Chapter 86

After the exam began, one group of students after another went on stage to compete. This class of students was worthy of being the first class taught by Zephyr. Almost everyone had mastered Haki, and they could at least learn one or two of the Rokushiki techniques.

These two skills alone made them superhuman.

Although the highly anticipated Navy supernovas had not yet appeared, the top leaders were already very satisfied with the quality of this class of students.

However, the top leaders also noticed a clear division between the students. For example, other students like Momonga were noticeably weaker in comparison.

This only heightened their anticipation of the strength that the remaining four Navy supernovas would display.

Finally, it was Kuma's turn to fight, and the unlucky one who drew him as an opponent was Dalmatian, who would later become one of the Vice Admirals of the Navy Headquarters.

Dalmatian stepped onto the stage with his distinctive half-dog face. He was an Animal-type Devil Fruit user with the form of a Dalmatian.

Since he ate the Devil Fruit, he had essentially stopped being fully human, often taking on his hybrid human-beast form.

Though not the most pleasing to the eye, it significantly enhanced his physical abilities thanks to the Animal-type Devil Fruit.

However, even in his half-beast form, Dalmatian was at a disadvantage against Kuma and his Paw-Paw Fruit abilities.

On the field, Dalmatian stared at Kuma, who towered over him like a mountain, with a helpless expression.

As cheers erupted from the likes of Momonga and others below, Dalmatian couldn't help but feel the sting of mockery.

At the referee's signal, the two clashed fists and then retreated. After the referee announced the start, Dalmatian used Soru to appear in front of Kuma in an instant.

He raised his claw, wrapped in Armament Haki, and unleashed his favored Shigan technique.

Kuma calmly raised his paw, blocking the attack with the pads of his palm. Dalmatian's expression shifted, and he quickly used Soru again to distance himself, as if avoiding the plague.

Everyone in the school knew how terrifying Kuma's paw pads were—far more than just a cute feature!

Despite Dalmatian's well-practiced Soru, he couldn't match Kuma's sheer speed. Kuma simply shifted his stance and caught up to Dalmatian in an instant.

Before Dalmatian could react, Kuma slapped him on the back. With a loud impact, a bear paw-shaped pit formed on the ground. Dalmatian lay sprawled in the center, arms and legs spread wide. It was the first time many Admirals and new students had witnessed Kuma's power, leaving them stunned.

To them, Dalmatian was already highly skilled in Haki and Rokushiki and a capable Devil Fruit user. Yet, he crumbled before Kuma's might.

And Kuma wasn't even ranked among the top three of the supernovas. All eyes turned towards Carl and the other two on the podium. The same question lingered in their minds.

"Just how strong are these three?"

The referee approached Dalmatian. Still unconscious, Dalmatian weakly whispered, "I lost..."

As the referee prepared to announce the match's outcome, Kuma leaned down, gently lifted Dalmatian, and placed his paw on him.

A red bubble emerged from Kuma's paw, and the previously lifeless Dalmatian immediately sprang to life. He stumbled twice before turning to Kuma with a grateful expression.

"Thank you, Kuma."

Kuma smiled and shook his head. "It's fine."

The referee was dumbfounded. Only after Dalmatian's reminder did he hastily attempt to raise Kuma's hand in victory. However, when he grabbed Kuma's hand, he found himself being lifted off the ground.

Kuma carefully placed the referee back down, his gentle actions contrasting sharply with his intimidating appearance.

He received a roaring applause from the crowd. Carl on the podium smiled faintly, casually waving his hand as the Dark Bible flew from his palm, absorbing the bubbles left in the air by Kuma's paw.

Those unfamiliar with Kuma's ability were puzzled, unaware of the significance of Carl's actions. But those in the know explained, sparking another wave of awe.

With Kuma's battle concluded, all eyes eagerly awaited the remaining supernovas' matches, especially the three figures on the high platform. Many speculated on what kind of spectacle their fights would be.

So far, it seemed the three would be saved for the grand finale.

Next, Ginny, Lucia, and Gion took the stage one by one, each effortlessly defeating their opponents. Lucia didn't even need to use her Devil Fruit ability.

As more students were eliminated, the supernovas eventually faced off against each other.

Gion brandished her Konpira, gazing at Lucia with a smile. "I've wanted to fight you for a long time. Finally, the opportunity has come."

Lucia unsheathed her sword from her waist and replied calmly, "Bring it on."

At her words, Gion swung her sword, launching a powerful slash, and Lucia countered with a burst of sword energy.

The clash of their techniques carved a deep trench in the ground, and in the blink of an eye, both disappeared.

"Clang!"

Swords collided in mid-air, both swords enveloped in Armament Haki. After a brief stalemate, the two descended, engaging in an intense swordfight.

The level of swordsmanship displayed left even seasoned Marines and swordsmen feeling inadequate.

Lucia's expression remained calm as she skillfully maneuvered, deflecting all of Gion's attacks.

Gion was secretly alarmed. Despite their ongoing battle, Lucia still felt unfathomable to her.

As the fight pressed on, Lucia found herself gradually pushed back, until she was near the edge of the field. Sensing an opportunity, Gion seized the moment and slashed downward.

A strand of Lucia's black hair fluttered to the ground. She tilted her head, her eyes flashing with a strange purple light.

Before Gion could continue her assault, she felt an intense burning sensation coursing through her body, her grip on her sword trembling.

Purple flames ignited on Lucia, and with a swift slash, she forced Gion back several meters.

Clutching her chest, Gion's face flushed, and her breath quickened. She murmured to herself, "What a strange feeling... is this her ability?"

Looking up at Lucia, Gion felt a chill run through her.

Lucia stood there, a charming smile on her face, radiating a completely different aura from moments ago.

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+70 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg

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