Chapter 229: Bonney and Law
Subduing Enel was one of Rhodes' long-standing plans. He had considered using Law's Ope Ope no Mi to cut off a vital part of his body to control him, and he had also considered other methods of control.
However, these methods all had loopholes and could be broken.
Once broken, given the mobility of the Goro Goro no Mi, it would be almost impossible to capture him again—essentially letting a tiger return to the mountains.
Lightning, as the power of heaven, made the Goro Goro no Mi one of the most powerful Logia-type Devil Fruits, perhaps even one of the most powerful Devil Fruits overall, with limitless potential and a bright future.
Rhodes didn't want to miss this opportunity.
Fortunately, this time he obtained the Power of Faith, which gave him a very unique ability that might be able to completely subdue Enel.
Thinking this, Rhodes slowly rose and approached Enel.
"That's right, but I need your cooperation."
Hearing this, Enel was about to make a sarcastic remark when he suddenly noticed Rhodes' eyes.
What kind of eyes were these? Indifferent, majestic, looking down at him as if he were an ant.
This difference in their very essence caused Enel's proud heart to tremble.
He felt that the man before him was a true god, and facing him was like facing divine lightning in his childhood.
The oppressive and suffocating feeling made Enel instinctively lower his head, unable to meet Rhodes' gaze.
Perona and Robin also felt a sinking feeling in their hearts; the air seemed to become oppressive.
WHOOSH!
Rhodes reached out and grasped, and under the awe-inspiring gaze of the group, a small, pale golden sword suddenly appeared out of thin air.
This golden sword seemed ethereal and otherworldly; just a glance at it gave one a sense of profound mystery, drawing them in.
"Open your mind. Your Kenbunshoku Haki is strong; you should be able to do it."
Rhodes said calmly.
Enel hesitated only slightly before obeying.
Then, Rhodes plunged the illusory golden sword straight into Enel's forehead.
Before Robin and the others could even cry out in surprise, the golden sword swiftly disappeared into Enel's body.
"What happened?"
Robin and the others both looked on in astonishment.
Rhodes took a step back, hands behind his back, observing. This was also the first time he had used this ability.
The Power of Faith was a high-level energy condensed from the emotions of all living beings, possessing various wondrous abilities.
Currently, Rhodes was using an ability called "Influence."
As the name suggested, it meant making someone submit from the depths of their heart.
"Seems to be struggling..."
Enel's face was contorted, his eyes wide yet lifeless, as if some intense change was taking place in his mind.
"This move is probably completely ineffective against Haoshoku Haki users, and even those with strong wills won't be affected."
Perhaps Enel himself had possessed good willpower once, but having experienced a drastic shift in perception—from considering himself a god to realizing he was a frog in a well—his will had long been almost completely shattered.
The higher you stand, the harder you fall.
Seeing this, the light in Rhodes' eyes flickered uncertainly.
In fact, if Enel's Goro Goro no Mi hadn't been so overpowered, giving him the potential to become a top-tier powerhouse, he wouldn't have thought of using the Power of Faith to influence someone.
Because influencing a person's thoughts and mind consumed a tremendous amount of faith power—so much so that it pained Rhodes.
A moment later, the oppressive atmosphere in the room gradually dissipated.
Robin and Perona immediately looked at Enel, wanting to know what had happened.
Enel, however, looked somewhat bewildered, seemingly not yet fully aware of what was happening, until he saw Rhodes, at which point he seemed to activate.
He bowed slightly in submission.
"Rhodes... Your Majesty."
His tone was complex.
Enel was still Enel.
His memories remained the same.
But his soul was now marked with Rhodes' imprint.
"This..."
Robin and Perona both wore expressions of disbelief.
They knew that while Enel had previously shown fear of Rhodes, it was never the heartfelt reverence and submission he displayed now.
"This boss is becoming increasingly incomprehensible."
Robin remarked, her eyes flickering.
Sabaody Archipelago.
Rhodes and Robin arrived here, intending to visit Fish-Man Island.
As for Enel, he was left on Skypiea to serve as a divine messenger, uniting the island's inhabitants, spreading their faith, and simultaneously training in Busoshoku Haki.
Without Busoshoku Haki, one could never become a true powerhouse.
"Is this the Sabaody Archipelago?"
Looking at this breathtaking, fairytale-like island, even Robin, who had seen Sabaody many times in newspaper pictures, was still somewhat awestruck.
But she quickly composed herself, regaining her usual calm and elegant demeanor.
"It seems there's something not quite right here."
Robin's Kenbunshoku Haki was now quite good; she clearly sensed several malicious glances from nearby. She said with a smile:
"Looks like the boss's prestige isn't as high as I thought."
Rhodes didn't bother with this cunning and sarcastic remark.
This wasn't because the Dragon Slayer Swordsman couldn't wield his sword anymore, nor was it because these small-time pirates had become arrogant.
Rather, Rhodes' appearance had drastically changed.
After his life transformation, his hair had grown to waist-length, and his facial features and physique had undergone subtle changes, making him more handsome, perfect, and extremely charming.
Such a drastic change made him truly unrecognizable to those unfamiliar with him.
Robin smiled slightly, not continuing her teasing, and said, knowing when to stop:
"If we're going to Fish-Man Island, we'll need to find a better ship."
"Mm."
Rhodes nodded slightly.
Fish-Man Island was located in the deep sea, where the water pressure was incredibly terrifying. It was impossible to pass through directly using the Door Power; if you didn't open the right door, you might be instantly killed by the immense water pressure.
Although Rhodes was very strong, he still needed to have basic respect for these natural dangers.
The two quickly arrived at Grove 51, the coating port of the Sabaody Archipelago, where all pirate ships heading to Fish-Man Island stopped.
As soon as they arrived, Rhodes saw two groups of people facing off in front of a coating shop.
The scene was quite interesting.
One side had the advantage in numbers, including two Supernovas: the gluttonous Jewelry Bonney and Trafalgar Law, whom Rhodes hadn't met before—known as the ultimate Paramecia-type user of the Ope Ope no Mi.
The other side had only one person.
This was a burly, demon-like man, his muscles bulging, exuding an imposing aura.
To Rhodes' surprise, this was someone he recognized. It was none other than Spark, the great pirate who had been defeated and captured by Gion and Zephyr, and imprisoned in Impel Down—a powerful Ancient Zoan-type Devil Fruit user!
"Kids, my patience has its limits. Submit to me, and you'll have a chance to live."
Spark's expression was cold and stern, his rugged face bearing several deep scars, making him look extremely fierce and unapproachable.
After escaping Impel Down, he was alone. If he wanted to continue his conquest of the New World, he needed to recruit new subordinates.
Bonney and Law, these two Supernovas, were undoubtedly excellent candidates. One possessed a bizarre ability, capable of aging or rejuvenating people, while the other was the world's top surgeon, a user of the Ope Ope no Mi.
With this team, Spark was confident he could directly conquer the New World.
(End of Chapter)
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