"Of course, the tournament won't make you participate for nothing. The rewards are extremely generous."
The District Chief frowned. This tournament was something people fought tooth and nail to get into, yet Blaine actually said he didn't want to go?
Though it was called a "tournament," its real purpose was to gather and strengthen each district's top combat forces. Regardless of ranking, everyone who participated received resources.
How could anyone not want to go?
"If you manage to take first place… you'll be rewarded with a luxury villa, thousands of square meters, in the prime area of the Safe District.
And the district will receive at least ten tons of high-grade supplies.
"You know perfectly well how our district has been doing. Not great."
Blaine had lived in this district for three years since crossing over. Even though he only patrolled every few days, it wasn't like he didn't have any feelings for the place.
The District Chief's moral persuasion hit exactly where it hurt.
Blaine felt a slight twinge, not because of responsibility…
…but because a luxury villa in the prime Safe District was very tempting.
"District Chief… since you've said that much, I guess I have no choice but to go."
Blaine sighed helplessly, still not entirely willing.
In his opinion, all he had was the Black Blade and the basic Navy Six Styles.
That might not be enough to shine in a nationwide tournament.
The District Chief noticed his concern and sighed as well, looking toward the rising sun outside.
"Blaine… humanity may be reaching its end."
"Huh?" Blaine stared blankly.
"In recent decades, the demons have been increasingly active. Our forces have never been able to step deep into demon territory."
The District Chief's voice was heavy.
"I have a feeling, they're preparing for an all-out assault on humanity. And when that day comes… humans will have no power to resist."
"But, you give me hope. You might be the one who saves us."
Blaine nearly choked.
Bro, I just edit anime videos… don't put this kind of hat on me!
He was only entering a tournament! The Chief needed to stop adding lore to his life!
"In a few years, humanity will face unprecedented disaster…"
"Okay okay, I'll go! I'll go, alright? You don't have to convince me anymore!"
If he hesitated even a little longer, he felt like the District Chief would promote him to Galaxy Savior next.
The District Chief nodded in satisfaction.
"With great power comes great responsibility."
"District Chief… about that luxury villa, you said thousands of square meters in the prime area. Do I get to choose the layout? Or is it a pre-assigned one? Can I look at pictures first?"
The District Chief froze, mouth open, stunned for several seconds before swallowing hard.
"You'll know when the time comes. Also… the champion gets an additional special reward. Even the East Field organizers haven't announced what it is."
That successfully piqued Blaine's curiosity.
A luxury villa and a secret reward?
Sure, he could earn anime coins through his video edits, exchange them to buy anything he wanted…
But if they were literally giving away a villa?
It would be wasteful not to accept it.
Frugality was a traditional virtue, after all.
If it's free, take it.
"I'll have someone escort you to East Field in a week. Use these days to prepare. I truly hope you win the championship."
Beep, Beep, Beep,
Blaine's phone vibrated in his pocket.
"District Chief, if there's nothing else, I'll head out."
Blaine picked up his Black Blade and left.
Wayne had already slipped out right before the Second Squad Captain activated his ability, running for his life.
As a normal person, if he'd taken that hit, he'd be face-down on the floor by now.
"Holy crap! Brother, you're insane! Those two Squad Captains were the strongest guys in the entire district, and you made them look like trash!"
Wayne was more excited than Blaine. He looked like he'd taken something illegal.
Everyone knew:
The First Squad Captain and Second Squad Captain were the district's strongest.
Whenever there was a major battle, as long as either of them stepped in, the problem was solved.
Which was also why they acted arrogant and untouchable.
No one dared challenge them.
But today, Blaine crushed both of them without breaking a sweat.
Too damn strong.
"I didn't want to go too far, but they were way too arrogant. Think of it as giving them a lesson."
Blaine didn't want to dwell on it, they were comrades who fought demons, after all.
He opened his phone.
In the Anime Projection App, Marco had sent several messages:
[Great news! We found Navy officer Ain! Your intel was spot-on, she's the Return-Return Fruit user.]
[Now we just need a way to restore Pops to his prime. Once he's back to full strength, Marineford won't be a threat!]
[As promised, here is the Ancient Zoan Tyrannosaurus Fruit.]
[If we win the upcoming Paramount War, the entire Whitebeard Pirates owe you a huge favor.]
Blaine's lips curled upward.
A favor from the Whitebeard Pirates, that was no small thing.
[I hope you all dominate the war and rescue Ace.]
But still…
Their efficiency was terrifying.
Searching the vast sea for one woman, and they found her instantly?
As expected of the Whitebeard Pirates.
Blaine opened his left palm and tapped to "receive item."
With a flash of white light, a massive, grotesquely patterned fruit appeared in his hand.
Wayne nearly jumped backward in shock.
"W-what… what is THAT?!"
"Doesn't it look familiar?" Blaine held the fruit out.
After a moment of staring, Wayne's jaw dropped.
"DEVIL FRUIT?!"
He looked at Blaine in disbelief, waiting for confirmation.
"Is it REALLY a Devil Fruit? Which type?"
"Ancient Zoan, Tyrannosaurus."
Blaine's firm tone left Wayne utterly speechless.
He stared at the fruit like it was a divine relic, unable to react for a long time.