That Loya had mastered four of the Six Styles in just one month was no longer a secret in the Elite Camp. In fact, the news had sparked a massive wave of speculation throughout Marine Headquarters, even prompting Kuzan to call and inquire about it.
Looking at the raw data, learning the Six Styles hadn't made Loya "stronger" in terms of pure power. His raw strength remained unchanged, and his Dragon Slayer Magic remained as mysterious as ever. However, by acquiring the Six Styles, he had finally patched his greatest weakness: his lack of versatility. From this perspective, Loya's practical combat effectiveness had at least doubled. The level of danger he posed was no longer even in the sa category.
In the world of One Piece, setting aside the bizarre and unpredictable nature of Devil Fruits, combat is evaluated by four factors: Speed, Power, Defense, and Technique.
Previously, Loya dominated in Power and Defense. His massive magic output made him a human artillery battery. Forget the Elite Camp—even among Vice Admirals, no one wanted to engage Loya in a raw skill-check battle. It was truly, as Loya liked to call it: Total Aerial Bombardnt! By alternating between his Roars and Ice Wings, he could wipe a town off the map in less than an hour.
However, in the past, those sa Vice Admirals could rely on their superior speed and experience to close the distance and defeat him in lee combat. As long as they didn't get hit by those blue-energy-wrapped attacks, Loya's ice armor alone wouldn't stop them.
But now? Even Momonga had to admit that, barring a lack of combat experience, Loya's raw prowess had surpassed the majority of Vice Admirals.
That was what made Loya truly terrifying: his kit was insanely comprehensive!
In terms of Molding Magic, he could stand alone and hold his own against a Vice Admiral. In lee, while his application of the Six Styles might still lack seasoning, he was no longer a stationary turtle. With his freakish strength and ice armor, he could walk sideways through the ranks of anyone below a Vice Admiral. And once he fully mastered Haki? He would be able to roam the halls of Marine HQ at will.
And that wasn't even touching upon the unique magic he claid was inherited from the "Dragon"—a single Ice Dragon's Roar was sothing even Zephyr wouldn't dare take head-on.
But wait, there was more! Loya had a trump card: Awakening: Pseudo-Dragon Form. Once he went berserk, he could fight Zephyr to a standstill for a short ti.
Well... let's not dwell on how short "short ti" really is. A man can't admit to being short! Even if it is short, he won't admit it!
With such comprehensive and overwhelming abilities, Loya's reputation soared. He was greeted with friendly smiles by soldiers wherever he went. So gossips were even spreading rumors that Loya was the next Admiral. Regarding the bets placed on that rumor... let's just say Loya had made a small fortune.
Yet, facing the "terrifyingly powerful" Loya, Hansa had not lost an ounce of his fighting spirit. Loya could tell he wasn't just posturing or saving face; he simply, purely, wanted to defeat Loya.
Is this what they call a "pure swordsman"?
It reminded Loya of sothing. In the original story, Roronoa Zoro, despite knowing he would lose and might even die, still raised his sword against the World's Greatest Swordsman, "Hawkeye" Mihawk. Honestly, Loya—having grown up in a peaceful era—couldn't fully wrap his head around these swordsn. Common sense like "calculate the odds" or "know your limits" simply didn't exist in their heads. All they cared about was training, fighting, and getting stronger.
Just like Hansa choosing to challenge Loya. Zephyr didn't try to dissuade him; he knew nothing he said could sway Hansa's resolve. He only ntioned, quite casually, that he hoped Loya would end the fight quickly... After all, the longer the battle, the more likely Hansa's body would collapse.
Loya's only response had been: "If I have to rely on a war of attrition to beat Hansa, I would be disappointed in myself."
The next day, Marine HQ Cafeteria.
Loya was buried in his al. Around him, the Elite Camp mbers had gathered, staring at him with stony faces. Not until Loya finished eating did Aldo fidget and speak up: "Loya... about that. Are you really going to duel Hansa?"
Loya, who was drinking water, nearly choked. He struggled to catch his breath and glared at Aldo with dead fish-eyes. "Hey, are you still agonizing over this?"
"But... I..."
Aldo wanted to continue, but Simon, with a flushed face, stepped forward and dragged him away. Pushing Aldo to act as the representative had been a tactical failure. Tony exchanged glances with the others and stepped forward. "Indeed, those things are no longer important. However... we don't want to lose a comrade."
Hansa had not only saved him but had spent the past month teaching Tony his own understanding of swordsmanship. Zephyr, after all, wasn't a swordsman; he could point out flaws, but he couldn't delve into the deep philosophy of the blade. At first, Tony's pride had made him impatient: Whether it's the sword of my clan or the Shura style I learned later, once mastered, I will have a place in this world. Why should I learn from you? But after learning of Hansa's condition, Tony had fallen silent.
Hansa was... leaving his final words.
Hearing Tony, Loya's hand paused. He lifted his eyelids to look at him. "So, what are you prepared to say? Tell to give up or to go easy on him? Do you have any idea how much more painful that would be for Hansa than death itself?"
Tony's expression dimd, his hand gripping his sword hilt in frustration. It was true—if Loya truly held back, Hansa would be deeply disappointed. This wasn't about face; it was about insult. The insult to a swordsman: if he couldn't repay it with his blade, he might as well die.
Tony fell silent. The rest of the Elite Camp fell silent. For a long while, the bustling cafeteria went quiet, save for the sound of Loya slurping his juice.
After a long silence, Minnie broke it. She took out a hairband and tied her hair back. "In that case, Loya, I am challenging you!"
WHOOSH!
The room erupted. Everyone stared at Minnie in disbelief. What are you thinking? The opponent is Loya! A bona fide monster! Even though he hadn't participated in any spars this past month, his previous displays of power were still vivid in everyone's minds. Had Minnie forgotten?
"Hey, Minnie! What are you doing!" Tony asked in a low voice, reaching out to pull her arm, but she didn't budge an inch. Upon touching her, Tony realized Minnie was shaking all over—her muscles were rigid like wood, her breathing rapid.
She's afraid? Tony thought. Suddenly, Minnie looked at him and nodded solemnly.
What does that an? Tony was confused.
Just then, Simon's voice ca from the back of the crowd. He flipped his bangs back and smoothed his hair. "Is that so? Then, I challenge you too! Loya!"
"Eh?!!!"
Now Tony was truly baffled. Compared to Minnie, Simon was even more countered by Loya. Simon's Devil Fruit could pierce Loya's ice armor with a full-powered hit, but his frail constitution left him powerless to follow up. So, what gave him the confidence to challenge Loya?
At that mont, Loya, sitting in his chair, raised the corner of his mouth and burst into laughter: "Interesting. Truly interesting! Fine, don't waste ti—you all co at together!"
You actually agreed! And you want us to co at you together! Aren't you worried you'll be too exhausted to fight Hansa...
Wait!
Tony's realization dawned on him. Indeed, this is the perfect opportunity to wear Loya down!
The others ca to the sa conclusion. They looked at each other, a surging fighting spirit rising within them, their individual auras coalescing into a single spearhead, aid directly at Loya.
"Loya! We challenge you!"
Seeing this, a flash of inscrutable emotion crossed Loya's eyes.
"Though I've already promised Hansa for this afternoon, since you all want to throw your lives away, I don't mind playing with you, you small fry!"
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