Chapter 38: An Unexpected Encounter
Bell was a master of commerce. Krinos Island bustled with shops selling a vast array of goods from around the world, offering everything from the bizarre to the extraordinary.
Walking down the street and inhaling the delicious aromas wafting through the air, Rhodes couldn't help but salivate.
Following the enticing scents, the three of them soon arrived at a restaurant.
This establishment was clearly exceptional, evident from the entrance alone.
A crystal chandelier blazed brilliantly beyond the doorway, and the open entrance was adorned with intricate golden patterns. On either side of a luxurious carpet stood uniformed security guards, along with two elegant hostesses.
"As usual, eat first, then start the mission," Sabo said, entering first. His movements were graceful, every gesture exuding an aristocratic air—nothing like a revolutionary operating underground.
This natural bearing caught the hostesses' attention, both smiling sweetly as they approached.
Koala gave Rhodes a slight nod and also entered the restaurant.
Rhodes followed closely behind, his expectations high for the cuisine in such an upscale establishment.
"Seems Revolutionary Army officers live pretty well," he mused. He'd assumed the Revolutionary Army's daily routine consisted of covert operations and stealthy combat.
On second thought, it made sense. Not only hadn't Sabo and Koala revealed their Revolutionary Army identities, but even if they had, it wouldn't matter much. This was the New World—a complex environment that made World Government control difficult. By the time the World Government noticed and dispatched forces, the three of them would likely have already fled.
The trio took their seats, and Sabo, with practiced ease, quickly ordered their dishes.
While the powerful in the pirate world might not all be gourmets, they were certainly big eaters—a result of their robust physiques requiring ample energy and nutrients.
While waiting for their food, Rhodes casually glanced around. Suddenly, he froze, then quickly averted his gaze.
He had spotted an unexpectedly tall figure.
"Why is Momousagi here?" Rhodes whispered, startled.
This woman was one of the world's rarest female swordsmen. As an Admiral candidate, her power was unfathomable—her offensive capabilities might even surpass the three current Admirals!
While Rhodes felt alarmed, he couldn't help experiencing a thrill of excitement.
This woman was a truly exceptional swordsman. If only he could seek her guidance...
While it might seem far-fetched for a Revolutionary Army member to become the disciple of an Admiral candidate, Rhodes didn't care.
Strength was the foundation of everything.
How could the World Government rule the world? How could the Four Emperors dominate the New World and force the Navy to retreat? It was all due to overwhelming power.
For Rhodes, being a pirate, marine, or Revolutionary Army member was essentially just a title—a position completely incapable of constraining someone like him.
Momousagi's Observation Haki had reached its peak, and even though Rhodes' glance was brief, it caught her attention.
A gentle, indifferent look passed over him, and Momousagi, as if sensing something, smiled softly and elegantly raised her teacup in greeting.
"How perceptive."
Catching this exchange from the corner of his eye, Rhodes was inwardly amazed, but his expression remained remarkably calm. He too raised his teacup and drained it in one gulp.
"Interesting kid," Momousagi blinked before looking away.
While somewhat surprised by the formidable aura Rhodes and his companions possessed at their age, as an Admiral candidate and master swordsman, she had weathered countless storms and encountered many young warriors of Rhodes' caliber.
To put it bluntly, even Rhodes and his companions in their current state couldn't fully capture this master swordsman's attention.
"Well, it's getting late. Time to do some shopping," Momousagi gracefully stood up.
It was then that Rhodes realized how tall this female master swordsman was—perhaps over six feet. She wore short pants that revealed a pair of long, pale legs. A spider tattoo on her left thigh gave her an intriguing allure.
Many young men in the restaurant stole glances at her but didn't dare approach. Despite her beauty, Momousagi exuded a noble, aloof aura that made her seem untouchable.
"That woman is strong... incredibly strong!"
After Momousagi left, Sabo took a deep breath and wiped sweat from his forehead.
"You don't need to tell me that..." Rhodes muttered internally. A great swordsman—she could probably defeat all three of them using just her pinky finger.
Koala's eyes rolled as if recalling something. After a moment, she suddenly exclaimed in a hushed voice, "She looks like the Navy Admiral candidate, Gion!"
"Admiral candidate?!"
Sabo gasped.
He wasn't one of those rookie pirates who boasted about challenging the Four Emperors before even setting foot in the New World.
As the future Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army, Sabo had a clear understanding of his own strength and knew exactly how powerful figures like the Admirals truly were!
Legend claimed that Dark King Rayleigh could split an island with a single sword stroke. The three current Admirals were like walking natural disasters, capable of easily altering an island's climate. The legendary strongest man even possessed the power to destroy the world...
As they say, ignorance is bliss. The more you know, the more cautious you become.
Even though he firmly believed he could one day stand shoulder to shoulder with these legendary figures, at this moment, he was still far from that level.
Koala was equally shocked, beads of sweat forming on her delicate forehead. "I wonder why such a figure is here? She won't interfere with our mission, will she?"
"You're giving yourself too much credit," Rhodes said with exasperation. "As an Admiral candidate, Momousagi may not have the same authority as a full Admiral, but her status is comparable."
"Anything worthy of her personal deployment would be a major event with world-shaking implications."
"It's probably just coincidence that we ran into her. Maybe she was craving something good, got bored, and snuck off her warship for afternoon tea."
Rhodes' words, though somewhat unrealistic, made odd sense, and Sabo and the others relaxed slightly.
Soon, their food arrived.
The rich aromas and exquisite presentation finally distracted the pair from their worries.
They settled down to savor their meal.
Being able to operate a restaurant in the New World, this establishment's chef had to be exceptionally skilled. Not only were the dishes delicious, but they featured special seasonings that enhanced both flavor and aroma.
With their substantial appetites, the three gradually forgot their surprise at encountering Momousagi—or perhaps subconsciously pushed it aside.
After all, such a terrifying existence who dominated the seas and could overpower entire nations was still somewhat beyond their current reach.
Rhodes didn't dwell on it too much. Even if he wanted to become her disciple, he couldn't just walk up and declare, "I have great potential—please accept me as your student!"
Many things depend on fate, just like with Zoro and Mihawk.
Rhodes had a feeling he would encounter Momousagi again, and it wouldn't be too long from now.
(End of Chapter)
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