Chapter 142: Journey to the East Blue
"Soul space?"
Rhodes pondered, and suddenly his entire consciousness shifted. He took a single step—his soul seemingly transcending distance itself—and in an instant stood before the Thunder Tome.
"Movement of the soul is fundamentally different from movement of the body..."
he mused, studying the Thunder Tome intently.
From outside his soul space, though the tome appeared mysterious and profound, it ultimately felt somewhat intangible—like viewing something through thick fog.
Now, from his soul's perspective up close, he truly experienced a sense of awe and insignificance, like a mortal gazing up at the endless sky, boundless and unfathomable.
"This artifact..."
The light in Rhodes's eyes flickered. The more powerful he became, the more he appreciated the Thunder Tome's extraordinary nature. His achievements were certainly due to his own effort and determination, but a significant part stemmed from this artifact's existence.
After a brief moment of reflection, Rhodes set these thoughts aside. He extended a palm shimmering with translucent light and gently touched the tome's surface.
Buzz!
In a fleeting instant, Rhodes's consciousness seemed to transcend everything. As if from a god's perspective, he suddenly perceived a blue planet below.
"Hmm? Earth? No—it's this world."
Rhodes quickly noticed the differences.
Then, with divine clarity, he easily distinguished the planet's various regions.
The Grand Line, the Red Line, the Four Blues, the Calm Belts...
Within these regions, the Four Blues and the first half of the Grand Line shimmered with faint golden light. The West Blue glowed strongest, while the New World had some presence, though much fainter. The Calm Belts and Red Line remained completely dark.
"This pattern..."
"It seems to represent the Seven Warlords' status and influence."
The realization crystallized in Rhodes's mind.
"So these golden particles..."
Rhodes focused his awareness and drew closer, sensing faint reverence and recognition emanating from them.
"I see... The slow advancement this time is because the Warlords' influence needs time to spread across the world."
Rhodes withdrew from his god's-eye perspective, understanding the situation clearly now.
After exploring his soul space further, he returned his consciousness to his physical body.
"Time to head back. Judging by the progress, it probably won't take much longer."
Rhodes stretched leisurely, slipped his hands into his pockets, and walked slowly toward the capital.
During this waiting period, Rhodes certainly wasn't idle.
He trained his Haki, strengthened his physique, and studied the martial arts manuals left behind by Don Chinjao.
He was particularly interested in the unique internal destruction technique of the Hasshoken—the Eight Impact Fist.
This force, capable of bypassing external defenses to damage an enemy's internal organs, would prove invaluable against monsters with exceptional durability like Kaido of the Beasts or Big Mom.
Furthermore, he needed to train Queen Yuffie.
Rhodes couldn't remain in the West Blue forever. Straw Hat Luffy had already set sail from the East Blue, and the age of chaos was about to begin. He would eventually leave the Kano Country, and while Yuffie had Revolutionary Army protection, she couldn't rely on others indefinitely.
So these days, Rhodes frequently visited the palace, using controlled lightning to temper Yuffie's physique and awaken her latent potential.
This training itself wouldn't normally cause gossip, but Yuffie's transformation was dramatic. Her complexion grew radiant and healthy with each passing day, and certain... suggestive sounds occasionally emanated from the Queen's chambers during their sessions.
All of this, in the eyes of the Kano Country's people, confirmed rumors that Rhodes—despite his youth and fame—was quite fond of beautiful women.
Rhodes didn't bother denying the speculation. After all, it served as protection for Yuffie.
As long as people believed she remained under his favor, the Kano Country's nobles wouldn't dare cause trouble.
However, the peaceful days didn't last as long as Rhodes had anticipated.
"The East Blue?"
"Yes."
Dragon's steady, deep voice came through the Den Den Mushi.
"There's a covert operation against the World Government. Considering your speed and swordsmanship, you're well-suited for it. I'm asking if you can assist."
Dragon's tone remained respectful, without any trace of commanding authority.
This was partly due to his personality, but also reflected Rhodes's growing strength and status.
After awakening Conqueror's Haki and defeating Pillar Don Chinjao, Rhodes's standing within the Revolutionary Army had risen to nearly equal the Four Army Commanders—a full tier above regular senior officers.
"I see."
Rhodes considered briefly. The situation in the Kano Country had stabilized, so he nodded in agreement. "I'll head there as soon as possible."
"Good."
Dragon paused momentarily, then—considering Rhodes was now a Warlord—decided to inform him of another matter.
"Among the Seven Warlords, Bartholomew Kuma is also Revolutionary Army."
Though Rhodes already knew this, he still expressed appropriate surprise. "The Tyrant is one of ours?"
"Yes."
Dragon seemed satisfied with Rhodes's reaction.
"Kuma's mission is to approach Vegapunk, the genius scientist said to be five hundred years ahead of the world. However, his situation isn't favorable right now. Since you're both Warlords, if possible, look out for each other."
The two exchanged a few more words before ending the call.
"Vegapunk..."
Rhodes stroked his chin thoughtfully.
What kind of person was this Vegapunk, that the Revolutionary Army would sacrifice someone just to approach him?
"Five hundred years ahead of the world... quite the remarkable title..."
"The West Blue incident is concluded. This East Blue trip should also help prepare for what's coming at Marineford."
Rhodes murmured to himself, his gaze distant. He slowly stood and looked toward the horizon.
On the table lay a fax—information sent by Robin.
It detailed a major event from the New World that had completely overshadowed Rhodes's defeat of Don Chinjao, dominating every newspaper headline.
Blackbeard's murder of Thatch, Fourth Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, and his subsequent betrayal had shocked the entire world!
When Rhodes first arrived in the Kano Country, he'd been penniless and unknown.
But when he departed, the royal family, nobles, and ministers all flocked to see him off.
The Kano Country navy dispatched twelve warships to escort him, cutting through the waves as they traversed the sea.
Even after Rhodes's ship disappeared over the horizon, Yuffie remained standing at the dock, staring after him like a wife awaiting her husband's return. Hela approached and sighed softly. "You can stop looking now. He's long gone."
"I know."
Yuffie lowered her head, hiding the sadness in her eyes.
"I don't know when we'll meet again. But next time, I'll definitely surprise him."
She composed herself and resumed her queenly bearing. "Hela, let's return to the palace. We still have much work to do."
The fleet sailed onward, finally docking at Reverse Mountain's base.
After all, Rhodes was leaving the West Blue, and the Kano Country navy couldn't possibly escort him all the way to the East Blue.
He would board a merchant vessel here, traverse the Grand Line briefly, then circle back to the East Blue via the appropriate route.
"Sir Rhodes, I've already arranged your passage," the leading navy officer said respectfully.
"Good."
Rhodes nodded slightly and made his way to a large merchant ship.
There, he unexpectedly encountered someone familiar.
The female swordsman, Sylvia.
"It's you!"
Sylvia pointed at Rhodes, clearly shocked.
"What a coincidence."
Rhodes was mildly surprised as well, though he smiled with faint amusement. "Still planning to challenge me?"
(End of Chapter)
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