Chapter 70: Return
With their mission complete, Rhodes and his companions naturally chose not to linger, but instead sailed back to baltigo .
After over ten days of sailing, the ship arrived safely back at White Earth Island.
Gazing at the familiar sand and white earth in the distance, Rhodes and his companions breathed a sigh of relief.
The New World was the New World after all—filled with powerful individuals, treacherous seas, and unpredictable weather. Even with their strength, Rhodes and his companions faced a constant stream of challenges.
Seeing the familiar White Earth Island finally brought peace of mind.
While Baltigo's landscape might seem unremarkable and somewhat desolate, for them, it was the safest place in the New World.
The three disembarked, exchanged briefings with the Revolutionary Army at the coastal base, and then headed directly for the headquarters castle.
The journey home always felt faster.
After a long day, the ancient, weathered headquarters castle came into sight. The three exchanged glances, and in silent agreement, quickened their pace, quickly arriving at its base.
"You two should rest first. I'll go submit our mission report," Sabo said.
Koala stretched and said lazily, "Come to think of it, after this mission, you'll be promoted to senior officer, right?"
"We'll see."
Sabo waved his hand and headed for the castle's upper levels.
Rhodes and Koala also said their goodbyes and returned to their respective quarters.
The headquarters castle remained quiet and imposing, its ancient stone pillars towering overhead.
Rhodes felt a surge of nostalgia. He remembered when he first joined the reserves last year—in this very place, he had felt a sense of awe and insignificance.
But now, looking at it all, he felt only calm indifference.
Because this castle, no matter how magnificent and grand, could be destroyed by him and his sword alone.
"Hmm, this destructive mindset isn't healthy."
Rhodes shook his head slightly, but his feet didn't stop, and he quickly arrived outside the familiar training hall.
"Hey, Rhodes is back!"
Someone spotted Rhodes and looked startled, surprise evident on their face.
Nia quickly approached Rhodes, saying, "Why are you only returning now? Shanuo and Kuro have both been back for months."
She leaned closer and whispered, "Don't tell me you actually failed your mission?"
"Failed?"
Rhodes paused for a moment, then realized what was happening.
Normal officer assessments typically yielded results within a month or so.
But his apprenticeship with Momousagi had taken over four months. Naturally, such a long absence would arouse suspicion.
Some had even wondered if Rhodes had died out there. This was the New World, after all, and such things had happened before.
After figuring it out, Rhodes shook his head in amusement and said, "How could I fail?"
"I was just delayed by something important."
"That's good, that's good."
Nia breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "To be honest, I didn't believe it either. How could a monster like you fail an officer assessment?"
"I heard that Kuro has mastered Observation Haki and is waiting to challenge you."
"He's very confident. Many people are betting on him."
Kuro's previous defeat to Rhodes was largely due to his lack of Observation Haki. After all, Kuro's speed and strength in his half-beast form had surpassed Rhodes' at the time.
Rhodes shook his head lightly and said nothing, but Nia could sense an air of absolute confidence about him, and a strange look flashed in her eyes.
The two strolled casually and chatted.
Nia had now officially become a member of the Revolutionary Army, though her assignment hadn't been determined yet.
At that moment, Rhodes was startled by the sight of two familiar figures.
One was Kuro, and the other was the one-armed swordsman who had triggered his swordsmanship talent upon his arrival in this world!
"That's Kuro's teacher, the swordsman Ryuji. He's incredibly powerful and holds a senior officer position," Nia followed Rhodes' gaze and whispered an introduction.
"Ryuji?"
Rhodes blinked, suddenly reminded of the legendary dragon-slaying swordsman Ryuma. Ryuji's attire was reminiscent of a traditional Wano samurai.
He wondered if there was any connection.
Even if he wasn't a descendant of the great swordsman Ryuma, he was likely from Wano Country.
Wano was a mysterious land in the New World, home to many brilliant swordsmanship schools. The most famous was the legendary Ryuma, the great swordsman who had slain a dragon above the Flower Capital.
At this moment, Kuro also noticed Rhodes, his eyes lighting up as he approached.
But before he could issue his challenge, Ryuji suddenly said, "Stand down. You're no match for him."
Kuro's expression froze, his face turning pale.
But Kuro knew well the strength and discerning eye of his teacher, and didn't dare disobey. He retreated obediently.
Yet his eyes still held deep resentment and confusion.
He had racked his brains and endured immense hardships to surpass Rhodes, finally awakening his Observation Haki. Just as he was about to defeat Rhodes and reclaim his honor, he was stopped by the teacher he most respected.
Despite his deep trust in his sensei, lingering doubt welled up in his heart. Could his teacher be mistaken?
Just a few months ago, he had fought Rhodes to a near standstill. If not for the disadvantage in Observation Haki, he believed he wouldn't have lost.
Meanwhile, Ryuji stared at Rhodes intently, his gaze piercing, as if sensing something. He said with interest, "Let's have a sword match sometime."
"Alright."
Rhodes, impressed by his perception but showing no fear, responded calmly.
"This..."
Both Kuro and Nia gasped in disbelief.
Ryuji was a senior officer in the Revolutionary Army, a formidable swordsman in his prime. Even with a missing arm, his strength remained fearsome, far surpassing even the average Marine Vice Admiral.
"Good. You have potential."
Ryuji seemed a serious man, his expression stern and reserved even when giving praise.
He gave Rhodes a meaningful look before leaving with Kuro.
"That's one hell of a swordsman," Rhodes said, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
"Of course! Ryuji suddenly appeared in the New World, making a huge name for himself and becoming a legend. Then, for some reason, he was recruited by Dragon-san and immediately became a senior officer."
"Many people were dissatisfied at the time, but Ryuji, with a single sword, defeated more than ten senior officers in succession—that's how he established his reputation."
Nia said this matter-of-factly, then a look of surprise appeared on her face. "Someone of his caliber is considered a veteran throughout the entire world of swordsmanship. Why would he want a sword match with you?"
"Could he be thinking of taking you as a student?"
"That's right! You are the most talented swordsman in our Revolutionary Army. Maybe he wants to take you as his disciple."
"You should definitely accept, Rhodes! He's a true master of the sword, only slightly below those legendary sword saints."
She spoke excitedly, chattering non-stop, as if she were the one being offered apprenticeship.
"He's not qualified to be my teacher yet," Rhodes shook his head calmly.
A wounded top-tier swordsman's strength was diminished. If it came to a real fight, Rhodes would have excellent chances of winning with his lightning powers.
Under such circumstances, even Ryuji would be too embarrassed to accept Rhodes as his disciple!
"Uh..."
Upon hearing this, Nia's excitement froze on her face, and she was left somewhat speechless.
After only a few months apart, had Rhodes reached the point where he could dismiss even senior officers?
But looking at Rhodes' calm, confident expression, Nia couldn't doubt him at all. It was as if anything this man claimed, he would definitely accomplish!
Of course, Rhodes was confident—because tonight, he would begin his first internal organ tempering session!
According to his previous experience, the effects of the first tempering were often the most dramatic.
End of Chapter 70
If you enjoyed this chapter, leave a Power Stone or Review!
P@atreon/Soulforger (45+ advanced chapters)