Chapter 69: Dragon's Breath
The dazzling thunder gradually subsided.
What lay before everyone was pitch-black, scorched earth and clusters of charred, unrecognizable remains.
A burning smell hung heavy in the air.
The lingering heat distorted the atmosphere, making the white-clad figure standing in the center appear vague and mysterious.
The thunderstorm had been vast and devastating, but not all of the thousand-strong army had been clustered together. A few lucky individuals at the outer edges had managed to escape.
Seeing this terrifying scene, everyone gasped in shock. Some of the weaker ones even fell to their knees, stunned, nearly wetting themselves in terror.
Lightning—the power of heaven itself—destroys all things and truly commands awe.
The squad leaders who had previously been at the front of the formation, having escaped unharmed, exchanged glances, each seeing deep fear and panic reflected in the others' eyes.
Tap, tap, tap...
Crisp footsteps echoed, as if triggering some primal instinct.
Like startled birds, the squad leaders cried out in terror and tried to flee, but it was already too late.
A figure in white flashed across the battlefield like a specter.
He drew his sword and sheathed it in one fluid motion, swift as lightning. Rhodes didn't even glance at them as he continued forward.
The five squad leaders froze.
Almost simultaneously, a thin red line appeared across their necks, and streams of blood spurted forth.
Terror-stricken, they instinctively tried to touch their throats, but before they could move, their heads tumbled to the ground.
This scene, witnessed by the Revolutionary Army, made them all gasp.
The previous magnificent and dazzling thunderstorm had left them deeply shaken.
But the instantaneous sight of the five-man execution sent chills down their spines.
With extreme speed and razor-sharp precision, no one believed they could withstand this pinnacle of swordsmanship.
"I've only been captured for less than a month, and already a figure like this has appeared in the Revolutionary Army?"
In the rear, Yuri, a Revolutionary Army officer, looked bewildered, suddenly feeling the urge to get captured a few more times.
If there were more young talents of this caliber, the dream of overthrowing the World Government could be realized within just a few years.
Having achieved the feat of defeating a thousand enemies single-handedly, Rhodes remained calm and slowly approached Sabo's battlefield, eager to witness just how powerful Sabo had become.
In the original timeline, Sabo would make his debut in Dressrosa. His immediate appearance would showcase incredible combat prowess, easily defeating numerous powerful opponents, including Marine Vice Admiral Bastille and Jesus Burgess, captain of the Blackbeard Pirates' First Division. His strength would be immense.
It was now August 1521 in the Sea Calendar.
His sworn brother, Portgas D. Ace the "Fire Fist," had already become renowned throughout the New World and joined the Whitebeard Pirates. He would likely be appointed captain of the Second Division soon.
His other brother, Monkey D. Luffy, would set sail from East Blue next year, turning the world upside down.
These three individuals could be considered destined protagonists, and their strength couldn't be measured by conventional standards.
Bang, bang, bang...
Perhaps sensing Rhodes' gaze, Sabo subconsciously intensified his attacks, unleashing his Dragon Claw Fist—a unique martial arts technique—to its fullest potential. Each claw strike seemed capable of tearing through anything, visible or invisible, imbued with a distinctive aura.
Suddenly, Sabo seized an opening and fiercely kicked Poison Wolf high into the air.
"Hah!"
He shouted, and in a flash, instantly appeared above Poison Wolf. His hands, gleaming with jet-black Armament Haki, pressed gently against Poison Wolf's chest.
"Dragon's Breath!"
Sabo's eyes flashed with deadly intent, and his fists, creating a blurred afterimage, descended like a violent storm.
With this devastating blow, Poison Wolf was slammed from mid-air straight into the ground.
CRASH!
The earth cracked with a thunderous impact, sending up clouds of dust and debris, as if from a massive explosion.
"You've already developed that technique?"
Rhodes narrowed his eyes, a hint of surprise crossing his face.
This close-range attack, similar to the concept of "inch power," was a technique Sabo would use in the original story. It could shatter a massive arena with a single strike, its power unbelievable—truly like the breath of a dragon.
When the smoke and dust cleared, Rhodes was unsurprised to find the notorious Poison Wolf near death, coughing up blood mixed with fragments of internal organs.
"Such... such incredible... taijutsu!"
Poison Wolf's eyes widened as if trying to memorize Sabo's entire form. Then, turning slightly, he glanced at Rhodes standing nearby. He was suddenly shocked to discover that the two responsible for his downfall were young men who appeared no older than twenty.
"Heh... so I've become a stepping stone too..."
As this thought crossed his mind, the light in Poison Wolf's eyes gradually faded, his breathing slowly ceased, and he died completely.
Whew.
Watching this, Sabo exhaled in relief. He'd managed to keep up, finally not falling too far behind Rhodes, barely maintaining his dignity.
At that moment, Koala approached with the other Revolutionary Army members.
"Let's move quickly. We can't stay here much longer."
Rhodes and Sabo nodded and headed out.
Passing through the charred wasteland, Sabo couldn't help but marvel, "Your destructive power is absolutely ridiculous."
"It's only been three months, and you've grown this much stronger. At this rate, you'll surpass me soon."
His expression was serious—clearly no joke.
"I've always said Rhodes is a monster. He might even be able to defeat you right now," Koala teased. "What's more, he's two years younger than you!"
Sabo's face immediately turned pale, and he felt a sharp pain in his chest.
In previous comparisons, he'd always had the advantage of youth. Even if temporarily inferior to others, he could use his age as consolation.
But compared to Rhodes, this advantage was completely lost—and even reversed.
Listening to their exchange, the Revolutionary Army members were stunned.
This man who wielded lightning and eliminated thousands almost instantly was only seventeen?
What had they been doing at that age?
It seemed they were still trying to qualify as reserves... No wait, they were striving just to become candidates for reserves...
Everyone fell into contemplative silence.
"Let's get out of here first."
Rhodes shook his head in amusement.
His growth was indeed rapid, but Sabo wasn't slow either—after all, he was the sworn brother of the future Pirate King. If they really had to fight, Rhodes believed his chances of winning were slightly higher, but it wasn't certain.
After all, Sabo's physical conditioning was extremely high, his combat talent was exceptional, and his unique Dragon Claw Fist technique had a special method of force application that posed a real threat to Rhodes.
Even if he could win, it would likely be a pyrrhic victory, or they might even destroy each other.
However, these slight gaps would quickly widen once Rhodes began using his lightning powers to temper his internal organs!
"That time shouldn't be much longer."
Rhodes could clearly feel the surging, powerful beating of his heart. His internal organs were being strengthened bit by bit. It wouldn't be long before he reached the optimal threshold.
Everything was ready—he just needed the right opportunity.
End of Chapter 69
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