"Gurd, wins!"
As Gurd defeated Queen, celebratory fireworks burst into the sky one after another, and the entire crowd of Pirates roared Gurd's name.
As expected, the Flying Six emerged victorious across the board.
Although no Headliners managed to succeed in their challenges, they thoroughly enjoyed themselves and even earned a hefty prize from the competition.
Win! Win! Win!
"Wororororo, enjoy the feast!"
"Ooooh!"
Following Kaido's declaration, all the Pirates raised their glasses in cheers.
Third floor, grand banquet hall.
As Queen returned in defeat, King's eyes were filled with disdain, and even Jack wore an unusually dark expression.
"You fool, Queen! How dare you show your face here!"
"Shut up, you scum, King!"
Queen cursed loudly, pointing at his swollen face. "Do you have any idea how strong that brat is? I nearly got beaten to death! Look at my face! Look at it! LOOK AT IT!"
"I see it. Truly hideous."
King spoke flatly.
Queen instantly lost his composure, nearly transforming in his fury.
"I AM NOT UGLY!!!"
"Not ugly?"
King's gaze was full of contempt. "Running away in front of everyone, looking like a clown—you've completely disgraced the All-Stars. Why don't you just change your title from 'the Plague' to 'the Jester'? Jester as in 'entertainer.'"
"KING!!!"
Queen shattered again.
In the adjacent banquet hall, the Flying Six had gathered.
Aside from Gurd, who remained unscathed, the rest of the Flying Six all bore swollen handprints on their faces—a rather humiliating sight.
The slapping contest was a pure test of strength and Conqueror Haki, with no dodging allowed. Even with Haki defense, the Flying Six couldn't escape unharmed.
Ulti's cheeks were bright red from the slaps, and she angrily snapped at Gurd, "It hurts, you idiot! Why did we have to stand there and take hits?!"
"You weren't the only one getting slapped."
Gurd kept a straight face, barely suppressing his laughter. Watching this bratty girl and the other female Headliners slapping each other had been pure entertainment.
Among the Flying Six, only Ulti and Black Maria were women, so most of the female Headliners had challenged them.
But Black Maria's massive frame made her seem far more physically imposing, so the majority of the female Headliners had chosen Ulti instead.
Served the brat right for her rotten attitude.
"Some had it worse than you."
Gurd pointed to the side.
Everyone turned to look—only to see a face so swollen and lumpy that its original shape was unrecognizable. A row of question marks popped up above their heads.
"Who are you?!"
"Who's Who..."
Who's Who slurred his words, his face so swollen he could barely open his eyes.
Originally, only half his face had been hit—still bad, but at least the other half was relatively intact, preserving some dignity.
But then!
One of the Headliners turned out to be left-handed!
"Who's Who?!"
Everyone was stunned.
Just what had he gone through to end up like this?
What happened to his Iron Body?
Who's Who glared at Gurd with resentment.
If Gurd hadn't beaten him half to death earlier, he wouldn't have been in such a pitiful state—his proud Iron Body shattered by mere slaps.
"Alright!"
Gurd clapped his hands. "Our positions are secure now. It's time to discuss the qualifications for challenging the All-Stars!"
"..."
The atmosphere grew tense.
Gurd turned to Who's Who first, offering a gentle smile. "Who's Who, I assume you'll be withdrawing?"
"I... I quit!"
Who's Who gritted his teeth and conceded.
Damn it, he'd remember this debt!
"I'm out too."
Black Maria smiled sweetly. "Fighting is men's business. I'm not interested in the All-Star position."
"You're so nice, I wanna—"
Ulti was about to speak when Page One forcibly pulled her aside.
Page One glanced at Gurd.
"We're both withdrawing from this challenge."
"Good."
Gurd nodded with a smile.
Now that's a sensible brother-in-law.
Gurd turned his gaze to Sasaki.
"Now it's just the two of us."
"..."
Sasaki frowned deeply, never expecting such a situation. Moreover, Gurd seemed increasingly mysterious to him.
Should he fight?
Gurd's earlier victory over Queen didn't prove anything—it was just a game, and Sasaki was confident in his own strength.
But the Flying Six's attitude toward Gurd spoke volumes.
Only true power could subdue them!
After long consideration, Sasaki's body began to expand, transforming into his Dragonoid Form. He then extended his palm toward Gurd.
"Bring it on!"
"..."
Gurd raised an eyebrow and reached out to clasp Sasaki's hand.
In the next moment, both men's arm muscles tensed simultaneously as they began exerting force, attempting to determine the winner through sheer strength.
One second... two seconds... ten seconds!
Beads of sweat formed on Sasaki's forehead, his face gradually paling. An intense pain, as if his hand were being crushed, shot through him.
"I yield!"
"My thanks."
Gurd released his grip and stood up to leave.
"To the grand banquet hall."
"..."
The group followed Gurd in silence, the hierarchy within the crew now crystal clear.
Grand Banquet Hall.
Kaido's face broke into a smile upon seeing the Flying Six arrive.
"Worororo, finally here."
"Boss Kaido."
Gurd stepped forward, the corner of his mouth curling up.
"This time, I'll be challenging for an All-Star position."
"I knew it would be you."
Kaido showed no surprise, asking with keen interest, "Tell me, which All-Star do you wish to challenge?"
"I want to challenge..."
Gurd's gaze swept across the three All-Stars, lingering on Queen.
Queen's hair stood on end as he frantically waved his hands in front of him, signaling Gurd not to choose him, nearly scared out of his wits.
Gurd's grin stretched ear to ear.
"I choose Jack!"
"Jack?"
Kaido was taken aback.
He'd thought Gurd would capitalize on his momentum to challenge Queen, as in evenly matched battles, mental state often determined victory.
Gurd's aura had already overwhelmed Queen.
"Worororo, Jack."
Kaido turned to Jack.
"You'd better be careful!"
"..."
Jack remained silent, his unchanging expression showing he didn't take Gurd's challenge seriously at all.
After some thought, Kaido declared, "Today's the Fire Festival—not suitable for duels. Let's set it for one week later. Agreed?"
"No problem."
Gurd and Jack responded simultaneously.
Both being power-type fighters, their battle might last days—clearly unsuitable around Fire Festival time.
The Fire Festival was like New Year's; afterward, the entire Beasts Pirates would take several days off before returning to work.
Kaido laughed heartily.
"Gurd, don't disappoint me. If you defeat Jack, I'll prepare a special gift for you!"
"A gift?"
Gurd looked surprised.
A gift from Boss Kaido certainly wouldn't be something ordinary like money—it had to be something rare.
Could it be... a Devil Fruit?
He really wanted the Devil Fruit. Even if it didn't suit his earth-fire attributes, it would be great to give to his subordinates.
Heh, suddenly feeling quite excited!
His heart was pounding!
(End of Chapter)