Chapter 228: As Expected, Something Still Needs to Happen
Soul Space.
Looking at the Power of Faith shrinking from a vast sea of stars to a small nebula, Rhodes frowned slightly.
Although this nebula was expanding, the speed was slow, and it was getting slower and slower.
"Is it because the influence of the Marineford War is slowly fading?"
Rhodes pondered. Even the most sensational news would gradually disappear with the passage of time.
Even though the Marineford War was the largest battle since the Great Pirate Era began, and included the legendary death of Whitebeard, it couldn't withstand the erosion of time.
Half a month had passed since Rhodes' life transformation.
During this half-month, besides spending time with the Empress, Rhodes had basically been exploring how to use the Power of Faith.
Unlike the single-purpose nature of other abilities, the Power of Faith had many uses.
It could be used not only in cultivation but also in combat.
Combat aside, its effectiveness in cultivation greatly surprised Rhodes.
At this stage, his physique was gradually reaching monstrous levels.
Rhodes was beginning to feel the bottleneck.
This was because the physical enhancement effect of Thunder Tempering was becoming increasingly weak.
Although it was still much faster than normal daily training, it was far from the leaps in progress it used to provide.
It required a long period of accumulation.
Rhodes estimated that at this rate, to reach the strength of Akainu or Aokiji would take at least a year and a half, possibly even two or three years.
And to reach the level of super monsters like Kaido or Big Mom—non-human beings—might take ten years or more.
For ordinary people, this progress was actually quite terrifying.
After all, even ten years later, Rhodes would only be twenty-eight years old, just entering the golden age of a normal human body.
However, having gotten used to flying, Rhodes certainly didn't want to run—especially not at a slow jog.
"Improving physical strength consumes too much faith power; at this rate of accumulation, it's completely insufficient."
Rhodes exited the soul space and pondered silently.
That's right.
Faith power could enhance physical strength!
Or rather, it gradually transformed the mortal body into a divine one through faith power!
In this process, physical enhancement was merely incidental.
This was the most surprising aspect for Rhodes. Although it consumed a lot of energy, it would undoubtedly greatly accelerate his progress.
With enough faith power, Rhodes could soon embark on the invincible path of defeating the Yonko and matching the Admirals.
Thinking of this, Rhodes smiled slightly, pondering how to acquire more faith.
The safest way, of course, was to go to the Four Blues and secretly develop faith.
But this was undoubtedly very slow.
Because the Four Blues were different from the Grand Line.
The Four Blues were the World Government's private domain, and they generally wouldn't interfere with minor skirmishes. However, if it developed to a certain extent, it would easily attract the World Government's attention, and Rhodes' current strength was insufficient to deal with such a behemoth as the World Government.
Moreover, the average strength of the Four Blues was far too weak.
According to the principle of faith, the stronger the individual, the more faith power they could provide.
In terms of the strength of the pirate world, the combined strength of the Four Blues was probably less than that of the Grand Line.
And even if all these places were combined, without considering the strength of the Navy and the World Government, they might not be as strong as the New World.
"It seems I still have to go to the New World to make my mark..."
Rhodes' expression was calm. After all the twists and turns, he still had to embark on the path of conquering the New World.
This suited him perfectly.
Although he had already encountered the world's strongest man since arriving in this world, there were still the world's strongest creature, the world's strongest Haoshoku Haki, and even naturally born destroyers—all sorts of world's strongest beings he hadn't yet encountered.
"Are you leaving?"
After a tender moment, Hancock keenly sensed Rhodes' intentions and couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.
Rhodes smiled slightly and gently patted Hancock's shapely form.
Hancock's outward personality perfectly matched the Pirate Empress's persona: stunningly beautiful, proud, and domineering.
But when she fell in love, she was simply a very clingy and obedient lovestruck girl.
"I have grudges against Blackbeard, Doflamingo, and others—especially Blackbeard. He has immense potential and could very well become the new Yonko."
Rhodes said softly.
Hancock didn't continue to try to persuade Rhodes to stay.
She was a smart woman; she knew that a man like Rhodes might take a short break, but he would never stop moving forward.
But her next move became more proactive, as if she wanted to drain Rhodes dry.
However, Rhodes, whose life level had just begun to transcend mortals, was not someone she could easily provoke.
Without hesitation, he turned and pinned her down.
After leaving Amazon Lily, Rhodes didn't go directly to the New World, but instead traveled to Alabasta through a portal.
Going to the New World would undoubtedly mean encountering many powerful enemies, and the situation would be extremely complex.
He needed to bring some helpers and also reorganize his rear base.
Alabasta was developing well.
Baroque Works' intelligence network was also very effective, with branches in the Four Blues and the first half of the Grand Line on major islands.
These people's strength was certainly not suited to the intensity of the New World, but they had enough experience to build a basic foundation.
"Are you going to the New World?"
Robin was still dressed in her standard secretary attire—cool, intellectual, sexy, and elegant—but her tone was somewhat cryptic.
Speaking of which, Robin's dream was to find the Poneglyphs and explore the truth.
Being a secretary wasn't her preferred profession; she only did this intelligence work for safety reasons.
Of course, intelligence work was also preparation for finding the Poneglyphs.
"You want to go too?"
Rhodes looked at her, his expression calm.
But Robin felt a sinking feeling in her heart; the air seemed to become oppressive, making it difficult to breathe. She sensed a special kind of majesty emanating from this young boss.
Moreover, the observant Robin noticed a faint, mysterious glow emanating from Rhodes' body.
Noticing Robin's slightly strange gaze, Rhodes paused, then realized what she meant.
"Sorry."
He said, slightly toning down the majesty unique to divine beings.
Robin breathed a sigh of relief, but her thirst for knowledge was hard to contain; this ability was truly extraordinary.
Robin felt as if she were facing a higher being—a fundamental difference that naturally inspired awe.
"A special ability."
Rhodes said casually, without explanation.
At that moment, footsteps sounded outside, and Perona entered with Enel.
"Lord Rhodes, Enel has arrived."
Because Rhodes disliked being addressed overly formally, but his subordinates dared not call him by his given name alone, they all used the respectful title "Lord."
"Tsk, you're in good shape."
Rhodes smiled, looking at Enel's healthy appearance.
Enel's expression, however, was somewhat complicated.
While Baroque Works restricted his freedom, it didn't limit his horizons; he was given access to various intelligence reports and newspapers.
As a result, Enel naturally understood how arrogant and ignorant he had been back then.
The recording of the Marineford War further made him realize his own insignificance and the vastness of the world.
"You sent for me because you've found a way to restrict me?"
Containing these emotions, Enel said expressionlessly.
(End of Chapter)
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