Chapter 199: Chapter 199: The Main Event Begins, Qin Muyin's Power!
Chapter 199: The Main Event Begins, Qin Muyin's Power!
A few days later, the Grand Military Tournament began!
The Marine Headquarters' tournament wasn't an elimination format but instead divided participants into ten groups, each with its own arena. The one with the best record and the most eliminations in each group would become the seeded contestant.
Once someone became a seeded contestant, they were guaranteed at least an officer position.
This format meant that whoever went first would face a series of challenges from others in a grueling test of endurance. Only true powerhouses had the courage to go first.
Chen Ye noticed that he, Qin Muyin, Fujitora, and others were all placed in different groups.
It was clear that this wasn't a coincidence; the Marine high command had deliberately arranged it. The high command separated the promising candidates to prevent them from being eliminated too early—a clear manipulation.
Once the tournament started, both Chen Ye and Qin Muyin chose to be the first to step into the ring, awaiting challenges.
The group stage lasted for ten days.
During these ten days, Chen Ye and Qin Muyin faced challenges from thousands of participants. But most of them were weaklings.
Chen Ye easily dispatched them with his flame abilities. Qin Muyin was even more impressive, sending opponents flying with just a wave of her hand.
Even so, after the ten days of group matches, both of them had gained considerable fame!
Besides the two of them, there were also two other renowned powerhouses. For example, the old blind man, "Issho," and "Aramaki," who specialized in using plants.
According to the original storyline, these two would go on to become future Marine Admirals, with the codenames Fujitora and Green Bull.
Green Bull's Devil Fruit power was the Logia-type "Mori Mori no Mi" (Forest Fruit), allowing him to transform into a massive tree-like entity with tremendous power.
After the group stage ended, next was the final round to compete for the Marine Admiral positions.
There were ten participants in total:
Chen Ye, Qin Muyin, Issho, Aramaki, Smoker, Carter…
Among them was "Smoker," also known as the "White Hunter." Smoker already held a position and had recently been promoted to the rank of commodore.
No one knew why he chose to participate in the Grand Military Tournament. Chen Ye suspected it might be due to his good relationship with Aokiji—perhaps he wanted to do something in his honor?
Today.
It was the day of the finals.
The finals followed a challenge format rather than drawing lots.
At this moment, the massive square was packed with Marines eager to watch the action.
In the back, on a high platform, many Marine higher-ups were seated, including Fleet Admiral Sengoku, two Marine Admirals, and numerous well-known Vice Admirals—all had gathered here.
In the center of the square was a colossal arena.
Beside the arena, the ten finalists were ready.
Chen Ye was seated next to Qin Muyin.
He suddenly spoke, "Captain Qin, I've assessed the ten competitors, and it seems only the blind man and that plant-controlling Logia user named Aramaki pose a real threat to you. The others are of no concern."
"When the match begins, I'll challenge those two in the first rounds to help you eliminate them, ensuring you win the championship."
Upon hearing this, Qin Muyin's brows knitted slightly.
She knew Chen Ye's plan was indeed the best choice, and she didn't doubt his ability to carry it out. She had witnessed the terrifying power of this bald man beside her.
However, Qin Muyin was not Tang Zichen; she had her own views.
"Chen Ye, you handle one of them," she said. "Leave the other to me so I can showcase my abilities too."
"If I win the championship without lifting a finger, people might not accept it."
When she started speaking, Chen Ye frowned, thinking she was being headstrong. But as she finished, he realized she had a point—she should indeed have a chance to display her power.
"That works. I'll take on the old blind man!" Chen Ye replied.
Logically, with his flame abilities, he should target Aramaki.
Aramaki's abilities allowed him to control plants and even transform into plants. Fire abilities might seem like a natural counter.
But that wasn't necessarily the case.
From his time on Earth, Chen Ye had learned about Admiral Green Bull and knew that he wasn't particularly vulnerable to fire; he could even create a forest to shield himself from flames.
For Qin Muyin, her telekinesis was a better match against Aramaki.
But Fujitora's gravity powers were different. His control over gravity could be a potential threat to Qin Muyin.
To counteract the influence of gravity, it required sheer physical strength—a field where Chen Ye excelled.
Hearing Chen Ye's choice, Qin Muyin naturally had no objections.
Her sixth sense also told her that the old blind man posed a greater threat to her.
"If you want to show off, you go first!" Chen Ye added.
Qin Muyin nodded in agreement.
Just then, a large gong beside the arena was struck with a resounding blow.
"Clang!"
A thunderous sound reverberated across the square.
The finals had officially begun!
Qin Muyin was about to stand up when she noticed someone else was faster.
It was Smoker. He transformed into a plume of white smoke and surged onto the arena, then reverted to his human form.
Seeing Smoker enter the arena first, countless Marine soldiers felt a rush of excitement.
In their eyes, Smoker was a formidable opponent. Once he turned into smoke, no matter how others attacked, they couldn't touch him…
Qin Muyin frowned slightly and sat back down.
On the stage, Smoker noticed this.
"Lady Qin Muyin, I saw that you were about to go up. Why don't you and I start off the first battle today?" Smoker called out to her.
Qin Muyin was momentarily surprised. She hadn't expected Smoker to challenge her first.
"Captain Qin, looks like you really need to put on a good show. This guy has no idea how strong you are!" Chen Ye said with a smile beside her.
During the group stage, Qin Muyin had defeated her opponents with a simple wave of her hand.
Though she'd gained some fame, no one truly knew the extent of her strength.
Hearing Chen Ye's words, Qin Muyin said nothing and simply floated gracefully onto the arena.
Her appearance immediately drew the attention of the crowd.
Even the Marine high command on the platform took notice, paying close attention.
As the high-ranking officials, they knew that Qin Muyin was a candidate for Admiral.
On the arena.
Seeing Qin Muyin's empty hands, Smoker asked, "Lady Qin Muyin, aren't you going to use a weapon?"
The Grand Military Tournament didn't prohibit weapons.
For instance, Smoker held a "Jutte" weapon in his hand. This weapon was both offensive and defensive, and Smoker's was even made of Seastone, specifically designed to counter Devil Fruit users.
Qin Muyin shook her head lightly and said, "Let's begin."
She had seen Smoker's previous performances. If she needed a weapon to handle someone like him, she'd have no right to call herself the strongest in her homeland.
Smoker seemed to catch the indifference in Qin Muyin's gaze.
For her to look at him this way… It meant she didn't consider him a worthy opponent at all.
With that realization, Smoker's face darkened, and he attacked immediately.
"White Punch!"
Smoker's arms transformed into smoke, and his fists shot toward Qin Muyin like speeding missiles.
"Whoosh!"
They sliced through the air with a piercing sound, carrying considerable force.
This move had allowed him to defeat countless opponents before.
Yet Qin Muyin stood still, her body radiating a green glow as an invisible telekinetic shield formed around her.
"Thud! Thud!"
Dull impact sounds echoed.
Smoker's "White Punch" couldn't get close to Qin Muyin at all. It was as if an invisible wall blocked his smoke fists.
"White Out!"
Seeing that his fists were ineffective, Smoker shouted, transforming his lower body into smoke to propel himself forward, launching his upper body toward Qin Muyin.
This was Smoker's strongest move.
His fists turned black, a clear sign of Armament Haki.
Realizing Qin Muyin was a difficult opponent, Smoker was putting everything he had into this attack.
Unfortunately, the gap between them was unimaginable…
Qin Muyin raised her right hand, first opening her fingers, then closing them into a fist.
"Whoosh!"
An invisible force enveloped Smoker.
The force was overwhelming, like a mountain pressing down on Smoker.
In midair, Smoker's expression changed, and he immediately transformed his body into a mass of smoke.
But it was no use.
The smoke he transformed into was completely enclosed by Qin Muyin's telekinetic force and compressed into a single form.
Though Qin Muyin didn't have Armament Haki, her telekinesis was all-encompassing!
Smoker's physical form reappeared, trapped and immobilized.
He stared at Qin Muyin in shock, finally realizing he had chosen an opponent far beyond his level.
Qin Muyin's face remained calm. She didn't torment Smoker but merely waved her hand, sending him flying out of the arena, where he landed on the ground.
Outside the arena.
The crowd was stunned by this sight.
Many had anticipated Qin Muyin's victory, but for her to win with such ease was beyond everyone's expectations.
A powerful figure like Smoker appeared as fragile as a child before Qin Muyin.
The moment she acted, Smoker had no chance to resist.
"Clap… Clap…"
Applause broke the silence.
It was Chen Ye, who clapped as he looked at Qin Muyin on the arena with a smile.
At the same time, Chen Ye couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration. Qin Muyin was indeed the pillar of her homeland, her telekinetic talent terrifying and unmatched.
Anyone who couldn't break free from her control, no matter how strong, would be helpless, like fish on a chopping board, at Qin Muyin's mercy.
(End of Chapter)
🌟 Unlock the World of Stories with Early Access on Patreon! 🌟
Hello, beloved readers and supporters!
I am thrilled to offer you an exclusive opportunity to dive deeper into our captivating stories before anyone else. By joining the Patreon community, you'll unlock a treasure trove of benefits, including:
📚 Early Access to 20 Chapters: Be the first to explore new chapters, experiencing the twists and turns of our tales well ahead of regular readers. Your journey through our stories doesn't have to wait!
💬 Connect with the Community: Join a vibrant, like-minded group of readers who share your passion. Engage in exciting discussions, share theories, and make new friends who love the stories as much as you do.
👏 Support the Creator: Your patronage directly contributes to the ongoing creation and improvement of the content you love. Be a vital part of the creative journey!
Patreon.com/anish_44