On page 3 luffy spits on his hands and blocks cavendish's sword, this scene reminded me of dragonball, when goku blocks trunks's sword.
Along with the tournament thing it could be another quote from db
About bartolomeo, he is indeed a huge fan of luffy, he developped a massive adoration for the guy, so I'm wondering what if Luffy doesn't live up to bartolomeo expectation, or what if he'll be rejected?
Bartolomeo has almost killed a guy in this very chapter, he's brutal and ruthless, of course there's some good about him but it'll be enough? I don't think luffy can befriend someone like him. He's funny and caring but, yes, in a twisted way.
That said I expect that all his adoration towards luffy will turn into hate and that will make of him a terrible enemy.