Chapter 139: Two Strikes, Then Silence
The history of the pirate world contains massive gaps due to the World Government's efforts, leaving behind numerous mysteries and tantalizing enigmas.
While the World Government could erase official records, they couldn't completely eliminate every trace of history worldwide—leaving behind countless ancient artifacts.
Though these items might lack immediate practical value, they were cherished by royalty and aristocrats. Much like antiques from his previous life, they symbolized heritage and exuded an aura of prestige.
The Kano Country's treasury was filled with such items.
Robin might be fascinated by them, but Rhodes had no interest whatsoever. Rather than focusing on archaeology, he'd prefer to focus on training.
Strength was everything.
If Rhodes were stronger than the World Government, he could simply place his blade at Im's neck and politely request they share their knowledge.
The treasury's collection was truly dazzling, encompassing a wide variety of artifacts.
While most were antiques with no practical application, some were genuinely novel—advanced technology like unique crystals capable of projecting three-dimensional images.
These items amazed Rhodes, but they remained mere curiosities, ultimately devoid of practical use.
That much was certain.
If they had any real utility, the Kano Country wouldn't have kept them sealed away in the treasury.
The three continued their tour, admiring the collection until they slowly reached the entrance to a sealed chamber deep within the treasury.
"It's suddenly cold..."
Shunai was about to open the door when Yuffie suddenly shivered and subconsciously moved closer to Rhodes.
The weather in the Kano Country was pleasant—mild and spring-like year-round—so Yuffie wore relatively light clothing. Her elegant dress, with its refined cut and modest neckline, still left her feeling exposed to whatever emanated from within.
Rhodes felt it too,
but his perception was more acute.
He could tell the chill wasn't due to any temperature change, but rather a deep, visceral cold—like the eerie sensation one might feel in a graveyard at midnight.
This only intensified Rhodes's interest in this so-called cursed blade.
The chamber wasn't large.
As the door opened, Rhodes immediately spotted a sheathed longsword resting on the central display platform.
Visually, it appeared unremarkable—like any other blade.
But through their Observation Haki, the sword possessed a unique presence, similar to that of a powerful warrior, and this aura was the source of the chilling sensation they all experienced.
"Please retrieve it yourself, Lord Rhodes. I lack the courage to enter that chamber."
After opening the door, Shunai stepped aside and gestured toward Rhodes.
Rhodes naturally showed no fear. It was merely a sword, after all.
With confident strides,
he entered the chamber and approached the platform.
The closer he got, the stronger the oppressive aura became. But to Rhodes, it was like a gentle breeze—completely unable to affect him in the slightest.
As if sensing his approach, the blade vibrated autonomously, and an even stronger malevolent aura emanated from it.
The physical world remained perfectly calm.
But from Rhodes's perspective—through his spiritual perception—a demon-like entity with a grotesque visage suddenly emerged from the sword, lunging toward him with claws extended and fangs bared.
"Insignificant."
Rhodes observed the manifestation with an utterly blank expression. A wave of tangible, almost physical Conqueror's Haki suddenly emanated from him, instantly crushing the demonic apparition.
Poof!
In a single moment, the demon dissolved like snow under spring sun.
It was, after all, merely an ownerless blade. Its autonomous spiritual assault might cause ordinary people—even those with decent strength—to experience hallucinations and lose consciousness.
But for a king like Rhodes, possessing overwhelming Conqueror's Haki, it could be easily destroyed.
Clang!
These events, though requiring explanation, transpired in mere moments.
After shattering the illusion, Rhodes grasped the scabbard in one hand and the hilt in the other, drawing the sword with a resonant ring.
The blade was pure obsidian black, its edge gleaming with a faint, ominous light. Staring at it too long induced a hypnotic sensation.
Hummm!
Rhodes flicked the blade with his finger, producing a clear, resonant tone. After testing its weight and balance, he gained thorough understanding of its various properties.
Both its sharpness and durability exceeded his current blade's by a significant margin. Its special ability appeared to be affecting opponents' minds, inducing hallucinations and fear!
A truly remarkable sword, fully worthy of its designation as a Supreme Grade blade.
Of course, his current blade's capacity to channel lightning power was irreplaceable, and Rhodes couldn't possibly abandon it.
"Not bad at all."
He nodded in approval, and just as he was about to secure it at his waist alongside his other blade, his eyes narrowed slightly.
He felt the cursed blade tremble, as if struggling—expressing clear dissatisfaction.
It wasn't that Muramasa objected to Rhodes as its master. His overwhelming Conqueror's Haki and the willpower of a Great Swordsman more than satisfied its requirements.
Rather, it disdained being worn alongside an "ordinary" blade.
"You have quite the temperament."
Rhodes smiled faintly. His hand gripping the sword suddenly unleashed thick bolts of crackling lightning that surged down the blade.
CRACKLE! Arcs of electricity exploded across its surface.
The devastating thunder caused Muramasa to tremble violently, yet a trace of defiant will still emanated from within it.
As one of the most ancient Supreme Grade blades, the cursed sword Muramasa held pride equivalent to a king among humans.
A stubborn will emanated from it: "Even if shattered by lightning, I will never yield!"
"Tsk tsk."
Rhodes simply dropped it to the ground and proceeded to strike it with continuous deep blue lightning.
"This..."
Shunai and Yuffie stood stunned. The cursed blade was indeed legendary, but they hadn't expected Rhodes to be even more domineering.
If you won't obey, I'll beat you into submission!
ZAP! ZAP! ZAP!
The lightning bombardment continued for a full fifteen minutes.
Shunai could even see the faintest red glow of heat beginning to appear on Muramasa's blade.
But Rhodes's expression remained utterly calm—completely unfazed by the legendary status of this Supreme Grade sword—as he mercilessly unleashed bolt after bolt of thunder without the slightest hesitation.
In the end,
Muramasa finally succumbed to Rhodes's overwhelming tyranny.
It settled peacefully alongside his other blade, without even a whisper of resistance.
This was because the cursed sword sensed something different about this particular master—decisive, domineering, without any hesitation whatsoever. If it had truly resisted to the bitter end, the consequences would have been catastrophic.
After being sealed away for decades, Muramasa itself still yearned to return to the world and taste blood once more.
"As expected, two good strikes and it became quiet."
Seeing this outcome, Rhodes nodded in satisfaction, dusted off his hands, and turned to leave the chamber.
"Let's go."
"Yes, sir."
Shunai was genuinely in awe this time.
This was true dominance.
Most swordsmen treated Supreme Grade blades as priceless treasures, yet in Rhodes's hands, it was handled so roughly...
He could even imagine Muramasa's helpless frustration at this treatment.
The three returned to Rhodes's temporary residence.
"Sir Rhodes, January 1st is only a few days away, and His Majesty will be hosting a grand celebration banquet. I notice you're still without a companion."
"Why not allow Yuffie to accompany you?"
Shunai smiled—a knowing expression that only men would fully understand.
Yuffie felt as if struck by lightning, completely stunned.
She... she was being given away just like that?
The thought flashed through Yuffie's mind, and a wave of melancholy washed over her.
She was merely a decorative princess with no real power, while Crown Prince Shunai was a man of both political acumen and martial skill, wielding immense authority. He was also her elder brother, and King Charles had likely approved this arrangement. How could Yuffie possibly dare to disobey?
"Sending me a beautiful woman as a gift?" Rhodes laughed lightly.
Yuffie was indeed stunning—the Third Princess of the Kano Country, with exceptional beauty and especially that soft, melodious voice. Her elegant attire accentuated her noble grace. Yet such a high-born princess was being offered to Rhodes without hesitation.
In the royal family's eyes, Rhodes's formidable strength made him worthy of courting favor. What was a mere princess? If Rhodes desired, Charles would probably even offer the queen herself.
"Very well. Thank you, Crown Prince."
Rhodes finally nodded in acceptance.
Shunai's heart immediately settled, a look of satisfaction appearing in his eyes.
He was indeed politically savvy. Perhaps his martial talent fell far short of Rhodes's extraordinary gifts, but as long as Rhodes had desires or vulnerabilities, Shunai would be able to use them to influence—and perhaps eventually control—this great master.
(End of Chapter)
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