As Ryuunosuke stepped forward, the rest of the crew exchanged glances.
For a brainless powerhouse like Uvogin, the best matchup would usually be Akame.
But if she used her one-hit kill technique, even someone like Uvogin wouldn’t survive.
And this was supposed to be a test, not a death match.
"I’ll take this one!"
"Tatsumi, First Team!"
Tatsumi walked into the ring.
He wasn’t as strong as Uvogin in terms of raw physical strength, but with his imperial weapon, he definitely wasn’t weak.
More importantly, Tatsumi was someone Uvogin had always wanted to fight.
The explosive mecha fighting style was something Uvogin deeply admired.
"Alright, Chrollo—set the boundary," Ryuunosuke said with a grin. "Keep the destruction contained. No sinking the island this time."
Ryuunosuke had confidence in Tatsumi.
But Uvogin? That madman would go all out, rules be damned.
Chrollo raised his hand, his telekinesis merging seamlessly with Ryuunosuke’s.
A mental barrier flared into existence, forming a circular space where the fight would take place.
The spectators could see inside, but all energy from the battle would be safely diverted into the void—no chance of collateral damage.
"Let the match begin," Ryuunosuke announced. "Oh, and the winner gets a drop of life essence."
Those who had used life essence before knew its terrifying power.
It boosted your core stats—your very foundation—as if you were reborn. And since all abilities relied on those base stats, its value was self-explanatory.
"I’m taking that essence!"
Tatsumi clenched his fists. A surge of energy burst from his body as he charged forward.
What should’ve been a simple opening move looked like a full-blown finisher in his hands.
"Evil Ghost Haunting!"
Tatsumi launched his technique, his spear clashing violently with Uvogin incoming fist.
"Don’t get cocky," Uvogin growled. "My punches aren’t that easy to block."
The moment he spoke, another wave of raw force blasted into Tatsumi’s spear.
Tatsumi’s eyes widened.
He’d seen Uvogin fight before, but experiencing that explosive power firsthand? A whole different story.
In the next instant, Tatsumi vanished from view.
The force of Uvogin attack hit nothing but air.
"You little coward—if you’re a man, show yourself—"
Before he could finish, a heavy blow struck from behind. Uvogin stumbled forward.
"Is that your armor’s doing?" he muttered. "Tch. Figures."
"In that case... let’s see how you handle this!"
Uzumaki’s aura exploded again, his mind power surging.
[God-Level Destruction Fist]
Chrollo’s expression turned serious. "Captain... should I stop him?"
He could feel how unstable Uvogin’s energy was. And deep down, he was a little proud.
If Uvogin won, that meant Second Division just defeated First Division.
But Ryuunosuke shook his head.
"No need. Tatsumi hasn’t shown his full strength yet."
Najenda chimed in, arms folded confidently.
"Don’t underestimate him. He may look unreliable, but Tatsumi always makes the right call in battle. Unlike that musclehead Uvogin, he doesn’t charge in without a plan."
Another explosion rocked the barrier, even making the telekinetic space ripple.
"He blocked it! That golden glow—it’s Lord Tatsumi!"
A handyman practically squealed in excitement.
Ever since he saw Tatsumi’s armor, he’d been his biggest fanboy—right after Ryuunosuke, of course.
The golden spirit surged around Tatsumi, reinforcing his armor and allowing him to block Uvogin’s devastating punch while commanding everyone’s attention.
"Brother Uvogin’s strength is what pirates should strive for!"
"Yeah, well, Tatsumi may be cool, but he doesn’t have that wild fighting spirit!"
And just like that, the spectators began arguing.
Ryuunosuke didn’t mind.
After all, different people admired different things. That was the beauty of freedom.
"Haha! Kid, you blocked my punch. I’ll admit you’ve got guts," Uvogin laughed. "But I can throw haymakers like that all day!"
"How many of them can you take?"
He raised his fist again.
Red lines lit up across Tatsumi’s golden armor, pulsing like a heartbeat.
Before Uzumaki’s punch could land, Tatsumi twisted and launched a counterattack.
His fist connected squarely with Uvogin jaw, sending him flying.
"I may not be able to block you forever... but I can hit back too."
Tatsumi dashed forward.
He wasn’t doing this for himself.
He wanted the life essence... for Mine.
Her body was far too fragile for this kind of world.
If she ever faced an assassin up close, she’d be in real danger.
But with life essence, she’d stand a chance—even gain an extra life.
Tatsumi knew how invaluable that was.
A barrage of attacks followed.
When the red glow faded, Tatsumi pulled back, panting.
This was the toughest battle he’d had since entering this world.
Fighting among crewmates? Far more dangerous than going toe-to-toe with Emperor-class pirates.
He kept his eyes on Uvogin.
If that monster still had energy to fight like before—or worse—then Tatsumi would consider surrendering.
"Hahaha! This is amazing!" Uvogin roared, springing to his feet.
"Come on, keep going! Tatsumi—you’ve earned my respect!"
But this time, his momentum had waned.
His earlier fury had drained too much of his mind power.
Meanwhile, Tatsumi had also exhausted himself from the Final form.
Still, he held his ground.
Both men lay flat on the ring, too drained to move.
Uvogin grinned through the pain.
This was the kind of fight he lived for.
"A tie," Ryuunosuke announced. "Both will receive a drop of life essence."
"But don’t try to fool me next time. I can tell if it’s really a tie or not."
With a wave of telekinesis, he lifted them off the ring.
The next challenger stepped forward.
Her opponent: Kuina—also a swordswoman.
Unlike the explosive, brute-force brawl between Tatsumi and Uzumaki, this was a duel of deadly precision and elegance.
Silver light gleamed as their swords clashed—
—and the dance of blades began.