Rhodes didn't pin all his hopes on advancing the Book of Knowledge.
He was a pragmatic man, understanding that the power he currently possessed was what truly mattered.
Therefore, after unlocking his swordsmanship talent, he had been training relentlessly. Besides his medical duties, he devoted every spare moment to perfecting his sword techniques.
Repetitive strikes gradually tempered his mind, easing his impulsiveness and bringing forth a sense of calm and profound focus.
For just one fleeting moment, he had glimpsed a strange monochrome world where everything pulsed with life. In that instant, a simple, ordinary strike from him effortlessly cleaved through the wooden training post, leaving behind a perfectly smooth cut.
Regrettably, in the three months since that single occurrence, he hadn't managed to return to that transcendent state.
Later, recalling events from the original manga, he felt a strong resemblance to Zoro's realization of the Breath of All Things when he defeated Daz Bonez of Baroque Works. Thanks to his enhanced memory, he could vividly recall every detail of that pivotal scene.
"That's the threshold of becoming a true swordsman... It can dramatically enhance the cutting power of a slash while also enabling the projection of flying slashes—what we call 'sword energy.'"
"Complete focus on the blade, on the cut itself, allows a swordsman to unleash incredible techniques..."
Rhodes pondered these concepts as he continued his practice.
He had consulted Koala, the intelligent and charming girl who seemed to know about everything, and she'd provided relatively clear answers.
The Breath of All Things sounds mystical, but it's essentially a state of unparalleled concentration.
In this state, a swordsman can perceive the rhythm of all existence, and by following this natural flow, even a rusted katana can slice through steel!
Half an hour later.
Feeling aches and cramps throughout his entire body, especially in his arms, Rhodes was forced to halt his training and rest.
"I'm still too weak, aren't I..."
Taking several deep breaths to ease the soreness in his muscles, Rod closed his eyes and reflected on each individual slash he'd performed.
His innate swordsmanship mastery allowed him to easily identify and correct mistakes in his form, maximizing the effectiveness of every training session.
Sword techniques that might require others an entire day—or even several days—of continuous practice to develop proper muscle memory, Rod could master in just one to two hours. The difference in learning efficiency was like comparing heaven and earth.
"Rhodes-kun, you should take the examination later."
Koala appeared to have finished teaching a physical conditioning class. A light sheen of perspiration glistened on her fair forehead, and her entire being radiated youthful vitality, drawing many young men to pause and admire her from afar.
"Examination? What kind of examination?"
Rhodes turned to face her with curiosity.
"The reserve member assessment. It probably includes two components: a Doriki power test and a practical combat evaluation. Those who pass can become reserve members of the Revolutionary Army and receive advanced training," Koala explained with a warm smile.
As an instructor for basic physical conditioning—albeit temporarily—she still shouldered the responsibility of identifying promising talent.
Unlike the World Government or the Marines, the Revolutionary Army couldn't openly recruit soldiers. Instead, they relied on individual Revolutionary Army members scattered worldwide to actively search for and recruit promising candidates. This approach was undoubtedly inefficient and also required constant vigilance against potential spies.
Fortunately, the Revolutionary Army's leader, Monkey D. Dragon, was a visionary commander. Since the organization's founding, he had pursued a policy of training recruits from childhood.
Orphans gathered from around the globe were brought to Baltigo for intensive development. These young people, born and raised at Revolutionary Army headquarters, represented the organization's freshest and most trustworthy blood, with virtually no concerns regarding loyalty.
"Advanced training?"
Rhodes wasn't particularly concerned about the reserve member status itself, but he was genuinely eager for the advanced instruction it would provide.
Training in swordsmanship alone wasn't optimal—he would progress much faster and more effectively with the backing of a major organization.
For instance, he desperately needed to acquire advanced Rokushiki techniques and methods for cultivating both forms of Haki from the Revolutionary Army.
In the pirate world, without Haki, becoming a truly powerful figure was virtually impossible.
"Alright, I'll give it a try later," Rhodes agreed.
"Don't worry too much. Your Doriki test might be somewhat challenging, but the actual combat portion shouldn't be a problem," Koala said encouragingly.
She certainly seemed to enjoy smiling, didn't she?
Rhodes nodded slightly and took the opportunity to rest properly.
He was accustomed to facing upcoming challenges with full energy reserves and disliked attempting things he wasn't confident about.
Time passed slowly.
Today appeared to be a special occasion.
Rhodes observed many familiar faces gathering around the area, pointing and chatting excitedly from a distance, their expressions filled with anticipation and nervousness.
Most of these people had established lives here.
This was Revolutionary Army headquarters. Whether their sons and daughters could qualify as Revolutionary Army reserves was undoubtedly momentous news—roughly equivalent to children from other regions joining the Marines, similar to entrance examinations in his previous life.
Many people noticed Rod standing with his practice sword and greeted him with friendly smiles. Dr. Rhodes had earned quite a reputation throughout Baltigo.
Numerous young women also watched him secretly from afar, blushes coloring their cheeks.
It's worth noting that while Rhodes's physical capabilities were somewhat lacking—his build noticeably smaller than his peers—his appearance was truly exceptional.
In his previous life, he could have easily made a living based on looks alone as an idol star, nothing more complicated than that.
But in this pirate world, teeming with grotesque faces, okama, exhibitionists, and giants with bizarre proportions, he stood out even more dramatically. He was in a league of his own, with no one daring to claim superiority in the looks department.
Yeah, that was perfectly fine by him.
Recovery in the pirate world operated strangely. When Rhodes had watched the anime, he'd often seen protagonists completely exhausted after fierce battles, only to recover fully after a good night's sleep and be bursting with energy again.
Unfortunately, Rhodes didn't possess such an enviable constitution.
However, he had prepared an ample supply of high-energy jerky, incredibly rich in both energy and nutrients—far superior to any energy drink from his previous life.
In just over ten minutes, the soreness in Rod's shoulders and legs had completely disappeared, and he felt capable of easily climbing twenty flights of stairs without breaking a sweat.
Gradually, the training grounds grew quiet.
Young men and women positioned themselves along the perimeter, gazing at various pieces of unusual equipment scattered across the field, their eyes bright with curiosity and excitement.
"So these are the devices for testing Doriki?"
Rhodes narrowed his eyes in assessment.
The Doriki power system from the original manga had always been rather ambiguous in its specifics.
The established standard was that an ordinary Marine soldier armed with a rifle possessed a Doriki level of ten points, while superhuman individuals exceeded four hundred. Rob Lucci, renowned as CP9's agent , had achieved a Doriki level of four thousand.
He wondered what requirements the Revolutionary Army set for their reserves?
It should be relatively high standards. After all, the Revolutionary Army operated as an elite force. Without a certain threshold of strength, members couldn't effectively participate in underground operations.
No one stepped forward to deliver a speech before the examination began.
Under Koala's enthusiastic coordination, the young men and women immediately commenced the Doriki assessment.
And Rhodes, observing from the sidelines, gradually began to understand what this so-called "Doriki" actually measured.
Author's Note: New story in progress! Please add to favorites and leave recommendations!
(End of Chapter 2)
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