Chapter 292: Setting Course
"A dead man has no right to speak with me."
As those commanding and authoritative words echoed, a dazzling silver sword light flashed across the sky.
Swoosh!
This sword strike was impossibly fast.
But when speed reaches its extreme, destructive power follows.
"No!"
Faced with this sword, August had no time to dodge. He could only coat his arms with Armament Haki and cross them defensively.
A sensation as if his body were forged from steel emanated from him.
As one of West Blue's underworld kingpins, he was proficient in physical combat and naturally possessed considerable defensive experience. He planted his feet firmly, assuming a defensive stance.
"Such speed—must be some kind of specialized Devil Fruit user. I just need to defend and counterattack."
The thought flashed through his mind.
Immediately afterward, a figure swiftly passed by him, the wind pressure making his face tremble.
He shuddered, his body stiffening, his eyes wide with fury.
The bloodshot in his eyes quickly faded.
Then, a thin line of blood rapidly spread along the left side of his neck, as though the defensive stance and gleaming black Armament Haki were nonexistent. The blood continued spreading, reaching his abdomen.
Finally, his body swayed slightly, and half of his torso slowly slid down along the bloodline.
Rhodes didn't even glance at it, flicked his sword clean, and sheathed it.
BOOM!
Only then did the sonic boom from Rhodes breaking the sound barrier resound, echoing like thunder.
The area fell silent—no one spoke, everyone staring in disbelief.
The blond youth who'd arrived with August, arrogantly intending to force marriage upon Euphemia, stood completely dumbfounded.
Their family's strongest guardian was dead just like that? Bisected with a single sword strike?!
Without even uttering final words?!
He stared blankly at the half-body that had slid to the ground, as if he'd lost his soul.
This was their family's guardian deity, the one who'd terrorized West Blue's underworld, and now he couldn't even withstand a single sword strike from this young man.
Wait—a young man? A single sword strike? White-clad?
The blond youth startled, thinking of a certain incredible legendary figure. His teeth chattered, and his entire body trembled like an ordinary person facing a Sea King.
He looked up, as if to say something.
However, blazing silver light suddenly pierced through the air, shattering his chest.
Cough cough.
Blood gushed from the blond youth's mouth as he forced a bitter smile.
He acknowledged his own audacity for daring to insult that person to his face, only hoping it wouldn't implicate his family.
No—losing Uncle August meant his family would likely be swiftly hunted by old enemies, and even if they survived, they'd be reduced to insignificance.
Bang!
With these thoughts, the blond youth's body crashed heavily to the ground, his eyes dimming.
From Rhodes's appearance to the deaths of August and his companion, less than half a minute had passed.
One sword stroke! One finger flick!
Clean and decisive!
Many hadn't even registered what happened before the previously arrogant and domineering August and his companion lay dead.
In the silence, Euphemia was first to react, but instead of immediately acknowledging Rhodes, she ordered discretion and instructed Hera to escort the guards elsewhere.
"Yes."
Hera reacted quickly and sprang into action.
Though the guards were filled with doubt and shock, they dared not disobey and followed Hera outside.
Could it be that person?!
The thought flashed through everyone's minds, instantly jolting them alert.
"It seems you've matured considerably."
Seeing this, Rhodes smiled gently.
Clearly, Euphemia had become a capable queen.
"..."
Euphemia gently bit her lip, her eyes filled with complex emotions.
She looked at the black-haired man before her, whose appearance had changed dramatically, yet she felt no unfamiliarity.
She'd been following Rhodes's exploits closely—from the Paramount War to Punk Hazard—she knew everything in detail.
"I didn't expect you to come."
Euphemia lowered her head slightly and said softly.
Sai and Geiz stood nearby, feeling inexplicably restrained.
Rhodes's status and reputation were now far too elevated, almost untouchable.
He was the Thunder God Swordsman, one of the legendary figures most likely to become a Yonko. His usual opponents were formidable figures like Marine Admirals and the Fleet Admiral himself—far beyond their level.
Rhodes keenly sensed this slight distance and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Actually, this was for the best.
Kano Country, located in West Blue, shouldn't become too involved with Rhodes currently. After all, the Four Blues were the World Government's private domain, making them easy targets.
"Did you come for the Heavenly Tribute?"
Euphemia, perceptive as always, sensed the awkward atmosphere and forced a smile.
Rhodes nodded.
"Let's discuss this inside the palace."
Euphemia led the way, and the group quickly arrived at the palace proper.
Sai, having recovered slightly, obediently poured a cup of hot tea.
Rhodes patted her head, said nothing, and simply picked up the teacup for a small sip.
Euphemia understood that every second Rhodes remained in West Blue posed danger, so she had no intention of small talk and immediately began presenting the essential information about the Heavenly Tribute.
"The Heavenly Tribute represents exploitation and oppression of member nations, as well as military intimidation...
Nearly every time, the one collecting tribute is an incredibly powerful individual. I witnessed one when I was very young, and even Don Chinjao didn't dare confront him.
And I've heard that such powerful individuals guard the Heavenly Tribute flagship..."
Her narration was well-organized, and Rhodes easily grasped the key points.
"Two top-tier combatants?"
Rhodes narrowed his eyes slightly.
The World Government was truly wealthy and powerful.
Any top-tier combatant possessed the capability to destroy a nation single-handedly—it was merely a question of how quickly.
"I wonder which two? The top CP0 captains? Or is a Marine Admiral involved? Could it be Ryokugyu?"
Rhodes pondered.
He actually welcomed confronting these peak powerhouses.
He'd been making headlines lately, and by now, everyone should have analyzed his abilities—his speed, his sword's uncanny sharpness, his incredibly powerful Haoshoku Haki, and more.
But Rhodes knew very little about Ryokugyu and the other CP0 captains' abilities. If they possessed any specialized techniques, he might be caught off guard and suffer setbacks in future battles.
The unknown meant variables, and gathering intelligence beforehand was the mark of wisdom.
"Where is the Heavenly Tribute currently located?"
"It should be at Vastaya Island to the east,"
Euphemia replied, then a puzzled expression crossed her face. "Are you leaving already?"
Rhodes's turning motion faltered slightly, then he waved and laughed.
"Work hard. After I conquer Mary Geoise, I'll need a governor."
With a clear laugh, Rhodes's figure flashed and vanished from sight.
"A governor...?"
Euphemia murmured softly in his wake.
Surprisingly, she didn't doubt Rhodes's intention to overthrow the World Government at all.
Hera, who'd just arrived, paused slightly upon hearing this.
Overthrowing the aristocratic rule of the World Government was every Revolutionary Army member's dream, so Rhodes harboring such thoughts wasn't surprising. However, Rhodes's approach differed vastly from the Revolutionary Army's.
One quietly developed strength, patiently awaiting the right opportunity.
The other remained extremely high-profile, constantly in the world's spotlight.
It wasn't a matter of right or wrong.
Within the Revolutionary Army, many radicals eagerly sought war and direct confrontation with the World Government.
Perhaps the leader would make a choice,
Hera thought.
(End of Chapter)
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