Ares chuckled. "Of course. For Devil Fruit users, training like that should be extremely effective."
Hearing that, Chinjao's heart instantly stirred. "Boss Ares, I want to try it too."
"If I can push my strength even higher, my name on the seas will only get louder!"
Back then, Chinjao had already been close to what he considered the peak of his life.
But after gaining the Mythical Zoan Hebi Hebi no Mi, Model: Yamata no Orochi his power had risen considerably.
And under Ares' leadership, with Kaido even appointed as a "combat instructor," the War God Pirates' atmosphere had changed.
Most of them were grinding themselves to the bone, desperate to become stronger.
In that environment, Chinjao naturally trained harder than ever.
And besides…
The stronger he became, the more of what he valued most he could obtain
treasure.
Ares turned to Ashura Doji. "Have the craftsmen forge more sets."
"And while you're at it, make cuffs and shackles suited for ordinary people too."
"No problem," Ashura Doji said with a look of admiration. "Wano's craftsmen are top-tier. They'll be able to make whatever you ask for, Boss."
Ares was already terrifyingly strong, yet he still trained almost nonstop using methods far beyond the norm to sharpen himself.
Now he even wanted Seastone cuffs and anklets of varying purities for training.
Ashura Doji grinned. "If Boss Ares works this hard, we can't afford to fall behind!"
Slad nodded with a laugh. "No kidding."
The next day.
Kuri.
Fukurokuju arrived under Sukiyaki's orders and requested an audience with Ares.
"Ares-sama," he said, voice trembling slightly, "Shogun Sukiyaki… the Shogun has agreed to your demand."
"The duel date has been set two months from now, on the night of the Fire Festival."
Facing Ares, Fukurokuju couldn't shake the instinctive tension and fear. He kept his head lowered the entire time, not daring to meet Ares' eyes.
Ares looked down at him. "Hand me the challenge letter. Let me see it."
Fukurokuju hurriedly presented the formal duel notice Sukiyaki had prepared.
Ares scanned the contents.
Most of it was restrictions.
Five bouts total.
Each fighter could only participate in a single match. Win or lose, they were barred from fighting again.
Each bout had a time limit of three hours. If no victor was decided within three hours, it would be declared a draw.
The first side to win three bouts would take the wager.
After reading, Ares fell silent for a moment.
There was no question these terms favored Sukiyaki.
That time limit increased the odds of draws.
It was clearly aimed at one weakness
Ares had fewer top fighters than Wano did.
Ares passed the notice to Chinjao.
Chinjao studied it carefully. Kaido and Slad leaned in as well, reading over the terms.
The moment Kaido saw the time restriction, his brows knitted and he snorted.
"Hmph. Why add a time limit?"
"Are you 'samurai' planning to stall the clock or something?"
Fukurokuju immediately broke into a cold sweat. "T-Those conditions were decided after the Shogun and the daimyō discussed them…"
"I believe the samurai wouldn't resort to delaying tactics."
Slad's expression darkened. "And who exactly is supposed to believe your 'I believe'?"
"It doesn't say that anywhere on the paper."
Chinjao frowned. "Three hours… that's extremely unfavorable for us."
"That condition has to go. If we fight, we fight until there's a clear winner."
Fukurokuju felt like he was sitting on needles. "Th-That condition is non-negotiable. Shogun Sukiyaki said it must be accepted…"
"I… I don't have the authority to negotiate terms."
He scrambled to explain and distance himself, terrified these towering brutes might tear him apart on the spot.
Kaido turned to Ares. "Ares-brother, we can't agree to this. These terms are way too harsh completely against us!"
Right now, excluding Ares himself, the War God Pirates only had four truly strong fighters.
If they lost even one bout or if a draw happened
then Wano would almost certainly take the overall victory.
Ares rested his elbow on the armrest, chin propped on his hand, then spoke casually.
"I'll accept it. Bring me a pen."
Everyone started to protest, but Ares raised a hand, cutting them off.
Fukurokuju's eyes widened in disbelief and then joy surged through him.
"Ares actually agreed…! Perfect. I can report this to Shogun Sukiyaki."
Ares signed his name on the notice.
Fukurokuju then produced a second, identical copy.
Once both were signed, Fukurokuju tucked one into his robes at once. "Ares-sama, I'll take my leave and report back to Shogun Sukiyaki immediately."
"Go."
The moment Fukurokuju left, Kaido blurted out, baffled. "Ares-brother… why accept such brutal conditions?!"
The others looked at Ares too, waiting.
Ares smiled maddeningly calm. "He's got his Zhang Liang plan."
"But I've got my ladder over the wall."
"Who said the ones fighting have to be only you three?"
"???" Kaido froze.
Then realization hit him like thunder, and he burst into laughter.
"Wororororo ! That's why you're the boss, Ares-brother!"
"They think these little tricks guarantee them a win."
"But they never imagined you've got reinforcements!"
Now everyone understood. Chinjao raised his thumb.
"Boss really is boss."
"Those fools in Wano will be celebrating the moment they hear you accepted…"
"This time, they're absolutely doomed!"
After all, Ares had once come from the Rocks Pirates and had deep ties with monsters like Whitebeard and Shiki.
Pulling in a helper was easy.
And with two months to prepare, there was more than enough time.
With Ares' Devil Fruit ability, he could find them.
He even had their Vivre Cards.
Using a Vivre Card to locate Whitebeard or Shiki would be effortless.
And along the way…
Wano's so-called samurai could finally see what true top-tier monsters on the sea looked like.
Ares chuckled. "Alright. Keep this quiet for now."
"For the next two months, Sukiyaki won't just sit on his hands."
"No matter what tricks they try…"
"We'll meet them head-on."
Kaido grinned. "Wororororo Boss, with you here, how would they dare mess around?"
"After yesterday, that lesson is going to haunt them for the rest of their lives!"
Ashura Doji nodded. "Those samurai together couldn't even touch you, Boss. As long as you're here, they won't dare use force."
Ares looked at him. "Ashura when the Seastone shackles are finished, bring them to me immediately."
"Yes!"
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