Chapter 288: The Empress
No secrets stay hidden forever.
The battle at Punk Hazard was witnessed by numerous individuals, and the scale of combat was astonishing—nearly sinking an entire island. The news couldn't be suppressed and quickly spread to all major powers.
Then it reached the ubiquitous news agencies, spreading throughout the world.
A direct victory over the Fleet Admiral!
Punk Hazard nearly destroyed!
One against two, and escaped with ease!
A series of accomplishments, simply staggering.
Perhaps in terms of public impact, it couldn't compare to the Battle of Dressrosa.
But the stronger and higher the status of those involved, the clearer the significance of the Battle of Punk Hazard became—far more profound than Dressrosa!
They deeply remembered one name:
"The Thunder God Swordsman!"
The youngest peak-level fighter of this era. Some even claimed the Thunder God Swordsman was already comparable to those legendary figures—because he had defeated the Fleet Admiral!
However, this assertion wasn't widely accepted, though no one could refute the fact that the Thunder God Swordsman stood among the world's strongest.
Even ancient kingdoms with long histories and poor communication, and notorious underworld organizations, had heard of this rising super-power.
The Marines held their first high-level meeting at the new Marine Headquarters regarding this matter.
Except for Admiral Fujitora, who was unable to attend due to escorting the Heavenly Tribute,
all other high-ranking officers—including the newly appointed Admiral Ryokugyu, Kizaru and Sakazuki, Sengoku and Garp, and Admiral candidates Momousagi and Chaton—followed orders and assembled. With such a Marine presence, even the most powerful pirates vanished, afraid to show themselves.
They understood that anyone who dared cause trouble at this time would face overwhelming retribution.
In the New World, besides the three Yonko—no, perhaps now also the Thunder God Swordsman and Blackbeard—no one or any organization could withstand the Marines' wrath!
On an island in the New World,
at the Blackbeard Pirates' headquarters, many high-ranking members had gathered. Since receiving the news, no one had uttered a word.
Blackbeard, seated at the head of the table, remained calm, revealing no emotion whatsoever.
Shiryu of the Rain, seated in the second position, stopped polishing his sword and spoke in a grave tone:
"I underestimated the Thunder God's abilities."
"Corrupt King" Avalo Pizarro, "Demon Sheriff" Laffitte, "Crescent Moon Hunter" Catarina Devon, and others sat below, none daring to speak, their expressions grim.
In truth, many of these notorious pirates had been imprisoned in Impel Down by Sakazuki and the other Admirals, and were therefore keenly aware of—and wary of—their strength.
The news that the Thunder God had defeated Sakazuki and escaped unscathed was simply too shocking.
The vast Punk Hazard had nearly sunk. The power displayed by both combatants was something they simply couldn't match.
Even Shiryu of the Rain admitted his inferiority.
"Looks like Rhodes has taken the lead."
Blackbeard spoke calmly, his face expressionless.
The sword wound on his face still throbbed faintly—inflicted by Rhodes' blade during the Paramount War. Although it no longer affected his combat capabilities, it had left a hideous scar.
Supersonic Van Augur stated calmly:
"A temporary lead means nothing, but we must intensify our pursuit of Whitebeard's remnants."
"Failing to eliminate even the remnants of a fallen era significantly damages our reputation."
Blackbeard understood this, but how could Ace and his crew be easily defeated?
The increasingly formidable Fire Fist Ace, the shrewd and experienced Marco, the unwavering Diamond Jozu...
Each was a renowned figure in the New World.
All seasoned pirates, incredibly elusive, giving the Blackbeard Pirates no opportunity to encircle and annihilate them.
"Actually, this works in our favor..."
Blackbeard suddenly grinned. "The Thunder God's high profile will inevitably attract attention from the World Government, the Marines, and even the other three Yonko. We can use this time to hunt Devil Fruit users and strengthen our forces."
"The one who laughs last laughs best!"
Blackbeard's eyes gleamed as Conqueror's Haki—far more refined and powerful than before—subtly emanated from him, causing even Shiryu and the other arrogant crew members to glance at him with surprise.
Van Augur and the others who had followed Blackbeard for years showed deep respect.
Not only within the Blackbeard Pirates, but also among the Golden Emperor's forces, Germa 66, the Beasts Pirates, and the Big Mom Pirates—everyone was discussing the Punk Hazard incident.
The news that Rhodes' opponent had escalated from Doflamingo to confronting and defeating a Marine Admiral meant no one dared underestimate him!
At minimum, currently—apart from the three Yonko—no one was absolutely certain of defeating this suddenly emerged strongest newcomer!
Or rather, he was no longer a newcomer. He had already become a monster, a powerful figure standing at the pinnacle of the New World.
At this moment, in Dressrosa,
The Royal Palace, in an elegant bedroom.
Rhodes, bandaged and half-reclined on the bed, had largely recovered from the injuries inflicted by Sakazuki and Kizaru.
The wounds from the battle weren't too severe—several burns and laser punctures—but they had mostly avoided vital organs, making recovery relatively straightforward.
While his evolved body's regenerative abilities weren't as absurd as Jack the Drought's, they remained significantly superior to the average person's.
"This is an unexpected windfall."
Rhodes chuckled softly, sensing the increasing faith energy within his soul space.
He had expected the Marines to completely suppress the news, but before his injuries had even healed, the incident had spread throughout the world, bringing him a considerable surge of faith energy.
"The World Government is truly rotting from within."
Rhodes shook his head thoughtfully.
This also demonstrated that while the World Government still stood atop the world, incredibly powerful, eight hundred years of unchallenged dominance had gradually corrupted this towering institution.
Not only was it riddled with internal problems, but its control over information had also declined to a remarkably low level.
Just as he pondered this, a rustling sound suddenly came from beneath the covers, followed by a breathtakingly beautiful, delicate face emerging—then a swan-like neck, and a magnificent figure that would make most women feel inadequate.
"Why did you come out?"
Rhodes smiled. After establishing himself in Dressrosa, he had naturally opened a portal to Amazon Lily, though he hadn't undertaken large-scale troop movements.
Because it was obvious that Dressrosa already harbored numerous spies.
It was better to delay revealing the portal's capabilities.
Hancock puffed her cheeks slightly, gazing up at Rhodes, appearing somewhat aggrieved:
"Why do I feel like you've become... more... more..."
She stammered, seemingly embarrassed to continue.
"More what?"
Rhodes grinned mischievously.
Hancock glared at him, ignoring that topic, and instead whispered:
"I want to have a child."
That's what Gloriosa had advised her.
"Hmm."
Rhodes was slightly surprised, then chuckled:
"Then you'd better work hard."
As her body gradually became divine, representing an elevation in life level, while she wouldn't lose that capability, conception would become more difficult.
"I will definitely work hard!"
Hancock's tone was resolute, her eyes even carrying a hint of Conqueror's Haki expressing her determination. She took matters into her own hands, displaying an empress's resolve...
(End of Chapter)
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