219: Chapter 219 Rebecca, The Match Begins"Sir, may I ask what your school is called?" The receptionist in charge of registration asked the handsome young man with a smile, her eyes sparkling as if they were stars.
"Lucy, my name is Lucy," Luffy said with a smile, linking arms with Uta.At this moment, Luffy had entered his Dark Mode, and his smile made the young lady scream wildly inside.
"Okay, okay, Mr.Lucy, I've registered you.You're in Group D.I wish you victory in the competition!" The receptionist said, looking at Luffy with a lovesick expression.Luffy smiled and nodded, then, led by a waiter, arrived at the Group D meeting place.
The room was filled with muscular, strong men, each exuding a powerful aura.Luffy casually found a corner to sit down and closed his eyes to rest.However, just then, a few oblivious people walked over."When did a pretty boy like you start participating in a competition?You won't be scared to tears as soon as you step onto the stage, will you?Hahahaha," a burly man with a face full of scars sat down next to Luffy, tightly hugging him and mocking him wantonly.
Several of his underlings behind him also pointed at Luffy and laughed.One of them said with a laugh, "Boss, I think he's just too scared to speak after seeing our powerful lineup." Another underling added, "Haha, that's right, boss, this kind of guy is a coward.He'll probably wet his pants when we get to the arena!"
Hearing these words, Luffy remained expressionless, but a hint of determination and confidence shone in his eyes.However, the burly man became even more unrestrained in his mockery, reaching for the straw hat around Luffy's neck and saying sarcastically, "Oh, look at him, trying to imitate the great pirate Luffy by wearing a straw hat.What, you think wearing a straw hat makes you Luffy?" With that, he tried to remove Luffy's hat.
Just then, Luffy suddenly grabbed the big man's hand.The man cried out in pain and struggled futilely.He felt as if his hand was being clamped by an iron vise, unable to break free.He stared wide-eyed at Luffy, his heart filled with surprise and anger.He hadn't expected this seemingly frail boy to possess such strength.
"You little brat, let go of me!" the burly man roared, his face contorted in a ferocious grimace.He raised his fist and slammed it down towards Luffy's head, trying to force him to release his grip.This punch carried immense force; if it struck Luffy's head, it could cause serious injury.
The people in the hall didn't stop him, because it was none of their business, and they didn't want to get involved.After all, this was the tenth-ranked powerhouse in the arena; who would want to invite trouble by stopping him?
Just then, Luffy's fist flew out lightly, seemingly without any power.However, when his fist struck the big man's abdomen, the big man felt an irresistible impact.He was as if he had been struck by a raging bull, instantly sent flying.With a loud bang, the big man spat out a mouthful of blood, his body flying backward and crashing into a pile of boxes.
"Big Brother!" the underlings cried out in panic and rushed over.
They found their eldest brother unconscious, vomiting blood, and convulsing uncontrollably.A hush fell over the scene; everyone was too shocked to speak.
After a while, the crowd came to their senses and began whispering among themselves, discussing, "Who is that kid in the straw hat?How is he so strong?" "Yeah, he defeated a top-ten ranked expert with just one punch!"
At that moment, the arena staff rushed over and carried the unconscious man away.They looked at Luffy with awe and curiosity in their eyes.This sudden turn of events made everyone realize that this straw-hatted boy was definitely not an ordinary person; he might become a dark horse in the arena.
Behind the group, a scantily clad young woman kept her eyes glued to Luffy in the crowd, her gaze shining brightly as if she had seen something extraordinary.As the crowd gradually dispersed, she carefully approached Luffy, carrying an exquisitely crafted food box.
"Thank you, sir.Your unintentional act helped me get rid of a very annoying person," the girl said softly, her voice tinged with gratitude and shyness.
Upon hearing this, Luffy slowly opened his eyes and immediately recognized the sexy-looking girl as Rebecca.He smiled slightly, revealing his white teeth, and casually took the food box from Rebecca's hand, easily opening the lid to find it filled with delicious food.
"You're welcome, it was nothing at all," Luffy replied with a smile, then began to eat heartily.
Rebecca watched Luffy eat with relish, and a warm feeling welled up inside her.She thought of that annoying man from earlier; if Luffy hadn't intervened, she didn't know how long she would have been bothered by him.
"Oh, by the way, why are you wearing a straw hat?It looks a bit strange." Rebecca asked curiously, her gaze falling on the straw hat hanging around Luffy's neck.Luffy stopped chewing, looked up, and a hint of determination and pride flashed in his eyes.
"This straw hat isn't just any ordinary hat.It was left here by someone very important to me.One day, I will surpass him and become the true Pirate King!When that happens, I will return this straw hat to him," Luffy said firmly.
As Rebecca listened to Luffy's words, she was deeply moved by his determination.She could sense that this seemingly ordinary boy possessed incredibly lofty dreams and aspirations.
"I wish you success, and I hope to see you achieve your dreams one day," Rebecca said with a smile, her eyes full of anticipation and blessings.
Luffy's lips curled up slightly, revealing a smile.With a confident smile, he handed the food box to Rebecca.Just then, the announcement came over the loudspeaker that the match was about to begin.Luffy stepped onto the stage, still wearing a faint smile, and said to Rebecca, "Well, I hope that's a good thing.I also wish you all the best in the upcoming matches.Maybe we'll meet again in the finals!" After saying that, Luffy put on his straw hat and leisurely walked towards the arena.
The arena was now packed with contestants, each brimming with fighting spirit and eager to try their skills.After the host's enthusiastic speech, the competition officially began.The arena instantly became a chaotic scene, filled with shouts and the sounds of fighting.Contestants were constantly being defeated and falling from the arena, but Luffy didn't rush to attack, instead skillfully dodging his opponents' attacks amidst the melee.Occasionally, a few foolish individuals tried to gang up on him, but he easily defeated them all.