One Piece: sign-in to Ryujin Jakka

In the blink of an eye, a month had passed.

During this time, Roman had focused primarily on swordsmanship training for Ain, successfully raising her skills to the Mid-level Swordmaster level—already equivalent to most Vice Admirals.

As for Stella, Roman emphasized physical training and Devil Fruit development.

What surprised Roman, however, was Stella's incredible natural talent. Her mastery over her Devil Fruit powers far exceeded expectations.

Hina had also grown tremendously stronger—but since she wasn't chosen as one of the three fighters, Roman had no intention of letting her join the competition.

The training grounds were now packed to the brim.

Countless Marines had gathered to witness the match.

After all, it was rare to see such a spectacle, especially a duel between two top-tier admirals' factions.

"I bet White Dove is going to lose!"

"Yeah, same. I mean, look at his team—it's all filled with women!"

"Hey, hey, hey, why does that just make me envy his luck with women even more?"

"But seriously, they can't beat Kizaru's lineup, right?"

"Sigh, White Dove has really overestimated himself this time!"

Though whispered quietly, the voices of the surrounding Marines still reached the ears of Ain and the others.

Ain turned toward Roman and asked, "Lord Roman, can you tell us who the third person on our team is?"

Roman smiled. "Ah, that depends. If she doesn't agree, then it's just the two of you."

He added with a light chuckle, "But the winner is decided with best two out of three, right? If the two of you win your matches, it won't matter if we don't have a third."

Ain and Stella, full of confidence, gave their solemn vows.

"Don't worry, Lord Roman. I won't disappoint you!"

"Master, Stella won't disappoint you either!"

Roman nodded slightly but still said, "Still, don't push yourselves too hard. If you really can't win, it's okay to retreat."

His concern warmed their hearts.

At 9:00 AM sharp, the match officially began.

Roman and Kizaru stood face to face on the training field.

The sun beat down, the air heavy with heat.

"Admiral White Dove, you seem pretty confident," Kizaru said lazily.

Roman responded calmly, "Of course. I never do anything unprepared."

Seeing Roman so composed, Kizaru pursed his lips. "Ooh-la-la~ So scary~ Well then, who are you sending out first, Admiral White Dove?"

"Stella."

As soon as Roman spoke her name, murmurs and jeers exploded from the crowd.

"Stella? Isn't she just the maid of Admiral White Dove?"

"A maid? How strong can she even be?"

"White Dove's totally full of himself."

"Guess all his recent success has gone to his head!"

Stella clearly heard the crowd's mocking whispers.

But she said nothing. Strength would be the best answer she would give in response.

Wearing her black-and-white maid uniform, Stella calmly stepped into the center of the arena under everyone's gaze.

Kizaru frowned deeply. What was Roman thinking? Sending a maid out in such an important match? Was he mocking him?

"Vice Admiral Kovahl, I'll leave the first round to you."

"No problem."

A thunderous voice echoed across the arena.

A giant who had been sitting silently on the ground slowly stood up—his massive figure towering at 10 meters, two meters taller than Whitebeard Jr.

Muscular and armed with a massive, blunt greatsword!

From sheer size alone, it seemed impossible for Stella to stand a chance. Luckily, the training field was spacious enough to accommodate a giant's rampage.

When Kovahl stepped forward, the crowd gasped in shock.

"There's no way a maid can beat Vice Admiral Kovahl of the Giant Tribe!"

"Exactly! She's just a pretty face—why throw her into a death match?"

"White Dove is seriously too arrogant this time!"

From above, Vice Admiral Kovahl looked down at Stella, his voice rumbling like thunder.

"Little girl, you're no match for me. Better surrender now, or you're going to get hurt."

Stella didn't respond. She just stared back at him blankly, waiting.

Seeing her unmoved, Kovahl snorted. "Fine then. Just know—I won't go easy!"

The moment his voice fell, Sengoku raised his hand and declared: "The match begins!"

"Take this! Giant's Smash!"

Kovahl raised his massive fist high into the air, then slammed it down toward Stella. The air screamed from the force, and his sleeves flapped wildly as his arm dropped.

"Hey, dodge!!"

"Is she frozen?!"

"She's done for! A flower, crushed just like that!"

Just as the audience held their breath in suspense—

Stella's eyes suddenly lit up.

"Rakshasa Human Form!"

With her whisper, an ominous black aura burst from her body.

The energy engulfed her, twisting her arms and legs into razor-sharp blades.

Wearing a maid's outfit yet exuding an eerie and monstrous aura, Stella looked terrifying and mysterious. The black patterns on her body glowed, and she bent her knees slightly—

Then launched herself forward!

Two deep slash marks were carved into the ground where she'd stood.

Her bladed arms spun as she attacked. Before anyone could even react, Stella had already circled around Kovahl's massive arm once.

In the next moment, her transformation faded. She stood innocently, back in her normal maid form. Then, smiling gently, she turned toward Roman and gave him a maid's curtsey.

The next second…