"Everyone, be careful!"
After two people were eliminated in quick succession, Robin immediately realized that Leno was preparing to clear the field.
With the warning given, everyone rapidly adjusted their positions, bracing themselves for Leno's sudden assault.
As before, Kuina and Nojiko took the lead, moving to the front to handle the head-on containment of Leno.
However, at that very moment, Yamato—having finished charging up—suddenly unleashed her aura. The ground beneath her feet shattered instantly as her figure transformed into a streak of white light, shooting straight toward Leno.
Her extreme speed tore through the air itself, plowing a deep trench into the earth along her path that stretched far ahead.
Faced with an attack carrying such tremendous kinetic force, Leno didn't dare to be careless.
His grip tightened around his long blade. Taking a step forward, he swung down with a single slash.
"Clang!"
A sharp, ear-piercing explosion rang out, shaking the surrounding air as a massive shockwave erupted from the clash and spread rapidly outward.
The people behind, who had been ready to follow up with attacks, froze for a split second. Seriously—using a big move without even a heads-up?
Just as they spread out, preparing to defend against the terrifying blast wave, a pair of pale, sky-covering hands enveloped them completely.
At the critical moment, Robin stepped in, using her ability to block the shockwave.
They were already worried about being picked off one by one by Leno. If they were scattered again now, their fate would be obvious.
That reckless Yamato had been pushed a bit too far by Leno and was now focused only on revenge, nearly dragging everyone else down with her.
"Yeah, I thought I was about to get buried again!"
Chopper, Kaya, and the others sheltered within the hands were still shaken, all of them desperately wanting to stay far away from those two.
The aftershocks of their battle were simply too powerful—one misstep and you'd be dragged right in.
Before they could say much more, the giant hands protecting them dissolved into drifting petals.
As their vision cleared, they looked back toward the battlefield and saw only Yamato standing there—Leno's figure was already gone.
Everyone's hearts skipped a beat as a bad feeling crept in. Don't tell me that guy's going for another sneak attack.
And sure enough, just as they released their Observation Haki—
A teasing voice rang out, instantly sending their sinking hearts straight to the bottom.
"Well then, goodbye!"
Leno suddenly appeared behind them. Reaching out with both hands, he grabbed Uta and Kaya—who were standing close together—and flung them away.
Just as he was about to eliminate Reiju as well, his body was suddenly wrapped up by two enormous arms.
In the brief moment he was held in place, wind gathered beneath Reiju's feet as she quickly retreated away from Leno.
The massive arms formed from petals were easily broken apart when Leno exerted a little strength.
To dragon-man Leno, that level of force was barely more than a tickle.
Standing not far away, Robin smiled brightly at Leno, activating her ability again as she spoke.
This time, however, it wasn't just two arms—but four, dark as pitch.
They wrapped around Leno's upper body and legs, forcing him to halt once more.
Leno hadn't expected Robin not to run, and instead continue using her ability right in front of him.
Sensing that something was different this time, Leno instinctively tried to break free. At that moment, a red glint flashed in his eyes.
With a shift of will, a lightning clone appeared behind him.
Kuina and Nojiko's slashes were blocked, and Leno broke free from Robin's restraints, flashing straight to her side.
"Robin, your timing was excellent. You did really well."
"However, it's your turn to be out!"
As he spoke, Leno's infamous finger finally pointed toward Robin's forehead.
"Y-you don't—"
As she watched the finger slowly approach, Robin raised her hand to protect her forehead. But Leno's movement suddenly sped up.
Ignoring her embarrassed and flustered expression, a perfectly aimed flick sent Robin flying out of the battlefield.
"Leno, I want to have a one-on-one with you!"
Just as Leno turned around, ready to continue his 'clearing' plan, Kuina—standing not far ahead—issued a challenge.
Before Leno could reply, she paused briefly and added, "Of course, once the duel is over, I'll withdraw from the trial."
Seeing the stubborn determination in Kuina's eyes, Leno thought for a moment and agreed.
By now, he had a good grasp of everyone's overall strength. What remained was up to them.
A short while later, after Kuina had steadied her breathing, the two moved to a different area.
"Kuina, it's been a long time since we sparred, hasn't it?"
"Yeah. But this time, you're not allowed to hold back. I want to see what level I've really reached!"
After the brief exchange, the two figures rushed toward each other.
Kuina's Sakura Veil and Leno's Huangquan slammed together fiercely, both blades coated in Armament Haki.
After a brief stalemate and an exchanged glance, the two sprang apart, then charged again at even greater speed.
The pace of the fight kept increasing. The clash of blades rang nonstop, shockwaves whipping the air as sparks flew everywhere.
Watching what looked like a 'plain' duel, Yamato felt puzzled.
"Shouldn't a swordsmen's duel be full of flying sword energy, splitting the heavens and earth?"
"Just trading blows like this—what are they even competing over?"
Like before, with hundred-meter-long slashes flying everywhere—that looked way cooler.
So why, when it came to a real duel, were none of those flashy techniques being used?
Nojiko, standing nearby, could only feel speechless at Yamato's complaints.
She wanted to say something, her lips moving slightly, but in the end she stayed silent.
On the field, the two figures collided once more.
Blades crossed, grinding against each other, producing a teeth-grinding screech of metal.
Kuina gripped her sword with both hands, pouring all her strength into holding Leno back. Though her physique was now far stronger than that of ordinary swordsman— Against a monster like Leno, she was still clearly outmatched in raw power.
Seeing Kuina's flushed face, Leno couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity.
This girl had been obsessed with these things since childhood—it had practically become an obsession. Only after eating a Devil Fruit did it finally ease somewhat.