Let's Do This! (One Piece)

Chapter 14.5. Ruwa's Turn

Somehow, the Captain feels that he should have known that she was the craziest Monkey of them all.

"Eeeeeehhhhhhhh?!?!?!?!" The uproar in the colosseum was deafening. Marines and recruits alike shouted over each other, some pointing in disbelief while others leaned forward to get a better view of the madness unfolding in the arena. In the center of it all, Ruwa stood with her hands on her hips, radiating confidence.

"All 50 trainees?!"

"Is she out of her mind?!"

"She's done for! No way she can take all of them!"

Up in the stands, Kale was in hysterics, pacing back and forth as he ran his hands through his hair. "Did you hear that?! Fifty trainees! I knew she was reckless, but this is straight-up suicidal! That monkey girl's gone bananas!"

Sho, perched calmly nearby, flicked his tail and let out a low rumble, his glowing red eyes narrowing as he focused on Ruwa. His ears twitched, betraying his curiosity despite his composed demeanor.

Kale gestured wildly at Sho. "Don't just sit there looking smug! Do something! She's gonna get herself killed!"

Sho tilted his head and let out a soft growl, his sharp teeth glinting in the sunlight. Then, with a deliberate flick of his wing, he settled down, his posture making it clear he had no intention of interfering.

"Ahh, Sho, why are you like this?!" Kale cried, throwing his arms up.

Nearby, Keito nervously fidgeted with his twin pistols, his pale fingers tracing the barrels as he watched Ruwa step into the arena. His orangish red hair was messy from all the times he'd anxiously run his hand through it, and his face flushed red as he muttered to himself.

"M-Miss Ruwa's really amazing," Keito stammered, his voice barely audible over the roaring crowd. His eyes were wide with admiration, darting between her and the arena floor. "I-I mean... taking on all fifty...! I-I could never..." He swallowed hard, his hands trembling slightly as he tried to grip his pistols tighter.

"She's insane, that's what she is!" Kale barked, snapping Keito out of his thoughts.

"N-No!" Keito shook his head quickly, his stutter becoming more pronounced as he tried to defend her. "She's... she's strong! M-Miss Ruwa c-can handle it! Sh-She always does!"

Kale whipped around, staring at him incredulously. "Are you kidding me right now?! You seriously think she's got a chance?!"

Keito looked down, his grip tightening on his pistols. "I-I believe in her..." he mumbled, barely audible.

Sho let out a low chuff, almost like a scoff, and turned his attention back to the arena.

Down below, Ruwa stood at ease, though her mind was far from still. Her sharp gaze was fixed on Captain Cutthroat, who looked like he was two seconds away from throwing her out of the colosseum himself.

"You monkey brat!" the captain barked, his voice cutting through the noise. "Do you even know what you're asking for?!"

Ruwa tilted her head, smirking. "Mhm! I said I'd fight everyone still here. That means all fifty trainees." She raised her voice enough to let it carry across the arena. "What, don't think I can handle it?"

Cutthroat's eye twitched. "Do you have any idea how long that'll take?!"

Ruwa shrugged, her grin widening. "Don't worry, Captain. I'll be quick."

As the crowd erupted into whispers and laughter, Ruwa took a deep breath. Her grin didn't waver, but deep down, her thoughts raced.

Fifty trainees. Am I pushing it too far this time? She shook the doubt away almost instantly. No. I've trained for this. I know what I'm capable of. If they don't believe in me, I'll just prove them wrong.