Chapter 114: Encounter
The average strength of pirates in the West Blue was the highest among the Four Blues, with the highest bounties reaching seventy to eighty million berries—equivalent to three or four Arlong-level threats.
It was also the homeland of the Emperor Red-Haired Shanks and home to many kingdoms, including the Kano Country.
While the subordinates Morley had assigned to Rhodes were highly disciplined, their average strength was modest—roughly a notch above that of the West Blue Marines.
Adjutant Hela's strength was estimated to be comparable to that of a Marine Captain.
In essence, these soldiers could only provide support to Rhodes.
This was perfectly normal.
The Revolutionary Army was still in its developmental stages and needed personnel everywhere, so it was impossible to allocate too many resources to an ordinary commander like Rhodes.
The large armed sailing vessel traveled at high speed. Departing from the West Army headquarters, they would need to cross a vast expanse of sea. According to Hela, they would reach the Kano Country in just one day.
"Do you know much about the Kano Country?"
Rhodes leaned against the ship's railing, casually admiring Hela beside him. She wore white stockings paired with a professional suit, exuding an aura both refined and alluring.
Hela studied the sea chart, not even looking up.
"The Kano Country is named for its flowers—outside the capital lies a vast, natural sea of blossoms, an endless mountain of flowers stretching as far as the eye can see. Every blooming season, royals and nobles from across the West Blue, and even from distant seas, flock to admire them."
"As a result, the Kano Country's royal family boasts extensive connections and considerable national strength."
"Though in recent years they've suffered repeated defeats in conflicts with the West Blue's foremost power, the nation of Roshwan, their strength has declined. Still, they remain one of the West Blue's top powers."
Being well-informed was part of an adjutant's duties, and Hela delivered a wealth of information.
"Roshwan?"
Rhodes mused, showing a hint of curiosity.
In his knowledge of this world, Chinjao and the others had been commissioned by the Kano Country to investigate weapons and munitions in Dressrosa, seemingly motivated by their defeats in war.
"Indeed, that country's military is incredibly powerful, especially their arsenal—sophisticated and plentiful. It's practically an era ahead of the West Blue, and they can easily defeat the Kano Country in head-on battles."
At this point, Hela couldn't help but furrow her brows, clearly puzzled by the origin of these advanced weapons.
"I remember the leader of the Happo Navy is the legendary Chinjao, a pirate whose bounty exceeded five hundred million berries at its peak. Why not ask him for help?" Rhodes asked.
The pirate world was a world where strength ruled supreme. A sufficiently powerful individual could easily defeat an entire army, or even conquer a nation, single-handedly.
Especially since Chinjao possessed Conqueror's Haki—a power that specialized in clearing out large groups.
Hela glanced at Rhodes with what seemed like mild disdain. "Wars between great nations are conventional conflicts. Overly powerful individuals aren't permitted to participate directly."
"If the Kano Country violated those rules and allowed Chinjao to intervene, not only would they face condemnation from the World Government, but the nation of Roshwan wouldn't stand idly by either."
"You don't think the most powerful nation in the West Blue lacks sufficiently strong experts of their own, do you?"
"I see."
Rhodes nodded slightly. No wonder there were so few cases of pirates destroying nations or harassing royal families at will. These ancient powers possessed sufficient means of self-defense.
But thinking about it logically—how powerful must the World Government be to suppress over one hundred and seventy member nations worldwide, forcing them all to submit and pay the Heavenly Tribute?
The Celestial Dragons, the Five Elders, Im...
Rhodes narrowed his eyes, a flicker of contemplation crossing his features. Suddenly, as if sensing something, he looked into the distance.
A dark shadow loomed in the mist in that direction.
Soon, Hela and the other Revolutionary Army soldiers on the ship also noticed that the shadow wasn't an island, but rather a ship.
Flying a skull and crossbones... a pirate ship!
"Everyone, prepare for battle!"
"Ready the cannons!"
Realizing they couldn't avoid the encounter, Hela's eyes flashed with a cold glint. As she issued orders, she unsheathed a mace covered in sharp, vicious barbs—a rather brutal-looking weapon.
After finishing her commands, she belatedly remembered Rhodes was the supreme commander, and a flicker of embarrassment crossed her face.
"You handle it. I don't have experience commanding naval battles," Rhodes said with a shake of his head.
Hela was impressed by his straightforward admission. Normally, someone Rhodes's age would be highly competitive and eager to show off, especially in front of an attractive woman like herself. Almost any man would instinctively try to display his prowess.
But Rhodes's frank admission was something few men could pull off.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Both sides opened fire.
However, the accuracy of artillery in this era left much to be desired.
Only when they closed to within tens of meters—both sides able to see the faces of those on the opposing ship—did two shells from Rhodes's vessel finally hit their mark toward the pirate ship.
But just as they were about to strike, a blood-red sword slash suddenly shot up into the sky, tearing through the air and instantly cutting both shells apart. They detonated mid-air, exploding into two blazing fireballs.
"This could be troublesome."
Seeing this, Hela's expression changed, her brows furrowing deeply. The rest of the Revolutionary Army seemed to recognize who they were facing, and solemn expressions fell across their faces.
"Why, are they strong?" Rhodes asked casually.
"Very strong," Hela said gravely, gripping her mace tightly.
"The Blood Sword Pirates—currently the leading pirate crew in the West Blue. Their captain has a bounty of seventy-three million berries. They once defeated a Rear Admiral in direct combat and buried five hundred Marines alive after the battle."
"Tsk, only seventy-three million? Too weak..."
Rhodes showed a hint of disdain, almost reluctant to bother taking action.
However, to let his subordinates witness their commander's strength, Rhodes decided to make a move.
He'd spare them the constant dramatic displays of grim determination and tragic sacrifice for the revolution.
As the pirate ship drew closer, the atmosphere grew increasingly oppressive.
The Revolutionary Army soldiers each wore solemn expressions, their eyes fixed on the opposing vessel. Not a single one looked toward Rhodes, hoping he would take action.
Even Hela subconsciously overlooked Rhodes's presence.
It's all because of my age, really!
Rhodes's expression remained calm.
With a sudden whoosh, he took a step forward and leaped upward, soaring like a great bird spreading its wings. In an instant, he covered dozens of meters and landed directly on the enemy pirate ship.
"Did something just fly over?"
The Revolutionary Army soldiers felt their vision blur, as if they'd seen something yet also hadn't, leaving them utterly bewildered.
The members of the Blood Sword Pirates were equally confused.
They stared blankly at the white-clad figure that had suddenly appeared on their deck, now surrounded by their entire crew.
Rhodes's speed had been too great.
To the pirates, it seemed as if he'd materialized out of thin air, and for a moment, no one could process what had happened.
A pirate officer, still dazed, looked up and reported to Captain Blood Sword, "Boss, some strange guy just appeared on our deck."
"I can see that," Blood Sword replied from the upper deck with a look that said 'I'm not blind,' snorting coldly.
"Kill him!"
He decided to send his men to test the waters first, as Rhodes's appearance had been truly bizarre. But after all, he was only one person, and so young—how strong could he possibly be?
Blood Sword remained calm, a man in complete control of the situation.
In the West Blue, the name Blood Sword could silence crying children at night. Even Marine vessels had been routed by his crew!
If they hadn't been held up by various delays, they would have conquered the Grand Line and become Pirate King by now.
As the order was given, the members of the Blood Sword Pirates finally snapped out of their stupor. They all grinned wickedly and looked at Rhodes, their eyes gleaming with malice, like wolves spotting a helpless rabbit. Some even licked their lips in anticipation.
Unfortunately, this wasn't a helpless rabbit facing a pack of wolves, but rather a mighty dragon overlooking a swarm of ants...
"Do you dare look me in the eye?"
"Why wouldn't we?" the pirates sneered.
But soon, their sneers froze on their faces, their eyes filling with disbelief.
Before their very eyes, two deep blue lightning bolts gradually ignited within Rhodes's pupils.
At first, the lightning was only as thin as silk threads, but it rapidly grew in intensity, like dragons and serpents rising from the earth, finally sweeping across the heavens themselves, unleashing devastation upon all who dared to look!
(End of Chapter)
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