The Love-Hate Relationship Between Kyros and Diamante

The sudden turn of events on stage in the bullfighting arena bewildered the audience, who erupted in arguments and shouts.

Backstage, the staff couldn't hear clearly, only knowing that the atmosphere was heated. They were busy arranging the following participants.

"Ky... Kyros, sir?!"

The registration staff stammered, frightened by the familiar face in front of them.

Kyros... What a figure he was!

A legendary gladiator with an undefeated record of 3,000 consecutive matches.

The king personally chose a brave warrior to be the captain of the Royal Army.

A great hero who once saved the beloved Princess Scarlett from evil pirates.

So why was he here backstage at the bullfighting arena today?

"Shh..."

Kyros made a gesture of silence, indicating to the staff not to be alarmed or make a fuss.

The staff cautiously asked, "Uh... why are you here, sir?"

Kyros smiled kindly, "The country is at peace, and the people are living comfortably, so there's no need for me to maintain order. I'm getting rusty, so I came to get some exercise."

In truth, he was intrigued by the astonishing achievements of this newcomer, Hailan. It had been long since he faced a worthy opponent, and he wanted a proper match.

However, since he was no longer a gladiator but the captain of the Royal Army, he planned to let Hailan win at the last moment to encourage the rookie. Moreover, Kyros wouldn't participate under his real identity but disguised himself as a new gladiator with a helmet.

"I understand, sir. I'll arrange a match for you right away!"

When Kyros stepped into the arena he hadn't been to in a long time; he was puzzled to see a swordsman dressed like a Native American in red standing opposite him.

"Wait... I remember Hailan isn't a swordsman?"

Kyros hadn't specified his opponent; he only mentioned that he wanted to exercise. When Hailan suddenly flew away, the staff quickly arranged another formidable opponent for the captain—Diamante.

However, Diamante's attention was entirely elsewhere, staring at the sky.

"Those two just used Moonwalk from the Marine's Six Powers. Why would Marines participate in the competition? Could it be as Doflamingo said, the Marines have all gone soft?"

"Hey, swordsman over there, stop daydreaming. Your opponent is right here!"

Kyros kindly reminded Diamante. He was an honorable man who would never ambush anyone in the arena. As a gladiator, he would fight to the end, no matter the opponent.

"Tch... fool. How many moves can this guy withstand?"

"Fullbody...!"

Meanwhile, Hailan and Garp had already reached the coast of Dressrosa.

Chinjao, the leader of the Happo Navy, laughed heartily with the confidence of a ship captain, "It's been a long time since I've been to the New World. Although that old bastard Garp took my treasure, with hard work, I can accumulate wealth again... Garp??!!"

Seeing the familiar figure descend from the sky, Chinjao's eyes nearly popped. How unlucky to run into this old enemy again. Was fate targeting him?

Garp laughed, walking up to Chinjao with a swagger.

Many Happo Navy pirates had witnessed Garp smashing Chinjao's head eleven years ago. Back then, Chinjao wasn't bald but had a strange cone on his head, which, combined with the secret technique of the Eight Impact Fist, had immense destructive power, earning him the title "Chinjao the Drill."

Chinjao had fought Garp to a standstill many times. To defeat Chinjao, Garp trained by smashing eight mountains, eventually punching Chinjao's cone head into a bald one.

Many new members of the Happo Navy didn't recognize Garp, but seeing the veterans step back, they wisely made way.

"Garp, what are you doing here?"

Seeing Garp made Chinjao grind his teeth in anger, his hatred extending to Garp's son and grandson.

Garp crossed his arms, looking arrogant, "What are you doing here?"

Chinjao glared, "What's it to you?"

Garp grinned, "If you were a law-abiding navy, I wouldn't care. But you're a pirate, so I do care!"

Chinjao snarled, "The Flower Country is a World Government member. We're its official fleet. You have no right to interfere!"

Chinjao, lacking confidence after being bested by Garp, had to cite his status as part of the official fleet of a World Government member.

Garp shamelessly replied, "Don't spout nonsense. I'm not here to arrest you, I'm here to challenge you!"

Chinjao was startled, "Challenge?"

"Not me, my... my student!"

Garp stepped aside, revealing Hailan.

"It's just him against anyone from your side. If you can beat him, I'll let you go!"

Chinjao breathed a sigh of relief. If Garp himself fought, Chinjao wouldn't stand a chance.

"Dee, go spar with this young fellow."

In the Flower Country, many people had single-character names, a cultural feature.

At Chinjao's command, a muscular man with dark skin and iron knuckles stepped forward.

"Hello, friend."

"Hmph!"

Pirates generally had terrible tempers and weren't keen on pleasantries.

After Hailan nodded in greeting, there was a thud. The charging Dee flew back faster than he came and was instantly knocked out.

"Hahaha... Chinjao, are you underestimating my strength? How could my student be beaten so easily? Show the real power of the Happo Navy!"

Garp began his taunting.

"You didn't teach anything. With so many veterans in the main fleet, you're the only one who didn't properly train anyone."

Hailan thought to himself.

"All you know is how to beat people up!"