captured everyone's attention.

If the Navy could count on such a young Admiral, it would be an event that shook the entire seas!

The Navy Headquarters would also be able to recover from the humiliation of the war.

Thus, whether it was ordinary sailors or high-ranking officers, they all held onto a small hope in their hearts.

Maybe a dark horse would emerge!

"Sakazuki, what did you say to Aramaki? He looks full of fighting spirit!"

Up on the observation deck, Sengoku the Buddha glanced at Fleet Admiral Akainu beside him and asked slowly.

The two participants who had taken the stage looked calm compared to the frenzied excitement below.

Aramaki's hostility, however, was evident, as though he were facing a dangerous criminal rather than a mere competitor.

"No, it must be Aramaki's instinct. That kid… If he doesn't have another identity, even if he doesn't win this time, he'll definitely become a Navy Admiral someday," said Akainu, his eyes deep and contemplative.

In the previous battle, the lightning-based Devil Fruit user had aroused his suspicions.

But he had checked with the Navy forces stationed in the New World and the windless belt of the Grand Line.

There had been no unusual activity.

In the heart of the windless zone, Central Authority, no one had left.

This suggested that the four young powerhouses weren't Shiro's subordinates.

Yet still, Akainu couldn't shake an uneasy feeling.

"There shouldn't be any issues. I just checked with the CP organization, and they confirmed that Shiro is still in the first half of the Grand Line,"

Sengoku the Buddha replied, attempting to ease Akainu's concerns.

"Many pirates entrenched in the windless waters were eradicated in a short span of time. Other than Shiro, no one could have accomplished this in Central Authority."

Though CP's intelligence had failed before, their surveillance of the windless zone had increased a hundredfold. There could be no more errors this time!

Moreover, the young man on the battlefield didn't resemble someone who had made a name for himself before.

No matter how strong and twisted Shiro was, it was impossible for him to suddenly produce such a formidable young fighter.

"Sakazuki, who do you think will win this duel?"

"Aramaki. That kid has strong combat abilities, but he's still too young. It's rare enough to see a monster like Shiro in this sea. If kid wants to become a Navy Admiral, he'll need a few more years of training."

Akainu responded with a confident tone.

"I hope you're right."

Sengoku the Buddha gazed far into the battlefield at the two warriors clashing, saying no more.

If Aramaki won, there would be no problem.

But if Aramaki were defeated by that kid, things wouldn't be so simple.

"Brat, are you ready to be drained dry?"

The final selection battle was about to begin!

At this moment, Aramaki, a user of a Logia Devil Fruit, was surrounded by several vines, radiating an eerie presence.

"Oh, how revolting."

Shiro looked coldly at Aramaki.

While Logia Devil Fruit abilities were certainly powerful, allowing the user to absorb an enemy's life force and replenish themselves, Shiro was unfazed.

After all, Shiro possessed the highest wood-element abilities. Even without a massive move like turning into a Buddha, defeating Aramaki was not impossible!

"When you cry out in despair!" Aramaki sneered, raising his hands. Instantly, a massive forest sprouted across the battlefield!

Forest!

Within moments, with just a wave of his hands, Aramaki had created an entire forest on the arena! The trees began merging swiftly, forming a colossal giant that swung a massive fist down towards Shiro!

Although the tree giant Aramaki had created couldn't compare to the Great Buddha of Marineford, its power was still formidable.

(in case anyone has forgotten, this is the Buddha that Shito created using his wood skills in Marineford)

Even the powerful Navy officers present found it overwhelming. The closer they were to the battlefield, the more they could feel their life force being drained!

"This ability... continuously absorbing the opponent's energy, putting him in an invincible position… This Aramaki really does have the qualifications to become an Admiral!"

Sengoku the Buddha couldn't help but sigh as he watched Aramaki unleash his full power.

He hadn't forgotten the Great Buddha that once destroyed Marineford.

In front of that overwhelming power, his golden Buddha form had looked weak.

Back then, Shiro had displayed an ability similar to Aramaki's, but aside from the Buddha transformation, his basic abilities hadn't been as exaggerated.

But in battle, Aramaki continuously absorbed his opponents' life force. Unless his opponent was overwhelmingly stronger or had special abilities, he could be considered nearly invincible!

At that moment, Shiro could also sense Aramaki's formidable abilities.

In terms of mastery and development of wood-element powers, Aramaki, with his Fruit, was superior.

But, at the same time, Aramaki had no idea just how terrifying Shiro's abilities were.

Even now, Shiro had multiple ways to deal with Aramaki.

For instance, the forest had taken over the ring, but what if the soil beneath the forest disappeared?

Without a foundation, how could the forest survive?

If Shiro could restore the ring with a wave of his hand, he could make it disappear just as easily.

"Aramaki, it's time to witness a miracle!"

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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg