Chapter 42: Young Swordsman
Most of the powerful figures in the pirate world are imposingly large, with anyone standing over six feet considered tall. Admirals are generally around ten feet tall, and the Yonko are even more impressive.
Of course, there are exceptions in the pirate world who possess monstrous strength despite average builds—such as Red-Haired Shanks and the world's greatest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk.
But these individuals have long been established legends with proven track records. Few would consider Rhodes, with his still somewhat youthful face, to be truly formidable.
He might have some skill, but surely he was no match for "Silver Sword" Reynard.
As expected, the moment Rhodes spoke those words, jeers erupted from the crowd.
Barkley, perched on the platform, couldn't help but chuckle. He turned to Bell and asked, "Did you plant this kid here just for comic relief?"
"How could I be so frivolous?" Bell shook his head with a laugh. "Maybe he figured Reynard wouldn't kill him, so he wanted to gain some notoriety."
What a reckless young man! Reynard hadn't killed House because he clearly saw Barkley favored him and was simply doing a favor.
The Silver Sword name was earned through battle—the number of people killed by his blade was at least in the hundreds!
On the side, Stussy smiled faintly, a flicker in her eyes that no one could decipher.
She glanced toward the distant VIP seats. As a member of CP0, how could she not recognize Momousagi, the famous swordswoman and Admiral candidate?
"Perhaps he's more interesting than he appears," Stussy murmured softly.
Bell was slightly stunned upon hearing this, looking confused. He glanced at Rhodes on the stage, particularly noticing his young, handsome face, then suddenly understood. He couldn't help but complain internally—this old fox isn't going for someone young enough to be her son, is she?
Meanwhile, in the arena...
Reynard, having received a definitive answer, calmed himself. He said indifferently, "Since you're seeking death, I'll grant your wish."
"Enough talk! Let's fight!"
Rhodes stood there casually, not assuming any particular fighting stance. But the moment he grasped his sword's hilt, his entire presence suddenly transformed—like a legendary blade being unsheathed. The overwhelming aura pierced straight to the heart.
Sensing the unique qualities of a true swordsman that instantly emanated from Rhodes, Reynard's expression changed abruptly. His contempt faded as he stared at Rhodes with newfound solemnity.
The next moment, Rhodes slowly drew his sword—truly slowly, inch by inch—yet it made Reynard feel as though he were facing a deadly predator, an increasingly astonishing pressure building.
Whoosh!
Almost instantly, everyone felt a flash of light before their eyes, followed by dazzling silver sword energy that burst forth, tearing through air and earth as it swept toward Reynard.
"Zanshin!"
Facing Rhodes' sword energy, Reynard's expression remained grave. He didn't hesitate to draw his own blade and strike without reservation.
Slash!
Turquoise sword energy erupted forth, meeting Rhodes' attack head-on. The two energies collided and exploded mid-air before scattering. The aftermath of shattered sword energy ripped through the arena, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
"It's a draw! This young man is also a master swordsman!" someone exclaimed.
House, who had just retreated from the ring, watched in disbelief. He couldn't even withstand a single punch from Reynard, yet this youth had so easily matched his sword strike. The implications were staggering.
"Shunpo!"
Reynard's gaze darkened as he suddenly transformed into a shadow, reappearing in close quarters.
"Ittoryu: Iai!"
His blade, wrapped in Armament Haki's domineering aura, slashed through the air with a terrifying tearing sound as it swept toward Rhodes.
Even before the sword reached him, a sharp stinging sensation spread across Rhodes' face.
"Interesting."
Rhodes grew serious, gripping his sword with both hands. His Armament Haki hardened and clung to the blade as he met the attack without a hint of retreat.
Clang!
The sound of clashing metal suddenly exploded, and an invisible shockwave swept outward.
Two blades, both dyed jet black by Armament Haki, locked together. After a brief pause, they suddenly separated and began clashing furiously.
Clang clang clang clang...
In a flash, the two exchanged dozens, perhaps hundreds of blows. Most spectators could only see two dark figures locked in combat, each collision unleashing fierce energy that tore through everything around them.
The terrifying speed even stirred up mighty gusts of wind, sending dust flying in all directions.
The battle between swordsmen was truly breathtaking!
"Is this Reynard's true strength? Terrifying!" House couldn't help but break into a cold sweat.
Only now did he realize how fortunate he'd been. If he had clashed with such a formidable opponent in the outside world, he would have been cut down instantly!
"After joining the Beast Pirates, I must strive to excel and obtain a Devil Fruit as soon as possible to enhance my strength!" he thought to himself, his resolve growing stronger.
With a sudden bang, the figures in the arena separated, retreating over thirty feet, both breathing heavily.
Even with their superhuman physiques and endurance, they couldn't maintain such an intense exchange indefinitely.
"You're quite skilled, but you're still not better than me!"
Reynard radiated confidence, having held the slight upper hand throughout their clash!
"Rhodes' speed and strength are both slightly inferior. His Armament Haki is weaker, but his Observation Haki is somewhat stronger..." In the VIP seats, Momousagi analyzed calmly, thoroughly understanding Rhodes' capabilities.
"If he wants victory, relying on his current strength alone won't be enough."
Koala smiled gently. "Just wait and see. This guy has some serious tricks up his sleeve."
Momousagi's expression shifted at these words, her beautiful eyes fixed on the stage, though she remained ready to intervene if necessary.
She wouldn't gamble on empty promises. As a great swordswoman and supremely powerful figure at the world's pinnacle, she was accustomed to controlling situations according to her will. Having set her sights on Rhodes as a potential student, she wouldn't allow him to suffer serious harm.
In other words, he couldn't die in such an insignificant place!
Hearing Reynard's confident words, Rhodes remained expressionless and didn't reply. Suddenly, he gripped his sword with both hands and slashed through the air.
Whoosh!
The next moment, blue sword energy wrapped in terrifying thunder swept out like a curtain of light, extending over thirty feet in radius and forming a field of lightning!
"Kaminari!"
Thunder was known for its speed, and so was sword energy. The two combined moved as fast as light itself. Reynard only had time to harden his entire body with Armament Haki before being engulfed by the electrical storm.
Bzzzzt!
Even with the protection of hardened Armament Haki, the terrifying power of lightning made Reynard cry out in agony. His muscles twitched, his entire body tingled, and his hair stood on end.
Whoosh!
The next moment, Reynard burst from the lightning field in panic, leaping dozens of feet away before stopping to catch his breath. He exhaled a puff of black smoke, his expression extremely grim.
The massive arena fell silent as death itself at that moment!
Everyone stared at the young figure bathed in crackling lightning, like a god of thunder incarnate.
(End of Chapter)
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