Chapter 34: The Perfect Assassin
Inside the town, Rhodes didn't immediately move against Silver Fox. Instead, he casually strolled through the streets, familiarizing himself with the terrain.
With his exceptional memory, he quickly formed a detailed mental map of the town, ensuring he could eliminate any terrain advantages his enemy might possess.
"Thunder power is ultimately different from the Goro Goro no Mi. It can't intercept electromagnetic waves to enhance Observation Haki—otherwise this wouldn't be so troublesome," Rhodes muttered with annoyance.
If he could develop a mind network, even if his Observation Haki couldn't cover the entire island, the difference would be negligible.
The mind network would also provide surveillance capabilities, making it impossible for Silver Fox to escape his detection.
"Looks like I'll have to visit Skypiea if I get the chance. But obtaining the relevant techniques from that so-called god Enel might be harder than simply killing him."
"And they might not even be applicable," Rhodes mused as he headed toward Silver Fox's location.
The Revolutionary Army operative followed behind, puzzled by Rhodes' behavior.
Initially, he assumed Rhodes was familiarizing himself with the terrain, but he'd finished in less than two hours?
"Is this guy just sightseeing?" the operative muttered, finding Rhodes somewhat unreliable—especially since he was currently eating ice cream...
In a shadowy underground chamber, several men in black had gathered, discussing something in hushed tones.
"Lord Crete, Squard is demanding higher protection fees before he'll allow us to remain on the island."
"Pay him," a slightly hoarse voice echoed from the shadows.
The figure was tall and lean, with an unremarkable presence that made him seem like just another ordinary person.
None of the black-clad men dared show any disrespect, for they all knew Silver Fox's cruelty, ruthlessness, and unpredictable nature.
No one knew Silver Fox's origins—or perhaps those who had asked such questions were already dead. All they knew was that the intelligence organization he'd built could rival even the dark lords of the underworld.
Suddenly, steady footsteps echoed from the entrance. The footsteps didn't sound like someone navigating the eerie underground passage, but rather like someone enjoying a leisurely spring stroll.
"It's an outsider!" one of the men in black hissed.
Intelligence operatives were professionally trained to walk silently, instantly recognizing the distinctly different gait.
However, they exchanged bewildered glances. The numerous security perimeters outside should have made it impossible for anyone to approach this close without triggering multiple alarms.
"Correct guess."
"I'll reward you with a sword strike."
The calm voice was accompanied by brilliant, pale blue sword energy. The dazzling light illuminated the entire space, and the razor-sharp aura made everyone's skin crawl as they instinctively retreated.
Swoosh!
The sword energy swept across, directly cleaving the underground chamber in half. Infinite electricity erupted, striking everyone present.
"Aaaahhh!"
The men in black avoided the direct impact of the sword energy but couldn't escape the ensuing lightning barrage.
Rhodes' thunder techniques were now powerful enough to seriously injure even ordinary Revolutionary Army officers!
These mediocre black-clad operatives simply couldn't withstand it. They were left charred on the outside and tender on the inside, their hair standing on end.
In the confined space, lightning flashed brilliantly, and the acrid smell of burning flesh spread.
With a single sword strike, the black-clad men were nearly annihilated!
Nearly, because at the far end of the chamber, one figure—utterly panicked—crashed through the ceiling overhead, escaping before the electrical current could fully erupt.
"Quick reflexes," Rhodes observed, his Observation Haki locking onto the fleeing presence. He immediately gave chase. In a flash of lightning, he vanished, leaving behind a devastated basement.
Bang!
Silver Fox burst into the upper hall, scanning his surroundings. Bodies of black-clad operatives lay everywhere, apparently killed instantly. Their faces still bore expressions of bewilderment, as if surprised by their sudden deaths.
"A fast-moving enemy—it'll be difficult to create distance and escape," Silver Fox's expression darkened, though he remained calm. Having encountered such situations frequently, he handled them with practiced experience.
"The lookout should have contacted Squard by now—reinforcements will arrive soon."
Silver Fox had long prepared for this possibility.
Not only were multiple defensive lines deployed within the base, but operatives were also stationed at concealed locations around the perimeter, ready to immediately call for backup should any disturbance occur.
This was Whitebeard's territory, and he had naturally cultivated good relations with Squard long ago, ready to call upon him for assistance when necessary.
The next moment, a lightning-fast sword energy tore through the air, ripping apart the earth with a sharp whistle.
Having witnessed Rhodes' sword energy in the basement, Silver Fox didn't dare take it head-on. He stomped his feet, utilizing some explosive movement technique, and vanished from his position.
But before he could regain his balance, a figure appeared behind him, striking down with a sword!
Clang!
Fortunately, Silver Fox's Observation Haki was quite advanced, allowing him to anticipate Rhodes' attack and block it with his blade. The sound of clashing metal rang out.
The violent force was completely unbearable for Silver Fox, who was blasted away, smashing through the wall and landing in the street outside, creating a deep crater.
"Get out of here!"
"There's a serious battle happening!"
Experienced passersby quickly retreated, watching from a safe distance.
"It's Silver Fox!" The Revolutionary Army operative was shocked upon seeing the airborne figure. That young man was incredibly powerful!
He'd only been observing from outside for less than five minutes, and the fight was already spilling onto the streets?
"But this is Whitebeard Pirates territory. If we don't eliminate Silver Fox quickly, we'll be in serious trouble when the Whitebeard Pirates arrive," he whispered anxiously.
He wasn't permitted to assist with assessment missions, so his presence was already pushing the boundaries. Now it depended on whether Rhodes could swiftly kill Silver Fox, or he would have to help Rhodes escape.
At that moment, on the battlefield—
Clang clang clang...
Steel met steel as the two exchanged dozens of blows in mere seconds. Blasts of sword energy tore through the earth, sweeping across the area and forcing onlookers to retreat even further.
Silver Fox, a renowned master of the underworld, possessed exceptional mastery of both types of Haki—he could perform Armament Haki Hardening, and his Observation Haki particularly surpassed Rhodes'!
Unfortunately, Rhodes' relentless electrical discharges quickly put Silver Fox in jeopardy. His body was wracked by the fierce lightning, weakening his agility and causing slight muscle numbness.
This was due to his formidable physique and incredible resistance—otherwise, he would have been incapacitated by the electrical assault like the men in black.
"Who are you?!"
"Why are you trying to kill me?!"
"Who sent you?!"
Silver Fox fought while retreating, attempting to distract Rhodes with questions.
But Rhodes ignored him completely, slashing relentlessly with his sword.
Unlike the sparring matches at headquarters, he no longer had to worry about his opponent's well-being—he was free to unleash his full power without restraint.
This unrestricted, exhilarating battle was truly thrilling!
(End of Chapter)
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