MARINES - A ONE PIECE story (ENGLISH) - Part I

CHAPTER LXIII - Round two

The eight recruits who had qualified for the second round were lined up again the next day in the arena. Arthur was delighted and reassured to face this new test with Zell and Haru, to know that he was not alone. However, their presence also made him anxious : it was not impossible that he had to face one of them...

As he was expecting the assistants to arrive, like the first time, a large image was projected on the stadium wall.

- For this second round, we have chosen a more advanced device ! shouted Bang, as a good presenter. The pairs drawn for the second round will be displayed before your eyes, thanks to our den-den mushi.

In the vice-admirals' box, a gigantic snail, similar in every way to an ordinary den-den mushi, was brought in. As soon as it opened its large, bulging eyes, an image appeared on the opposite wall for all to see : the eight faces of the qualified candidates appeared clearly in two rows of four.

- Good, Bang continued. Now the pairs will be drawn. Are you ready ?

- Yes ! the audience shouted in unison, with a deafening round of applause.

The eight portraits seemed to come to life and were positioned two by two. Four pairs became visible :

Vilot (team B) VS Hector (team C)

Zell (team A) VS Kaju Da (team C)

Haru (team A) VS Hana (team B)

Arthur (team A) VS Florenze (team B)

At once, the pressure which weighed on the shoulders of Arthur seemed to fly away : not only he did not have to face one of his friends, but in addition he had the occasion to settle his accounts with Florenze. The humiliation that this creep had made Jun suffer the day before was still fresh in everyone's mind.

- Happy with your drawings ? he asked his two comrades as they returned to their team's box.

- You bet I am ! Fighting devil fruit users is always exciting ! Zell gloated, looking forward to the battle with Kaju Da.

Haru, on the other hand, seemed more reserved.

- I'm going to face the most promising of the sixteen recruits, who everyone already sees as the winner... She beat Jorge so easily, it's disconcerting.

- Don't worry, exclaimed Zell, charming her, I'm sure you'll do fine !

- Wish me luck... she replied evasively.

...

As in the first round, Hector was extremely effective : although Vilot was known for his speed and agility, team C's wonder child had no trouble catching him. His fist, which looked like steel, crashed into his opponent's face, sending his cap flying into the sky. Before it fell, Vilot was already on the ground, unable to fight any longer.

- As in the first round, he doesn't even need to use his powers... Arthur muttered.

- Are you jealous of his success ? It's true that he's very strong. Win your duel and you'll have 50 % chances to face him in the next round.

Arthur shrugged his shoulders. He had to admit it, he really wanted to fight his rival and beat him up in front of everyone.

...

Zell faced Kaju Da, the young cook of team C. She tried everything to neutralize him with her spores, but Zell was too fast and too agile. As soon as she sprayed her toxic seed into the air, the young man managed to dodge it and return to hand-to-hand combat. As he rushed towards her, blades in hand, she gave up the idea of defending herself with her kunai and shouted :